We so often find that lots of people have questions about what our jobs are really like. It seems that everyone wants to see behind the scenes life as a wedding and event planner so we thought we’d share an insight.
First a little about us. We both ran our own event agencies for years and often crossed paths at industry events. It was during the pandemic though that we decided to merge the two businesses and create The Golborne Collection.
SK: This is so hard as I have a long list. I’d say that highlights would be a gorgeous wedding for a gorgeous couple at Wilderness Reserve, a festival in the clouds at Sushi Samba and recently transforming the newly refurbished Raphael Gallery with two long tables and suspended flowers.
NH: Like Sarah, I have a long list. The ones that stand out for me are a retreat in the South of France, a brand event at Heckfield Place (dream venue) and a magical wedding for the loveliest couple at the Natural History Museum.
SK: I originally planned to be a graphic designer and studied for a degree in the subject. I quickly realised though that it wasn’t for me – I love the creative angle but wanted a more hands on, less desk-based role. Events was the perfect combination of my skills and I’ve never looked back.
NH: I grew up living in a small hotel so hospitality has always been a passion of mine. I studied marketing at Leeds university and then moved to London and worked my way up through various brand experience agencies before moving client side for a number of years. I founded Golborne in 2012 with a desire to work for myself and through hard work, recommendations and merging with Sarah, The Golborne Collection has grown to be one of London’s leading event agencies.
SK: Well it’s definitely the case that behind the scenes, events is not as glamorous as everyone thinks it is so I’m used to rolling up my sleeves and getting involved. I’d say that navigating lifts breaking when I needed to get a tonne of grass to the top of a skyscraper was quite an intense moment!
NH: The hardest event to deliver was during the height of Omicron. We had to balance the client’s desire to go ahead with the party with managing the welfare of our guests and staff. In addition suppliers, equipment, vehicles and crew dropped out quicker than we could replace them. We were absolutely determined to deliver on our promises to our client and produce a flawless event. I’m pleased to say we pulled it off and it was one of our most memorable events to date.
SK: I just love the creative nature of the job – designing the perfect event space in line with the clients brief and seeing it come to life is amazing. Also getting to work in incredible venues and with great suppliers behind the scenes makes me love my job.
NH:
I love how fast paced it is and having to find solutions to deliver creative ideas. I love working for different clients and ensuring we go above and beyond with our service. Producing events is seriously hard work but also very rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing your client and their guests appreciating the moments you have designed and delivered.
SK: A well understood brief is really important. We really spend time understanding our clients’ briefs and getting to know what they want to achieve. We then set about designing the perfect solution and then planning it once everything has been signed off. I think in summary; If you have creative and fresh ideas, brilliant suppliers and a wonderful venue you’re onto a winner
NH: Meticulous planning and the perfect mix of creative and professional suppliers to suit the brief.
SK: Recently the challenges have been related to the pandemic. Ensuring we keep guests, staff and suppliers safe has been key whilst balancing the desire that everyone has to bring people together again. It’s been a tough two years in events so we’re very excited to come out of the other side.
NH: At the moment increasingly, fluctuating prices are a challenge to navigate with both suppliers and clients.
SK: Fun, exciting, creative, close knit and at times exhausting!
NH: Hardworking, passionate, competitive (in a good way!) and very talented.
We hope that's given a little sneak peek into behind the scenes life as a wedding and event planner
