Monday, 27 July 2009

Surprise Party!




It was my sister's 21st birthday at the weekend and I arranged a surprise party for her at Ringwood Hall Hotel. I managed to get all her friends and family to the Hotel before she was due to arrive at 8pm ready for the 'Surprise'!

I hope you enjoyed the party Sarah... Happy Birthday!

I just wanted to say a massive thanks to Karen and Jo from Layers Cakes who created the brilliant birthday cake (pictured above) which not only tasted great but matched the party's colour theme perfectly.

Also thanks to all the staff at Ringwood Hall for all their help arranging the event and for providing the yummy BBQ...

For help to coordinate any type of party call me on 01246 229556....

Monday, 13 July 2009

Venue Search

I have just completed a venue search for Marion & Wac who's wedding is due to take place next July. It has been a lovely project as it's required me to search outside the areas which I usually work in. The search took me to Northamptonshire & Warwickshire where I discovered some gorgeous wedding venues. Marion and Wac have decided upon Sedgebrook Hall-Northampton, pictured above, to house their wedding celebrations next year. It's a great choice and I wish them all the best with the rest of their planning... Lisa x
"Hi Lisa. Just a quick note to say thanks again for carrying out our venue search and helping us find the perfect venue for our wedding. We are really looking forward to our big day. Thanks again! Marion & Wac x"

John Preston Flowers - Wedding Fayre


You are invited to attend...
John Preston Flowers - Wedding fayre
On Sunday 2nd August 2009 - 11am-4pm
Showcasing John Preston Flowers and the Wedding Showroom.
Wedding related suppliers, including myself will be on hand to offer advice and chat about the services we can offer.
For directions and more details visit John Preston Flowers
See you there...

Monday, 22 June 2009

Chelsea & Jason's Wedding - 20th June 2009

It was a fantastic day on Saturday as Chelsea & Jason became Mr & Mrs Etienne!
After a beautiful ceremony at West Hallam Church, together with their family and friends they enjoyed a reception at Risley Hall.
The day went perfectly... Everything from the set up of the venue in the morning to arranging the surprise performance for the groom from singer Laura Ige.
Chelsea looked stunning in her Ian Stuart gown and even the dogs dressed up for the occasion!
Everyone was very impressed at how everything from the chair covers to the cake matched.
We had some great comments, especially from the staff at Risley Hall who said the room looked the best it ever has!
Here is a sneak preview of a few pictures from the day... The official photographs taken by photographer Steve Ireland will be added to my gallery page soon... Keep a lookout.



I would like to congratulate Chelsea & Jason on their special day and wish them all the best for the future. Its been a pleasure working with you over the last 8 months and I hope the day was everything you wished for!
Lisa x

Friday, 24 April 2009

The Perfect Dress...

Finding the perfect dress is one of the most important parts of planning your big day....

Well, I am pleased to say that I have two more happy brides, who have both found 'The one'!

I accompanied Fiona, her mother-in-law to be and her friend dress shopping last weekend, we didn't even make it to the third shop as Fiona found 'the one' in the second shop and was over the moon! Her choice is beautiful!
Fiona and Steve's wedding takes place on Friday 30th July 2010...

I also arranged a day of dress shopping for kellee and her mum at some of my favorite bridal boutiques in Chesterfield, where Kellee found her perfect dress! I can't wait to see it...!
Kellee and Steve's wedding takes place on Saturday 22nd August 2009...

Inspiration Story Board


I created this story board for Tara & Matt who's wedding will take place exactly a year to the day - On Saturday the 24th April 2010!
When chatting about colours, themes and decorations with my couples I often find we end up with lots of ideas, pictures and cuttings from magazines. A great way to start to visualise how all the different decorative elements could work together is to collate them all on one board. Straight away you will be able to see the look and feel of your dream wedding start to come through, as all the individual images that are featured obviously inspire you.
Remember to then take your inspiration story board with you to your appointments with your venue, florist etc... to visually explain to them the overall look and feel your are trying to create.

Monday, 20 April 2009

Venue Search

I have had a lovely few weeks with my clients, Nafeesa & Paul visiting lots of beautiful wedding venues. Nafeesa & Paul live in Canada and have decided to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends in their home county of Derbyshire in July next year. They have been here visiting over the Easter holidays so we got together to start the search for the perfect wedding venue! After three days, over 8 venues and lots of cups of coffee later we found the perfect setting for their big day.... Their choice is beautiful!
After a short visit, they have returned to Canada, leaving me to organise everything else...! I am very excited to be part of their wedding plans and after listening to all their initial ideas I know it's all going to look fantastic.... All their ideas are top secret as they want everything from the cake to the decor to be a surprise for their family and friends... My lips are sealed!
Nafeesa & Paul's wedding will take place on Sunday 4th July 2010

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Bespoke Wedding Cake


My clients, Chelsea & Jason along with the help of Jo and karen at Layers Cakes have designed their own bespoke wedding cake! We all met for a consultation on Saturday to finalise the design and to confirm all the details. Jo and karen at Layers Cakes provide a great personal service and will work with you to design the perfect cake to fit around your style, taste and wedding theme. In this case, the design of the cake has been the starting point of inspiration for the rest of Chelsea & Jason's wedding, everything from stationary to decor will tie in beautifully. I cant wait to see, what at the minute is a sketch, transform into a beautiful bespoke wedding cake... and not only will it look fantastic but it will also taste amazing.... Layers Cakes offer a wide selection of flavors including chocolate orange and lemon.... and i must say they are gorgeous... of course i had to sample every flavor!
Chelsea & Jason's wedding will take place on the 20th June 2009 at Risley Hall.

Thursday, 5 March 2009

Instant Photographs...

I recently met John from West Bar Photography who is based in Barlow, Derbyshire at the Red Lion wedding fayre. He told me about an instant photo printing machine that he has, basically John will download all the photographs that he captures throughout your wedding day on to the machine then your guests can browse the photos, select their favorites and print them out there and then! Prints start from £4 which includes a frame and the machine is included for free in the wedding photography packages which start from just £350!
What a great idea...!
For more details contact John on 01142891626
or visit the website Westbar Photography

Friday, 27 February 2009

Fresh Ideas Florists


Sam at Fresh Ideas Florists on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield kindly provided me with these beautiful flowers for display on my table when exhibiting at wedding fayres.

Fresh Ideas Florists also provided the flowers for Lisa & Paul's and Michelle & Gareth's weddings... pictures of which can be seen on the gallery pages on my website

Fresh Ideas Florists
17 Chatsworth Road, Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S402AH
01246 275757

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Trent FM Interview

Did anyone hear me on the radio on Tuesday 17th Feb...?

Trent FM - Nottingham contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would feature in an interview discussing the latest wedding related statisics that show a decline in the number of couples getting married. I happily commented on these statistics...

After chatting to many couples over the last few months regarding how or if the credit crunch is affecting their wedding plans, i'm finding that it's not putting people off getting married all together, instead couples are either setting lower budgets, comprimising on one or two elements of their wedding, putting the date back in order to save more money or reducing the number of guests... as you will all know, feeding your guests is the biggest expense!

Challenge me to reduce your wedding bill...!

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Cake Tasting (it's a tough job, but someone has got to do it!)





I had a lovely morning last weekend with one of my brides and her mum tasting lots of yummy cakes! Candice from Candy Cakes kindly invited us to her studio in Chesterfield to sample all the different flavors of cake and to view her wedding collection. Candice will work with you to design a cake that fits your wedding requirements and budget... and she has kindly offered my bride 10% off her chosen cake!!
For more details about candy cakes visit the website Candy Cakes

Thursday, 29 January 2009

Wedding Fayres


I am now also exhibiting at the following wedding fayres over the next few months...
Sunday 8th February -11-4pm - Goosedale- Nottinghamshire www.stanleymodels.co.uk
Catwalk shows @ 12.30pm & 2.30pm - Admission £2.50
Thursday 19th February - 5-9pm - Risley Hall Hotel- Derbyshire www.oxfordhotelsandinns.com

Monday 23rd February - 6-9pm - Midland Hotel- Derby www.midland-derby.co.uk

Sunday 1st March - 11-4pm - Leopold Hotel- Sheffield www.leopoldhotel.co.uk

Come along and say hi... I'll see you there...

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few FAQ's - I hope they answer your questions.
  • "We're on a tight budget, can we still afford your services?"

Yes, my fees will be taken from your total wedding budget as apposed to being an additional cost. Whatever your budget, I will work with you, advising you how to spend and make the most of your money. I work with couples with all different budgets and produce a package that suits their individual needs. I charge for my time, therefore I can do as much or as little for you as required.

  • "How many couples will you be working with at any one time?"

As i am a full time wedding planner i can comfortably work with anything from 5-30 couples at any one time dependant on the size of their weddings. This allows me to deliver a personal service to each, being available at the other end of the phone at any time or aiming to reply to calls and e-mails within a day. I will only ever attend one wedding a day, again to dedicate my time fully to the couple's wedding.

  • "Can you get us discounts from suppliers?"

Yes, I have managed to negotiate discounts and deals with many suppliers, from free bridesmaid dresses and tiaras to money off flowers and photography - which in many cases will usually cover the cost of my fees.

  • "We've got everything sorted but could you just help out on the day?"

Yes, i can come in at any stage, even as close to one month before your wedding. Hand everything over to me and you can relax and enjoy the run up to your special day whilst i finalise all the arrangements, coordinate the suppliers and oversee the day. On-the-day coordination - from £350.

If you have any more questions... I'd love to hear form you. Lisa x

Monday, 26 January 2009

Civil Partnerships


The pink guide website is a reliable source of advice and information for anyone planning a civil partnership and includes a directory of wedding suppliers which are divided into catagories and counties so you are able to source your local suppliers. Lisa Hilliard Wedding planning is now featured in the Derbyshire Wedding Planners catagory. To visit the website and for more information click the link above.

The next gay wedding show is taking place on Sunday the 18th October 2009 at the Ramada Jarvis Picadilly, Manchester - for more details visit the website by clicking the above link.

To discuss your civil partnership contact Lisa on 01246 229556 today...

Saturday, 17 January 2009

Bespoke Wedding Shoes



Can't find the perfect shoes for your big day...?
Bespoke Big Day are an online company that produce some fab wedding shoes... and best of all you can create your perfect pair... Select your favorite style, the perfect height from flat to 5" with a choice of 30 different colours... and if that's not enough, you can have all that for less than £100!
Visit the website Bespoke or call Rachel at Bespoke Big Day to discuss your perfect wedding shoes...

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

Merry Christmas...!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...!
Best Wishes
Lisa x

Your Dream Wedding Needs a Dream Team..!

I have been asked by my friends at Choola bridalwear to become part of their wedding dream team! Together with a handpicked selection of some of the best wedding suppliers in South Yorkshire, Choola are hosting a dream team event on Thursday the 29th of January from 7-9pm. For your chance to save up to £2000 off your wedding come along and meet the experts over a glass of bubbly and a piece of cake. Places are strictly limited, so for a complimentary ticket please contact myself of Choola direct on 01142671303.
Ill see you there...!

Choola Bridalwear - Ecclesall Road, Sheffield

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Wedding Fayres 2009

Here is a list of wedding fayres that are taking place over the next few months in my local area... I'm not exhibiting at these due to other commitments but thought you all might want to go along for some ideas and inspiration. Visit my website for details of the wedding fayres that I am attending...
Sunday 25th January - Stuart Hotel, Derby - 10-4pm
Sunday 1st February - Gateway Hotel, Nottingham - 11-4pm
Sunday 1st February - Winding Wheel, Chesterfield - 11-4pm
Sunday 1st February - Sheffield park Hotel, Sheffield - 11-4pm
Sunday 15th February - Sitwell Arms, Renishaw - 11-4pm
Sunday 22nd February - Whirlow Grange, Sheffield - 11-4pm

Friday, 12 December 2008

Wedding Dress Shopping!

I had a great day yesterday wedding dress shopping with one of my brides, Rachael and her mum, sister and auntie. Rachael had visited lots of bridal boutiques before we met and had tried on all different styles of gowns, I suggested a few bridal boutiques that she hadn't been to and then yesterday in the last shop of the day... she found 'The One'...! So of course we had to celebrate and crack open a few bottles of champagne to toast a very successful shopping trip! I'm not going to say any more... You will all now have to wait to see the pictures after the wedding!
Rachael and Jason's wedding will take place in August 2010

John Preston Flowers Launch Party!

I was kindly invited to the opening launch night of the new John Preston Flowers shop in Friar gate, Derby last week. John Preston, pictured below left, quickly became established as a master florist in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and after over 3 years decided to relocate to a new store. It was a great evening that showcased the fantastic new shop, the seasonal show room and the wedding consultation room, pictured below, where clients can discuss all their floristry needs..! The interior of the new shop is very slick, decorated in white and black which acts as a perfect backdrop for the beautiful flowers. You must call in and have a look for yourselves... 37 Friar Gate, Derby, Derbyshire, DE11DA... Or for more information visit the website http://www.johnprestonflowers.co.uk



The photographs were taken by Becki at Red Square Photography http://www.redsquaregallery.co.uk

Monday, 1 December 2008

The Bride Guide


The Bride Guide-Sheffield is a handbag sized essential guide to planning your big day, packed with local wedding services and tips from the experts. The guide is available free from the Whirlow Grange Wedding Show on Sunday the 22nd Feburary 2009. The guide is also available free from many Sheffield based bridal boutiques, florists and salons, for a full list of stockists visit http://www.the-bride-guide.co.uk. The next addition of the guide is due out in Feburary 2009 and will feature a pull out section of special offers and discounts vouchers.

I am offering a 5% discount on any wedding planning service booked before September 2009 with presentation of the discount voucher from the 2009 addition of The Bride Guide...!

Saturday, 29 November 2008

Whirlow Grange Wedding Show


I was asked by my friends at Choola to model their bridal gowns at the Whirlow Grange wedding fayre on the Sunday the 9th November. As you can see the bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses are gorgeous and they have lots more available in store so make sure you call in to have a look! The fashion show was held in Whirlow Granges very own chapel which is also licensed for church of England weddings. The beautiful flowers were provided by Katie Peckett and the photographs were taken by AB Photography. The wedding fayre was a great event for 'brides to be' to meet suppliers and to get lots of inspiration for their big day.



For more information visit the websites...

Choola - http://www.choola.co.uk

Katie Peckett - http://www.katiepeckett.com

AB Photography - http://ab-photography.co.uk

Whirlow Grange - http://www.whirlowgrange.co.uk

Sunday, 26 October 2008

Winter Weddings

With the British weather being so unpredictable during the summer months, many couples are now choosing to host their wedding in winter rather than hoping for the perfect summer’s day during the peak wedding season.
Remember the venues that look beautiful in full bloom during the summer look just as picturesque on a frosty winter morning.
When planning your winter wedding be creative with your choice of colour scheme... rather than opting for the traditional winter colours such as reds, greens and gold’s how about the ‘tiffany blue’ colour teamed with white and silver for a fresh, icy colour scheme.
Picture the scene... white decorative twigs covered in twinkle lights, gleaming ice sculptures, silver table decorations and the bride looking gorgeous in a pure white gown accessorised with a cosy shrug.
Why not utilise the festive decorations that most venues will have displayed during the winter months (with their permission of course) by adding extra twinkle lights, flowers or candles to tie in your colour scheme whilst saving yourself the cost of extra decorations.

Monday, 22 September 2008

Personalised Car!


My car has just been branded with my 'wedding planning logo'! Keep a look out for me driving around...

Monday, 15 September 2008

Wedding Stationery



This is the table plan and gift post box that I created for Lisa & Paul's wedding on the 23rd August 2008. They had already sourced their invites, favors and place cards and decided they would like a table plan and a personalised gift post box to match. The colour scheme for the wedding was black, white and silver and Lisa wanted to incorporate butterflies within the theme.


For more images from Lisa & Pauls wedding visit their gallery page on my website.

Saturday, 13 September 2008

Visit me at the Wedding Fayres

I will be exhibiting at the following Wedding Fayres
Come along and say hi...

Sunday 14th September 2008 - 10-4pm
Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire

Sunday 21st September 2008 - 11-4pm
Pride Park Stadium, Football Ground, Derby

Sunday 28th September 2008 - 10-4pm
Sitwell Arms, Renishaw, Derbyshire

Sunday 5th October 2008 - 11-4pm
Sheffield Park Hotel, Sheffield

Sunday 22nd February 2009 - 10-4pm
Red Lion, Stonedge, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

'As seen in' White Weddings Magazine

White Weddings Magazine

Lisa Hilliard Wedding Planning is featured in the latest edition of the Magazine. As the only Wedding Planner in the magazine, I feel truly honoured!

White Weddings Magazine is an essential read for any bride to be - with over 124 pages, filled with quality wedding suppliers, real wedding stories from around the world, reader offers, competitions and more!

To read the full article click the image above.

White Weddings Magazine - http://www.whitemedialtd.co.uk/