5 Mins with Tori STEP INTO LOVE
14th Sep 2015
Wedding and events stylist Tori Wood of Tori Allen Events certainly knows how to plan a good party! We were lucky enough to visit Tori’s beautiful Prahran studio recently, where she spoke to us about how her career has progressed from floristry to her booming events company in the course of just a few short years, as well as sharing a bit about herself, her own special wedding and where she finds her inspiration.
How did you get into event planning and floristry?
I started in the world of Visual Merchandising – it was a natural progression to go from planning, styling and merchandising a store to applying the same theories to all events. I was very lucky that part of my job was to always ensure the store had fresh flowers. I was able to head to the market, buy beautiful seasonal blooms and design arrangements to fit in with the aesthetic of the store and merchandising. A colleague asked me to do her wedding, and so the story begins…
What is your favourite part of the wedding planning process?
There are many favourite parts! But I certainly love meeting the clients for the first time. Sometimes it’s just the bride, the bride and the groom or the bride and her family. It is always a pleasure to be included in the small group of people that know the finer details of what is to come – the dress, the surprise elements of the night or even the in’s and outs of the planning with family. Some couples I end up chatting with beyond the meeting about all sorts of things. It’s nice to form good relationships with the clients as you do end up working so close to them.
To date, what has been the highlight of your career?
I would have to say getting this business off the ground and seeing that it actually worked. I am pretty lucky and grateful for the amazing team that help bring it all together. Our most exciting jobs have been at iconic venues and carnivals like Melbourne Museum, Port Phillip Estate, Spring Racing and Caulfield Cup. Oh and making a flower crown for Margherita Missoni for Derby Day was pretty special!
Where do you look for event inspiration?
Everywhere – new café’s, restaurants, being outdoors, old magazines, books, Pinterest, the latest Belle or Inside out Mag and through conversation and brainstorming with the team.
What advice would you offer to brides when planning their wedding?
Not to get too bogged down in the detail, trust the people you book for all the fun stuff – band, photographer, make-up, hair, dressmaker, florist and stylist. They are recommended and successful for a reason. This way you can arrive on the day and feel surprised too.
Tell us a little bit about your own wedding day!
Well I had my wedding in the heart of winter! It was set at a winery down in Red Hill, the lush green hills with misty rain was a beautiful outlook. We got married in the cellar with all our closest family and friends. Then the party began, a brassy band, delicious food and wine, candles everywhere and the room filled with flowers. A lot of love – it was very special.
How would you describe your personal style?
I always love a bit of old, a little found and always something new!
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
I don’t have one person that I practically follow, although I do look at fashion labels. I love Toni Maticeski for texture and shape, Ellery for colour palette, Dolce and Gabbana or Valentino for print and jewels.
Flats or heels?
By day I’m a flat girl – by night definitely a heel!
Take us through a day in the life of Tori Allen…
Well some of my friends would say they couldn’t keep up with me, I am always darting around here and darting around there. But as my business has grown I have had to be less spontaneous and a little more well planned. The day usually starts with a walk along the beach (I live in St Kilda) and I arrive at work and go through emails (I don’t sleep, unless I am on top of all my emails). The day can be a mixed bag; meetings with the team, new clients, site visits, packing the van, setting up an event, watering our ferns, picking up supplies from Office Works, accounting, mood boarding (favourite thing to do) or thinking about a delicious feast for dinner. No day is the same – but I do leave the day incredibly satisfied always.
Which style from our bridal collection is your favourite and how would you wear it in day-to-day life?
I love the Page white bow heels. I love skinny washed black denim jeans with a great heel!