11 Questions with... Mark Niemierko of Niemierko Weddings

Over the course of 16 years Mark Niemierko has become one of London's most sought-after wedding planners. His company, Niemierko, is synonymous with luxury in the truest sense of the word, creating events that are all about pleasure, beauty and elegance. We asked him to share his wedding industry insights.

How Did You Get Started in the Wedding Industry?

I started Niemierko in 2005; prior to that I worked in film and TV drama within an operations and assisting role to executive producers. Naturally, within this career I organised the odd event, thus I had a grand plan to start my own events business. 

I recall various meetings with venues, caterers and the like advising me not to do weddings. Thankfully, I didn’t take their advice, and come the 2008 recession many of those who had told me not to do weddings started to look into the wedding market, as their corporate events business disappeared overnight.

What Does Your Typical Working Day Involve?

There is no day like the last, that’s for sure. The only given is that after reading the FT and 5 Nespresso shots I’m finally at my desk.

If it's an office day, I could be focusing on one particular event, be it compiling a venue proposal, budgets, adding to a couple's Activity Report (the AR is a doc we use with all quotes, outlines and flow notes – all in one place per wedding), or mood boards (although I prefer to do my mood boards of an evening with no distraction). Of course there are also company materials such as marketing, approving something for social and so on.

If it's not a desk day, I could be on a planned venue show-rounds day, dress shopping with a bride, carrying out tasting and setup approval, or supplier intro meetings with couples…. I like to put in as much as possible if I have a couple for a day, as not to eat into their time and mainly as an effective way of making decisions on who will be hired.

Two weeks prior to a wedding, my time is typically dedicated to that event. I compile my running order – 40-to-60-page doc on average, which is a minute-by-minute of what is going to happen in the final week and day of the wedding. It takes me 48 hours to write, including an overnight at my desk – again like mood boards I like to do this with no distractions.

This document ensures if I am hit by a bus, the wedding can still go ahead!

On a Sunday I come in for an hour or two – typically to ensure I’m ahead for Monday, but also Sundays are when I write notes that need to be sent, either birthday greetings, thank you cards etc.

What Is It That You Love about Working in Weddings? 

I have two things. The couples, of course - I love that not one Niemierko bride is similar to the last, even when I have had been lucky enough to plan the wedding of the sister of a previous bride. Each time I learn something new, by coming up with a new element that best suits them. Every couple's taste, style and visions are different; it can never get dull.

The second: the team. I relish a full outmess (back of house). Yes, everyone is working hard, but we also have a riot of fun. It's important to want to come to work. I have very much missed the team throughout this pandemic and cannot wait to see, in person, their forced laughter at my very bad jokes. I work with the best in the business – and count myself very lucky.

What Do You Find Most Challenging in Your Work?

I don’t find anything really challenging when it comes to planning a wedding - if I did after 16 years, I’d be worried! 

What Did the Coronavirus Pandemic Reach You about Your Business?

It proved I am ready to adapt at a moment's notice. 

What's Your Advice for Someone Who Wants to Work in Your Field in the Wedding Industry?

You need to bring something to the table that is not already being offered. 

Remember that this is a 24/7 industry. It's not just weddings at weekends, you will also be in planning meetings with couples and have 5 inboxes that need answering, from email and WhatsApp to Instagram.

You need to be strong, not just to guide and lead couples but also to deal with endless amounts of suppliers, venues and so on. It is not for the faint hearted.

Being confident and knowing your worth are also key. Everyone’s time is worthy, and with that it should be paid for. Your business should be making a profit, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you are prepared for this and have no issue with it, then you will already be ahead.   

Being organised is a requirement. Sure, you may have an eye for putting a stunning tablescape together, but can you oversee the 5 different tableware and furniture companies to deliver in the right order, and not cause a bottleneck in the loading bay? Then of course oversee collection, ensuring breakages are noted. And that’s just one element.

Another key skill in event, and namely social event, planning is gauging people quickly – I am very quick to pick up who my client is: what they think is tasteful, what their style is, what they don’t like, how they like things presented and so on. Be able to do this in any industry and you are winning.

Being informed also pays off. Read the papers, listen to podcasts, find an in-depth news programme that suits you. Try to keep your finger on the pulse, even if it’s just your little finger.  

Having said all this – done with great delivery – it is an exceptionally rewarding job. 

Which Wedding Professionals Inspire You?

Clare Thompson, owner of The Wedding Club, is smart, understands  good service, knows how to buy what brides want. It's hardly surprising we work so well together in finding the right dress for my brides. 

And not in weddings, more hospitality, Jeremy King, restaurateur and co-owner of Corbin and King group, including the Wolseley. He has an eye like no one else when it comes to décor, but what impresses me the most is you will still spot him dropping into his restaurants daily, not only to check in with his regulars but also his team.

Which Current Wedding Trend Do You Want to See More of?

I don't believe in trends, especially with something as personal as a wedding. Saying that, I do hope Covid-19 has created more of a trend for couples focusing on what is important. Your wedding should be pretty that’s a given, but I would like to see a trend in priorities at weddings. The guests experience and service, is what makes not only the difference, but memories.

What’s Your Favourite Wedding from a Film or TV Programme?

I wouldn’t say favourite, but if pushed My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

What Is the One Wedding Tradition You Would Ditch and Why?

The cutting of the cake. It's the biggest non-event – I have witnessed many a guest eye-roll as we announce it. Hence hardly any Niemierko Weddings have a cake, we instead do pudding rooms.

What’s Your Next Ambition for Your Business?

TBC – but with all that has gone on, some return to normality. I look forward to marrying many a happy couple!

See more of Mark and the team's work on Instagram @niemierko.

Looking for some wedding help in your area? Check out our directory of wedding planners.