We chat to a planner and stylist who is bursting with brilliant ideas about how to craft breathtaking weddings all over Scotland
“My styling inventory is always expanding, and every wedding I do is completely bespoke – just like this tablescape I created for a special day at Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire,” says Caroline (Photo: Mad House Weddings)
For Caroline Smyth Bickerstaff, styling and planning weddings isn’t just a job – it’s a passion.
From first registering The Creative Occasion Co while on her honeymoon to taking the business full-time in August 2023, the Troon-based businesswoman continuously strives to provide the highest level of service with a truly personable approach.
To hear more about the bespoke business, we sat down with Caroline to chat about everything from her creative process to her top design tips for brides- and grooms-to-be.
"When I began planning and designing my own wedding, I discovered my true calling," Caroline says of her now full-time business, The Creative Occasion Co
Why working with a wedding planner can be a game-changer
“We have the experience, the ideas and the contacts. Hiring an expert will save you time, energy and probably even money.
"We handle everything from venue selection to supplier coordination, so you can focus on other things and enjoy the lead-up to your big day.
"We also have lists of excellent and reliable suppliers who you can really trust.”
Personalised wedding styling with sensory details
“If I’m planning and styling your wedding, my goal is to tell your unique love story. I want to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests."
"To achieve this, it’s essential for me to truly get to know you as this will serve as the inspiration.
"I love textures, flowers, candles, mood lighting and focusing on all the little details – from the smell of your day’s fragrance and the taste of your wedding breakfast, to the sounds that make people want to get up on the dancefloor, and the way you make your guests feel throughout the day.”
For couples looking for a scent-sational wedding experience to add that special touch, book in for a Jo Malone London's Scent Your Wedding appointment
Caroline loves to bring couple’s dreams to life, like this tablescape at Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa (Photo: The Gibsons Photography)
How the wedding planning process works
“The design process begins six to nine months before the wedding and starts with a meeting at the venue to discuss ideas and colour palettes.
"Then, I create a personalised moodboard featuring various flower options, signage ideas, stationery, table linen and cutlery, chair draping and much more.
"Once that’s complete, another meeting is arranged to make any tweaks. Finally, on the morning of the wedding, the venue is set up to bring the couple’s dream to life.”
Advice to plan a wedding with confidence
“Don’t select design elements in isolation – think about them in relation to your venue. I always encourage my couples to embrace the venue’s style rather than work against it."
"For example, a luxurious hotel or castle often calls for opulence with lots candles and beautiful blooms, rather than rustic barn-inspired decor, say.
"Be sure to communicate your vision to your suppliers, too. I’d also encourage people to start planning early and aim to have everything finished around a month before your wedding date.”
Neutral colour palettes, like this place setting at Trump Turnberry, are timeless (Photo: Jill Cherry Porter Photography)
Photo: Mad House Weddings
What brings the most joy in this line of work?
“Without a doubt, it is getting to know my wonderful couples and designing a day that truly reflects who they are.
"There’s honestly nothing more rewarding than seeing their delight on the big day."
Navigating high expectations and social media pressures
“It can be challenging to meet expectations while staying within budget. With the influence of extravagant weddings showcased on social media, couples often feel pressured to match those standards – and that can be difficult if their budget won’t stretch that far.
Wondering how to keep costs down for your wedding? We've rounded up some cost-saving tips to consider
"I try to be as honest and transparent as possible when it comes to explaining the costs involved, so they can make informed decisions without compromising on what truly matters to them.”
Venue styling, like this aisle by The Creative Occasion Co can bring a room to life (Photo: Craig & Eva Sanders Photography)
Planning an entertainment-filled wedding in Scotland for an American couple – complete with kilts
“I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful couple from Texas to plan and design a stunning three-day wedding at Glenapp Castle last year.
"They gave me complete creative freedom, so I was able to curate a memorable wedding weekend for them and their 80 guests, all of whom travelled from the States.
"I brought in a lot of entertainment – we had a live painter, an oyster shucker, a fireworks display and a pipe band.
"I also organised a ‘Kilts and Cocktails’ party, where I arranged for all the male guests to wear kilts from MacGregor and MacDuff. It was such a joy to see them try Highlandwear for the first time!”
From florists to photographers, and everything in between, find your Scottish wedding suppliers
We asked Caroline some rapid-fire questions about 2025 wedding must-haves and some of her favourite wedding details...
The Creative Occasion Co's top wedding picks for 2025
"A personalised monogram on all your stationery – it’s the ultimate luxurious detail."
"Whites, neutrals and a touch of gold."
"The bride’s first look with her loved ones is always such an emotional and intimate moment.
"It gets me every time – there’s never a dry eye!"
"That’s a tricky one – I love them all for different reasons.
"But if I had to choose, it would be spring. I adore that season’s florals."
"Intimate weddings offer the perfect opportunity to go all out with decor, without stretching your budget too thin."
"Flowers! There aren’t many occasions in life where you get to be surrounded by stunning blooms gathered just for you."
"I married at Troon’s Lochgreen House Hotel, so it will always have a special place in my heart."
Caroline loves a touch of gold – used here, it really makes this seating chart stand out (Photo: Craig & Eva Sanders Photography)
