Curating Exquisite Love Stories: Alice Wilkes Design

In the realm of luxury wedding planning, the team at Alice Wilkes Design stands as a paragon of creativity and elegance. “Over the last 10 years, I have been very fortunate to have worked all over the world designing luxury brand events and weddings. My first experience started at London Fashion Week assisting on the production side, from there I worked with luxury brands to design and produce events and shows,” shares Alice. 

“My first ever wedding was at the George V in Paris. I had the opportunity to design a wedding and I have not looked back since. I loved the importance of the day and getting to know the couple to bring to their life their dream day and more! Fast forward 10 years, we work with brides all over the world designing luxury weddings as well as brand events for the likes of Maison Margiela, Valentino, and GQ,” adds the founder.

Philosophical Approach and Design Style

The philosophy at Alice Wilkes Design is built on the pillars of personalization and exquisite luxury. "I think there is something so special about getting to know a couple and understand what is truly ‘them’ and designing a wedding to match taking inspiration from their home, heritage, and lifestyle," Alice explains. 

Their design style is renowned for its breathtaking elegance, blending modern sensibilities with timeless traditions to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant atmosphere. "At Alice Wilkes Design we marry breathtaking design with unparalleled planning. Based in London, we plan, design, and manage exclusive celebrations in the UK, Europe, and across the world. Our signature style is a wedding that fuses exceptional design with impeccable detail," they describe, reflecting their holistic approach to wedding aesthetics.

Collaborative Dynamics and Signature Events

Alice Wilkes Design is known for its ability to manage exclusive celebrations across the UK and globally, tailoring each event to the personal tastes and stories of their clients. "We offer a full-service luxury wedding planning and design, working with couples who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible with weddings. We do all design in-house to ensure a bespoke design is achieved that truly represents the couple and their personality. We do not offer ‘packages’ but provide tailored proposals for all of our clients and their requirements," the team states. “Our luxury wedding design and production services bring together our skills in design, planning, and management to choreograph a wedding celebration that beautifully reflects you as a couple. Whether you need full wedding planning and management or want us to style a visually stunning wedding, we will work collaboratively with you to bring your initial ideas to exquisite life.”

They recount the planning of a three-day wedding on a private island. This was a celebration of love crafted through meticulous planning and creative ingenuity, reflecting the couple's adventurous spirits in every detail. Alice also fondly remembers the cathedral wedding of Pixie Lott and Oliver Cheshire: "Each wedding has memorable moments and that’s what makes my job so special - when we get to know a couple we think of moments that are truly ‘them’, in combination with the energy of their friends and family, there are always unforgettable moments!"

Personalized Planning and Client Collaboration

At Alice Wilkes Design, the team excels in creating bespoke wedding experiences by closely collaborating with each couple to understand their unique visions and preferences. "Every couple are different, they have varied lifestyles and styles of communication. So it’s important to establish early on how to create a planning style that works, whether that’s regular calls or meeting in person. We also love to understand their tastes so as our relationship with the couple develops so does the wedding planning and design," the team explains. 

They also specialize in managing a wide variety of venues, from idyllic English countryside estates to renowned New York hotels, always ready to bring their distinctive style to new and exciting locations. “Destination weddings area a particular favourite of ours to discover a new location and to put an Alice Wilkes Design touch on it!” they state.

Financial planning is integral to their service, with the team providing clear guidance on budget management. They encourage regular discussions to ensure transparency and help couples make informed decisions that align with their priorities. This includes differentiating between 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves,' which is crucial for maintaining a clear focus on what truly matters to the couple.

Overcoming Challenges and Expert Advice

The team at Alice Wilkes Design is well-versed in navigating the complexities of wedding planning, including dealing with unpredictable weather. "Weather can be unpredictable, so always having a plan B for rain is important!" they emphasize, ensuring that every celebration is flawless, regardless of external conditions. They also offer sage advice to couples embroiled in the planning process: "Don’t give yourself too many options - your gut reaction is usually right!" suggesting that simplicity often leads to decisions that best reflect the couple's true desires.

Looking towards the future, the team dreams of organizing weddings on the West Coast of America, aiming to infuse these events with their signature blend of luxury and personalization. As they continue to craft unforgettable weddings, their dedication to excellence and innovation remains at the heart of their work, promising not just a celebration, but a lifetime of cherished memories for every couple they work with.