What do we do when we want to get all the best wedding planning advice to share with our couples? Find a fabulous wedding planner who has 40 years of industry experience of course. Meet William Bartholomew.
It’s a big year for wedding planner William Bartholomew as 2025 sees him celebrate an impressive 40 years in the industry. And not only does William help couples to create the most special day. He’s also an expert in party planning for milestone birthdays, corporate events and more. So there’s really nothing William Bartholomew doesn’t know when it comes to knowing how to throw the ultimate celebration.
Having worked with VIPs and celebrities, at small intimate country weddings, and everything in between, he has seen it all! So we thought who better to have a chat with about wedding planning, hiring a wedding planner and discovering how the wedding landscape has changed and evolved over the past forty years.
William, with a career spanning over four decades, what initially inspired you to become a wedding planner, and how has your approach evolved over the years?
I started as a ‘mobile DJ’ for Juliana’s Sound Service who were the exclusive DJs at Annabel’s nightclub. From there, my business partner and I became so popular that people started booking us for their own private parties. We were out every night in our ill-fitting tuxedos, keeping dancefloors filled until the small hours.
From there it really just spiralled; parties were the thing I loved, and I was able to create exciting, new and enthralling entertainment settings and had good contacts who arranged beautiful flowers and food, as well as musicians and photographers and everything else to put a fabulous wedding or party together. It’s been like that ever since!
You’ve been described as ‘the Best British Party Organiser.’ What do you believe sets your services apart in the wedding planning industry?
One of the things that clients love, and that makes each party stand out to me as well, is that I personally get involved from the start. When planning a new wedding I make sure I sit down with the couple, and parents too if wanted, and understand their vision for the day. It’s so important that the style is right, that nothing comes as a surprise to them (unless it’s ‘wow’!) and that the order runs smoothly – which by this stage I could do in my sleep.
Could you share a particularly memorable wedding you’ve planned that highlights your creativity and attention to detail?
All the weddings I do are fabulous, and really highlight the love and friendships that surround the couple, but there are of course creative touches at some that stand out. I have seen it all! I do quite like dog ring bearers trotting down the aisle, as it makes the congregation laugh. Lately I’ve seen grandparents being flower girls and page boys, which gets them involved and is quite sweet, as there’s no natural role for them in the proceedings.
Last year I planned a wedding where the couple wanted 12 different entertainers to intersperse the party and liaise with guests. In the end we did some of these during the drinks reception after the ceremony, and some between courses at dinner – we had magicians, singers, fire eaters and gymnasts, actors performing skits, and comedy. It was an amazing display, and all the guests were thrilled when another emerged and captured the stage. It was wonderful.
How do you tailor your planning process to accommodate both country and city weddings, ensuring each reflects the couple’s vision and the unique characteristics of their chosen venue?
When a couple chooses a country or city venue that generally sets the tone for a lot of the wedding. The location affects the suppliers they can choose from, as some only work in London, or may be local to an area and be tied to that, so this can alter the feel slightly. But generally with weddings, the dress code, the family and the guests will create the basis of the atmosphere, then my team and I run with that to create a really sensational party.
What are some common challenges couples face during the planning process, and how do you assist them in overcoming these obstacles?
Some couples disagree with their parents on how a wedding could or should be – the timeline, numbers of guests, flowers etc. Budgets can be tricky, but as I have had experience here too there’s generally a way around issues like this, with a little creativity and flexibility thrown in. These little hiccoughs are easy to overcome as the process unfolds.
Personalisation is key to couples. How do you collaborate with couples to incorporate unique elements that make their wedding day truly special?
I really get to know my couples; through the planning process we meet face to face, discuss all elements of their day, and joke around a bit (you’ve got to have a joke here and there to lighten the mood!), but as their personalities come out it’s easier to make suggestions for how they can personalise elements of the day, e.g. the church service, the food, drinks, order of the day, décor at the venue, first dance, cake, or even exiting the party which is always a fun one!
With your extensive experience, how do you stay up-to-date with emerging trends and innovations in the wedding industry?
As I have a big team and a black book of ever evolving industry contacts, we all share ideas, photos, and feedback from clients, so the network keeps itself fresh really. I also have two grown up (and married) children who keep me up to date with the weddings they go to, music, style and everything else, as you can imagine.
What advice would you give to couples when it comes to managing their budget without compromising on their vision?
I think creating a mood board or ideas of how you’d ideally want your day to look is a good place to start – then get creative. Either find me, or another wedding planner who has been around and may have alternative ideas to match your budget, or use your own network of friends, family, colleagues perhaps, to create what you are looking for. Sometimes this is a great way to get friends and family more involved in your wedding in the lead up.
What do you find most rewarding about being a wedding planner, and what keeps you passionate about your work?
The feedback from families, couples and friends who have attended weddings and parties I have planned is really what keeps me enthused. Seeing my couples through their weddings, then on to Christenings and sometimes organising their big anniversary parties in years to come, is extremely rewarding and special. Sharing moments like a wedding with friends and families makes the job unforgettable.
A huge thank you to William Bartholomew for giving up some of his valuable time to chat to us – if you are planning your own celebration and want to find out more about his services available then you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.WilliamBartholomew.com.
Alternatively, take a peek at even more of William Bartholomew’s work on Instagram or Facebook.
