This time last week I was coming back home from my second industry event since I’ve started this blog and my serious career as a wedding planner.
Set up by wedding photographer Laura Babb, The London Wedding Club is a Facebook group allowing industry professionals based in London to network and exchange tips, advice and sometimes even opportunities to cooperate. Last Monday a large number of these professionals met for the first time.
It was a great evening and, particularly for me, an educating and encouraging one. The beauty of this industry is the incredible support from each and every member, and the spirit of cooperation that goes into it. So despite the shyness and the fear of the unknown, I’m starting to enjoy this type of events more and more.
If you are a bride, what does your supplier’s involvement in groups and networking events mean for you?
♥ Knowing that your supplier is actively participating to industry events, groups, associations or workshops means that he or she is most probably going to be up to speed with new trends and is well connected to others in the industry. This in turn means that s/he is best placed to advice on other reputable suppliers and that, if you have a question, s/he will be able to find out the answer for you pretty swiftly and accurately. Having access to so many suppliers in one place allows us to reach out and get opinions or answers that are based on real knowledge and expertise.
If you are a supplier, how does getting involved in such groups and networking events help you?
♥ Belonging to such groups allows you to grow, better understand how your peers operate and connect to people that will be invaluable for your career growth. But ultimately, it will allow you to better relate to your clients as the experience of others (often shared in these groups while maintaining the identity of our clients anonymous) is key to becoming the base of your own knowledge and a point of strength against other suppliers. There are plenty of groups that you can join based on your circumstances and the industry is constantly buzzing with events and networking opportunities. So if you are new, or just painfully shy, do jump at the chance to attend one of two events every few months and try to join a group you can contribute to.
As always, at these events you don’t get to speak to everyone, so apologies to all the people I didn’t get to speak to and to all those I spoke to but I didn’t get to exchange business cards with.
Here’s a list of just a few of the lovely industry professionals I got to meet on Monday.
♥ Faith Caton-Barber, Bespoke Bridal & Evening Wear
♥ Kate Gale, Kate Ruth Romey, bespoke wedding stationery
♥ Terri Capon, Belle of the Ball, hair and make-up artist
♥ Andri Benson, Always Andri, wedding planner
♥ Helen Hogg, HHmakeup, make-up artist
♥ Carla Thomas, Carla Thomas Photography
♥ Terri Capon, Belle of the Ball, make-up artist
♥ Rebecca Moyster, Bonbon Balloons, fun balloons supplier
♥ Ciara Mullan, Wed In London wedding blog
♥ Sarah-Jane Morris, Melisma, wedding music
♥ Rachael Corigliano, Serendipity, wedding planner
♥ Parisa Walklett, All is Dream, wedding photographer
♥ Sabina Ali, Sabina Motasem, vintage inspired bridal wear
♥ Laura Babb, Babb Photo, wedding photographer
♥ Emanuela Redaschi, Nimama Photography, wedding photographer
♥ Emma Lucy Photography, wedding photographer
♥ Samantha O’Brian, A Little London Wedding, London blog / directory
♥ Mark Osborne Photography, wedding photographer
♥ Katia Muscara Photography, wedding photographer
♥ Sophie Biebuyck, Biebuyck Music London, Music agency providing musicians for weddings and events
If you are a supplier who trades in London and would like to join the London Wedding club, this is where you can find us:
♥ On Facebook
♥ On its brand new website The London Wedding Club.com
♥ On Twitter (#LDNWeddingClub)
Thank you Laura and Sophie for organising this event!
xx Betta
Recent Comments