Welcome to our perfect planning webchat with style supremo Mark Niemierko

There’s no doubt about it brides-to-be, 2011 has been the year of the super-stylish wedding. From Kate Middleton’s tree-lined aisle in the Abbey, to Kim Kardashian’s three Vera Wang wedding dresses and Kate Moss’ mini-festival after-party, you might be feeling a little left out in the style stakes. But fear not, we know just the person to help you follow in the footsteps of the bridal elite and we’ve nabbed him for an exclusive chat with you!

We’ve got wedding planner extraordinaire Mark Niemierko in the hot seat on 11 October between 1-2pm to answer all your want-to-know wedding style questions. A dab hand at turning drab to fab, Mark has over 10 years events experience and is the go-to guy when it comes to planning wow-worthy weddings. In demand with sporting superstars and super-cool socialites alike, Mark is bursting with inspirational ideas to add so-you touches to your big day.

Hi Mark,

I'm planning a Great Gatsby inspired day (I love 20's and art deco styling) and need some affordable ideas to dress up the village hall where I'm having my reception. It's luckily quite a deco building on the outside but the inside is a rather run down blank canvas. Can you suggest anything that instantly says 20's (without being OTT) and won't cost a fortune?

Thank you - I'd really love some advice as your website looks amazing!!!

BB xx

Hi Mark,

So thrilled to chat with you virtually. I love your work and always remain wowed by the events you create. As a fledgling wedding planner I am always keeping an eye on current trends and wedding styles that are proving popular with brides. Although I'm not a trend follower and don't believe brides should be either, my philosophy is about creating something stylish, timeless and totally reflective of the couple concerned.

[i]What advice can you give to couples therefore to make their event really unique, one-of-a-kind and representative of their personalities?[/i]

Michelle
Pocketful of Dreams

Hi Mark,

I am planning an intimate wedding next year with only a select number of guests (around 20) and have really limited space within the dining area for elaborate decor. We don't have a theme as such but we are trying to create a laid-back, rustic ambience.

Can you suggest how I can style the dining space without cramping the tables which are to be set-up refectory style (with people sitting either side of a 1 metre wide table). I am already including charger plates and glassware in my chosen colours but I am unsure if I have the space for flowers on the tables as well and don't want them to look bare.

The other question I have is about keeping my guests entertained in the evening. I am not having any dancing or live entertainment, more of a laid-back, relaxed affair, but I need some ideas to prevent the celebration falling flat after dinner.

Thank-you
Sarah

Hi Folks

Looking forward to chatting to you all shortly!

Keep the questions coming.

Mark

Hi Mark

My question is more business related. As a wedding planner how do you go about choosing your suppliers. I am a small venue decoration company and interested to know from the "other side" how to get a relationship with wedding planners to be their preferred supplier, what do you look for and how to you source "us"

Many thanks

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for joining the webchat today with the wonderful Mark Niemierko.

Mark will be in the hot seat until 2pm so please do keep your questions for him coming in.

Enjoy!

Webmaster xx

Hi MothyB

Sounds terribly chic. Firstly hire in some champagne saucers from Jones Hire. Glassware can add that wow.

Hire the Rockabella's a 20/40's trio act... they are amazing and not very expensive. I love them.

And finally if you really wanted instant wow change your venue to Claridge's - instantly Art Deco!

No seriously I think those little touches are perfect.

Have fun.
Mark

Hi Mark,

I am so delighted to be part of your web chat! I am planning a winter wedding for this December, between Christmas and New Year. We only set the date 3 months ago so I have been very busy getting all the plans together. I have really struggled to find inspiration for our big day. The best I can find is Christmas themes or white with red roses. I am looking for some unique winter wedding inspiration with a glamorous but intimate feel. No snowflakes!
Any suggestions or advice?

Also I will be wearing my veil over my face as I come down the isle, but i am not sure who is supposed to lift this. Is it me, my mum (who is giving me away) or my fiance?

Would love to hear your advice

Thank you
Becca

Hi Pocketfulofdreams

Firstly thank you for your very kind comments.

Adding a couples personality and personal style is really easy I find. Just talk to them. Have a casual chat on whose their fav celebrity chef, what restaurants do they like (and why - is it because of the decor, food or cocktails for example). Also what they hate! Knowing what a Bride and Groom can't stand instantly tells me their style - and helps me avoid suggesting anything they are going to not like.

Everyone and every couple is one of a kind. So as long as they follow who they actually are with their planning they'll create a one of a kind event.

Best of luck with your business - will take a peek at your site when I'm done here.

Mark