The Cotswolds is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the UK and, whilst we may be a little biased as it’s also our home, there are so many reasons why it’s one of the most stunning locations to marry in the UK. From country manors, historic castles and remote barns to luxury hotels and private family estates, this picture-perfect area of the British countryside offers international couples a truly amazing wedding experience, at any time of the year…”
Jane Riddell, Founder, Planned For Perfection
Jane Riddell is a luxury wedding and event planner based in the picturesque Cotswolds region of England. She designs exquisite and memorable events at various destinations around the world. Eighteen years ago, Jane founded ‘Planned For Perfection’ after a successful career in hotel management. Her delighted clients often express their immense appreciation for ‘Planned For Perfection,’ even on their wedding day itself (please watch the video further down this page!) In this showcase feature, we discuss what makes the Cotswolds such a popular choice for both British and international couples getting married, as well as how its stunning landscapes, charming venues, and rich cultural heritage contribute to creating the perfect backdrop for their celebrations…
C&B: “Jane, simply driving through the Cotswolds is like entering a fairytale, with its thatched-roof cottages, white picket fences, and scenic duck ponds! How do you approach the challenge of blending this quintessential British experience with different cultural traditions within your wedding designs?”
JR: “Each and every one of our weddings is unique and requires thoughtful planning from start to finish to ensure that every celebration truly represents each of our couples. Should a couple wish to blend certain cultural elements into their celebration, we take the time to understand their requirements and ensure that the day includes everything they desire, in a unique and respectful manner. International couples rely on us as their wedding planners to manage their wedding planning remotely, ensuring not only an stress-free planning journey but also a weekend to remember. For me, the main focus of any wedding day is the couple, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, all enjoying a wonderful wedding weekend. My advice to international couples is to combine memorable local experiences with personalised touches from their own culture – and to work closely with us, their wedding planner, to design a day that truly represents them as a couple…”
We accept only a limited number of couples per year and each one is offered a bespoke planning service. We work with couples from all over the world looking to plan their wedding in the Cotswolds. As a local wedding planner, we know the very best venues and suppliers, who work closely with us to ensure that each wedding is the very best that it can possibly be. One of the reasons we limit the number of weddings we take on each year is to accommodate our couples around the world in their different time zones. It’s crucial for us to be available when our couples need us, rather than simply adhering to a Monday-Friday, 9a.m-5 p.m. schedule. With regular catch up calls and clear communication, there’s no reason for the wedding journey to be anything other than fun, wherever in the world the client may be located!”
Jane Riddell, Founder, Planned For Perfection
Each ‘Planned For Perfection’ wedding is designed for each couple and their specific needs. We listen to our clients and use our years of experience to design celebrations that reflect them, by adapting the wedding planning journey to account for each couples unique requirements…”
Jane Riddell, Founder, Planned For Perfection
C&B: “While acknowledging your fantastic reputation for organising weddings in the British countryside and also at stunning city venues worldwide, how do you remain informed about global wedding trends, which is such an important aspect of staying at the top of your sector?”
JR: “We regularly attend wedding networking events and familiarisation trips, as well as reading national and international blogs. We stay up to date on social media platforms and nurture relationships with wedding suppliers and industry friends. Should a couple express a particular interest in a specific trend, we are, of course, happy to integrate that into their day. However, as important as it is to stay informed about themes and the latest fashions as a wedding planner, I truly believe that each wedding planning journey is about getting to know our couples – their likes and dislikes -to ensure their perfect day. It’s not so much about the latest trend they, or we, heard about on the grapevine or saw on social media; it is quite literally all about the couple themselves!”
We’re very mindful that sustainability is a key consideration for couples getting married in the Cotswolds. Many venues and suppliers are now integrating this aspect into their business practice, by partnering with local suppliers and off-setting their carbon foot print to reduce the impact on the surroundings; couples often specifically request a wedding that honours and preserves the natural environment of the Cotswolds…”
Jane Riddell, Founder, Planned For Perfection
C&B: “Are there ‘best times’ of the year to book a wedding in the Cotswolds and, if so, which of your ‘Planned For Perfection’ weddings has been the most memorable so far?”
JR: “I recommend embracing any one of the four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, or winter – because each showcases the beauty of the area in its distinct manner. Remember, too, it’s essential to arrange your wedding with ‘Planned for Perfection’ as early as possible as the Cotswolds is not only a popular wedding destination but also a favoured location for holidays, weekend retreats, and day trips. As a result, venues and hotels are often fully booked months, if not years, in advance. Regarding the subject of choosing a favourite wedding that we’ve planned, that would be akin to selecting a favourite child – absolutely impossible, as each has been equally fabulous in its own unique way!”
CONTACT: http://www.plannedforperfection.co.uk
