Every Wootton Park couple is supported by a wedding coordinator: someone who’s there for you from the moment you start planning, right up until the big day. We chatted with wedding coordinator Katy about how she helps couples create their perfect day.
How would you describe the role of a wedding coordinator here at Wootton Park?
A big part of my role is putting a couple’s minds at ease. We organise weddings all the time, so it’s second nature to us, but if you’re new to it there’s a lot to think about. I’m here to make sure couples know what to expect and get them excited for the day, so they can picture what their wedding day with us will be like.
It’s also about helping couples discover what they really want – understanding their likes and dislikes, and then turning that into a plan.
What attracted you to working here at Wootton Park?
It’s stunning. I mean, it’s such a wow-factor venue. I’ve worked at various wedding venues before and they all have their good points, but Wootton Park definitely has something special. When you believe in something yourself, it makes it really easy to sell it to other people. It’s a lovely environment to work in as well. The team is great.
What do you enjoy most about being a wedding coordinator?
You might think that every wedding is the same, but they’re really not. What I love most is that they’re all so different now. Couples want their wedding to be unique and are tailoring it to reflect who they are. They’re focusing on their own vision and worrying less about impressing other people. I enjoy encouraging that and helping it all come together.
What’s your top piece of advice for couples on their wedding day?
Relax and trust your suppliers! In all the years that I’ve been working at weddings, I’ve found there’s usually something that doesn’t quite go to plan on the day. There’s no need to stress about it, though. Your suppliers will always fix things and turn things around because it’s what they do, day in, day out. So just focus on enjoying your day and leave them to sort out the details.
Any favourite wedding moments?
There are so many! I’ve lost count of the number of weddings I’ve done and it’s that variety I enjoy – everything from having an owl deliver the rings, to a big party with fairground rides, to a small, intimate wedding.
And what’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had from a couple?
A sea view! That was pretty unusual, seeing as we’re in the middle of the countryside and about the furthest away from the sea that you can get. But when we got talking it turned out that what they wanted most was a view of the water – and with our lake and river we could give them that. They loved all the great photo opportunities here and we ticked a lot of other boxes so they still ended up booking their wedding with us.
If you could choose any wedding theme, what would it be?
I don’t think I would have a theme. It would just be very relaxed: a big party celebration. For me it would be second time around, so I’d like to keep things informal and focused on the fun.
Who would be your dream wedding guest?
I would like to have my dad there. I lost my dad a few months ago, just before I met my new partner, and I wish the two of them could have met. So yes, I’d love my dad to be there. He’s been a big part of my life.
What’s your secret superpower on a wedding day?
Well… I’m always on the go, always happy, smiling. Whatever happens, you can just leave everything to me and I’ll sort it. So I’d probably say problem-solving is my superpower:
being able to solve a problem so quickly that others don’t even notice it!
Can you tell us about a small detail that makes a big difference at a wedding?
I’d say timings – but it’s not just about making sure everything’s on time. It’s about communicating with your suppliers up front so they’re on the same page as you. That way, if you need to make a change – say you want to bring something forward because the ceremony ends up being shorter than expected – everyone knows your wishes, and everyone’s ready.
When you’ve spent time with your suppliers and built that relationship, you can communicate with just a look – they know what you need without you having to say anything.
What is the one thing that most couples tend to overlook on their big day?
It’s normally just the little things – like pens for the guest book, or an umbrella in case of bad weather, or a safety pin for a dress. We’re well equipped for things like that here though, so it’s not something to worry about. I have an on-the-day wedding coordination bag which has got all my bits and pieces in it: from stain remover to string to scissors to pins. You name it, I think it’s in there!
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given on how to run a wedding?
Be prepared. Like I said earlier, there’ll usually be something that doesn’t go quite to plan at a wedding, so be ready for that. Get organised so that you can adapt your plans when you need to.
Can you tell us something about you that nobody would guess?
One thing many people don’t know is that I’m adopted from South America – I was born in Peru. Unfortunately I don’t speak much Spanish but I am trying to learn. I’m all about the learning!
Another thing you wouldn’t know is that back in 2013 I had a car accident and broke my spine in four different places. I also had a head injury and was immobilised for just over a month. It took me two weeks to learn to walk again and I had a full body brace for about six months. Luckily I have a positive outlook, so that helped me to bounce back. People say resilience is important in life and I agree.
When you’re not working, how do you like to relax?
I’m not very good at relaxing! I’m part of a couple of choirs and I also play along at a monthly Bluegrass jam session – I’m learning a couple of instruments: the guitar, and the cajón, which is like a drum. I also sing. Apart from that, I enjoy meeting up with friends for dinner. I’ve always liked hosting and with me it’s any excuse for a party. I think organising events is in my blood.
And finally… onto our quickfire round. This one’s just down to your individual wedding preferences. Here goes!
First dance: slow and romantic or upbeat and choreographed?
Probably slow.
Formal food or street food?
Street food.
Indoor or outdoor ceremony?
I’d probably go for outdoors, whatever the time of year.
Dancefloor tunes: personal faves or crowd pleasers?
It’d have to be a mix and I would definitely tailor it to the audience.
Cake or cheese tower?
Ooh cheese! Yes, I like the idea of a cheese tower.
Heels or comfy shoes after 9pm?
Comfy.
Bouquet toss or keep hold of it?
Keep hold of it.
Full-on DJ set or silent disco?
DJ set.
With born organiser (and party animal!) Katy at your side, you’re in for a fabulous wedding day that your guests are going to love. Book a tour today to meet Katy and the rest of our friendly team.