The Reality of Working in the Hospitality & Wedding Industry

Challenging, high pressure, but Incredibly rewarding.

Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do., who does as a kid?

My family got me a job at the local pub pot washing when I was 15, and I worked there while going to school, still without a clear idea of where I was headed. It wasn’t until I went to college to study art that I found myself signing up for European Hospitality Management course, a decision that would change everything.

During this course, I learned how to be a chef, silver serve in a restaurant, and even set up a small business. I also had the incredible opportunity to work in Normandy, France for a few months at a hotel, serving in the restaurant. One day, they asked me to help with a wedding for 200 people. This was the moment I fell in love with weddings and events! I learned how to carry seven plates up three flights of stairs (if we had Apple watches in those days, I’m sure it would’ve recorded 20,000 steps!).

But it wasn’t just the physical work, it was the energy, the buzz, the atmosphere both front and back of house. From that day on, I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. Now, I can tell you, this career is not for the faint-hearted. Behind the scenes of a wedding, it’s long hours, non-stop problem solving, and adapting to any challenge that comes your way. From managing last-minute changes to ensuring everything aligns with the couple’s vision, every detail matters. It’s about knowing how to balance the pressure and make things run smoothly, often while managing a team that may be unfamiliar with the venue.

The level of planning and organisation required in this field isn’t something you can learn overnight. It comes from hands-on experience, from doing the work, and from stepping up to the plate when things get tough. It’s tough, it’s fast-paced, and it’s not for everyone, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

As we celebrate National Careers Week, I want to encourage anyone considering a career in the hospitality or wedding industry to take the leap. If you thrive on challenge, love bringing people’s visions to life, and want to be part of creating unforgettable experiences, this could be the perfect fit for you.

#NationalCareersWeek #hospitality #Weddingsandevents #wildeventsconsulting