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"How did anyone ever manage without a Wedding PA?!"

The idea behind The Wedding PA evolved during my own wedding in the summer of this year. Oh how I wanted everything to be perfect, but there was so MUCH to think about! Waking up at 3 in the morning writing notes to myself was a regular occurrence even my husband-to-be had taken to writing copious notes. Mum & Dad were hosting the event at their house so THEY had plenty to think about too and whilst the day-to-day organisation came easily to me, actually letting go and savouring every moment of our wedding day was more difficult to do!

There were lots of things to think about on the day, compounded by the fact the event was at home - the day went smoothly, everyone was great and we had a really enjoyable day.

Looking back I’d have been able to savour everything more if I’d been able to rely on the fact that someone else – on my instruction – had all the little bits covered, no one else may have noticed but there one or two things I’d have done differently had I had the time and had I not been the bride!

I spoke to a number of friends about the idea they all agreed that a Wedding PA would’ve made their life easier on their big day or that they would definitely consider using one – why not? You only get one wedding day and you need to make the most of it – blink and it’s over!

My first Wedding PA job was on the 18^th of September for a fantastic couple called Jo and Nick – I was introduced to them by my sister Kate who went to University with Jo and who now lives close to them in Manchester.

They were married at East Stoke near Newark and held their reception at Newark Golf Club.

I started the day at Jo’s Mum and Dad’s house where I collected all sorts of presents, the menus and table plan. I made my way to Newark Golf Club, where I met the Steward who was handling all the catering arrangements. The tables were laid and now only needed a degree of titivation! Jo’s mum had concerns about the balloons being delivered on time – and sure enough they needed chasing – three phone calls later and hour after they said they would be there they arrived – and credit where it’s due – the balloons looked great. The Master of Ceremonies and the Table Magician turned up on time so I explained what I was doing and compared notes with them to ensure we all knew what we were supposed to be doing when.

One last check of the table settings to make sure everyone was in the correct places and we were ready to go!

The Ceremony and photographs at the church took longer than anticipated and when no one had arrived at the Golf Club by 4.50pm the Steward Phil was getting a little concerned – the meal was arranged and prepared to be served at 5.30 and the Toastmaster had instructions to arrange an official receiving line that, with around 100 people to get through, could take a good half hour.

So – into contingency mode, I asked how long we could stretch the food, 10 minutes, so we had until twenty to six. I asked the Toastmaster if he thought they would be terribly disappointed if there was no receiving line – we agreed to suggest they didn’t do it. The table magician was only supposed to be staying until six but we agreed he would stay longer – until the speeches. We were all in agreement – we now just needed some guests, and right on cue they started to arrive! Hurrah...

I ensured everyone had a glass of Champagne or Pimms, that the canapés were handed round, the bridal party all had drinks, presents were collected and put somewhere safe and everyone was seated - without being rushed - by twenty past five! The Bride and Groom arrived and were welcomed in by their guests and dinner was served according to plan! Phew...

From that point on despite having to cancel the receiving line the reception went swimmingly and everyone had a thoroughly good time – some more ‘thoroughly’ than others of course!

I slipped away and left Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald to enjoy the rest of their day...