When it comes to planning your wedding it’s always good to hear what the experts have to say. We’ve spoken to some of the best Venues, Photographers & Wedding Planners to find out what weddings they remember most!

Wedding planner Abigail Lucy describes her favourite luxury wedding of the year


From Greek, Jewish, Persian to Arabic weddings – I have had the pleasure of planning dozens of beautiful multi- cultural receptions and ceremonies; some traditional and intimate, some contemporary and luxurious, and some a spectacular fusion of the two.

I think the beauty of being a wedding planner is the unbreakable friendships and memories that you develop with your clients. It is such an incredibly special feeling to be selected and trusted to plan the most important day in a couple’s lives, the beginning of their future together as husband and wife. I am a sucker for romance, so I love hearing about my clients’ love stories and the journey that they have come on to reach this point in their lives.

I think it probably goes without saying that I love planning any and all weddings, no matter  the sex or religion. For me, love wins. Honestly, when I receive wedding enquiries from different cultures, I love it.

I think it is so important in life to understand each other, to be open to other people’s religions and beliefs. I personally really enjoy learning about other cultures and traditions. I find it so interesting.

Recently, I planned an Iraqi wedding for the loveliest couple - which was definitely one of my favourites this year! It took place at Haigh Hall in Wigan and it was just fabulous. The energy, the atmosphere, the dancing (my favourite part) - it was so much fun.

There were guests of all nationalities who travelled from all over - London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Jordan - just to celebrate the couple’s special day.

As the couple entered the room to cut the cake, it was traditional Iraqi music that was played, and the guests cheered and clapped.

The three-tier cake was handcrafted with sugar flowers, and beautifully displayed in the centre of the reception room. The couple had gone for a sophisticated, rustic luxe style with vibrant peach, pale pinks, coral and red tones.

The venue is an old stately home, built in 1827, so it has lovely tall ceilings and lots of rich warm colours – which worked perfectly. We decorated the tables using a mixture of floral wreaths and tall candelabra displays to really give the room that ‘wow’ factor. It was a truly magical day and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

Abigail Lucy Events: 96 The Quays, Manchester, Salford, M50 3BB

t: 07495 062553 w: www.abigail-lucy.com