Q+A: DARLING DON'T PANIC | WEDDING PLANNER MELBOURNE VIC

Aleksandar Jason Photography WEDDING PLANNER MELBOURNE

"Aside from budget, it's really important the planner "gets" what you want. " Jac - Darling Don't Panic

How and when was Darling Don't Panic born? Originally named "Oh Perfect Day" I came across the business for sale in 2017. Meeting the previous owner, Jane Lovejoy, we just hit it off and it was a natural fit. I'd come from events (theatre shows though) but always felt weddings would be an easy & fun transition, and it absolutely has been. My first wedding was so much more fun than I expected and without the stress of visas, production or selling tickets!

We changed the business name a few months in, and miraculously came up with the new name in a day - which has been the most perfect fit for us!

KARINA JADE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING PLANNER MELBOURNE

ANITRA WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING PLANNER MELBOURNE

What can Darling Don't Panic offer a couple for their Wedding day? With planners in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong & Yarra Valley - our team offer 3 in-person packages including on the day co-ordination, styling & design or full service planning. There's even a DIY package for the bride who wants to do her own planning but have the virtual support and list of contacts from a planner.

This year we also started offering destination weddings in New Caledonia. I previously worked as a travel agent and got a specialisation certificate from the tourism board in NC - so have local insight for suppliers, venues and everything wedding related in New Caledonia - which is a truly unique offering. Our clients get the local support her in Australia, and their planner will come co-ordinate the event on site in NC.

Did you always know that you wanted to design & coordinate Weddings? I had a sneaky suspicion years ago when I stopped doing theatre - but it was years later that the opportunity to buy a planning business eventuated!

What keeps you inspired along the way? Our brides! In the beginning I was reading mags and collecting on Pinterest but it's new clients coming in with new ideas that really set our ideas alight! We treat each client as a unique style - never carbon copy what is "on trend".

Do you have any stories that you would like to share from your experiences? A recent bride married a lovely guy who had a toddler. It was so adorable, she did her vows then did one to little Archie. It was the most gorgeous thing ever!

What advice would you offer a couple just starting out on their search for the perfect Wedding planner? Aside from budget, it's really important the planner "gets" what you want. The sooner you can get on the phone or meet in person the better - see if it feels like a fit!

What is your own personal favourite style? I am really crushing on a boho glam feel with unstructured flowers, shared plates, grazing tables.

What is the best part about what you do: The couples I get to work with and their amazing stories. I love hearing how they met, seeing their ideas come to life and get to share this amazing day in their lives!