Natalie Wilkins

With over 18 years of professional experience, my role as a Wedding and Events Coordinator at Chiddingstone Castle has allowed me to blend my competencies in event sales and management to create very personal celebrations at key life moments from weddings and wakes to bespoke corporate bookings. As Production Manager at The Graduate Fashion Week I developed confidence working with a team from venue search to fast paced on the day coordination. I aim to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with a diverse clientele.

Wedding and Events Coordinator 

Chiddingstone Castle Mar 2011 - Aug 2024 · 13 yrs 6 months Mar 2011 to Aug 2024 ·  Kent Responsible for all aspects of event revenue from weddings, funerals, private and corporate event management process, as well as film location work, from conception to delivery:
Producing creative concepts, managing client contact, finances and paperwork.
Responding to initial enquiries and converting these into confirmed bookings.
Coordinating AV live stream, caterers, 3 phase suppliers, security plus deliveries and staff at each event.
Answerable to a board of Trustees and responsible for achieving sales targets and managing invoicing.
Responsible for the safety of the building and collections, staff and guests during an event.
Working with the client to interpret, develop and realise their creative concepts.
Responsible for recruiting and managing permanent and occasional event staff.
Researching, recruiting, and agreeing terms with contracted suppliers; caterers, bar, security and door staff.
Corporate clients including: Facebook, The Childrensalon, Hans Grohe and Great Ormond Street Hospital
Funeral Services and wake receptions from 10 – 500 guests and hundreds of weddings from 6-600 guests including elopement weddings arranged entirely online as well as celebrity bookings.

Production Manager

The Graduate Fashion Week Jan 1997 - Jul 2001 · 4 yrs 7 months Jan 1997 to Jul 2001 · London Area, UK. The largest student fashion event in Europe. An educational charity to showcase graduates as they launch their careers. The South Bank, London, SE1
One of three key roles; answerable to Trustees and a Steering Committee representing member colleges from across the UK. 
Responsible for drafting and controlling the event budget.
Researching and drafting sponsorship proposals.
Sourcing event suppliers; marquees, catwalk builders, sound and lighting engineers, static exhibition builders, security, cleaning, signage and event catering. 
Booking meeting venues, drafting agendas and minutes.
Collating information for members' handbook.

Feb ‘00 - worked with The British Council to take a Gala show from The Graduate Fashion Week to Manila, Philippines. Member of the judging panel at their national graduate fashion event.

Dec ‘94 - Jan ‘97 - Freelance fashion industry event assistant:
Catwalk show production assistant - London Fashion Week and throughout the year. Working for numerous producers for labels and designers including: Margaret Howell, Alexander McQueen and Gucci.

Goldsmiths, University of London

BA Hons Drama/French 2:1

1987 - 1991