Susanna Richardson in conversation with Clements and Church
Watch the full video above and find out much more about Susanna and our relationship. We have a small snippet of the conversation here to give you a taste, but please enjoy the whole video above.
Enjoy a small part of our full conversation
You've done lots of weddings in Italy, Italy has been very, very kind of go to for you. Yeah. What is it you love about weddings in Italy? 
Susana –
The weather?
I mean, Italy’s just romantic. Me this year and I think. Yeah. And logistically it works.
So and the venues are just fantastic.
Anna
It’s the architecture as now I was when we were in Rome. I think the two things that really took my breath away was the architecture, the lights. You get this most beautiful light. And I think it’s because the buildings are so light colored. But you get the same thing in Tuscany. So.
Susana
I don’t know. There’s something special about Rome. Yeah. I mean, really is something really special. Yeah. About it.
I mean, everything about it is romantic the scenery is. It’s just stunning. I mean, Tuscany is just beautiful, light side food, so it’s incredible wines. Incredible. They’re relatively easy to deal with.
If someone came to you, if you just say if you could plan your perfect wedding. Where do you think that would be?
So I married in Italy 23 years ago.
So I’ve done it. And I don’t think I’d change it now. I was to think about it I now live in the Cotswolds and I love the Cotswolds. So yeah, I think I’d probably either do Italy or the Cotswolds!
You are known for making things happen. Okay. Amazing things. No. Right. Is there anything you've ever had to say no to? And how how did you do it?
Susanna
Within reason, no. However, that generally comes down to budget. And I think actually more and more people’s expectations of what they want versus budget is now vastly different. So, yeah, a lot of the times I am the bad guy and I have to go back and say, well, that’s like 300,000 pounds worth of flowers. We haven’t got that.
So why don’t we do this instead? Yeah. So yeah, that that happens a lot.
Anna
And managing expectations
Susanna
Yeah I think well I think I think what you’ve got at the moment is people are bombarded with social media. Yeah. Of what Kardashian style weddings and events and all of these incredible things. And I don’t think people understand how much things cost. So yeah, I have to be the person who kind of brings up back down into the like, numbers spreadsheet guy.
Obviously we're coming into spring summer. Haven't really spoken about that. What things do we need to consider or what are the big ones for having a summer wedding?
Susanna
I think across the board most people get it wrong with what they wear. Brides can often get it wrong because they don’t realize how hot it’s going to be for a destination. Same with grooms. I think they have to be guided on fabrics. A lot of, grooms are sportspeople, so they tend to sweat a lot and they need lots of shirts. I think the most we’ve had is maybe eight
So things like that, you have to consider whether it’s a huge part, whether it’s here or abroad. And I guess seasonality in terms of what’s available. So trying to lean into flowers that are available season late spring is phenomenal. They’re my favorite flowers in spring. I think people always think of summer gardens, but actually spring’s the best.
I mean, you know, bringing in a kind of all those beautiful pastels and the kind of real brightness of spring. I love that, and actually I get to work on very few, maybe April weddings. It’s not a popular month, but it’s actually one of the most beautiful and fragrant. Yeah, yeah. And in terms of light as well, I think it kind of it has a nice light to it.
You're such a champion of love. You're always there at the beginning of a relationship or whether about to make the most important vows. What do you think is the voice that you would give to a couple going forward?
Susanna
I think laughter is hugely important. I think life can be hard and if you can laugh together, I think you’re 95% of the way there. And I love that when I see couples together and the way that they navigate their lives together, and I know that the ones that can not take it too seriously are going to be the ones that are going to make it the longest.
Quickfire questions
Your approach in three words?
Honest. Fun. Designed.
Most important part of the day?
The vows. If we can get you married, the rest is just decoration.
Biggest misconception about weddings?
Bigger is better and I think that comes down to what’s involved. And also guest list
How do you unwind?
Whiskey. You know, so belly rubs with a puppy. Yeah. I love my dog. I have an outdoor bath, which is everything, and I live in the middle of nowhere, so just quiet.
Finally, what makes an event unforgettable?
I think the people. I think having the right mix of people there and then something that’s completely designed around you.
