Planning My Own Wedding (This Should Be Easy, Right?)

I've Spent Years Planning Everyone Else's Big Day

I'm Sophie, an Event Planner at Horizon 22, and there's something surreal about spending your days planning incredible events, only to suddenly find yourself thinking: now I need to plan my own.

I have spent years planning corporate events, dinners, private parties and weddings. So, when I finally got engaged, the reaction from my friends was predictable: "Well, this will be like a walk in the park for you, you do this every day."

It has, in fact, not been a walk in the park, but a full-on sprint to find the perfect venue.

Don't get me wrong: I know how to spot a good venue from a mile away. I know the questions to ask and I'm painfully aware of the little details that can make or break an occasion. But planning my own wedding? Suddenly, I am the client and it's not just about final numbers, the food and drink selection, and the nitty-gritty details, but about finding a venue that makes my special day everything I've dreamed of since I was little.

My Dream Venue Has to Tick Every Box

I've tried to remove my event planner brain from the situation and put it in a locked box whilst searching for a venue, but, naturally, it comes to the surface. I find myself going round in circles, and it always comes back to the same three things: my dream venue must have a view, brilliant lighting and a smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception to the party.

A non-negotiable for me is the view, and I have a wow-factor vision in my head and on paper. Amongst my long and never-ending search through venues, I can't help but swoon over Horizon 22.

Fifty-Eight Floors Above the City of London

The views do not get much better than 58 floors above the City of London. As someone who has spent years creating wow moments for event guests, it's now my time to have my guests wowed. Horizon 22 speaks for itself. You don't need to spend ridiculous amounts on decor (if you know, you know) as the space and the view do all the talking.

Natural Light That Changes Everything

The natural light is actually breathtaking. It enhances the mood and immediately lifts photography (a very important aspect, of course). Horizon 22 is surrounded by glass, providing an abundance of light during the day, even in rainy London. And don't get me started on when the sun goes down. The city lights up the horizon. Absolutely stunning.

So, Will I Get Married at Horizon 22?

Of course, I'm still early in my own planning journey, and I'm trying (emphasis on the trying) not to slip into project manager mode. I still want to enjoy planning my wedding as I have with all my events over the years.

Every bride has non-negotiables. Should I budge on these? Absolutely not. I believe it's incredibly important to know exactly what you want from the get-go. Although it makes venue finding harder, it makes every decision intentional. Thankfully, I know what I want, and, unsurprisingly, Horizon 22 ticks a lot of boxes.