How it all begun: I started the company 9 years ago. After a successful career in the IT industry, I decided to follow my true passion for design to set up Cedar Events. I have always had an interest in the creative process. I have always had great interpersonal skills which are essential for managing events.
I remember watching an episode of Oprah in 1995 as I studied for my final Law degree exams. I took some time out to give my brain a break and thought I’d watch some TV. Martha Stewart was a guest on the show and she put together a wedding, where the space was transformed into this beautiful, awe inspiring, opulent event with lots of gold, ivory and beautiful flowers. I remember sitting there transfixed, wishing I could record the show and watch it over and over again.
I eventually got up and just started writing. Watching that show triggered something and it was on that day I knew I didn’t want to pursue a legal career. I didn’t do anything about it until 2002.
The challenges: When I started the company, people weren’t sure what the role of a wedding planner was. It is a lot better now with the internet, wedding TV stations and so on.
My motivation: To continue to establish Cedar Events as a house hold name in luxury event design, planning & production.
Lessons learnt: So many lessons learnt and I am still learning but the most important lesson I have learned is to listen to my clients.
Events covered: Cedar Events specializes in weddings, birthday parties, life achievement celebrations and anniversaries. In the last 10 years, Cedar Events’ repertoire has included the weddings of daughters of ex-presidents and high profile 50th Birthday celebrations in exotic destinations.
Cedar Events has designed events in private country houses, 5 star luxury hotels like Claridges, Mayfair – London; the Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane – London; Golf Clubs like Addington Palace, Surrey; The Amwaj Rotana, Dubai; The Sheraton Hotel, Gambia; The Oriental Hotel, Lagos – Nigeria and many more.
We offer a high level of attention to detail and have developed relationships with some of the most prestigious venues & highly talented network of suppliers in destinations around the world.
Clientele: Some 95% of my clientele comes from recommendations and referrals from previous clients and of course repeat business, which is great. I have done numerous events for some clients, so much so that I feel like I am the resident event planner.
Notice period: Ideally, the longer I have the better. Some of the clients I am currently working with booked Cedar Events about 12month ago. We have, however, pulled together a high profile event for 600 guests within 3 weeks.
Words of encouragement do you want to give to the readers: Follow your heart, feel the fear and do it anyway and never settle for less than your excellent best.
Clients appreciate value and are happy to pay for what they value.
