Planning a wedding is about more than just bringing everything together on the day, it’s about creating an experience that feels personal, seamless, and completely reflective of each couple.
We spoke with Shay-Kemi from Events by Shay about her approach to wedding planning, upcoming trends, and her advice for couples starting their journey.
Hi Shay-Kemi! Let’s start with the basics. When couples are choosing a wedding planner, where should they begin?
Really ensure that your vision aligns with their execution. Take the time to do your research, whether that’s online, via social media, or even reaching out to other couples to hear about their experiences and recommendations. It’s so important that you feel a genuine connection and trust in who you’re working with.
That connection is so important. If a couple is interested in working with you, what information do you need to provide a quote?
A rough date or month for the wedding, the expected number of guests, and the location or venue. From there, we can start to shape what level of support is needed and build something that works for you.
Planning can feel overwhelming at times. From your experience, what are the most important things for couples to focus on?
I would say the key thing is to focus on what actually matters to you as a couple. It’s so easy to get caught up in trends or external opinions, but your day should feel like you. Prioritise the elements that will have the biggest impact on your experience, whether that’s guest experience, entertainment, food, or the overall aesthetic, and build from there. Budget is also a big one. Being clear and realistic early on helps everything run much more smoothly.
That’s great advice. And when it comes to timelines, what should couples keep in mind?
Be realistic with your timescales and make sure you build in contingency for anything unexpected. The day always moves quickly, so it’s important not to rush those special moments, especially things like your ceremony, couple photos, and time with your guests. A well thought-out timeline should feel seamless, not pressured.
It sounds like a lot of thought goes into each wedding. How would you describe your planning style?
My style is extremely collaborative and personal. I really focus on building genuine connections with my couples and fully aligning on their vision. I’m very detail-oriented and make sure every wedding gets the care and attention it deserves. At the same time, I’m highly efficient and pride myself on delivering to a consistently high standard.
Are you noticing any trends for upcoming weddings?
I’m seeing a shift towards more personalised, experience-led weddings rather than purely aesthetic ones. Couples are really focusing on how the day feels, so things like interactive elements, thoughtful guest touches, and meaningful moments. There’s also a move towards elevated simplicity: very clean, timeless styling with intentional details rather than overcomplicating things.
That sounds like a perfect fit for Hylands. Is there a concept you’d love to bring to life here?
I’d love to create a really elegant, modern wedding that fully complements the space. Something that leans into the venue’s natural class and architecture, with soft, refined styling and a beautiful flow throughout the day. Hylands lends itself so well to timeless luxury, so creating something that feels both elevated and effortless would be amazing.
It must be so rewarding seeing everything come together. What’s your favourite part of planning a wedding for a couple?
Definitely building that relationship and seeing everything come together in a way that truly reflects them. There’s something really special about taking an idea or vision and bringing it to life, then seeing the couple experience it all on the day. That moment makes everything worth it.
That’s such a lovely way to look at it. Do you have any final recommendations for couples?
Stay present in the process and try not to get overwhelmed by the small details. Trust your suppliers, make decisions that feel right for you, and remember what the day is actually about. The more you can enjoy the journey, the more you’ll enjoy the day itself.
And finally, what do you enjoy most about working at Hylands Estate?
The collaboration and efficiency of the staff is second to none. They truly go above and beyond from beginning to end and are a joy to work with. The venue itself is seamless and classy, and you can always rely on the standards being consistently high, which makes such a difference when delivering for clients.
Thank you, Shay-Kemi, for sharing your insight with us! We can’t wait to welcome you to Hylands Estate for our Wedding Showcase on Sunday 19 April.
Join us on the day to meet Shay-Kemi and our curated selection of suppliers, and start bringing your wedding plans to life. RSVP now to secure your place.