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...A Conference and Banqueting Manager
My morning starts with me rushing towards the window the second I wake up to see what the weather is up to. Relief, the sun shining and I know that today is the perfect day for a wedding. With the ceremony due to take place at 13:00, I arrive at the hotel very early to make sure the room is set up and everything is going to plan. I laid the tables the night before with favours, name places and table decorations so all I need to do today is put the flowers out and double check everything. I take up a bottle of champagne to the excited bride who opens the door with curlers in her hair and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. A happy bride, check! Next I make my way to the kitchen to see how the chefs are getting on and I am met with classical music and a very calm kitchen. Could the start of the day get any better? Just before the guests arrive I make any last minute touches. Straighten the red carpet, make sure the music is in the right place and flowers are out. While I help the nervous groom with his button hole he whispers in my ear, how is she? I reply with the truth, she looks absolutely beautiful. Bridal party walking! We make our way to the ceremony room where I remind the bridal party to keep calm, walk down the aisle slowly and enjoy every second. I’m thankful for the rehearsal as it always helps with nerves. Cue music and let the wedding begin! After the ceremony its champagne for all as the bridal party have their photos taken and guests congratulate them. Behind the scenes things are a little different with the staff running around making sure all the tables have bread rolls, butter, water and a quick briefing of the wedding is conducted to all waiting staff. It’s important for me to inform all the staff the ins and outs of each wedding as they are all so different. I have my table plan with dietary requirements listed and its now time to announce the newly wed couple into the room. Ladies and gentleman, please be upstanding to receive your charming bride and groom, Mr and Mrs… The wedding breakfast is served and the wine is flowing. Time for the speeches and I find the best man hiding at the bar going through his notes. I can see he is nervous but I offer him a strong shot of whiskey which seems to do the trick. As the wedding breakfast comes to an end, the evening guests start to arrive and the DJ begins. I am now thankful for all the preparation weeks before the wedding as he knows where to go and what to do. It’s time to cut the cake, followed by the first dance. Gathering the guests can be a tricky task but success as all the guests surround the loved up couple as they take to the dance floor for the firs time as husband and wife. The rest of the night is filled with laugher, love and I watch on while the guests take to the dance floor and dance the night away. My feet are killing me and I feel exhausted but when I see how happy the couple are and what we have created for them, nothing seems to bother me. A big hug goodbye and I make me may home with a smile that fills my entire face. Another successful wedding and I am reminded once again that I do have the best job in the world. Thank you to Lauren Siebers. The Conference and Banqueting Sales Manager for the Best Western Brighton Hotel. More details for this hotel and their wedding services can be found here
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