I never set out to become a wedding designer or coordinator; neither did I plan to run my own business (I now have two). Both happened almost by accident and I quickly found I have a passion for both business and planning beautiful events. I've been designing and coordinating weddings for more than a decade, but for half of that time it was a sideline as I pursued my first career as a broadcast journalist. But all that changed with the publication in 2006 of my first book the 'Wedding Bible'. Within six weeks it was the UK's top selling bridal book and I've never looked back.

image © barkerevans.com

The skills I acquired as young news producer however, are exactly those required to plan and execute a good wedding or party and to run a successful business: organisational and leadership skills, the ability to work to deadlines and on budget, a flair for creativity and with the knowledge that you must always think on your feet and have a back-up plan in the event things do not go quite as you expected.  As a young reporter and then presenter, I also honed the skills that have allowed me develop my writing skills and to enjoy my second broadcasting career as the 'Wedding Doctor'.

I am acutely aware however, that as the company has grown, my own skills have become less accessible to the majority. Most couples cannot afford the luxury of a wedding planner or designer and even fewer could secure the services of a luxury, top-end, international events company likes ours. Yet I did not start out at the top and I have learned so much on my amazing, roller-coaster journey to date through 'brideland'.  It is my intention on the blog therefore, to offer a few top tips, hot trends and good, honest impartial advice - and whoever or wherever you are.

As well as a series of blogs offering Top Tips (do start with my 'Ten Tops Wedding Planning Tips' together with a the blog on 'Credit Crunch Nuptials' offering budgeting tips) we're also planning a 'Virtual Wedding' that over a twelve-month period will guide you through the key wedding planning stages and some with video that you can also find on our YouTube Wedding Planning Channel.  Whether you read the Virtual Wedding and Top Tips blogs when posted, or only find us some time later, the advice should still be pertinent.

The Business Blogs will be for you if you are running a bridal business.  I am passionate about supporting other small and micro businesses and especially female entrepreneurs.

So as I say in my books: take or leave my advice, tailor it to suit your circumstances, but always be informed.