As a Wedding Planner, Priti Raichura understands the immense stress that accompanies wedding planning. Getting married is a significant milestone, and everyone desires a flawless and stress-free day.
For many, it can be a daunting experience, and she is on hand to guide couples through this exciting, but often
challenging time… So much to think about, so many decisions and an endless stream of questions swarm the premarital mind…
However, more often than not, the answers to these questions can be found at Leicester’s John Lewis department store – a place where friendly members of staff are on hand to help you pick out gifts, offer advice on fashion, beauty, technology – even how to furnish a home…
“It’s a one stop shop – a place where you can pick up whatever you need, whether it’s clothes, make-up, jewellery – it’s all here under one roof,” says Priti, as she begins a tour of the store in the city’s High Cross.
“It covers all bases really. If you’re getting married abroad, there’s a great range of luggage available and if you’re shopping for wedding gifts, you’ll always find something here…”
Gifts
At John Lewis, their range of homeware and electrical appliances is exceptional.
Elegant glasses gleam proudly on the shelves and a variety of Smeg kettles draw the eye with their pastel perfect
aesthetic.
“In store there are over 300 varieties of teaspoon,” says Bob Gill, the store’s manager proudly. And that’s just one
example.
When it comes to crockery (something often found on a wedding gift list), the choice is also impressive.
“We have a great range called ‘Any day,’ which is our own brand, as well as a more expensive range by Denby,” Bob explains. “You can get a Beko washing machine for £300 or you can get a Miele for
£1,200. There are lots of product choices for
every budget…”
Make-up and Beauty
When it comes to beauty, the choice at John Lewis is stunning, with hundreds of high-end products packing the store’s luminous ground floor.
Priti chats to Paige, a beautician and make-up expert who works in the department.
She just happens to be a newly-wed – and it seems to suit her, as she beams
with passion and positive energy – chatting easily about her experience and the brands she loves.
Lancome products are something Paige highly recommends. The brand’s ‘Absolute’ range became an essential part of her skin care routine in the run up to her wedding just eight weeks ago.
“Genifique is also wonderful for getting that really nice healthy glow in preparation for the big day. You can also
mix the serum in with foundation to create a nice, dewy radiant finish, which is going to be perfect for pictures,” she
says.
“As for make-up, the current trend is to go for a natural smoky eye – more of a softer look together with a nice
highlight, so when you have all your photos, there’s that nice reflection on the photography as well.”
It’s clear that Paige is extremely knowledgeable and has her finger on the pulse of all the latest beauty trends,
including perfume. ‘Mon Paris’ by Yves Saint Laurent is a popular choice she reveals, and well as classics like ‘Chanel No 5.’
Bridal make-up can be done in store, but booking in for a trial beforehand is highly recommended to ensure it’s perfect – everything you want on your special day and more…
Pre- Wedding ‘Pamper Parties’
The run up to your wedding should be an exciting and magical experience; buying the dress, writing the invites and of course the all-important hen do – a chance to giggle and bond with your bridesmaids and maybe even blow off some steam before the big day…
If you’re looking for a more relaxing time, why not consider getting the girls together for a pre-wedding pamper session at John Lewis’s in store spa?
“In the run up to a wedding, it’s important to take time for yourself and keep stress to a minimum,” says Priti. “Think about booking in for a personalised Clarins spa treatment – a relaxing massage or a radiance boosting facial to make sure you stay on top of your beauty regime ahead of the big
day.”
Personal Styling
John Lewis is a popular spot to visit if you’re the mother-of-the-bride, or simply a guest looking for a great wedding outfit. Brands such as Hobbs and Phase Eight are popular choices which are championed in store.
However, their extensive range of highend suits by brands like Reiss, Ted Baker and Hugo Boss, make it a great place for men – including the groom, to get suited and booted.
Priti meets Manuel, a personal stylist who has helped dozens of grooms find
their perfect look.
“I show them different combinations, different shoes… Sometimes we’ll spend two or three hours because I
want them to be 100 per cent sure. It’s a special day so I encourage them to take
time,” he told her.
“I reassure them that we can spend all day if we need to, and it usually makes
them relax. Then they may tell me about their wedding plans and we’ll just have
a chat. Planning a wedding is stressful, so I’m there to help as much as I can and
give a great experience.”
Manuel’s passion and energy shines through as he gathers a variety and suits and accessories for Priti to peruse –socks, sunglasses, cologne and even underwear. Nothing is overlooked and nothing is too much trouble.
Priti is impressed with the service. “It’s something I’d definitely recommend to my clients,” she says.
“When it comes to weddings, there’s a lot of concentration on women and brides. Men are often a little overlooked
and tend to leave things more until the last minute. I also find that they don’t have that support network in the same way that women do – friends to go shopping with and to lean on for advice.
“They’re often quite nervous and can be overwhelmed by the process, so it’s great that John Lewis have a personal
stylist to help them out, and hold their hand a little bit.”
Enjoying Married Life
Of-course life doesn’t stop after you get married – in fact many would say that it’s only just begun! As a couple starts out on their brand-new life together, they may want to set up home, or ‘refeather’ their nest in preparation for starting a family, or simply for the sake of change.
John Lewis’ free home-styling service is perfect for helping couples to make decisions which combine their personal tastes and desires.
“When they’ve got completely different tastes, a Pinterest board is the way to go because both of them can pin
and they can see what works and what similar ideas they have,” says Martene, who works in the home-styling
department.
“We have around 5,500 different upholstery fabrics, which can be used for curtains, cushions, sofas… so there’s bound to be something which piques the couple’s interest and something they can both agree upon,” she adds.
If children do come along, John Lewis is also there to give a helping hand; advice for setting up a nursery and which products are available to suit your lifestyle and budget.
“We’re there for all life’s moments,” says Bob Gill. “Whatever it is you’ve got going on, we’ve usually got something you need. Appointments are all free, with no pressure to buy and no minimum spend.”
Conclusion
“Obviously I’ve always known about John Lewis and the quality service they provide, but this visit has opened my
eyes even further,” said Priti.
“The staff are all so knowledgeable and make shopping here such a pleasure. As a wedding planner, I am bombarded with loads of questions from my couples, and I like to go the extra mile to give them ideas of places they can go – what’s trending at the moment, where can they get certain perfumes from etc.
“So John Lewis has definitely got to be my number one choice.”
For more information contact Award Winning Wedding Planner Priti Raichura at: www.pritiraichura.com
