How to Have the Best Day Ever: An Interview with Katie Stevens
Interviews 19.11.2024
Katie Stevens from Best Day Ever is a wedding co-ordinator and wedding stylist and has become an invaluable member of the Ash Barton family. She can often be found in the big party barn packing up the decorations and tables from one wedding and then immediately starting the décor and styling for the next one coming in. We last chatted back in 2021 but recently managed a quick catch up between weddings to talk about what’s new in wedding styling and what she gets up to on the big day itself.
So tell us about the wedding co-ordination side first Katie
"So for wedding co-ordination, I meet with couples at least once at Ash Barton and we have a couple of planning calls along the way. I create a WhatsApp group too so if there’s any troubleshooting to be done it can happen quickly."
"The wonderful Katie Stevens was our wedding co-ordinator. She was there the day before helping us set up in the big party barn, making sure we were nice and calm ahead of our big day. On the day she was buzzing around making sure everything was perfect and organising our switch of venues form the wildflower meadow to the old chapel without fuss. More importantly, she handed Jordan and I a glass of Prosecco as soon as we walked out of the chapel. (It’s the little things!)" Zoe and Jordan
"On the day the couple arrives at Ash Barton, I’m on site as soon as I can get into the big party barn to start unpacking and setting up. That way we can maximise your time at Ash Barton and get things set up and in place efficiently from the start. Then the day before the wedding, we always do a walk-through rehearsal with the key members of the bridal party, to go over any questions, practise anything that’s on people’s minds, and check the essentials such as music and microphones.
"As a co-ordinator I come with an essentials kit such as microphones, galvanised tubs for drinks, a cake knife etc!! And with co-ordination I can offer hire items at a reduced price. The day before the wedding I don’t leave Ash Barton until I’m happy all is in hand and ready in place for the next day."
“Where to even begin with the goddess that is Katie Stevens and her amazing team? Like many, we initially didn't think we needed the help. But we have never been so happy to have been wrong! Echoing the praise of many before us, Katie is just perfection. Any little thing (though thankfully not many!) and she was there. It was so reassuring to know she was there behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly so we didn't have to worry about anything other than enjoying ourselves.” jackie and Dave
What happens on the day itself?
"On the day of the wedding, we arrive approximately three to four hours before the ceremony starts, sometimes earlier if the weather throws a curveball! I always have another member of my team with me, and we liaise closely with Henry, all the suppliers, families and guests, ensuring everybody is looked after and guided through the day. My aim is for every worry to be taken away. If something needs to happen or someone needs to be somewhere, we will ensure it happens without anyone needing to check times or having to be pulled away from the celebrations."
“Without a doubt one of the best decisions we made was contacting Katie. The most lovely, friendly and organised lady ever! You made our day everything we could have wanted and more! The setting up the day before, the absolutely amazing styling and running of the day and the clearing down the day after! You will not regret booking her I promise.” Becca and James
"Essentially, we oversee all timings, logistics, use of space, suppliers, every behind-the-scenes detail - in a subtle way. I’m often on site until after the evening food is served or until just after midnight. If I’m there late, I’ll assist with taxis and minibus runs, and scoot around subtly clearing or taking gifts to your room. We have been likened to wedding fairies and we work meticulously to ensure it's your best day ever!"
"We had a lot of help from friends and family, but we also hired Katie and her team from Best Day Ever for the first half of the day. They helped with the tables, ceremony set up as well as the drinks reception and were a huge help!" Lauren and Evan
And how about your wedding stylist service
"Couples will share their vision and tell me about their day and stay, and how they would love it to be. then I create looks to suit their dreams and budget. They often share images or their Pinterest board, and I like to twin that with finding out how the day is going to work, to ensure we get the best and most diverse use of everything. As a stylist I’m happy to take it all off your hands, or work with couples to create the look. I do adore it when a couple gives me a vision and lets me run with their ideas!
"With wedding styling, I design a plan with the team, then we install everything and bring the vision to life. And then we take it all away again! So it takes all the stress away from the couples. Having a wedding stylist also allows you to be eco conscious as I have a warehouse of decor and there are no single use items. Well apart from candles and batteries! But we have a fabulous range of faux candles too ensuring the aisle is safe and the light never goes out!"
“Katie and her team were so valuable over the weekend and helped with the styling of the barn, ceremony and running of the weekend. Katie was absolutely everywhere on Saturday and couldn’t have done it without her and the team!” Natalie and Dom
"I work closely with local florists and flower providers to create for your day, but we also reuse your flower arrangements throughout the space. So your flowers may start in the old chapel but may also be used later in the big party barn. And if there are any unwanted flowers afterwards, we dry them for confetti or other projects."
“We would not have been able to pull off such an extravaganza without Katie and her team, from setting up through to the smooth running of the day. We told her what kind of ideas we had, and she ran with them and brought them to life. She sees things before you do and knows Ash Barton like the back of her hand. Worth every single penny." Chloe and Ben
Presumably couples can have one without the other?
"You can definitely have one without the other and I work alongside many other suppliers. We can also provide staffing for your day too, whether that’s for bar staff, housekeeping, childminding, or other staffing for the days around the wedding. We have links with local taxis, coaches and lots of Airbnbs too. I’m passionate about supporting small local businesses and work closely with other suppliers to help provide a range of services."
“Katie and her team were the nicest people ever. We had several almost disasters the morning of the wedding and Katie was so chilled telling me, I didn’t panic for a minute. Emily carried my dress for me so it didn’t get muddy and they staffed our bar for us and coped with pouring about a bajillion espresso martinis. I love them all.” Suzanne and Oli
So how did you get started Katie?
"I started in the profession as a signwriter, this was about 16 years ago. And I did this alongside my job in education working as an assistant head teacher. I would hand paint and scribe chalkboard signage for weddings and events. And then this evolved into decor hire and styling packages.
"I have a love for eclectic and vintage items and when wedding decor was becoming more diverse and personalised, I started to hire out larger items as props for dressing areas, such as my Pashley butchers’ bike, milk churns and vintage bottles. This got me into creating thematic installations for shop windows, and dressing venues for weddings, thinking about what people were looking for so I could encompass all the things they love."
“If you haven’t enquired yet, what are you waiting for? She is everything you need and more to keep your vision alive and, better yet, improved. She is an absolute professional who made our day run seamlessly.” Ro and Andy
And do you have props for couples to hire?
"Yes, I do have props and decor that couples can hire, and this is perfect if you want to DIY it! It’s also good as you don’t need to hire a van, we deliver and collect! And as items are often vintage, recycled, upcycled and reused it’s good for the environment too. We have sourced and made decor from far and wide, from cylindrical vases, vintage bottles, brass candlesticks, peacock chairs, vintage style rugs, blankets for the hay bales, bunting, garden games and much more!
"And not just pretty items for hire but practical things too, that make the day run smoothly! So from wedding arches, table decor, lighting and table linen to microphones and hot water urns - we offer a wide selection!"
“Thanks to Katie and her lovely team at Best Day Ever for organising and designing every single thing so it ran smoothly and looked bloody fabulous!” Sophie and Matt
We always love seeing all your colourful bunting go up
"Festival bunting works so well and is something we often use, as well as colourful umbrellas and gorgeous garlands."
“Katie and her team from Best Day Ever absolutely killed it with the styling for both days. It looked so so beautiful. She also did the most amazing job of keeping everything on time, and me sane there is absolutely NO WAY we could of had the weekend we did without her. For any of you thinking of using her, DO IT! She is absolutely fantastic, even responding to my crazy 11pm messages when random things that popped into my head. She is a superstar.” Serena and Deepesh
Tell us about the fairy light arches
"Something else we hang a lot of are additional lights! Just when you thought Ash Barton couldn’t get any more twinkly – we add more! Additional festoon or fairy lights on the walls of the big party barn or in the threshing barn or courtyard are magical! And we can do light arches too. They look so dramatic and are perfect for warm summer evenings."
“And of course the day wouldn’t have happened without the BRILLIANT Katie and her team at Best Day Ever. From calming me down before the ceremony, setting everything up, pouring drinks - the list is endless! We got married in the threshing barn and Katie made it more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.” Sophie and Joe
Ok, so what else is hot in terms of wedding styling?
"This is always a tricky one and the season plays a huge part when it comes to styling. As a stylist I love to work with seasonal colours, flowers and foliage. Burnt orange tones are a popular look as are the ever-popular brights! And we love a of disco ball. It’s one of Ash Barton’s iconic decor items and the big party barn is adorned with them. They’re a decor essential that have featured so much this season and will still be really popular next year. It’s a timeless classic whether you team them with a clean modern black and white look or add them to a festival vibe wedding, or mix and blend them in with foliage and florals!"
"Fabulous decor by Katie at @best.day.ever, we got so many comments on the umbrellas!" Ellie and Liam
Draping seems super popular too
"Yes, draping has also made a real come back and a personal favourite style is dramatic draping. This has quite an organic flow and structure. It’s unique every time but adds such depth and a luxurious but edgy feel to the space."
"Thank you to Katie Stevens at best day ever for the most stunning draping, it really enhanced the barn! And saved my bacon when I forgot to order napkins!" Sasha and Cal
And talking of florals, what's popular right now?
When it comes to styling and the world of flowers, dried flowers are still holding strong as are full floral arrangements. But a garden gathered natural feel is definitely a popular choice.
"Katie also got asked to help us last minute and was so accommodating. Her ideas and last minute suggestions were brilliant and she was so helpful at recommending others too. She’s got loads of ideas to help make a space look gorgeous. Thank you!" Meg and Matt
Are photobooths still huge?
"Photobooths are more popular than ever, and of course we have one! We adore the gifs that can be sent straight to your phone!! And we love creating personalised backdrops to suit your theme!"
“Thanks to Katie Stevens and her wonderful team! No idea how the day would have functioned without her!” Vicky and Sam
And do you offer set packages?
"I like everything to be personalised and I draw on your likes and vision. I don’t like to create in a factory style. And I don’t have fixed packages. What I offer is tailored service to suit you, your needs and what you love. I have an experienced and dedicated team, who love what we do, and we work to leave no stone unturned to ensure you your family and friends love every second of your wedding day."
"Before you do anything, book Katie Stevens from Best Days Eve - her package is adaptable depending on what services you need, and her knowledge of AB and her eye for detail and keeping things to time is unquestionable - well worth allowing for Katie and her team of fantastic women in your budget. We chatted with Katie in person and on a call a couple of times beforehand to go over requirements and used her for hiring props, to babysitting and a Mother’s Day brunch prep" Laura and Oli
And what tips would you give to Ash Barton couples to ensure their day runs smoothly?
"There are lots of tips to ensure your day runs smoothly! But you’d have to have me with you to get my secrets! But essentially do what makes you happy!"
“Katie is amazing. She knows Ash Barton backwards and forwards and always has a creative solution to any problem. She makes sure everything happens exactly as you want it. Honestly, our day was perfect because I knew she had every detail under control. She is also an absolute must.” Sarah and Dan
We know you’re super busy Katie, so what are the best ways to get hold of you?
"At busy times I can be at Ash Barton seven days of the week, with set ups, pack downs, on the day, visits and revisits! But I never mind how many times I’m messaged, and I will get back to you as soon as I can! I do have admin days where I get to catch up, and a Wednesday is a good day to contact me via email or WhatsApp. Once I’ve made contact with you and we’ve talked through your requirements and I have your date in the diary, I’m with you every step of the way until the big day!
“She was every bit as wonderful as she is described online. From all the reviews I had read she had been described as a ‘fairy’ who secretly and magically made the day run smoothly… my gosh did she do just that. From the moment I got there on the Monday she answered a thousand and one questions that were being fired at her with a big smile on her face and a calming demeanour. The wedding day could not have been more perfect, and I am so grateful for all that she did.” Meg and Cruz
Get in touch with Katie
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 07971 663 818