This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarketChat on May 23rd, 2012 with UK’s Top Wedding Planner Mark Niemierko. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Mark Niemierko Bio: 

Mark Niemierko is Britain’s leading wedding planner. His namesake company, Niemierko, has previously arranged the weddings of Russian oligarchs, Premiership football players, celebrities and high society couples from London, New York and Paris.

Niemierko is one of the UK’s premier Event and Wedding Planning Companies, founded by Mark Niemierko.  Niemierko specialises in weddings, civil partnerships and other social events such as baby showers, bar mitzvahs, birthdays and anniversary parties for a sophisticated, savvy and stylish clientele who have high standards for their wedding day and other private events.  Niemierko’s service includes a full range of wedding services tailored to each couples requirements. Learn more about Mark Niemierko at http://www.niemierko.com

Join Our Wedding Market Chats For Wedding Professionals Every Wednesday at 10:00PT, 1:00ET, and 6:00GMT (UK time) with the #WeddingMarketChat Hashmark On Twitter. Learn something new to help your business grow every week. The chats are hosted by Wedding Market editor Julie Albaugh (@juliealbaugh).

Q1: @MarkNiemierko How did you get involved with the @WeddingIndustry ?

AQ1:  Back in 2005 I wanted to form my own events company. However rather than just being another event planner I wanted to focus on a niche. I researched the market a little and realised there was a gap in weddings when it came to luxury.

Q2: @MarkNiemierko What has been the important factor in your success? 

AQ2 Aside from gaining experience – and quickly – personality has played a big part. I think u need 2 b adaptable to your clients tastes & styles – as well as managing an array of suppliers.

Q3: @MarkNiemierko What are the main differences between weddings in the U.S. & the UK ? 

AQ3: Well when it comes to NY weddings over anywhere else in the world – budgets in NY are perhaps the biggest. People aren’t afraid of being flamboyant in the US, UK Brides can be more reserved. British couples don’t like to appear that they have spent a huge amount of money on their day.

Q4: @MarkNiemierko What are the latest wedding trends that you see this year in the different markets?

AQ4: Grooms. Grooms are way more involved in the plans – which is a good thing! Gold is in. We’ve just designed 3 sets of invites all with gold lettering – for 3 very different couples. Lace dresses this summer have also been rather popular. Inspired by a certain Duchess perhaps!

Q5: @MarkNiemierko  What wedding trends started in the U.S. & carried over to the UK? 

AQ5: The Bride walking after her Bridesmaids. Was more traditional in the UK for Brides to walk in first. Escort cards became more popular in the US. Many couples haven’t a clue what they are when I mention them as most are used to using Table Plans. And the good old Rehearsal dinner which pretty much all my weddings have a form of now.

Q6: @MarkNiemierko How is the royal wedding still influencing the wedding industry after one year?

AQ6: Church ceremonies in the UK have risen. Lace dresses are popular. Grooms cake has also become a hit.  Oh and Lily of the Valley bouquets – which is my fav – such a timeless choice.

Q7: @MarkNiemierko How do you determine the wedding pros that will work with you on a wedding? 

AQ7: With a photographer for example – we need to see good photos.  But then also that they share Niemierko’s vision and will be an extension of my brand.  I match suppliers personalities occasionally to my couples – to ensure a good fit. Also a can do attitude is essential when working with us. And no egos. Really a turn off when a supplier thinks they’re the star…the couples are the stars! 

Q8: @MarkNiemierko What has been your favorite event to plan?

AQ8: I’ve too many to pick just one. But I’m lucky enough to have worked for a family twice – planning both sisters weddings.  The 2nd was one of the nicest experiences during the planning. As the Bride and Groom were even more trusting of me having seen & attended 1 of my previous events.

Q9: @MarkNiemierko What celebrities and royalty have you done work for?

AQ9: We’ve had a few this summer. All good fun… but just as interesting & exciting as all our couples. My client list this summer includes a Groom who has made his wealth in property development, an Actor, a Greek shipping family, a family within the beauty industry, New York based banker, to a family with a food produce company and pop stars. With an array of clients like this u can never get bored. Such interesting Brides Grooms and families.

Q10: @MarkNiemierko What would you like the #WeddingMarket to take away from this #WeddingMarketChat ?

AQ10: A bit more of an insight into what Niemierko does I hope. As well as a little bit of a laugh! You’ve got to seriously have fun in this business!

#WeddingMarketChat Question: What is your advice for the fastest way to gain experience in this industry for a beginner?

Tweet Answer: Get some work experience, research the market and find your niche!

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Do you feel that fashion plays a part in the designing of an event eg: table dressing?

Tweet Answer:  Totally… I’m very much inspired by fashion and interiors when planning and creating our weddings…

#WeddingMarketChat Question: About which aspects of planning do your grooms care the most?

Tweet Answer: Tasting (food and beverage), car, bands and entertainment and his suit!

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Do you find that british couples are getting more extravagent with their cakes because of shows like Choccywoccydoodah?

Tweet Answer: Yes and no… I like to encourage my couples to be themselves and not to be influenced by others.

#WeddingMarketChat Question: And @pinterest !! RT @markniemierko I’m very inspired by fashion and interiors when planning and creating our weddings…

Tweet Answer: Just getting there with that!

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Are you doing more weddings from non-Brits this year on account of the Olympics being in London?

Tweet Answer: Olympics has killed alot of social business over the summer. However Sept is busier than usual.

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Do you think it’s easier when a bride knows exactly what she wants or when she doesn’t care about details?

Tweet Answer: Both are easy. It’s when she doesn’t know what she wants it’s difficult. Indecisive and bride are 2 words I don’t like to hear together.

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Where do you find inspiration?

Tweet Answer: From my couples – who they are, what they like, where they travel, eat and so on.

#WeddingMarketChat Question: Table Plan? The same as Place Cards?

Tweet Answer: Large board with the seating plan printed on

#WeddingMarketChat Question: How do you handle pushy paying parents?

Tweet Answer: With care and attention. if they are paying they should have a say.