As we dive into a fresh week, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Sundari Uthayakumar, aka The Wedding Stylist, one of the most innovative newcomers on the wedding scene. You might recall our previous encounter with Sundari, who was instrumental in helping real-life couple Gemma and Tom bring their unique wedding vision to life. This talented stylist has kindly shared her very first inspiration shoot with us – a breathtaking silver and sage-themed setup featuring lanterns, baby’s breath, and elegant glassware, beautifully captured by Ross Holkham Photography. But that’s not all; we also had the opportunity to sit down with Sundari and tap into her expertise on wedding planning, budgeting, the role of a stylist in the process, and what it takes to establish oneself as a successful wedding professional.
What are the biggest trends you’re noticing in weddings at the moment?
The incorporation of sparkling elements, such as sequins, stripes, and glitter, into wedding attire is becoming increasingly popular. This trend towards bold and eye-catching designs suggests that couples are embracing their creativity and expressing themselves in a more uninhibited way. The use of metallic materials and abstract patterns adds an extra layer of excitement and playfulness to the overall aesthetic, reflecting the couple’s desire to make a statement and let their imagination run wild on their special day.
How can couples create the kind of weddings they love from blogs and Pinterest, while still making it personal and timeless?
A wedding becomes truly personal when the couple at its center takes ownership of every detail. Rather than stressing over originality, I believe it’s essential to focus on what matters most to the couple – whether that’s a delectable menu, a lively playlist, or an intimate guest list. It’s crucial to start from a place of authenticity and let your passions shine through. For instance, if you both adore popcorn, why not incorporate a popcorn bar instead of a traditional candy bar? The key is to infuse your wedding with the things that bring you joy. Ultimately, weddings are timeless, and what matters most is that they reflect the unique love story between the couple.
What areas should couples invest most in for their wedding?
When it comes to wedding planning, couples often face a dilemma: where to prioritize their time and energy. For some, it’s the drinks and festivities that take center stage, while for others, it’s the honeymoon adventure that they’re looking forward to. However, I believe that investing in the foundation of your relationship is crucial. A wedding marks the beginning of a new chapter together, and it’s essential to nurture that love and connection.In the midst of planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of details and lose sight of what truly matters. Remember, this is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other! Take a step back, breathe, and focus on enjoying this special time together. Don’t let the stress of wedding planning overshadow the excitement of starting your new life together.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the costs and logistics, take a deep breath and refocus on what truly matters. What are the non-negotiables for you both? Prioritize those aspects, and everything else will fall into place.
What areas do you think couples should save most on their wedding?
It’s time to cut the cord and simplify! Are you overwhelmed by DIY projects that aren’t meeting your expectations? If a particular task is becoming more of a burden than a joy, it’s okay to let go. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or scale back your plans if needed. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the process and having fun.When it comes to staying within budget, take a step back and breathe. Write down all your expenses by hand (there’s something therapeutic about putting pen to paper!). Don’t feel pressured to spend more money on one thing and less on another just because that’s what everyone else is doing. It’s your day, your choice.Listen to your gut; if something feels too expensive or out of reach, it might be a sign that you should reconsider. I like to do my research and shop around for the best deals, whether it’s searching for unique finds on Etsy or scouring eBay for bargains.
Weddings are often a lot about dresses, flowers and soft tones, what are some ways that grooms can make more of a stamp on their day?
While it’s common for brides to take center stage, grooms play a vital 50% in making the wedding happen. When planning a DIY wedding, it’s crucial that the couple works together from the start. This collaboration allows them to share ideas and build a cohesive vision for their special day. Rather than leaving decision-making solely up to the bride, I believe it’s essential for the groom to have an open and honest conversation with his partner about her plans and ideas. This not only gives the bride a chance to gauge the groom’s thoughts on her creative endeavors but also allows him to express any concerns or reservations he may have. By doing so, couples can avoid last-minute surprises and stressful moments leading up to the wedding. In reality, compromise is inevitable, and finding common ground is key to a harmonious planning process.
Aside from blogs, magazines and Pinterest, is there anywhere else couples should go to for wedding inspiration?
As someone who’s passionate about weddings, I find inspiration in the unlikeliest of places – like a stroll down a new street or a browse through a unique shop. There’s something about the creative window displays that sparks my imagination and gets my creative juices flowing. My background in architecture has also given me an appreciation for how spaces are designed and used, which often translates to wedding planning. It’s all about understanding how people move and interact within those spaces – just as you wouldn’t want a candy floss cart inside when the party is happening outside! Even seemingly mundane things like everyday life or TV cooking shows can be a source of inspiration. Just ask Mary Berry – I recently found myself inspired by her latest show!
How can couples ensure their wedding day itself runs smoothly?
While wedding planning may conjure up images of lavish decorations and romantic moments, the reality is that logistics often take center stage. Who’s responsible for transporting the beer? What time do the sparklers go off? A detailed schedule can be a lifesaver, allowing you to hand over the reins to your trusted team member or friend and relax knowing they have all the necessary information. This timeline ensures that everything unfolds according to plan, giving you the freedom to soak up every moment of your special day. Having contact details for each supplier is also crucial, so if something goes awry, someone can quickly rectify the situation. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between planning and letting go. Don’t try to micromanage your guests or suppliers – instead, focus on enjoying the experience and trust that everything will fall into place.
What exactly do wedding stylists do? How do they differ from wedding planners?
As every wedding stylist has their unique flair and passion, I’m thrilled to be the one who helps bring your special day to life with contemporary decoration and details. My goal is to create jaw-dropping spaces that make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Not only do I come up with creative ideas, but I also take pride in hand-crafting every detail myself. Whether it’s suggesting ways to arrange your table setting or providing an artistic eye to ensure everything is beautifully composed, my aim is to deliver a cohesive and stunning visual display.
For couples like June bride Gemma, who are bursting with creative ideas, I’m happy to be that trusted helping hand in bringing their Pinterest-perfect wedding vision to reality. In contrast, wedding planners often focus on the logistical aspects of planning, leaving stylists or designers like myself to concentrate on the creative aspects and ensuring every detail is meticulously planned.
Ultimately, my role as a stylist is to empower couples who want to plan their special day but may not have the time or inspiration to get everything just right – allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about the finer details.
Why should someone hire a wedding stylist?
A skilled stylist brings a wedding to life by orchestrating a harmonious blend of creative elements, effortlessly elevating the overall aesthetic. Their expertise lies in curating unique ideas and special touches that leave a lasting impression.
Rather than being omnipresent on the big day, they focus on conceptualizing and coordinating the visual aspects of the celebration. This enables them to provide innovative suggestions that challenge traditional norms and inspire couples to think outside the box – like incorporating customised confetti for an unforgettable photo opportunity or using stunning backdrops to add drama to reception tables.
At its core, a stylist’s goal is to ensure that every wedding reflects the couple’s personality and style, making each celebration truly one-of-a-kind.
Tell us a bit about setting up a business in the wedding industry.
The spark of entrepreneurship ignited within me, driving me to create a business that goes beyond just planning weddings. I envision thousands of couples seeking guidance to bring their dream wedding to life, and I aim to inspire them to dive headfirst into designing every detail. To achieve this, one must first define oneself, their brand, and their ideal client. The vastness of the wedding industry doesn’t mean you should settle for mediocrity; instead, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Within a few months, I successfully brought together an incredible team of suppliers to bring my vision of a year-long-coming photo shoot to life. This marks just the beginning of a bright future ahead. With a show-stopping wedding in June on the horizon and meeting the love of my life through it, I’m confident that there are others out there who share my passion for combining forces and unleashing our creativity to create unforgettable weddings. A dash of sparkle can make all the difference, and I aim to empower anyone considering starting their own business to seize the opportunity and watch their dreams take flight.