Testimonials

NHS Staff Awards Event, Wycombe Hospital, Buckinghamshire

We were recently asked by Wycombe hospital to help with the venue decoration for their recognition event for staff at the hospital. It was important that our ideas created the maximum wow factor for the least cost.

In keeping with the celebratory nature of the event, we laid a lushious pink carpet in the awards room and complimented it with warm lighting to create plenty of atmosphere. In the foyer where guests were treated to canapes and champagne, we hung drapes and used mood lighting to light the walls and cocktail tables to create a fun, yet prestigious feel. We also dressed the outside space to create an inviting area for guests to gather.

Sarah Klamut, HR Manager says: "Thank you for all your hard work with dressing the rooms for our staff awards event recently. The rooms looked fantastic and everyone was very complimentary! I have been particularly impressed with your professionalism, enthusiasm and 'can do' approach. It has been such a pleasure to work with you. Many thanks."

Lyn and Les Simpson, Bellows Mill, Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire

For Lyn and Les's early autumn wedding, we used vibrant orange to create an impact at Bellows Mill. The couple asked Clare to help decorate the barn and were delighted with the result. As they had a tight budget, Clare came up with some money saving ideas. We used simple orange organza bows on the beams and windows instead of full swags. We also made pretty paper pom poms which we added as a backdrop behind the registrar's table - using orange as the main colour with accents of ivory and pale blue.

Lyn says: "Dear Clare, As this was second time around for both of us we agreed that we only wanted a small wedding with close family and friends.

We got married on Friday 16th September at Bellows Mill, Eaton Bray in the small converted barn. Clare was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted and made many suggestions on what could work well for us within our budget. Clare organised all the decorations, flowers, chair coverings, and the barn was absolutely beautiful. We were both very pleased and when our children think about getting married we will be contacting Clare to organise the wedding.

Thank you Clare for making our day so special. Lyn and Les Simpson"

Paige Hyman and Harish Jarrett
at the Bingham Hotel, Richmond

Kate Middleton and William Windsor weren’t the only St Andrews couple to marry in April this year!  Meet the very lovely Paige and Harish who also tied the knot in April on an unseasonally warm Easter Sunday.

Paige had so many beautiful ideas that she wanted to incorporate into her wedding day, but with her overseas work commitments, she simply didn’t have the time to put them into action.  That’s when she called Clare for help.  After a short telephone call, Clare set about putting the finishing touches to the wedding, taking Paige’s vision and creating a detailed proposal with ideas for Paige to choose from. Paige loved them all!

Clare had lots of fun working with the stationer to create a unique 3D Order of Ceremony; quite a work of art in the end, and a piece that could be treasured by all Paige’s friends.

She also worked closely with the florist, photographer, musicians and cake maker, tracked down talented beauticians, searched high and low on the web, and on the high street for amazing photographic props, hired table linen and beautiful decorations, all in keeping with Paige’s pretty vintage theme.  Clare also arranged all the transport, ensuring that the groom and his groomsmen didn’t come into contact with the bride and bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding. Not to mention being on hand on the day to set up and make sure everything went smoothly.

The result? A truly elegant day at the Bingham in Richmond – a hotel with an enviable riverside location, amazing staff and a super chic vibe.

Paige said: "Dear Clare, I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for us, both in bringing our ideas together and making our day absolutely stunning, but most importantly keeping me cool, calm and collected right up until the big day.  You have gone above and beyond and I am so grateful.  Thank you for everything!"

Paige’s sister (and chief bridesmaid) Carolyn said: "I saw the lovely blog post.  Everything came together so beautifully, it could not have gone better (except if I had been less nervous!).  Thank you for helping my sister's vision come to life."

Sarah and Tom, Haileybury School, Hertfordshire

Sarah and Tom married on a perfect August day at the beautiful Haileybury School in Hertfordshire. Before the big day, they invited Clare to meet them to discuss their plans and asked her to recommend some key suppliers. Clare's extensive database of suppliers in the wedding world is enviable. Planning weddings day in, day out means Clare really gets to know the best and can make recommendations based on first hand experience. Not only do the suppliers she recommends have to be totally professional, but they have to be great characters too.

Clare took into account Sarah and Tom's budget, their personalities and the style of their day, and put forward a shortlist of those she felt would be most appropriate. Sarah and Tom simply loved Clare's proposed suppliers and this is what they had to say...

Sarah says: "We had a blissful day - absolutely the happiest of our lives and I wish we could do it all over again! It's great to see the pics up on your blog. Mikaela's pictures are so fabulous, and she was (still is!) a total delight. We're still enjoying working with her as we finalise our photo album. She's the perfect balance of creative, perfectionist and fun, and her husband also helped out on the day, and even ran a few errands for us when the ushers conveniently disappeared!

So I'd just like to say a big thank you for letting us know about Mikaela Morgan, and also for pointing me in the direction of Lynn Bayford (hair) and Julia Camilleri (makeup). All three ladies were such fun to have around on the morning of the wedding, and very relaxed and professional, which helped me to stay totally calm.

That blank slate at the beginning of the wedding preparations was quite daunting, especially as I didn't know any suppliers in the area, so it was a big help to have expert guidance from you and get a few things ticked off the to do list!

Thanks again and I hope your business continues to thrive."

Nic and Nic Rutterford, Bisham Abbey, Berkshire

Nic and Nic are a young couple with a busy social diary, so when they decided to marry they called Clare, so they didn’t have to worry about a thing - they asked her to plan all the details from beginning to end.

The setting was historic Bisham Abbey in Berkshire, which sits tranquilly on the banks of the River Thames near Marlow.  The bride looked beautiful in her ivory gown with burgundy detailing, and all the trimmings were carefully chosen to compliment her theme.

At midnight they added an unconventional touch -  guests waved off the happy couple from the banks of the Thames as they sailed peacefully away to their luxury hotel.

Melissa and Miles Mostyn-Thomas
Marquee wedding, Buckinghamshire

Melissa and Miles, a highly artistic deaf couple, wanted to stamp their very individual style on this family occasion at Melissa’s mum’s adorable country cottage in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Melissa designed her own dress and that of the bridesmaids, and the page boy outfits. Miles, a fine artist by trade, skilfully designed the cake and the wedding stationery. As a special touch, Melissa and her film producer friend Sam Dore made a beautiful film for Miles to see on his wedding day – with Melissa singing and dancing to Cold Play’s ‘Yellow’. There was not a dry eye in the house!

View Melissa's gift to Miles...

They also devised a warm autumnal theme which ran through all elements of the celebrations – from autumn leaves sewn stylishly to Melissa’s gown – to autumn foliage adorning the pumpkin table centrepieces. Clare was brought on board to help bring their plans to fruition in the last few months, helping source suppliers, and supporting the couple with their communications. Clare worked closely on the day with specialist sign language interpreters when making all the formal announcements.

Clare and her team were also there on the day to ensure the celebrations ran smoothly – right up until the last firework lit the sky!

Clare attended Deaf Awareness Training to help understand Deaf issues the best way of communicating with deaf people, so that she could deal professionally with the 40 or so deaf guests who attended the wedding.

Melissa's mum Nettie says: "Dear Clare, I cannot tell you how much we appreciated your help. You saved my sanity! It was an unusual assignment in that there were so many deaf and hard-of-hearing people involved which presented more than the usual difficulties. You were always on time, forgot nothing and instilled us with confidence. You managed to bring together, with calm and efficiency, all the ends before and on the Big Day. And if there was terrror behind those beautiful dark eyes, only you knew it!

You have a way with people that I hope will take you to many, many more 'plannings' and I cannot recommend Clare Beckwith Weddings more highly. Thank you so much, we couldn't have done it without you."

Melissa says: "When the church doors opened and everyone turned to me as I entered I did feel unexpectedly emotional, but once we got into the marriage rite everyone seemed to melt away, the sun shone in from the window, and it became just us, exchanging rings and repeating our vows to each other. It still feels like a dream!

The reception went much more smoothly than we could imagine. We were amazed at how well it came together: the flowers, the superb food, the speeches (the best man’s was pure comedy gold), the jazz band, the marquee, the fairy lights, the fireworks, the cake... as Miles says, it was beyond perfection, and everyone clearly had a great time. I honestly don’t think it would have gone so well if it hadn’t been for you. ‘Thank you’doesn’t begin to convey the depth of our gratitude to you, but I guess it will have to do on this occasion. So many, many thanks for your fantastic support."

Miles says: "It was the most extraordinary day, it surpassed my expectations in every manner and to summarise - it was beyond perfection! Thank you for all your hard work and for making our wedding the most treasured event of our lives."

Amanda and Andrew Hurst
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Amanda and Andrew enjoyed an elegant day at the stunning National Trust property, Waddesdon Manor, with glorious October weather that far surpassed any we experienced in the Summer! We created a luxurious theme around their love of wine with deep burgundy bridesmaids’ dresses, rich and sumptuous autumnal floral arrangements, table decorations that enhanced the theme and tables named after well-known wines!

Clare organised the occasion from beginning to end – sourcing live music, hiring a mobile crèche for their little friends, overseeing stationery design, choosing bridesmaid and flower girl dresses as well as the men’s wear and organising evening entertainment. Clare was also able to recommend two amazing hair and make up artists to pamper Amanda and her bridal party on their special day. We also found an incredible florist who stylishly transformed the venue to match Amanda's theme.

That just left Amanda and Andrew to enjoy the whole experience!

Amanda says: "I decided we needed a wedding planner when all the detail started to overwhelm me. The big stuff was easy - we had found a venue and I had found a dress but I then started to panic at all the other stuff (and there was so much of it!). So I had a look on the internet, found Clare's website and gave her a call. We arranged a time to meet and - hurrah! - I had a New Best Friend. Right from the instant I met Clare I had every confidence in her. She immediately took control, and set about sorting out all the little details that had me waking up in the night in a sweat. Over the next few months, Clare pulled everything (and everyone!) together, found the most brilliant suppliers, helped me with all the decisions, and wrestled with frustrating issues such as bridesmaids shoes. She was there whenever I needed her to be, and even made the tea! As the Big Day approached and I really started to panic that everything wasn't going to be ready in time, Clare was there, making sure it was. On my wedding day, I could actually relax, knowing that Clare was one step (and, in most cases, lots of steps) ahead of me, making sure everything was ready and nothing was out of place. The day itself went as smoothly as it possibly could. Clare may know different but I don't, and that was the best thing about it - Clare did the worrying for me. We had the most magical day - I suspect Clare even had something to do with the amazing weather we had, but I've no idea how she managed that. Anyone who now says to me that they are getting married are now recommended the most amazing wedding planner. Don't even think of getting married without Clare..."

Jill Veasey and Andy Haworth
Tewinbury Farm Barns, Hertfordshire

Jill had worked hard for many months to plan and co-ordinate all aspects of her elegant wedding to Andy at Tewinbury Farm and asked Clare to help pull it all together ‘on the day’. Jill also asked for Clare’s creative advice to help design the entrance hall and to give the empty bar some warmth and atmosphere. Clare used her contacts to source some gorgeous contemporary furniture and recommended that the room was lit to give a completely different feel during the evening reception. On the day itself, Clare worked closely with Jill’s suppliers and Tewinbury to ensure that the day ran smoothly and that Jill and Andy didn’t have to worry about a thing!

Jill says: “Having Clare’s support during the design of our wedding made our decision making much easier and quicker. We were able to focus on the fun parts of the preparations rather than on the supplier co-ordination and logistics.

Clare’s ‘on the day’ service was invaluable in helping me to relax and really enjoy my wedding day to the full. I was happy to know that whilst I was getting ready with my family, Clare was at Tewinbury guiding suppliers and liaising with the staff there to make all of our planning a reality. I was fully confident in Clare’s ability to make decisions on my behalf as I felt she had properly understood the style and ‘look’ I was going for. As a bit of a self-confessed ‘control freak’ it was liberating to be able to let go of all of the venue preparation and details and focus on the real meaning of our wedding day, for which my husband will be eternally grateful!

I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Clare to anyone arranging their wedding, or any very special event, as my experience of working with her was one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole process. Thank you Clare... Jill (& Andy!)...”

Jill and Andy's photos are courtesy of KS Images

Debbie and Kevin Donaldson
Wedding Garden Party, Hertfordshire

Debbie and Kevin married in New York and when they came home they wanted to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Debbie asked Clare to arrange a relaxed but elegant garden party with a sophisticated black, white and chrome theme. Clare chose and sourced all of Debbie suppliers opting for some of the best local caterers, marquee companies, photographers and florists.

Debbie and Kevin's photos are courtesy of Mikaela Morgan

Debbie says: “Dear Clare, On behalf of Kevin and I thank you for making everything look wonderful and run so smoothly for our garden party last Sunday. Your commitment, diligence and attention to detail throughout the planning were amazing and saved me loads of time I don’t have!

The special touches were all your ideas and so many people commented on how beautiful everything looked in the marquee and outside (despite the challenges of the weather!) in the garden.

Each of the suppliers you recommended were first rate – always on time in the set up and break down and so flexible every step of the way. We had a fabulous day and truly appreciate your contribution to making it all so perfect. Warm thanks"

Jacquie Campbell and Neal Hounsell, Victoria Hall Tring

Jacquie and Neal were married on a glorious Saturday in April 2008. Jacquie and Neal chose the Victoria Hall in Tring for their wedding reception and asked Clare to decorate the venue with a ‘lilac and sparkly theme’ as well as sourcing and managing suppliers. Clare also oversaw the running of the evening reception by managing young waiters and waitresses from the local school that Jacquie had asked to work that evening.

Clare found Jacquie the most fabulous florist who met Jacquie’s brief perfectly with her fragrant Spring flowers which left an amazing aroma wherever she went!

Jacquie says: “I already had a lot of the wedding organised by the time I met Clare, and wasn’t convinced that I really needed a Co-ordinator. How wrong I was! I had a vague idea of how I wanted the venue to look, but it was Clare that turned it into reality, sourcing the perfect flowers, table decorations and lighting to make the hall look absolutely stunning. As the wedding day approached, Clare took charge of liaising with the hall, the caterers, the band and all the suppliers, and it was such a relief to know everything was under control. The night before, and the morning of the wedding, she worked incredibly hard to set everything up. And, on the day itself, she was just magnificent. She was there throughout – making sure everything ran absolutely smoothly and dealing with anything that came up. Her sense of fun made her a hit with all the suppliers, and they enjoyed working with her. I found her calm, professional manner so reassuring, and having her there meant I could relax and enjoy our wonderful day. I can’t thank her enough.”

Wedding showcase in association with Stratstone BMW Tring

The Dealer Principal of Stratstone BMW, Tring had worked with Clare Beckwith before and had been so impressed with the quality of her work that he invited her to put on a wedding showcase in his showroom to help drive showroom traffic on a usually quiet Sunday afternoon. Clare rose to the challenge by handpicking a few of her favourite wedding providers to exhibit - all were chosen for their fresh approach to the wedding industry and many put on demonstrations and trials throughout the day. The day was presided over by Mike Hyman, of the National Asscociation of Toastmasters. Award-winning photographers, Lord and Leverett, recorded special moments by taking photographs of brides as they completed their hair and make-up trials.

Nigel Allery, Stratstone BMW Tring, Dealer Principal said of the day: “We are proud to support local businesses in the area, and were delighted that so many quality wedding providers were involved. Stratstone BMW Tring is always looking for ways to add further value to its clients above and beyond our sales and service offering.”

Our entertainment supplier commented: “Just a brief note to say how much we enjoyed the showcase on Sunday - I think the organisation was exactly right and everybody there gelled well which created an excellent atmosphere!”

Our photographers said: “Thanks so much for putting on such a great wedding showcase on Sunday. It was certainly the best one of the year!”

The winner of the BMW M3 prize draw is Mr Mark Scully from Hertfordshire.

Stephanie Hill and Garry Milton, Hertfordshire

Stephanie and Garry invited Clare to talk to them about theming for their wedding to be held at Pendley Manor, Tring in October, as well as to be there on the day to ensure the smooth running of the day. They hired Clare after the initial consultation as they were thrilled with the initial creative ideas Clare was able offer them.

Stephanie says: "I thought you might like to know the reasons why we chose you over the other wedding planners and please feel free to quote us if you ever need to.

The other planner was extremely nice and professional however we felt she was perhaps too professional and I felt she wanted to organise everything we hadn't done yet. Whereas you identified that we are more than happy to be involved.

We also decided to use you because we thought you were very professional but you had the personal touch and made us feel we'd be working together rather than you just taking over and us taking a back seat. This was really important to us, especially me, after all it's our wedding and we want to enjoy the whole process.

Garry has started to get really excited now because everything seems to be coming together. Also your price was also extremely competitive and of course we loved the ideas you came up with whilst visiting and can't wait to hear your other themes!"

One of Stephanie's suppliers said: "I was really impressed with the whole event and for the way you calmly and professional helped organise their excellent wedding and welcomed us on arrival."

Nila Simon and Adnan Obaidullah, Home Counties / London

Nila approached Clare nine weeks before her wedding day to ask for help finding her wedding dress.

Nila and Adnan’s family were in the country for just a short period of time, so it was important that the wedding day was set for a particular date. As Nila had so much on her plate already, including looking after their beautiful daughter, she needed help fast! Not deterred by the short deadline, Clare took responsibility for organising appointments with a variety of dress outlets, both in London and the Home Counties, and accompanying Nila on the search for her gorgeous gown!

Nila found the most beautiful designer dress, and worked with Clare and the dress designers to make it more appropriate for her family’s religious requirements. The result was simply stunning!

Nila says: "Thanks a million Clare, you're an angel! Clare's warmth and professionalism makes a very stressful time seem like an outing with a best friend with all the right answers and help that you could ever need. With just a short time to plan and execute, what seemed like an impossible task, Clare was able to swiftly prioritise and direct my attention skilfully and tactfully. Her honesty and delicacy was very much appreciated, when it came to the crunch to choose that perfect gown. Her impeccable taste and comportment were invaluable at helping negotiate with involved suppliers and the wedding party. She is always a delight and I owe her deep gratitude in her excellent assistance to help me organise a perfect day that ran astoundingly smoothly. All family and friends thoroughly enjoyed it, calling it a fairytale wedding."

Katherine Jackson and Matthew Spavins, Bedfordshire

Katherine approached Clare eight months prior to her wedding in June to ask about her ‘on-the-day services’. After the initial consultation, Katherine and her mum, Sue, had so much confidence in Clare that they asked her to also help with liaising with the hotel and suppliers. Clare also helped choose the right toastmaster for the occasion.

Katherine looked the picture of calm on her wedding day and was able to concentrate on her guests, and of course her groom, whilst Clare took the responsibility for making the day run smoothly.

Katherine says: "A massive thank you for all of your help on the run up to the wedding and on the day itself. You were such a great support to me, and you made the whole experience so much more relaxed and enjoyable, just knowing that I had your help. The room looked absolutely stunning, even better than I imagined it could be, and that was all down to you and your hard work and artistic flare."

Sue and Tim Jackson, Katherine’s parents, say: "Thank you for helping Katherine and Matthew’s day to be such a success."

National Childbirth Trust Fundraising Valentine’s Ball, Hertfordshire

The National Childbirth Trust in Tring had heard about Clare’s credentials in party planning and asked her to plan and organise a ball to raise funds for a new antenatal teacher. Clare rose to the challenge and surpassed all fundraising activity the branch had done before. She sourced three major local sponsors, found a stunning venue, sold tickets and sourced suppliers as well as developing the branding and marketing campaign for the ball. The evening was a glittering occasion with the branch doubling their fundraising target!

Ros Lee, Committee member of the NCT, says: “Dear Clare. Congratulations on organising such a great Valentines Ball. We had a really fun time and even stayed out until 12.30am which I'm very proud of! From an NCT point of view, it did the organisation proud and raised such a fantastic amount of money which is brilliant, especially in its first year. I hope you all managed to enjoy it and are rested enough now to bask in the glory you all deserve!”

Nigel Allery, Main sponsor - Stratstone BMW, Tring says: “My wife thinks it’s the best event she’s been to! All our clients have sent great appreciation, thank you very much. You’ve probably been hearing such like since 1.01am Sunday morning!”

Mini Launch Event

The Sales Manager of Stratstone Mini, Tring, approached Clare on recommendation to ask her to source suppliers for their new Mini launch event.

Clare used her ‘little black book’ to call appropriate suppliers and obtain costs and proposals, and then worked closely with the Sales Manager choose the one right for his needs. She then fully briefed and managed the supplier up to, and on the day of the event itself. The event attracted over 250 mini customers, prospects and enthusiasts!

Nigel Allery, Dealer Principal, Stratstone Mini, Tring, says: “We subcontracted to Clare Beckwith our showroom new model launch for the new MINI, and have been very involved in her fundraising events for the local NCT. In business you meet and get involved with all types of people and businesses; some for today, some for a longer time. I am certain that my business relationship will be a long one with Clare and her team; they do exactly what they say on the tin. Put simply, if they promise, they deliver. In today’s business world that is a rare commodity.”

Top