By Emma Morley

Last updated 10:27, Saturday, 29 March 2008

Lynne White’s flair and creativity are proving essential in her quest to make sure your wedding day is exactly how you imagined it.

Expert: Wedding planner Lynne White got married last month and is in the process of planning her daughter Kerry’s wedding, which takes place in June

And after planning weddings for others she was well qualified when it came to planning her own wedding recently. Lynne, 57, got married to Mike Sparks on December 22 and her skills as a wedding planner came in handy.

Lynne and Mike, 55, met in July 2004 on an internet dating site.

They spent time ‘chatting’ online and it was when Mike, who was living in Lancaster at the time, asked for Lynne’s number and called her that they arranged to meet face-to-face.

Lynne said: “We got on really well and when he called me he just said ‘pick a restaurant and we will meet there’. We got on really well.”

It was in November 2007, while Lynne was in the process of planning another wedding, that Mike asked her if she fancied planning her own.

Lynne said: “He just came out with the question and I said ‘OK’.”

Lynne’s skills were put to the test as they decided to get married before Christmas, which meant she had less than two months to make preparations.

She said: “Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“I love organising things and have a lot of experience and contacts so I knew I could do it.”

Lynne and Mike got married at Tullie House on December 22, followed by a meal at No 10 in Carlisle, where their 20 guests enjoyed mulled wine – a festive alternative to champagne.

Lynne chose a purple and aubergine colour theme and bought glasses which she decorated with purple chains and filled with baubles and scented candles. For the place names she made Christmas wreaths with the names on.

The bouquets were made by Lynne and she chose calla lilies, ivy and roses. Following the wedding, Lynne and Mike spent five days in Paris and London.

Lynne first got the idea of becoming a wedding planner when her daughter Helen was arranging her big day two years ago.

Lynne, who works from her Currock home, said: “Helen needed help with the final preparations and I helped her out with them.

“Wedding planners came into fashion in the south a few years ago but people in this area are just starting to catch on to it now as they realise it isn’t so expensive. When people are so busy working it can be difficult to find time to arrange a wedding and this is where wedding planners can help.

“I have seen brides become very stressed before their wedding day and I can help relieve the pressure so they can enjoy it.”

Couples can see Lynne for an initial consultation and then she can arrange as much or as little as they want. Lynne can also be there on the wedding day to make sure things run smoothly.

She said: “I can help create that ‘wow’ factor to your day. I live and breathe weddings.

“A lot depends on the venue as you may be limited on how much you can organise yourself but having something like a marquee is like having a blank canvas.

“It is a good idea to pick a colour theme. You also have to write everything down and keep records of what you have organised and paid for.

“When I attend a wedding I always carry sticky tape in my bag in case there are any emergencies.”

Lynne is able to get discounts at various local wedding suppliers and her dining room is filled with venue brochures, books on wedding planning, flowers, making your own favours and she has a portfolio of wedding invitations.

“Attention to detail is crucial,” she said. “I have called the business ‘Your Day Your Way’ because everybody’s day is individual.”

Lynne has previously worked in marketing and as an interior designer for David Cole in Carlisle. She also has florist qualifications and has been a member of Skelton Flower Club.

She said: “You have to keep up to date with current trends – floral accessories have become popular now. I do think you should try to go for seasonal flowers.”

She is currently helping a couple plan their wedding taking place in November.

She said: “This couple are on a tight budget but you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to make your wedding day special. They want a silver colour theme and I have lots of ideas for them. I can gear what people want to their budget.”

She is also arranging her daughter Kerry’s wedding, taking place in June.

As well as weddings, Lynne can arrange events such as birthday parties.

• To contact Lynne call 01228 597414.