Savina Uldry is a wedding designer based in Switzerland; her expertise lies in creating contemporary, made-to-measure, avant-garde style scenographies. Fluent in four languages, Savina plans weddings in her home country and also overseas. Here we discuss the behind the scene challenges of event organisation and the support team that helps produce a highly successful, fairy-tale occasion…
Specialising in the creation of magical moments, we also offer elopements – which are intimate tailor-made occasions – as well as exclusive events…”
Savina Uldry
C&B: “Savina, your portfolio of past projects is incredible – how long have you been in event design and what first prompted you to go into the business?”
SU: “I’m passionate about the world of events and luxury, so I opened my business as a wedding planner and private event organiser ten years ago, however before that I’d already been working in the events industry for over ten years. When I first opened my business, I mainly wanted to do private events, and weddings as a smaller part of that. However, in the end, weddings became the prime request from clients therefore the trend I’d originally aimed for was reversed!”
All the destinations we operate in have a touch of magic, but if I had to choose only two, my heart would go out to Puglia and Provence. For me, these places are enchanting settings, both intimate and full of character, for celebrating love…”
Savina Uldry
C&B: “Which would you say are the most romantic locations in these two areas?”
SU: “La Bastide de Gordes in the village of Gordes and both Le Petit Roulet and Maison Claudie in Provence – all of which have successfully blended modernity with character…”
I find inspiration in art, design and haute couture; I love mixing classic with a light touch of contemporary…”
Savina Uldry
C&B: “How comprehensive is your service – for example, do you find the location and secure the venues or is that up to your clients to organise independently?”
SU: “We take care of all the details for our customers – from location scouting and initiating contact with service providers through to producing set design and installation. We also draw up the mood boards for the clients to approve and the necessary change of weather plans that cover all eventualities…”
Our USP? Luxurious, avant-garde, exclusive!”
Savina Uldry
C&B: “Which vendors do you find are most compatible with your brand? The ones you can rely on to interpret your theme?”
SU: “We collaborate with exceptional service providers such as Phôs, Magnificent Lustres – unique to the Swiss market and also Maison Cocoon, which produces top-of-the-range events for children. These collaborations bring real added value and a unique touch to our clients events…”
C&B: “Out of all the events you’ve organised over the years, which would you say has been the most memorable?”
SU: “One of the most memorable and challenging weddings that we’ve organised was staged at Château d’Estoublon in 2022 – it was a magnificent project, with 200 guests, incorporating a variety of tents and decors. However, the day before D-Day, the family decided to completely change the locations and plans. For example, the whole ceremonial plan was changed, as was the cocktail plan, and the dinner was no longer held in the marquee, but indoors. Very challenging, and only a few hours to change everything. But in the end, the result was breathtaking, thanks to my team and the perfect collaboration between all the service providers. Over the years, we’ve developed the experience and know-how to deal with the unexpected!”
C&B: “Even the thought of changing everything at the very last moment overwhelms me! Has that occasion been your biggest challenge or have there been others?”
C&B: “It’s to your credit that you still managed to produce a fantastic event despite all these huge challenges! I know that it’s very important to have suppliers who are flexible and can rise to the occasion – who would you say are your favourite vendors, and why?”
SU: “Thanks to my experience, I’m lucky enough to work with a wide network of renowned service providers. To finalize my set designs, I work closely with my favorite tableware company, Maison Options, both in Switzerland and France, which I’ve collaborated with for the past ten years. For music, I’ve been working for years with Dk Mike, who can get a crowd on their feet in less than two minutes. For stationery, I’m a huge fan of the work of CMO, who create contemporary designs that fit in perfectly with my aesthetic. As for photography, Marion Co is very talented, with her couture vision and her kindness that makes her a great human being. When I think of lighting and chandeliers, I think directly of Phôs – service provider with magnificent products, who installs and dismantles lighting fixtures, and who works very closely with me…”
We take on very few weddings a year, but for each one we aim for excellence; we like to surprise our clients and create innovative designs for both weddings and major events. What we love most of all is designing the scenography of events, as well as enjoying the contact we have both with our clients and our suppliers. For ten years, our passion has remained unchanged!”
Savina Uldry
CONTACT: http://www.savinauldry.com
CREDITS: All images produced by Marian Co; Video produced by Gione da Silva; Models Sofia Vaur and Charly Poirier.