Pearls of wedding wisdom from Stacey Puffer

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task with deadlines, details, budgets, and much more. It’s important to remember your event and wedding planner, venue and suppliers have all done this before. We picked the brain of our Wedding and Social Event Manager Stacey Puffer, who has coordinated and orchestrated all the finer details for many a ‘big day’.

Stacey is responsible for all private events at the Ashmolean Museum and has worked for Clerkenwell Green for just over 5 years. Running events and weddings is in her DNA and she absolutely goes above and beyond with a personal touch.

We wanted to give you her insight into our world:

Describe your job in three words

It’s the best!

What do you think are the key skills/attributes you need to excel at your job?

A passion for weddings, the ability to keep calm, ‘professional’ problem solver and a good eye for detail

What is it you love about the company?

Being a part of the CG team is like having an extended family full of like-minded creative and exceptionally talented people. Oh, and I love the food!

What do you think CG does best?

CG is fantastic in many ways, from listening to client’s ideas and requirements to creating spectacular occasions which exceed expectations. The creativity of the food design and execution is what I feel CG excels at most!

What have been your favourite events to work on?

All my weddings are a favourite for many different reasons – being part of a couple’s wedding journey with them is a great privilege.  There are some favourites (if I am allowed to have any) that stand out for me. Earlier this year I managed a small, intimate and classic wedding. We had a piper leading the couple and their guests into each element of the wedding from the ceremony, to photos and ultimately the reception.  I had no idea that bagpipes could bring out so many emotions and a chill down the spine (the good kind).  On a different occasion I had great fun working with a couple from the British Olympic Rowing Team.  They were so passionate about their sport that rowing had to be the style theme for their big day.  I also had a science-themed event where the client wanted to use conical glasses and different coloured water, with glow sticks as centre pieces. It was delightful.

How did you get into wedding planning?

I studied Event Management at university alongside Tourism Management. Quickly realising that I had a passion for planning and managing different events, I couldn’t wait to start working in an events role as soon as I left university. Different positions followed, in which I gained experience organising day conferences, gala dinners, celebration events and off-site team building days. As a result, I acquired a valuable insight into how events work, including budgeting, logistics and management. During my time in a previous position at a hotel as an event coordinator, a Wedding Planner position became available. My boss pushed me to apply and since then I have never looked back! Thanks to Clerkenwell Green my passion for organising weddings has continued and has hit an all-time high.

What do you do for fun in your spare time?

I secretly scan Pinterest on a daily basis for the latest wedding colour combinations, foodie trends and wedding themes. Aside from the wedding planning obsession I ‘shoot some hoops’ on the netball court twice a week in the Oxfordshire league. I also attempt to run long distances to be rewarded with shiny medals!

What is your current favourite wedding palette colour combo?

I love a pastel palette, in particular, shades of my personal favourite – pink.  Always hopeful that my couples will choose a shade of pink for the styling. Endless greenery is always a winner for me.

Why should a couple choose a planner?

A lot of my couples start their wedding planning with big and complicated ideas, often living and working outside the UK or local area which could make the planning process quite daunting.  Having a wedding planner who is able to interpret their ideas and vision and make them real, means the process is stress-free and keeps at bay the rollercoaster of emotions.  As a wedding planner, holding the couple’s hand through every step of the journey, offering both emotional support and practical guidance until after they have said the all-important ‘I do’s’, is really important and something that couples don’t always realise they need.  Many couples tell me that without my help, experience and emotional support the whole process would not be enjoyable – and it should be.

Why choose your wedding at the Ashmolean?

Firstly, the Ashmolean is one of the finest venues in the country, it is an awe-inspiring venue – you won’t find another like it for your wedding. The statues are an amazing talking point and create real atmosphere – you won’t need to hang bunting or add any decor of your own if you celebrate here (although all those personal touches are always welcome)!  Secondly, you would have someone (yes, me) to support and guide you through every step of your wedding journey, whilst liaising with your suppliers, allowing you to enjoy the whole planning process. Finally, you would have the most unforgettable memories with your catering experience, from the initial tasting to the actual food provided on your special day that will leave your guests talking about it for weeks.