Before establishing my own company, I joined Historic Royal Palaces as an Events Coordinator at Kensington Palace, eventually progressing to the role of Senior Events Executive at Banqueting House. Over the course of seven years, I mastered the complexities of hosting events in historic venues, successfully delivering a range of experiences, from the first-ever video mapping event at Banqueting House to high-profile occasions for esteemed clients such as Bulgari, Victoria Beckham, and UNICEF…”
Rose Francis, Founder, Rose Francis Events
Rose Francis is the founder and Event Director of Rose Francis Events and is known for her meticulous planning, creative vision, and ability to balance absolute professionalism with a down-to-earth approach. Her experience within Historic Royal Palaces sets her apart from many in the events industry and elevates in the luxury wedding sector. Here we discuss Rose’s background in planning and how she delights her clients with creative themes..
C&B: “Rose you have a very strong presence in the world of planning; could you describe your journey into this sector and what aspects of your role you find most rewarding?”
RF: “I’ve been surrounded by celebrations for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my parents hosted legendary New Year’s Eve parties, and my dad captured every moment on camera, instilling in me the importance of creating lasting memories. While studying Events Management at Greenwich University, I worked at the London 2012 Olympics, managing corporate hospitality across some of London’s most prestigious venues. This was my introduction to the luxury events industry, and I was hooked…”
As an event and wedding planner, I specialise in bringing celebrations to life in London’s most unique venues, from historic palaces and grand museums to contemporary galleries. London offers an incredible variety of extraordinary spaces, and I thrive on navigating their strict rules and regulations to create truly unforgettable experiences for my clients…”
Rose Francis, Founder, Rose Francis Events
RF: “After Historic Royal Palaces, I became Senior Event Manager at the Design Museum, where I worked across a wide variety of events, from exhibitions and drinks receptions to major dinners. But after getting married and moving to the countryside, I decided it was time to take everything I had learned and launch my own business. Rose Francis Events was born from a decade of experience working in prestigious, unique venues, and now I use my expertise to help clients plan unforgettable events in these venues, ensuring each one is as seamless, beautiful, and meaningful as possible. For me, the most rewarding part of this journey has always been the same: creating extraordinary moments that people will remember for a lifetime…”
C&B: “How do you approach the planning process to ensure that each wedding or event is a unique reflection of the couple’s vision and style?”
RF: “My approach is entirely client-led, I believe the best weddings and events are those that feel authentic and deeply personal, rather than just following the latest trend. From the very first conversation, I take the time to understand what makes my clients unique: their love story, passions, and the experiences that have shaped them. I use these insights to design an event that feels like a true extension of who they are. Whether it’s a nod to their favourite city, a signature cocktail inspired by their first date, or reimagining traditions in a way that feels more ‘them’, every detail is thoughtfully curated. At the same time, I bring my expertise in unique venues to ensure their vision works seamlessly within the space. I look at how to enhance the venue’s architecture, history, and atmosphere to make it feel both spectacular and personal. I also collaborate closely with trusted suppliers, ensuring they align with the couple’s aesthetic and values. The events I create are beautiful, meaningful, and completely one of a kind.”
C&B: “We recently celebrated Valentine’s Day – how do you incorporate that specific theme into the planning of a wedding around that date, particularly in terms of décor and ambiance?”
RF: “I love Valentine’s Day! My advice is to embrace the romance – hearts, Cupid motifs, roses, love letters, and candlelit settings all add to the magic. Music sets the mood, so I recommend musical performances, like a harpist or a soulful singer with a grand piano. Candlelight is key for creating an intimate ambiance. Personal touches, such as handwritten menus or love letters from the hosts, make guests feel cherished. A rich red and soft pink palette with gold accents adds opulence, while roses are a must. A Valentine’s-inspired drinks menu can be a fun touch – rosé champagne towers or cocktails infused with rose or pomegranate to keep things elegant but on theme. For me, Valentine’s Day events should feel immersive, drawing people into a world of romance, nostalgia, and celebration – without being too predictable!”
C&B: “More specifically, how do you generally curate romantic table settings that enhance the overall atmosphere of a wedding or special event?”
RF: “A beautifully curated romantic table setting is all about elegance, warmth, and personal touches that make guests feel special. Lighting is key, layered tapered candles and tea lights create an intimate glow, while lush florals like roses, peonies, or carnations add softness and fragrance. A classic red and pink palette, paired with luxurious linens and personalised napkins, enhances the romance. Although soft blues and creams can feel equally romantic if styled in the right way. Small details such as handwritten place cards, love notes from the hosts, or table names inspired by iconic couples add a personal touch. A romantic tablescape should feel effortless yet personal to the guest or couple, ensuring every element, enhances the atmosphere…”
I don’t believe in limiting my work to within the city walls of London; my expertise takes me across England and the UK – later this year, I’m planning a spectacular birthday party within a marquee in the English countryside, bringing the same level of thoughtful design and attention to detail to ensure the event is as seamless as it is stunning…”
Rose Francis, Founder, Rose Francis Events
C&B: “Could you share your process for selecting and collaborating with venues to create a cohesive and visually stunning event?”
RF: “I specialise in unique venues, these are historic landmarks, museums, and architecturally striking spaces, each with its own story to tell. When a client chooses a unique venue for their event, the venues status brings immediate prestige and excitement. My approach is all about enhancing the venue’s natural beauty, rather than overpowering it.”
Having worked in historic venues for over a decade, I focus on design details that will complement the space. I love incorporating the venue’s character into the event design. If the dining room has a painted ceiling, a mirrored tabletop will reflect its beauty. If the space features ornate hand-painted wallpaper, I weave those colours and patterns into stationery, table settings, or even floral arrangements. Collaboration with the venue team and suppliers is key, I work closely with them to respect logistical considerations while ensuring the event runs seamlessly and is visually breathtaking…”
Rose Francis, Rose Francis, Founder, Rose Francis Events
C&B: “What are some of the challenges you face when planning weddings and events, and how do you overcome these to ensure a seamless experience for clients?”
RF: “One of the biggest challenges with unique venues is often limited setup time and logistical restrictions. The key is to keep things streamlined. Don’t overcomplicate the setup, focus on high-impact elements that can be efficiently executed. I always recommend working with suppliers who know the venue inside out. Their expertise ensures smooth logistics, creative solutions, and a flawless guest experience. By collaborating with the right teams and planning every detail meticulously, I can ensure that even the most complex events run smoothly…”
C&B: “How do you integrate personal touches and details into your event designs to make each celebration memorable and meaningful for your clients and their guests?”
RF: “I love getting to know my couples on a personal level. Their love story, passions, and little quirks often inspire my creativity and make each event truly unique. For example, I once had a couple who adored their two cats. Since the cats couldn’t attend the wedding, we commissioned an artist to create an illustration of the couple with their pets, which was then printed as their cake topper—meaning their fur babies were in pride of place! Another bride wanted to surprise her groom by hiring his favourite singer to perform their first dance song. Seeing his reaction when the artist walked out was an unforgettable moment! Whether an idea is simple or elaborate, it’s all about creating moments that feel deeply personal and unforgettable…”
C&B: “Can you provide insights into current trends in wedding and event planning this coming year, particularly those that enhance romantic settings?”
RF: “The biggest trend for 2025/26 weddings is creating an intimate ‘dinner party’ atmosphere, where couples move away from formality by creating an ambience that feels like ‘home’. We’re talking long tables, organic, seasonal florals and an abundance of candlelight for ‘effortless’romance. Although a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make the setting feel effortless. Personal touches are key, with handwritten menus, personalised embroidered napkins, and mix-and-match tableware add character and authenticity. Family-style dining and sharing platters are replacing traditional plated meals, bringing a sense of familiarity and warmth to the celebration. One trend I hope to see take off? Wandering cannoli stations, where guests can choose their favourite filling! A delicious, interactive dessert is always a crowd-pleaser— and who doesn’t love cannoli?”
C&B: “Of course! We are big fans of dessert stations; they’re also a great way to get guests to mingle. The attention to detail in everything you do is inspiring, Rose – how does this translate to the logistics of planning large-scale events… isn’t it time consuming?”
RF: “I take on a limited number of weddings and events each year to ensure I can give each client my full attention. Managing large-scale events is all about organisation, collaboration, and adaptability. I use an online platform to keep all information in one place, ensuring seamless communication with clients. Regular check-ins help gather feedback and keep everything on track. I also work with trusted suppliers known for their exceptional design and ability to adapt to last-minute changes. Strong relationships built over the years mean I can rely on them when it matters most. Ahead of every event, I hold detailed pre-event meetings and prepare a master event sheet to ensure nothing is overlooked. No matter the challenge, I remain calm, collected, and prepared, always having Plan B (or Z!) ready to go!”
C&B: “For those newly engaged over Valentine’s Day, what advice would you offer to couples who are in the early stages of planning their wedding, especially those seeking a romantic and elegant celebration?”
RF: “Before booking anything, my advice would be to agree on your budget and include at least a 10% contingency – trust me, in the weeks before your wedding, you’ll start buying things you never thought you’d need! As a couple, decide what’s most important to you. Whether it’s food, décor, music, or entertainment; so you know where to invest. When finalising your guest list, a simple test is to ask yourself: “Would I happily buy this person dinner at a restaurant?” If not, reconsider their invite..”
For a truly romantic and meaningful wedding, think about what defines you as a couple. Do you love your pets, travel, or a particular era? Find ways to weave these elements into your celebration. If you’re unsure how, speak to your wedding planner or suppliers, they’ll have plenty of creative ideas to bring your story to life…”
Rose Francis, Rose Francis, Founder, Rose Francis Events
C&B: “What has been a particularly memorable wedding or event you’ve planned, and what were the elements that contributed to its success?”
RF: “One of the most memorable weddings planned completely broke the traditional ‘rules’. The couple had eloped to Paris but wanted to celebrate with friends and family back in London – without the usual formalities. There was no sit-down dinner, no speeches, no bouquet toss, and no cake cutting, though they did have a stunning cake on display!Instead, they had an epic party where every detail was deeply personal and inspired by their love story. To bring Paris to the Design Museum, we created a guestbook bridge – a nod to the Pont des Arts – where guests wrote love notes on illustrated padlocks and hung them onto a miniature bridge. The fully vegan menu featured a burger bar and crêpe station, and instead of a traditional first dance, the couple kicked off the night with karaoke and plenty of Taylor Swift. Personalisation was at the heart of the celebration. Guests enjoyed custom cocktails, a bouquet station where they could take home their own flowers, and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that reflected the couple perfectly. It was proof that a wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition to be incredibly meaningful, fun, and unforgettable…”
C&B: “Rose, the creativity you’ve shown in that instance is incredible! How do you stay inspired and continue to bring fresh, innovative ideas to your event planning, ensuring each one is just as unique and captivating as that one?”
RF: “My biggest source of inspiration is my clients. For couples, I love learning their story and weaving personal touches into their wedding. For corporate clients, I immerse myself in their brand and event theme, ensuring every detail enhances their message and experience. Beyond that, I find inspiration everywhere: travel, theatre, restaurants, and architecture. I’m constantly taking photos of designs, food, and spaces, knowing they’ll spark ideas for a future event. I also stay closely connected with suppliers, keeping up with their latest work and innovations. This helps me match the right suppliers to each client, ensuring every event feels fresh, thoughtful, and completely unique!”
PHOTO CREDITS:
HARRY PSEFTOUDIS PHOTOGRAPHY
TWOBYTWO PHOTOGRAPHY
RICHARD HEALD
RACHEL ORPHAN
DAN MCCOURT
FG STUDIOS
CONTACT: http://www.rosefrancisevents.co.uk
