About the Role
What does a typical day look like for you at The Norfolk Mead?
On a non-event day, I spend a lot of time in contact with our lovely couples - whether it’s face-to-face meetings, phone calls or emails. Some are right at the beginning of their wedding journey, visiting us to see if The Norfolk Mead is the perfect fit, while others are deep into planning the finer details. My day also includes plenty of admin - quotations, rotas, payments - you name it! And, of course, setting up the venue for weddings and events.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It has to be delivering each and every wedding. Watching our couples’ visions come to life after all the planning is such a special moment. Knowing I’ve played a small part in memories they’ll cherish forever is what makes it all worthwhile.
What’s one thing people might not realise about what goes into event planning?
It’s definitely not all glitz and glamour! People often think wedding planning is a sparkly job, but there’s plenty of hard graft behind the scenes. You might find us pulling pints, emptying bins or doing the washing up. It’s a real team effort and we all muck in to make sure everything runs smoothly.
A Bit About You
What’s your background before joining The Norfolk Mead?
I started working weddings in 2012 as a summer job after school. That soon turned into a full-time apprenticeship, and I worked my way up from Events Assistant to Event Coordinator by 2016. I had a short break from events during Covid and tried estate agency - but I missed the buzz of events and came back in 2022. Now I’m Head of Events here at The Norfolk Mead and I couldn’t be happier.
What inspired you to get into events?
I’ve always been organised and loved planning but I was really inspired by the amazing women I worked with in my first events job. They were brilliant at what they did and taught me so much - I’ve never looked back!
If you weren’t working in events, what do you think you’d be doing?
Something in travel, without a doubt. I love exploring new places - especially if there’s sunshine involved! If I didn’t love events so much, I’d probably be working abroad or in travel planning.
Behind the Scenes
What’s been your most memorable event at The Norfolk Mead?
The hotel’s 10 Year Anniversary Party was one for the books! It was a three-day celebration, starting with an Ibiza-themed party, followed by a dinner dance and finishing off with a relaxed Sunday BBQ. It was such a fun weekend and a real highlight.
Any funny or unexpected moments from an event?
At a previous venue, we had an outdoor ceremony and just as the Registrar asked, “If anyone knows of any lawful impediment…”, a cow in the neighbouring field let out the loudest moo! Everyone was in stitches - it completely broke the tension and made for a brilliant moment.
Just for Fun
If you could plan a dream event for anyone, who would it be?
Definitely Maya Jama - I feel like she’d throw the most incredible party and be such a fun person to work with!
What’s your perfect day off look like?
Ideally, I’d be on a beach somewhere warm with a cocktail in hand. But if I’m home, I love a long walk in the sunshine with my crazy Spaniel, Arlo, followed by a pub lunch or a BBQ in the garden.
Three words your team would use to describe you?
Chatty, loyal and supportive.
Planning an event or wedding of your own?
Whether it's a wedding, birthday celebration or corporate event, Frankie and her team would love to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to start planning your perfect event at The Norfolk Mead.
Call us on 01603 737 531 or email events@norfolkmead.co.uk today.