LUX Xmas 2018

96 Oct18307 Creators of Outstanding ItalianWeddings WeddingBox Lake Como plan destination weddings on Lake Como in Italy for English speaking couples from all around the world. In October, WeddingBox was recognised as the ‘Most Outstanding for Luxury Outdoor Weddings’ in LUXlife’s Ones to Watch in the Wedding Industry programme. We spoke to the firm’s Managing Director, Sally Sephora, to find out more about their fantastic work. The wedding industry has, over the years, remained markedly unchanged and unblemished by the forward march of technology. Success in the sector remains tied intrinsically to the expert at the centre of it, and companies thrive and flourish on the back of hard work and tested experience. In many ways, there are no shortcuts to planning a wedding. Indeed, the trick is in the fine details, and the ability to exceed already sky-high expectations. Lake Como has always been an attractive wedding venue for those who want to harness the area’s outstanding natural beauty. In recent years, the area has seen a boom in interest with young couples hoping to marry on the lake’s picture-perfect shores. WeddingBox have, by all regards, utilised Lake Como’s allure as the foundation for a truly remarkable wedding planning company. Under Sally Sephora’s watchful eye, WeddingBox has enjoyed a plethora of peerless client testimonials who make claim that they are, simply, the best in the business. To start the interview, Sally offers some insight into their approach to client service. “Our focus is very much on the perspective of our couples. We work in a very different way to all our competitors which has given us an edge and enabled us to lead the way forwards. Also, we are constantly innovating and brainstorming new ideas so that we stay creative and fresh in our approach.” Sally continues, discussing the role of her team in securing WeddingBox’s enduring success. “We are the largest wedding planning team in our area. We have the most superb team of planners working with us that we regularly train, brainstorm and team-build with. I am a firm believer that if our staff our happy, they will enjoy their work. If they enjoy their work, they will work well and look after the clients better. Everybody wins and we all have fun doing it. Every year we do something a little crazy… a hot air balloon ride, dinner in St Tropez…it keeps our jobs exciting and keeps us close as a team. We work very hard, but we play hard too! The wedding industry, like many in this new interconnected world, is subject to vast landscape shifts as tends and fashions move in and – inevitably – out of vogue. “Every year we see new trends come and go. This summer we have seen the introduction of stunning geometric vases and decorations and the arrival of wedding dresses with front illusion panels, showing just a hint of skin through the lace. Wedding dresses suddenly became not only beautiful and elegant but also have a stylish, modern twist!” Further, for Sally, this has resulted in a new wave of couples who understand the unique benefits of an overseas wedding: “We see more and more couples marrying abroad. It’s so easy these days with so many cheap flights available. Airbnb has provided an alternative, allowing for accommodation to become more affordable for everyone. It’s now cheaper to marry in Italy than it is to marry in the UK and of course, the chances of a beautiful sunny day here are vastly improved.” Moreover, technological adoption, though not necessary for success, has helped streamline processes, ensuring that the client and planner remain utterly in sync throughout the planning timeline. “We have developed software enabling our couples to actually see their wedding coming together as we work with them through the planning process. Our couples are able to see in real time as we tick items off our list, note quote prices and make updates. We can now share outstanding jobs, balances, timelines and any payments made to date. This has revolutionised how we work. Now, everyone is quite literally on the same page.” Finally, in her closing comments, Sally discusses the future of WeddingBox Lake Como as they look to fuel further growth. “We are currently expanding our business and looking for partners in key areas around Europe to partner with us. It’s an exciting time! We have had great success with our Lake Como branch, we are hugely proud of what we have achieved. Now, we are ready to grow and set up new branches, and in turn, help more couples create their dream weddings.” Contact: Sally Sephora, Managing Director Company: WeddingBox Lake Como Address: Via Venini 67, Varenna, 23829, Italy Website: www.weddingboxlakecomo.com Telephone: +39 0341 830 775