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Q&A with Olivia Manning, Camm & Hooper’s Wedding Sales Manager

As we gear up for the upcoming wedding season, we caught up with Olivia Manning, our Wedding Sales Manager, to chat about her journey in the industry, current trends, and some advice for couples starting their wedding planning journey.

Q:  Can you tell us a bit about your path into the wedding industry?

Olivia: My journey into the world of weddings was unexpected, much like many others working in the hospitality industry, but I wouldn't change a thing. I graduated from university with a degree in languages! It began as a detour into waitressing but the company I was working for at the time were launching a wedding venue and asked if I wanted to be involved. As it was a small company, I got a real insight into the process and did a bit of everything, from selling, planning, and operations, you name it, I’ve done it! So, seven years later, here I am, still loving every minute of it.

Q: How hands-on are you in the wedding process at Camm & Hooper?

Olivia: When it comes to the weddings, I'm hands-on from the get-go! From that initial contact, I'm right there, guiding couples through every step of the journey. We kick things off with venue visits, ensuring they get a feel for the space and what's possible for their big day. It's during these visits that I really dive deep, getting to know the couple personally, hearing their love story, and understanding their vision.

Once the venue is locked in, I hand the reins over to our amazing curation team, but I'm still in the picture as their main point of contact. From attending menu tastings to being there for any questions or concerns, I'm there to ensure everything runs smoothly. We're all about saying "yes" at Camm & Hooper—whether it's tweaking menus, adjusting timings, or embracing a themed wedding. It's all about making their dream day a reality and ensuring it's a true reflection of the couple.

Olivia: Green is the new white! From menus to colour palettes, eco-friendly weddings are all the rage, with couples opting for natural decorations and sustainable practices. Personalisation is also huge—everyone wants a wedding that screams "us." And post-Covid, it's all about letting loose and having a good time. Forget stuffy traditions; couples want to party, and we're here for it!

Q:  Any advice for couples venturing into wedding planning?

Olivia: The main thing is to enjoy it because people are going to tell you how stressful it is, but it's meant to be fun! Don't lose sight of why you're having this big day, it's because you love each other. So, remember, it's your day, so make it count! You're never going to please everyone so don't try to. If you are not foodie people, don't have a sit-down meal and opt for something different like sharing menus or food stations. If you just love a big party, then have that.!

Q:  What's your take on the future of weddings?

Olivia:  With every year, I’m surprised by how much the industry evolves.

Couples are breaking free from tradition and doing things their own way. London's wedding scene is buzzing with creativity and diversity, offering something for every couple. After a tough couple of years, love is in the air, and weddings are back with a vengeance. Here's to celebrating love in all its forms!

To explore our enhanced wedding offerings, click here to see our wedding venues.

Join us for an exclusive look at our Banking Hall venue during our Open Day on May 11th

Don't miss this opportunity to envision your perfect wedding day in our stunning space. Secure your spot by emailing Olivia at weddings@camm-hooper.co.uk. We're excited to show you what makes our venue the ideal choice for your special day!