Two Minutes with Bali’s In Demand Wedding Planner Karen, CherAnge

Between prepping for another dazzling wedding and catching sunset at Ku De Ta, we had a moment with the highly esteemed Wedding Planner Karen from CherAnge. Working with Karen for many years now, we have had great pleasure of being a part of so many spectacular weddings she has created.  Combine her beautiful French taste with her extensive experience on the island and the result is an incredible Bali Wedding Planner.  Here’s our little chat.

In a coconut shell, tell us about your lovely self…
Well, I’m originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve been travelling and living abroad for the last 17 years. Before Bali, I spent 4 years in London, did some back and forth between New York and London, and spent 6 months in Spain. I came to Bali on a surf trip with my brother and somehow ended up staying for 12 years!

And your business?
HarperCo Events is a small business run by a passionate team. We are creative and love producing original events. We are always up for a challenge! I think we are unique because we don’t create cookie cutter package weddings — each one of our weddings has been different from any we have done before. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything! Life, nature, different cultures, travelling, books, fashion, photography, art and sometimes even my 5-year-old daughter.

What’s your superpower?
My superpower has to be my drive and passion. I work day and night (and sometimes into the wee hours of the morning) making sure that everything is covered and all my clients are happy. I’m always on the go and coming up with new ideas, looking for new vendors, sometimes sitting and crafting and making things myself if I can’t source them anywhere else. I put a lot of time and a lot of love into my business!

How big a part do your couples play in the creative process — or are they generally happy for you to run the show?
Being a small company that only takes on a limited number of weddings per month, it allows me to personally deal with each of my clients from start to finish. Many of my clients come to me with lots of ideas and it is really my job to sort through those ideas and come up with a solid concept based on their ideas and style, adding my spin on things where needed.

What are the wedding trends that never go out of fashion?
I think the whole Boho, effortless, elegant, non-traditional wedding look has been around for a while and I think is here to stay. I’m very thankful that I don’t really get any requests for banquet chairs with sashes anymore!


And finally..What is the BEST part of your job?
The best part of my job is when all the planning comes together and my clients are happy. Nothing makes me happier than my clients telling me that everything is above and beyond what they ever expected. I strive for that with every event. It’s a very gratifying feeling knowing that you have been a big part of putting together one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life.

Who is your creative muse?
Mindy Weiss and Martha Stewart

Why is it important to have a wedding planner in Bali?
Because when you live abroad you have no knowledge as to who are the professional and reliable vendors

If you could give one piece of advice to couples planning a Bali wedding, what would it be?
Trust your wedding planner & the result will be stupendous!

How big a part do your couples play in the creative process – or are they generally happy for you to run the show?
We elaborate together the theme & concept of the wedding, I listen to their “whishes & dreams” & incorporate this with what works best in the chosen venue.


List of Love

Best coffee in Bali?Don’t drink coffee!
Favourite Cocktail? Gin “Monkey 47” only & tonic & BIG splash of lime
Best Sunset Spot?Kudeta forever
Yoga or Gym? Will start soon both but only gym for now…
Scooter or Car? car
Best place in Bali to relax and unwind?Gili Air & Meno
Any secret spots or hidden gems you’d care to share?No as it is a secret…and won’t be my secret and hidden gem anymore
What are you listening to?Apple radio
Favourite Insta account? Mindy Weiss & Martha Stewart
What song changes your mood instantly? Brazilian samba
What quote or mantra do you live by?#lovemyjobforever