Today we’re very excited to share with you an interview with Aimee Dunne, a passionate professional event planner and founder of Aimee Dunne Ltd! Aimee Dunne Ltd is a planning company based in London which organizes luxury celebrations such as glamorous weddings, elaborate birthday parties, intimate private dinners, anniversary parties and destination weddings and events. Aimee Dunne’s talent and passion lead her to the creation of a very successful company that brings clients’ dreams into life. She has more than 10 years’ experience in the industry and has been featured in numerous wedding and event publications. Learn a little more about her below through an interesting interview!
How did you get into wedding planning?
I always enjoyed planning any type of celebrations, being on the Events Committee at college and University. I worked in banking after completing a business degree, although my job was largely managing overseas projects, teams and budgets under tight timelines, so not too dissimilar just not as pretty! I finally put two and two together and realized what I should be doing. I’ve always had a passion for celebrating anything that can be celebrated, so it also stems from that. I lost my mum when I was 16 and didn’t have the happiest of childhoods, so I grew up with the attitude that when you can celebrate the good times in life, then you really should!
What do brides need to keep in mind for their wedding day?
Remember what is truly important. I love pretty, I love perfect table settings, amazing flowers and the perfect Instagram shot. But the best weddings are the ones where the couple really understand and remember what is important. Relax and enjoy the special time with family and friends, taking every joyous moment in, and let any worry over the details to the planner – that’s what we’re here for!
Tell us about a wedding trend you are excited about at the moment?
I think couples are being more adventurous with their tables, layouts and shapes. More open to mixing it up from oval to round tables, or totally circular tables, and a mix of it all. It’s so much more creative and lets us planners have a lot more scope in the design.
What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Celebrate everything!
What do you still want to achieve professionally?
As a business we have always worked on destination weddings and events but we have more legacy clients wanting us to help with travel plans, as we understand what they like and have extensive travel experience (I’m fortunate to have travelled to all continents a few times, apart from Antarctica which is on my list!). So, the business has recently offering more in terms of Travel Design. Professionally I want to grow the business further in this area – celebrating and enjoying life’s best moments involves weddings, events and travel, and professionally I want to offer the best level of service in all these areas to my clients.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep going and work as if someone is working twice as hard to take it away you.
What book are you reading at the moment?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson. I’m almost finished and it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Quite different than what the title might suggest, but about appreciating what should be appreciated and living the best life.
Which social media platform do you prefer?
Instagram, just so visual for weddings, events and travel.
What is the best advice you received about social media?
Focus on what your audience like. It’s easy to get caught up in what you think you should be saying / posting, but listen to what your audience are saying, take note of what they are liking and interacting with.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your job?
No amount of money makes you happy. Sounds very cheesy, especially from a luxury wedding planner, but I have organized fabulous, extravagant weddings with the most ridiculous of budgets, but known this hasn’t always brought happiness, as perfect as the pictures look. I’ve also organized smaller more intimate and modest celebrations which are full of joy. But when I do see big budgets spent well, for the right reasons and best intentions, and bringing my clients and their guests joy, it really is a lovely thing, and reminds me why I became a planner.
Complete the phrase: -I can’t work without my…..
Coffee. And my very detailed schedule on event day. Give me both and I’m all set!
If you weren’t a wedding planner you would be …
A hotel owner or travel writer.
Any exciting new projects you are planning in the near future?
A new website, incorporating more of the Travel Design side of the business – although I feel like we’re always working on a new website!
