Wedding planners expand horizons

Emma and Vincent Willis founded The Wedding Daze early last year as they put together the details for their own ceremony, which took place in Las Vegas five months ago.

The couple, who both previously worked in events and marketing at Sheffield University, help brides and bridegrooms with wedding themes, budgets, wedding etiquette and how to manage guests on the big day.

Mrs Willis said: "My husband and I had such a beautiful ceremony in Las Vegas we felt we could help other couples plan what would be their perfect day.

"We initially meet the couple and find out exactly what they want their wedding to look like, outline possible costs and how big they want the wedding to be.

"We are there to facilitate and make sure everything runs smoothly.""

Mrs Willis, 28, said that working with a network of regular suppliers such as venues and florists can help them to save money for couples tying the knot.

They have worked with 13 couples so far this year and have 18 signed up for next year already.

Mrs Willis said she and Mr Willis, 33, had had a "great time" working together despite the pressures of operating a start-up.

Now they are branching out into general event planning and have begun hiring out vintage crockery, which they said had proved to be successful so far.

The Willises received help as they set up from Sheffield City Council's enterprise programme, where they were put in touch with Sheffield Enterprise Agency adviser Doug Johnson.

The agency provides intensive start-up support to new business start-ups and businesses up to three years old.