Mark Niemierko is widely regarded as Britain’s premier luxury event and wedding planner. Since founding his company in 2005, Mark has arranged parties and weddings for high society couples from all over the world. No detail is too small, nor no task too big for Niemierko’s extensive experience and precision. A true professional and passionate creative, he is always assisted by his dashing 'Niemierko Hosts' who ensure that everything runs smoothly, whether it's serving confetti or cocktails. Join us in this interview as Mark gives THE WED a peek behind the scenes of his brand.
How did you get started as a wedding planner, and what motivated you to pursue this career?
In early 2005, having previously worked in a variety of junior roles in film and television production, I started working a little within Film PR and Events. I started a small online event planning company and had an idea of expanding with a wedding planning arm. When I mentioned this to people within hospitality and events, I saw faces light up with interest. However, on many occasions I was advised not to go into weddings, as they weren’t profitable considering the time spent. I quickly discovered at that time that within the UK, wedding planning was a slightly untouched market. Thus after 3 months of research Niemierko was born.
When working with couples, what is your typical approach to planning a wedding? How do you help bring your clients' vision to life?
I’d like to think I’m creative, but most importantly I’m organised. To me, logistics comes first. I compare wedding planning to building a house from scratch. You have a plot of land, but would you go cushion and curtain shopping prior to laying your foundations? No. Practical first, and pretty follows.
So, with that, the venue is key. Once we've secured the venue, everything else falls into place: we know the date, overall flow with timing, logistics of getting guests from A to B and so on. This also helps with the rest of the planning. For example, the florist needs to know how long they have access to setup as well as clear times, to quote accurately for labour and delivery.
Trust me, I can spend days on creative ideas and discussions, and I love that whole process, but I feel it’s important to address the practical details early on.
In your opinion, what are some of the most important qualities that a successful wedding planner should have?
Above anything, being organised. I believe everyone is creative in some capacity, and with time that creativity and experience can easily expand. However, I don’t believe everyone is methodical and efficient. That’s something you have from an early age.
Good instincts, on many fronts, from quickly working out who your couple and their tastes are to selecting third-party suppliers. You need to pick partners who will work well with you and reliably deliver for your clients.
Being bold to reach a point of comfort. Wedding planning isn’t for the weak. While it might be assumed a fluffy role or industry, it is far from it. Thus, it's important to know yourself, and be confident in your individuality.
How do you ensure that the wedding day is stress-free and enjoyable for the couple and their families?
We take great care with the logistics as mentioned above, but also within that the guest relations. Guests RSVP directly to us, So, from the get-go of receiving the invitation the guest is no longer nagging our client, which alleviates unwarranted stress for our couples. By doing a maximum of 5 weddings a year, I’m allowed more time to communicate with my couples and their families, thus informing and relaxing them.
Communication is key. On the big day, we also ensure that any vendor coming into contact with our couples, such as photographers, hair and makeup artists, has a calming influence,
But fundamentally, from the get-go, the responsibility lies with me and my team. My couples are assured that any issues will be swiftly resolved, and importantly, they won't even need to be aware of them.
What do you think are the biggest mistakes couples make when planning their wedding? How do you help them avoid these mistakes?
Planning in the wrong order is one of them. For example, trying to book suppliers when the couple don’t even have a venue and thus a wedding date. Also, not fully understanding the labour that goes into a wedding. Not just from, say, servers, but delivery crews and so on. Thus, don’t factor in crew costs.
Getting lost in detail, that frankly does not make for a fantastic wedding. The bar, the restrooms, transportation accessibility, and the operations team with the caterer are some of the most important elements at a wedding or event. However, don’t get me wrong—I’m all for personalization!
Finally, losing sight of what it’s all about. It’s a celebration of the two of you, so make it that.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable wedding you planned? What made it so special?
I don’t have a favourite Niemierko wedding, they all stand out in their own right. Naturally, however, there are some remarkable weddings I’ve done over the years. From the wedding held at Battersea Power Station, when it was still a derelict site, to the wedding of the bride's sister at Battersea Evolution, where I had earned an incredible level of trust from the family to, within reason, do as I pleased. From a striking black-draped ceremony with no flowers but candles to a rustic yet stunning dinner.
Of course, the palace wedding, which had Belmond British Pullman, a dramatic dinner, dark pudding room and Studio 54 after-party. Also, a 5-day wedding starting midweek in London with tea at the Ritz all leading to a weekend on the Cliveden Estate.
Having said all that, I do think the more intimate, yet still wow, weddings I have planned and created will always stand out to me. From the time we hired the whole of the British Museum for dinner for 17 to a wedding with only 24 guests last year at the Wallace Collection.
Lastly, what do you believe is the secret to creating a truly unforgettable wedding experience that will stay with the couple and their guests for years to come?
Keep it intimate, keep it private, keep it fun.
