Kirsty Grant is the Senior Wedding and Events Coordinator at Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock. She has lived in Ayrshire for over 35 years and currently lives in Tarbolton with her husband and two children. On her days off she loves to spend her time with her girls, and particularly enjoys shopping and lunch days out. She also enjoys taking the family dog, Tucker, on longs walks. This is what she had to say about her role in hospitality:
How long have you been a wedding and events coordinator?
I have been in my current job role for over three and a half years. Unfortunately, I was made redundant during Covid and had no clue in what career direction to turn. When I saw this job role, I jumped at it. I feel my personality really suits my job role here, I love being part of a couple’s big day!
What training did you need to do?
My training here at Lochside lasted approximately three months before doing weddings on my own, although I’m still learning new things weekly! The first few weeks were shadowing other coordinators and also being at head office with the team, training on our systems and the daily tasks involved in an office day.
What do you like best about your role?
I love that I get to spend time with couples, helping them create their dream day. We have meetings and catch-ups where I help them plan out their ideas so the wedding day itself runs smoothly. Because we have meetings beforehand, it’s like I’m friends with my couples and feel like I’m part of their day! I love seeing them so happy and getting a hug and thanks at the end of the day to let me know I’ve done my job well.
What, if anything, do you dislike about your job?
There’s not much I don’t like. If I was being picky, as senior wedding coordinator I get to meet lots of couples and I can’t always be with them on the day. However, I have an amazing team who I know will look after each couple and that they are in safe hands.
How many hours a week do you usually work?
My job role is 45 hours per week.
What time does your working day usually start?
On a wedding day, I start at 9am and finish about 9pm. Office days vary from early finishes to starting a bit later to accommodate meetings for couples.
Can you briefly describe what a typical day involves?
On a typical wedding day my day starts by going to see my bride and making sure she is okay, then I’ll set their ceremony room and wedding breakfast with the items they’ve brought along. I may also have a show-round booked so I’ll prepare for this and make sure the venue is set up and ready for the newly engaged couple to view. I help with the bridal party prep, get the dresses on, and help the boys with their kilts. I am also master of ceremonies so will call guests into the ceremony room. I help the bride and bridesmaids to the top of the aisle, move décor after the ceremony, help with seating for the speeches and meal, introduce speeches, help with meal service, cake cutting, first dance and more!
Once piece of advice for someone looking to become a wedding and events coordinator?
I think this job role is for someone who is passionate about people and wants to help to make their wedding day or big birthday the best day ever.
What would you be if you weren’t an events coordinator?
If I had to do something else, I would love to get back into wedding makeup as I love being part of the wedding day prep.
Career highlight so far?
Being nominated last year by my brides and grooms for Wedding Coordinator of the Year at the Your Scottish Wedding Awards – and winning!
If you could sum up your job in one word, what would it be?
Fulfilling.
