Interview with: Katrina Otter
Company Name: Katrina Otter Weddings & Events
Location / Coverage: East Anglia, the Midlands and London
What does Katrina Otter Weddings & Events do?
Katrina Otter Weddings & Events is a boutique wedding planning consultancy that specialises in wedding planning, design and coordination services.
I work closely with my clients, supporting and guiding them throughout the wedding planning process whilst lending my expertise to ensure that they are left calm, assured and free to simply enjoy their big day.
How did Katrina Otter Weddings & Events come about and how long has the business been going?
After leaving University I worked for an events company in London which meant that family and friends would regularly ask me for advice and assistance organising their wedding or party.
This started out with a simple supplier recommendation or request for help with a wedding schedule, and over time word of mouth and recommendations resulted in me becoming more hands-on, to the point where I was eventually planning entire weddings and parties whilst still working in events.
When I met my now husband and moved out of London I decided it was time for a career change… and it’s safe to say I’ve never looked back.
Which areas of the UK do you cover? Do you offer your services outside of the UK?
I am based on the border between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire so I am ideally situated to cover East Anglia, the Midlands and London. However, I do love the opportunity to travel and can therefore work further afield and overseas on request.
What services can Katrina Otter Weddings & Events offer to couples planning their wedding? How much are your packages and what is included?
I offer a range of wedding planning services and tailored packages to suit a variety of budget and planning needs, from venue styling and advice to full planning and coordination.
The most popular and comprehensive service I offer is full wedding planning and design. This service involves me working closely with a couple over several months and even years, planning every last detail of their wedding day, from sourcing wedding venues and suppliers through to those exquisite and immensely personal details. The price for this service is between 10% — 15% of the overall budget, with a minimum fee.
The second most popular service I offer is wedding day management / on-the-day coordination. If a couple has planned their wedding but needs a wedding planner there on the day to provide professional assistance and support, then that’s what I will do! I work alongside a couple’s venue and suppliers, following their wedding day plans to ensure that the day runs smoothly, with them safe in the knowledge that their big day has been left in capable hands.
I also offer a free, no obligation consultation service.
Why should a couple choose to use you to help them plan their big day?
I offer a fresh, dynamic and personal approach to wedding planning and love nothing more than creating truly spectacular weddings, events and private parties.
Drawing on over 10 years of events experience I can save you time and alleviate any stress associated with the overwhelming task of planning your wedding.
As an associate member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) I do not accept commission and any discounts are passed directly back to you. I therefore only recommend wedding venues and suppliers that best suit your needs and requirements.
I am passionate about what I do and pride myself in my honest approach, meticulous attention to detail and professionalism.
“Thank you so much for all of your guidance, support, encouragement and advice.”
“The build-up to the wedding was completely stress free, allowing us to relax in the knowledge that our special day was in your safe hands. You kept everybody composed and were a wonderful support to me throughout.”
“The service you provided cannot be faulted and I cannot recommend your services highly enough. You were not only a logistical support to us; you have become a true friend. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you.”
Which part of helping to plan a wedding do you enjoy the most and why?
The part I enjoy the most is creating the wedding schedule and timeline, as this is the moment when I draw together all the elements of the day and know with absolute certainty that the wedding I have helped plan will be a truly flawless and unforgettable day.
Do you have a specific style of wedding that you create?
I have experience planning a variety of styles of wedding including traditional, rustic, modern, vintage and whimsical, however the majority of weddings I plan tend to fit within the theme of classic elegance.
What are the best and worst things about being a wedding planner?
What I love most about my job is that I am able to be a part of people’s lives when they are most happy.
The worst thing about being a wedding planner is the perceived nature of what wedding planners do.
What is your most memorable experience of planning one of your clients’ weddings?
I planned a wedding over in Paphos in 2012, and for me the most memorable part of this had to be seeing the guests depart at sunset for an evening on a yacht followed by a fireworks display from the back of the boat.
What is your top tip for planning the perfect wedding?
Personally, the essential ingredient to planning the perfect wedding is to keep a sense of perspective. No matter how stressful things get and no matter how many times you question your decisions, always remind yourself about why you decided to get married in the first place. As long as you are marrying the love of your life then everything else pales in significance — always try to remember this as all too often I have seen this ingredient be forgotten amidst a mountain of paperwork, spreadsheets and mood boards.
What do you think the top wedding trends will be for 2014?
My current wedding trend predictions for 2014 include mint an blush, glitter and gold, mismatched bridesmaids dresses, art deco / vintage glamour themed weddings, detailed defined weddings, foliage, the ‘first look‘, and various gastronomic predictions including social dining, British classics and manapés!
Random question… What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Climb Kilimanjaro. NEVER again!
Where can I find out more about Katrina Otter Weddings & Events?
Visit my website www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk or follow me on one of a number of forms of social media:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Katrinaotterweddings
- Twitter: @Katrinaotterwed
- Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/katrinaotter
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Katrinaotterwed
