I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Mark Niemierko, a name synonymous with excellence in high-end social events and weddings across Britain. As the founder of Niemierko, Mark has curated extraordinary experiences for elite couples from around the globe, earning him the esteemed title of Britain’s premier wedding planner. With a clientele that includes high society figures and celebrities alike, Mark’s portfolio boasts iconic events like Julia and James Corden’s Babington House nuptials and the original Blenheim Palace wedding of Rochelle and Marvin Humes.
His expertise has even graced occasions attended by royalty, including Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. And as a testament to our enduring professional relationship, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mark since the inception of 5 Star Wedding Directory. Join me as we delve into the world of luxury events with the visionary himself, Mark Niemierko.
Founded in 2005, Niemierko’s wedding planning experience is so high-level of care and attention that the service is only offered to a select few couples each year, a maximum of five, with Mark Niemierko as a couple’s personal wedding planner.
No detail is too small, nor is the task too gigantic for Niemierko’s extensive experience and British military-style precision. Mark Niemierko is aided by ‘Niemierko Hosts’, who ensure everything runs seamlessly through handsome hospitality, whether it be serving confetti or cocktails. Alongside Niemierko’s world-famous wedding planning, Niemierko is also a mastermind through Niemierko Events regarding birthdays, cabaret parties and gala dinners for the most discerning hosts. For younger clientele, Niemierko Kids specialises in turning children’s dream birthday parties into reality.
1. How did you begin your journey in the luxury event planning industry?
In early 2005, having previously worked in various junior roles in film and television production, I started working in events. I had the idea of starting a wedding planning firm. As I told people within the hospitality and events industry, I saw faces light up with interest. Yet on many occasions, I was advised not to go to weddings, as they weren’t profitable considering the time spent. Nonetheless, I looked into the marketplace over three months and spotted a gap in an untapped market.
Long story short, yes, I put in a lot of research, time and energy, but there was some luck on my side, namely with timing. Launching a wedding planning company today is much more harder due to there being so many.
2. Can you tell us about one of the stand-out wedding designs you have created?
I don’t have a favourite Niemierko wedding. They all stand out in their own right. Naturally, however, I’ve done some stand-out weddings over the years, from the Battersea Power Station wedding, when it was still a derelict site in September 2012, themed around the Beverly Hills Hotel. To the wedding of a previous bride’s sister at Battersea Evolution, where I had won an insane level of trust from the family to, within reason, do as I pleased.
From the stand-out black draped ceremony with no flowers, just candles and more, to a rustic but wow dinner. Course the palace wedding featuring the Belmond British Pullman, from orangery ceremony to dramatic dinner, dark pudding room and camp studio 54 after party. To the 5-day wedding starting midweek in London with a tea at the Ritz, a dinner at Daphne’s. All leading to a weekend on the Cliveden Estate. With a Friday event on the lawns of the bank of Thames, a Wimbledon tea before the ceremony. Then, the main event at Cliveden House from Corgis, vows with a view, to a lily of the valley dinner tablescape.
Having said all that, I think the more intimate, yet still wow, weddings I have planned and created will always stand out to me. From the time we hired the WHOLE of the British Museum for dinner for 17 post a simple registry wedding. I might add the first wedding at the museum. To a wedding with only 24 guests last year at the Wallace Collection. And that lush weekend wedding for just under 50 guests at my favourite country hotel, escape Lime Wood.
3. Where do you typically find inspiration when orchestrating a wedding?
Typically, there are two primary forms of inspiration. The couple. The venue. The couple naturally, without quizzing too much, who what where. What they love, are they loud, are they more reserved, and most importantly, know what they loathe – so I avoid and go down the correct route. But it could be a little nugget of info they mention in a planning meeting from a nickname or a funny story. I’m biting onto that tale and running to pin it to my mood boards.
The chosen venue massively influences me creatively. Like most of us, I’m a fan of interiors but also architecture. I like creating décor that looks at home in a space. Even though we’ve spent months creating it, I want it to look effortless to the guests.
Making an idea look like it belongs. Be it wallpaper, paint colour on the walls, or the gardens already in situ. I always tell my couples I’d love a guest to come back to the venue a week after, and with shock note, some of our added detail is no longer there. Creating to make something look at home is fulfilling.
4. What advice would you give to those starting in the wedding industry?
Be strong, value your time and don’t be afraid to bill for it. Research and bring something that’s not already there. Be organised, not just creative; no one can be an artist if they don’t know how to deliver it logistically.
And while, yes, the market is overly saturated, there are massive amounts of space—namely, as there are very few who are good at it.
Being a brand is my biggest tip. Many in the wedding industry make it all about them, with oversharing. Hold something back to create interest around your company.
5. What is your favourite part of working in the event planning industry?
The team. From the fundamental suppliers we work with, like the Wise Productions crew and Alison Price & Co catering team, to the talented musicians, porters, and delivery folk. I’d like to think there is no match for a Niemierko outmess due to the
hard-working, yet fun, people who fill it.
6. What are your go-to indulgences when you treat yourself, and how do you unwind and relax after a busy day?
Indulgences. A Fornasetti purchase, dinner at LPM, having everything and anything engraved with Niemierko from Not Another Bill, walking into the Apple store, and pretty much just handing over my AmEx.
Unwind at the end of the day. Cup of decaf tea (Yorkshire obv) whilst looking over interior magazines, or a Negroni or whiskey (Johnny Walker). I rarely go out in the evening. I’m more of a morning person.
7. What are your goals or aspirations for the future?
To own 5 dogs.
8. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
You cannot please everyone, nor control what people will say about you. With that, we are all a villain in someone else’s fairy-tale.
9. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
Miriam Margolyes, Michelle Obama and Gemma Collins. With the Reel Vision boys to document it.
10. In your opinion, what makes a 5 Star Wedding?
A couple confident in being themselves, not being showy, with a massive focus on
the most essential ingredient… the guest.
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ADDRESS & TELEPHONE
Niemierko Limited
78 York Street
London W1H 1DP
By appointment only
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7580 5010
