Q&A with luxury wedding planner Mark Niemierko

While budgets may vary, you’re only going to tie the know once (we hope). If you’re going all out to make your ceremony one nobody will ever forget, you might need the advice of a seasoned professional like Mark Niemierko. His company Niemierko is one of the country’s premier luxury wedding and events planning services, and we grabbed him so we could bring you his advice for making your special day truly magical.

Have you seen an increase in gay couples approaching you since it was announced that same-sex marriages would be available?
I wouldn’t say an increase. When civil partnerships came into law certainly that was the peak for same-sex couples.

What are the latest trends in terms of wedding ceremonies?
At the moment it’s often something intimate, alternative. Not really hotel ballrooms but iconic venues such as Battersea Power Station, Blenheim Palace and more rustic chic venues such as Babington House.

What about in terms of table settings, flowers and all the trimmings?
It really depends on the couple and their various tastes and styles, but certainly larger ‘wow’ table centres and ceremony arrangements are common – statement urn arrangements full of one flower type and colour with huge height.

What are the most lavish and popular venues that perform same-sex marriage ceremonies?
I would say Babington House, Blenheim Palace, Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Haymarket Hotel and Banqueting House.

Should suits always be matching or would you suggest trying different styles?
Personally, I think that straight or gay, anything too matchy is rather cringeworthy!  On your wedding day you should always dress like yourself – just a little more polished and groomed.  If it’s black tie for your guests perhaps you and your partner could wear white-tie, but not from the same designer.  I think it’s nice to be individual – opposites attract after all – so there’s nothing wrong with one groom in a slim-line Burberry suit with skinny lapels marrying a groom in a traditional, fitted Tom Ford suit.  I think they would actually look quite sharp together!

Should receptions always follow the traditional pattern? 
I’m a true believer in breaking your wedding day up. Keep your guests guessing!  Nothing is more boring than walking into a hotel ballroom, tables laid, empty stage with band equipment and the dance floor in sight for later – it’s more fun to break the dinner and dancing up. Look into moving your guests from a dining room into a nightclub prepped especially for the reception.

Do couples come to you with solid ideas in their heads or do they leave it all for you?
Couples always vary.  Some have clear ideas and others are nervous that they don’t know where to begin! I think everyone has an idea though, and if they don’t I soon get it out of them by getting to know them and their tastes, likes and – more importantly – dislikes!

What advice would you give a couple who have just got engaged. What are the first steps they should take?
Firstly think when. Put a month in mind then think about numbers and where.  Finally think about the budget.  Be realistic and honest with yourself and your planner if you have one – know your upper-limit before you begin.

If you were to work with the following budgets how extravagant could you go?
£5000 – Book a cool city town hall where many rock ‘n’ roll stars and celebs have been married, then close down your favourite pub or another favourite restaurant and bar and keep the guest list intimate and special.  One of my favourite weddings as a guest was where my friends closed a restaurant on Bethnal Green Road for their reception. It was fun, personal, and ended with us dancing on the tables!

£50,000 – Add some glamour! Think hotel ballrooms such as Claridge’s or The Mandarin Oriental.  Have fun with extra little details from escort cards to personalised cocktails.

£100,000 – Go all out ‘wow’.  Get model waiters to ensure canapés are served with a smile; Savile Row suits; blow dries for your guests before the ceremony and an orchestra to kick start your ceremony in style.

For all your luxury wedding planning needs, visit niemierko.com