Frequently Asked Questions

I’m always happy to answer your questions on email or have a chat on the phone, but do have a read of this page first. I’ve gathered my most frequently asked questions here, so hopefully you’ll find the answers you’ve been searching for. 

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I live in Essex, and tend to plan weddings and events across Essex, London and the East of England. However, I am happy to travel across the UK to create gorgeous, garden-inspired celebrations for my clients. 

WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK?

As soon as you can! Having me on board right from the start will help you kick start the process and help diminish any bouts of overwhelm. However, I do understand that not everyone wants or needs to work with a wedding planner right away, and what’s most important throughout the process is that you feel comfortable. I do tend to book up a long way in advance, so I’d advise getting in touch to check availability as soon as you’re ready. 

DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH CERTAIN VENUES AND SUPPLIERS, AND DO WE HAVE TO USE THEM?

Not at all! Whilst I do have my little black book of tried and trusted suppliers, I am not tied to any one in particular and always strive to find the best suited for you and your wedding. If there is a supplier that you’ve fallen in love with then I’d be happy to work with them. As for venues, the UK is your oyster! I’m happy to work with whatever venue you’ve set your heart on. It’s worth noting, though, that the weddings that are particularly suited to Aster & Gold and the way I work have a connection with the outside world. It might be a marquee in the garden of your childhood home (weddings at home have a magic all their own and I adore them!), an elegant country house, a beautifully botanical glasshouse, charming barn or bohemian wildflower meadow. My full wedding planning service includes venue sourcing, so don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start.  

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOUR FEES WORK?

You can expect to invest 10-15% of your overall budget spend for my full wedding planning service, with a minimum fee applying. For wedding day management, there’s also a minimum spend, but you’ll receive a fully bespoke quote that breaks down exactly how much you can expect to pay based on the complexity of your wedding and other requirements. Fees for other services are bespoke, and the final quotation is based on the details of your event, an estimation of the amount of time I will spend working on it, how many days I will need to be on site and the number of suppliers I expect to be liaising with.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL FEES I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Following our initial consultation you will receive a bespoke quote with a breakdown of fees. I may occasionally need to include additional travel or accommodation fees but these will be listed from the outset so there are no hidden surprises.

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?

Payment terms are subject to how long we’ll be working together and which service you choose. 

For full plan weddings, an initial 40% deposit is payable to secure your date. A 2nd payment is due part way through the planning process, with the remaining balance payable 4 weeks prior to your wedding. Wedding day management payments are split on a 50% deposit and 50% balance basis. 

OUR VENUE HAS AN IN-HOUSE COORDINATOR - DO WE REALLY NEED TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER TOO?

The roles of a venue coordinator and a wedding planner are very different. A venue coordinator’s role is to be an ambassador for their venue – they will be involved with everything venue related for every wedding being held there, regardless of style or size. My role as a wedding planner is to support you. I’m here as your advocate, guide, idea facilitator, cheerleader, organiser, nerve-calmer and friend. It’s my goal to make sure that your wedding is a true reflection of you both, to keep the process fun and free of faff, and to ensure that the big day itself is as smooth as silk. 

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT TO OTHER PLANNERS?

In a lot of ways, choosing a wedding planner is a little like dating. As well as finding an affinity with their style, it’s crucial that you click as people. With me, there’s no fuss. I’m down to earth and unpretentious, I love a good giggle, and I pride myself on offering straightforward, honest guidance. You can find out more about me on the About Page, but the best way to find out if I’m the right planner for you is to get in touch and have a chat. Let’s get to know each other a bit, and you can see if you feel a) comfortable and b) inspired and excited to start planning once we’ve chatted. 

DO YOU PLAN MARQUEE WEDDINGS?

I certainly do! Marquee weddings and events have become a real passion of mine. I love the endless possibilities and relish the challenges that come with planning a marquee wedding and creating a brand new space especially for your celebration.

HOW MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU WORK ON AT ONE TIME?

I work with a select number of Full Planning clients every year, and this is a very conscious decision. It’s really important that I’m able to devote my full attention to every couple I work with, and really get emotionally invested in each wedding.   

I DON'T LIVE IN THE UK - CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?

I have worked with clients remotely in the past, and am more than happy to have video calls to suit your time zone. So, if you live or work abroad but would like to get married in the UK this is definitely something I can help with.

DO YOU PLAN PARTIES/SOCIAL EVENTS OR CORPORATE EVENTS?

That’s a big yes! You can find out more about my party and event planning services right here. 

I CAN’T SEE A SERVICE THAT FITS WHAT I’M PLANNING, BUT I LIKE YOUR STYLE – CAN YOU STILL HELP?

All services can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, so get in touch and we can have a chat about what you’re looking for.

I WORK OFFICE HOURS, ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO MEET UP OR SPEAK IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS?

I completely understand that you will not always be available during standard working hours so I keep my schedule flexible to ensure we can speak or meet up at a time that works for you.

ARE YOU INSURED?

Yes, I am fully covered by Public Liability Insurance.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS / WANT TO BOOK A CONSULTATION - HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?

You can get in touch via my contact form or by emailing me on hello@asterandgold.com I can’t wait to hear from you!

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