Testimonials

“Dear Melanie/my new best friend/lifesaver! Well, we left your thank you until last – a sign of how much we have to say and how important you were. I am not sure where to start. From the beginning I knew you were on our wavelength. You understood what was important to us and how you could make it happen. I can’t believe how calm you were. Your suppliers and contacts really made the day go with a bang! Thanks to you my glass was never empty the whole day. We really did have the BEST DAY EVER. We are still residing on cloud nine and we have no intentions of coming down any time soon. I am sure that you get this from every bride but you really were a star. My Mum and I would love to see you for lunch soon.”
Sarah and Phil (Bride and Groom, full planning – marquee wedding September 2011)

“Dear Melanie, Thank you so much for all your efforts for our wedding. You were amazing! We did our best to try to throw you a few curve balls… the coach breaking down, the wrong colour flowers, drinking too much champagne but you handled them so calmly and quietly and with excellent results. You truly where instrumental in making our day so wonderful we really cannot thank you enough or recommend you more highly. Lots of Love, Clare and Michael"
Clare and Michael (Bride and Groom, partial planning – venue wedding July 2011)

“Melanie, I wanted to email you and say what a fantastic job you did at our wedding. I know we weren't an easy one to deal with exactly but you handled it as if it was a piece of cake (which I know it was not!). I honestly don't think the wedding would have taken place had you not been there to deal with the various catastrophes and iron out all the other little details I'd not thought of. Instead, I enjoyed every minute of the day which I honestly didn't expect. It was all just so beautiful, everything ran so smoothly and you turned the marquee from an ugly duckling in to a swan under some pretty mean circumstances - I do not know how you remain so calm! I also noticed all the little extras like the paper lanterns and candles that you'd put out, which made such a difference. I can't tell you how highly I recommend you. You literally thought of everything. You were wonderful!"
Catherine and Will (Bride and Groom, partial planning – marquee wedding June 2011)

“Melanie, thanks for all of your help with our wedding - you did a cracking job."
Ian and Scotty (Bride and Groom, partial planning - venue wedding May 2011)

“I'm so glad I used Bellissimo to help with my wedding. Melanie and Frances thought of everything and were so friendly and helpful and recommended some fabulous people to use for my videographer and DJ, I was very pleased with them.

The day before my wedding Melanie decorated the marquee and kindly lent me some of her gorgeous decorations, it was beautiful her attention to detail was flawless, she is a true perfectionist.

On the day Melanie and Frances worked so hard to ensure the day ran smoothly. They were attentive to all my guests needs and everyone commented on how helpful and friendly they were. I didn't realise till a week later when Melanie informed me there had been a minor hicup but down to Melanie's quick thinking and brilliant organisational skills she resolved it without anyone realising, even me!

If you are thinking of having a wedding planner or on the day co-ordination Bellissimo is by far the most qualified and the best choice. Myself and my husband were so happy with the excellent level of service we received, thankyou Melanie and Frances we had the best day and you were fabulous!”
Katie and Ben (Bride and Groom, partial planning - marquee wedding May 2011)

Read this if you're skeptical about wedding planners! "When I decided that after 15 years and 3 children it was time to tie the knot, I immediately ruled out the idea of having a wedding planner for 2 reasons. Firstly, the expense (my budget was quite small) and secondly I thought I was more than capable of organizing an event myself as I have done many in the past, albeit not weddings. Naively, I wasn't daunted by the prospect of 100 adults, 50 children and a venue that had only just got its licence. I gave myself a year to sort it all out." Read more...

"Frances - we would just like to say a massive thank you for everything you did to make help to make our wedding day as perfect as it was. We were delighted with your professionalism and efficiency and ensuring our day ran smoothly and perfectly. Thank you for taking away all the organising and responsibilities on the day to allow us both to enjoy every moment. We were so pleased and relaxed you were there! Thank you again.”
Kate and Andy (Bride and Groom, on the day co-ordination - venue wedding August 2010)

"Dear Mel, once again we would just like to say a massive thank you for everything you did to make help to make our wedding day as perfect as it was. We think you are a truly wonderful person and we will definitely keep in touch! Thanks again, lots of love.”
David and Caroline (Bride and Groom, partial planning - venue wedding June 2010)

"What can we say? We were delighted with your professionalism, efficiency and down-right hard work in creating our perfect wedding. But we were also touched with how you approached the whole affair so personally. We really felt like we were being looked after by a good friend. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. When can we get married again?!”
Andrew and Ina (Bride and Groom, full planning - marquee wedding June 2010)

"I know you don't need me to tell you, but you made a wonderful wedding extra special for Ina & Andrew. I loved being a part of it. The Hills were very fortunate to have you with all the effort and hours you put in for them, not least the arrangements you made for the dress itself! As for their 'enchanted garden' - it was the perfect backdrop for the evening party."
Sally (Wedding Guest wedding of Andrew & Ina June 2010)

"Helen and I found Bellissimo Weddings to be very efficient in the planning of our wedding. We were kept fully informed at every stage, being sent numerous choices and quotations for services required (e.g. reception venue, transport, cake and decorations). Melanie established and maintained contact with our guests to ensure all could be present on the day. Bellissimo Weddings also closely monitored expenditure to ensure budget conditions were met. Thanks to Melanie and her team, our wedding day ran smoothly and to plan. In summary, we found Bellissimo Weddings to be very professional and approachable, with work being carried out with integrity, giving much peace of mind; just what is required for a wedding."
Paul and Helen (Bride and Groom, full planning - venue wedding June 2010)

"It was a real pleasure playing at Paul and Helen's wedding yesterday. Richard and I both thoroughly enjoyed the day. I was very impressed to see you in action! I had no idea what was involved in wedding planning and think you did a marvelous job. It really takes the pressure off the bride and groom who can then enjoy the day without any worries."
Richard and Mandy (Mosaic Jazz Duo for Paul & Helen's wedding, June 2010)

"Thank you so much for all your help on our wedding day, you were indispensable and I loved working with you."
Rachael and Steve (Bride and Groom, on the day co-ordination, venue wedding April 2010)

"We just had to write and tell you that like Midas, everything that you touch turns to gold and we felt that everybody should know how totally outstanding your services as a Wedding Planner are. Your inspiring ideas, your energy, your flawless style and warm persona – not to mention your meticulous attention to detail and your love of lists (!) – instilled us with a feeling of excitement and relief; you allowed us to relish in the fun and exciting part of the planning process whilst eliminating any anxiety or stress. Just amazing!

We want to say an ENORMOUS thank you for everything you did for us on our wedding day– you were absolutely brilliant and we simply couldn’t have done it without you.

All our guests were completely blown away – and that’s no mean feat for some of the guests who attended!!

The Church, the Venue, the Video, the Photographer, the band, the Bucking Bronco, the flowers, table plans, the food, the service, the cakes and don’t forget the alcohol – and that isn’t even an exhaustive list of the many things you took on – everything was perfect – and how AWESOME did the Barn look?! You have been brilliant, a pleasure to work with and we shall miss you very much. The next time we are putting a function on, it’s you who will be taking the reins!"
Shelley and Lee (Bride and Groom, full planning, barn wedding July 2009)

"We were very happy with the way everything went on Saturday. It was great to have you to take some of the pressure off of us both before and on the day! It was a pleasure working with you and we wish you every success in the future.”
Rupert and Joanna Burr – Venue Proprietors

"I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your ability to make a very special occasion quite astounding. I have to say the whole day went without a single hitch, which must be down to your “military fashion” precision as usual. Whilst being perfect throughout I have to say a feeling of total relaxation shone throughout the day. It was a shame the day had to come to an end as we all could have carried on and on, the whole atmosphere was phenomenal and it will never be forgotten. Now you have set such a high precedent I very much look forward attending this coming New Years Eve ball as I am sure it will be fantastic. Should I have to recommend an event co-ordinator extraordinaire - you are the one!"
Simon (Wedding Guest, full planning - venue wedding December 2008)

"It was a great pleasure to take part in the wedding day which was a truly memorable occasion - you really know how to organise a special event."
Eva & David (Wedding Guests, full planning - venue wedding December 2008)

"Melanie, you organised such a fantastic day and evening, everything was so beautiful and just felt right, comfortable and fun! You arranged the perfect day for us all and I just wanted to say thank you!"
David (Wedding Guest, full planning - venue wedding December 2008)

On the Radio

Wave 105 Radio interviews - The Royal Wedding commentary April 2011

Melanie Kiani Podcast Part1

Melanie Kiani Podcast Part2

In the Press
"Commentary on Bournemouth Beach Weddings", The Echo Monday 7th March 2011, click here
"Commentary on Bournemouth Beach Weddings", The Guardian Monday 7th March 2011, click here
"Ask the Expert : Are wedding planners only for the rich and famous?", Daily Echo, click here
"Stretching your Wedding Budget", featured in You and Your Wedding Magazine, click here
"The icing on the cake", Wiltshire Business Magazine, click here to read the article
"Melanie waits for Robbie Williams to propose!", Dorset Business News, click here to read the article