38 Beautiful Barn Wedding Venues in South East England

Looking for a wedding venue that will leave your guests speechless and melt your heart? Barns are incredibly versatile and they come in all shapes and sizes – from charming and rustic to suave and modern. And they always look good when decked out in fairy lights! Today, Bridebook.co.uk shines a spotlight on 38 beautiful barn venues across counties in the South East, including Kent, Surrey, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and more (if that’s a bit far for you don’t worry, we’ll be covering your region soon!).

Have a look through, click the links to find out more and message any that you like the look of on their Bridebook profile. And don’t forget that if you’re looking for barns in your area, you can find them all by going to our Wedding Venue Search and choosing “Barn” in your filters. Click here to see all the barn wedding venues in the UK. Have fun on your search and happy planning!

1. Preston Court, Kent

Historic Preston Court is a 600-acre private estate and farm offering three exceptionally unique spaces for your wedding celebration, including its enchanting 17th-century barn. With unique features such as a carousel, a magical moated island and farm animals – Preston Court has everything you could wish for and more for a magical wedding day and reception.

2. Winters Barns, Kent

Whether you are planning an intimate civil ceremony, or a more lavish, opulent reception, Winters Barns offers an awe-inspiring, multi-functional space which you can freely decorate as you wish. Their belief that weddings should remain private means that this romantic setting is exclusively yours for your special day.

3. The Barnyard, Kent

Set in the rolling hills of the Kent countryside, The Barnyard is the perfect backdrop for lovers of peace, tranquillity and privacy. Home to both a beautiful old barn conversion, as well as a truly luxurious grand marquee, you have the luxury of choice at The Barnyard.

4. Bury Court Barn, Surrey

Inspired by the surrounding country feel, this building has been cleverly converted to blend old oak beams with versatile modern facilities and its enchanting contemporary walled garden is somewhere to enjoy both privacy and tranquillity. There is a wonderful intimacy about Bury Court Barn that provides the atmosphere for a truly special wedding.

5. Fison Barn, Oxfordshire

The beautiful oak-timbered 19th-century Fison Barn, and its secluded courtyard provides a unique and picturesque canvas for you to create your wedding day your way. The courtyard provides a wonderful backdrop for open-air blessings, reception drinks or the occasional hog-roast. And, to top it off, they even have a camping area for your guests so they can pitch up and stay the night with you. Glamping wedding anyone?

6. Lains Barn, Oxfordshire

A magnificently restored historic barn beautifully located in rural Oxfordshire, and set in its own grounds near the ancient market town of Wantage, south of Oxford. The main barn consists of a majestic hall with huge barn doors opening onto the lawned courtyard. Catering is carried out in-house to a very high standard and offers a superb range of menus to suit your individual tastes.

7. Cooling Castle Barn, Kent

Cooling Castle’s glorious high beamed Tithe Barn is a wonderful canvas for you to paint your own picture. The decorative choices you make whether grandiose, glamorous, sparkly, rustic, or understated, will reflect your own ideas and style. The team behind the scenes work tirelessly to make sure your day becomes a reality and if we’re honest, who doesn’t want a castle backdrop thrown in there too.

8. Caswell House, Oxfordshire

A Cotswolds Barn in a truly romantic setting, Caswell House offers a unique ambience created by a combination of stunning barns and exclusive use of the immaculate grounds. To top it all off, the Bride and Groom can enjoy the complimentary bridal suite after the festivities have ended!

9. Lillibrooke Manor and Barns, West Berkshire

Grade II listed wedding barns of different sizes for different ceremonies. Enjoy your ceremony in the cloistered garden, drink and dance in The Great Barn or the Small Barn, kick off your shoes and relax after all the dancing in the Engine House.

10. Millbridge Court, Farnham

millbridge court outside on a beautiful sunny day

Millbridge Court is an idyllic rustic wedding venue with gardens that you and your guests will love, and a stunning barn, this could be the wedding venue of your dreams!

11. Brookfield Barn, West Sussex

A wedding venue for all seasons, their purpose-built barn boasts stunning lakeside views and was designed with weddings in mind. Created using traditional techniques, it provides a rustic setting with integrated modern features including music system, atmospheric lighting and the option for web streaming the ceremony, meaning that no matter where in the world your family are, they can be by your side.

12. Stratton Court Barn, Oxfordshire

Your Day. Your Way. At Stratton Court Barn they offer a traditional converted barn, originally built in Cotswold stone in 1872. They pride themselves on providing a relaxed atmosphere, with an informal approach, to help you really enjoy your day. Their belief that your wedding day should reflect you, as a couple, means that you can let your imagination run wild and really create a bespoke to your day.

13. Southend Barns Wedding Venue, West Sussex

A 200-year-old wedding venue like no other, the barns are set in luscious landscaped gardens with hidden courtyards and tranquil lawns. As evening falls, the gardens are lit with romantic up-lights that show off the fantastic flint and log walls of the wedding barns. Here guests can gather around the relaxing Collecting Yard with its sumptuous sofas and fire pits to enjoy a truly magical evening setting; the perfect end to a perfect day.

14. Coltsford Mill, Surrey

coltsford mill a barn wedding venue in surrey

Contemporary oak framed barns with gardens, an outside terrace and fine dining for your guests in a tranquil setting, yet just 15 miles from London.

15. The Olde Bell, West Berkshire

the olde bell a barn style wedding venue in west berkshire

The historic buildings of The Olde Bell, function as a village, the main Inn building for the overnight guests and locals, and the auxiliary buildings for private gatherings. The Tithe Barn is the largest of the spaces offering exposed beams, locally sources food and overnight accommodation.

16. The Great Barn, Oxfordshire

Comprising of two beautifully restored interconnecting 18th century stone barns, they have been sympathetically converted to retain many of their original charm, along with the beautiful arrow slit windows, natural stone 2 foot thick walls, exposed beams and boasting two log fires. A setting that allows for a day couples will cherish for a lifetime.

17. Gate Street Barn, Surrey

Gate Street Barn is built in the traditional style using wood from oak trees lost on the farm in the 1987 hurricane. It boasts beautiful landscaped gardens and views of the working organic farm and a hobby herd of English Longhorn cattle. The dedicated team make you feel at home and support you every step of the way whilst creating your big day.

18. Rumbolds Farm, West Sussex

rumbolds farm a barn wedding venue in west sussex

A unique 16th Century barn fronted by a large covered drinks patio and adjoined by a flower-laden pergola leading out to a large lake, beautiful gardens and woodland views.

19. Pitt Hall Barn, Hampshire

A Traditional barn with ample romantic spots to take photos in the woodland. Open the floor to ceiling barn doors to reveal the magnificent dining area. The Starlight Barn offers a truly unique space where you and your guests can dine under the stars.

20. The Crown Inn, Kent

A modern looking oak-framed barn in Kent. The Crown Inn has in-house chefs who will prepare fresh food for you on the day and staff available too.

the crown inn a barn wedding venue in kent

21. Honnington Farm, Kent

honnigton farm, a barn venue to tie the knot

Offering a reception that seats 70 people, the 200-year-old barn is ideal for intimate weddings in a tranquil and rustic environment in the Kent countryside.

22. Rivervale Barn, Hampshire

Positioned on the banks of the River Blackwater in Yateley, Hampshire, you’ll find Rivervale Barn. A wedding venue full of natural charm and elegance, built with beautiful weddings in mind. It boasts a selection of different barns to choose from for your ceremony, reception and dining – each unique and as captivating as the last and is equipped with a romantic bridge which, of course, is wedding photo shoot ready.

23. Dovecote Barn, Bo Peep Farm, Oxfordshire

Rustic, elegant and simple. Dovecote Barn is a Grade II listed building, full of character and charm with exposed brickwork and oak beams. For larger wedding parties (over 100) they offer a bespoke marquee or two hat Tipi situated in one of their picturesque farm locations. The only limit to this venue is your imagination!

24. Clock Barn, Hampshire

Feel like you’re a million miles away from anywhere as you embrace the site of the historic thatched clock sitting on top of the barn’s entrance welcoming you and all your guests into this enchanting venue. Surrounded by lush green foliage, the clock tower and detail inside the barn add unique style and pretty period charm to the countryside setting. You’ll be begging for time to stand still once you see this timeless venue.

25. Blackstock Country Estate, East Sussex

blackstock country estate, a bern style venue in the uk

Offering two refurbished wedding barns, one 500 years old, the other equipped with antique cartwheel chandeliers. Hire one, or both for the exclusive use of the whole estate on your special day.

26. Crockstead Farm Hotel, East Sussex

Set in the grounds of Crockstead Farm Hotel, The Old Barn fits 120 people. There are 200 acres of beautiful countryside for guests to stroll in.

27. Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent

The barn is set in the middle of a family farm. You will have exclusive use of the venue for up to three days and freedom to choose any supplier you wish. With views of a spectacular landscape, the only rule they have is that you respect the awe-inspiring nature you are surrounded in!

28. Cogges Manor Farm, Oxfordshire

You have the choice of two 17th Century barns, one accommodating 200 guests, and for more intimate celebrations, the Barley Barn can seat 60. Include the farm animals in your photos and enjoy drinks on the manor house lawn before dancing the night away.

29. Elvey Farm Country Hotel, Kent

elvey farm country hotel a barn wedding venue

Say your vows in front of 80 of the most important people in your life in the most exquisite 16th Century barn. The barn at Elvey Farm Country Hotel is ideal for an intimate ceremony.

30. Bartholomew Barn, West Sussex

This Grade II listed barn features a handsome fireplace and Baltic pine wooden floor. Incredibly versatile and well equipped for any type of weather it is the ideal location for whatever time of year. Have the freedom to choose your own suppliers and enjoy the truly unique space and surroundings.

31. Weddings In The Wood, Hampshire

wedding in the wood, a barn wedding venue in hampshire

A magnificent barn wedding venue to celebrate in! Hidden amongst the trees of a private wooded estate is this magical blank canvas wedding venue where you and your partner can tie the knot in the most unique way, bespoke to you!

32. Gilbert White and The Oates Collections, Hampshire

Located beneath the Selborne Hanger of the South Downs National Park, enjoy your day in the 16th Century Hampshire Barn, with glorious views over tranquil meadows. There is a fixed price all year round, so you can have your Saturday wedding in the summer for the same price as a mid-week wedding in November!

33. Peelings Manor Barns, East Sussex

Charming flint barns in East Sussex, offering couples a beautifully unique space as a DIY venue. Hire of the barn includes porter loos, otherwise, you are free to choose any supplier and any decoration you wish!

34. Merriscourt, Oxfordshire

Beautiful barns in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each of the barns are inter-connecting and open on to a beautiful flower-filled courtyard which means your guests are never too far from the celebrations. All three barns have their own individual characteristics giving your guests a surprise as they enter each barn.

35. Old Luxters Barn, Henley-on-Thames

Set in a region of impeccable beauty, this barn is full of character and charm. Party to music played by the DJ from the raised gallery, eat mouth-watering canapes from the in-house catering team and soak in the great atmosphere this 18th Century barn offers.

36. Gildings Barns, Surrey

Gildings Barns offer the ultimate romantic venue in a quiet and beautiful rustic setting perfect for your special day.

37. Pangdean Old Barn, Sussex

Set against the rolling South Downs, Pangdean Old Barn offers a unique setting in an 18th century Old Barn, charming courtyard, flint walled garden and working farm environment.

38. Dorset House Barn, West Sussex

Open log fires and large doors opening onto the garden, this West Sussex venue is perfect for winter and summer weddings. The gardens featuring ponds and willow trees creating a beautiful photo backdrop.

In addition to these amazing barns, try entering your location and see which alternative venues are near you. Filter the results by what’s important to you and you’ll be sure to find gems of all sorts for your wedding!

Beyond venues, the Bridebook.co.uk website, iOS app and Android app also help organise your budget, keep your wedding guest list in one place and we have a huge directory of photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, and beauty, hair & make-up, music providers too. Phewwwww.

Still looking for wedding venue inspiration? Here are our top picks for you:

33 Countryside Wedding Venues With Lovely Grounds

26 Fairy-Tale Wedding Venues with Incredible Water Views

31 of the Most Romantic Wedding Venues in the UK

Happy Planning!

8 Important Tips For Booking Your Wedding Music

Choosing a DJ or musician for your big day is mega important to ensuring you and your guests have an unforgettable time. Whether you have a solo cocktail singer or a 10-piece jazz band, these are our top tips to remember.

Research

Look into what you can afford in your budget and what sort of music you want as a couple. Before you set your heart on your favourite local band to play at your wedding, research into all other options before pinning your hopes on one idea. Always have a plan B too, incase the vendor you ask is not available. It is also crucial to clarify if the DJ or musicians hold public liability insurance and all of their electrical equipment is certified – if not, this could cause big problems on the day, and most venues ask for music vendors to confirm this before they are allowed to play.

Consider Your Venue

A solo singer may get lost in a huge venue, but if you’re having an intimate drinks reception outdoors then a single musician would suit this. Think about the size of your venue, how much room you can afford to reserve for musicians, and how many guests there will be listening at one time.

Hear Them In Person Beforehand

Before booking anyone, be sure to meet them and hear them play in person. This will help you determine whether they are the right fit for your special day. Ask them for any upcoming gig dates or wedding exhibitions they may be playing at and make the effort to go and see them. You can also chat to them about your expectations and requirements for your special day to make sure they are a good match.

Always Soundcheck

It’s super important to ask your musicians to get to the venue early to set up and have a full soundcheck before any of your guests arrive. Your attendees will hate standing around listening to instruments being tuned, so make sure your musicians are ready well in advance of any arrivals. Ensure there is plenty of power supply too, so there’s no sudden power cut halfway through your first dance!

Playlist Do’s and Dont’s

Ask your music vendor for a full list of their repertoire and with your partner choose which songs you want to cut. This is to avoid cringey moments when a song is played that reminds you of your ex! Also make a note of your favourite songs from the list so your musician or DJ knows your ‘must-play’ requests. If your special song is not included in their repertoire, see if your musicians can learn it especially for you!

Consider Your Guests

You and your husband-to-be may love rocking out to heavy anthems, but remember to compromise. If there are a lot of older relatives at your wedding, throwing in a few 60’s numbers will make their night – and it could be a lot of fun for all involved! Also ask to keep the song choices censored for any young guests that will be attending.

Think Carefully About Your First Dance Song

A first dance can be awkward, especially if you’re not that great on your feet, so don’t choose a super long track. It is, of course, your special moment – however four minutes of swaying back and forth can be tiresome for your guests after they have initially smiled and taken a photo. Choose a song that is special, but will also get everyone involved by the end so all of your guests can enjoy it as much as the two of you.

Noise Levels

Check with your venue about any noise limitations and the time when loud music has to cease. Relay this back to your musicians or DJ so they know how much time they have, and can fit in all the requests and encores thrown at them! Have a think where the speakers are too, so you don’t place someone with sensitive hearing in the loudest part of the room.

Happy Planning!

Browse other similar articles:

Wedding Prices: Entertainment

How To: Choose Between a Band and a DJ

How To Choose The Right Wedding Ring For You

After the most perfect proposal and receiving the engagement ring of your dreams, finding a wedding band to match will take some time. Consider these tips before you start to shop…

What’s Your Style?

Are you a platinum woman, or will a warm gold suit your skin tone? Have a think about what metals you like and if you’d like something detailed or simple. Consider if you want your band engraved, heavily embellished or finished with glitzy gemstones before you start ring shopping, so you can put more of your efforts into the style you like. And if you’re not at all sure what type of ring you want, start dreaming! Take inspiration from Pinterest and other sharing sites that might give you a few ideas of what ring would suit you.

To Match Or Not To Match?

Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or just complement it? Would you like you and your husband to- be’s bands to match metals, or take on your own unique styles? Now is the time to answer all of these questions, but don’t be afraid to take a different stride. You and your partner’s rings could entwine two different metals to represent your individual personalities, meaning you could always have them connected to you on your finger. How romantic!

Budget, Budget, Budget!

Just like any other part of your wedding planning, you will need a budget. You might want to research a little into how much your dream ring might cost, before creating an unrealistic budget and being disappointed. Set aside enough of your wedding funds to go towards a ring that you love as you will be wearing it for a long time to come. Take into consideration how much it will be to insure your ring too.

Lifestyle Choices

Ponder your day-to-day lifestyle before committing to a specific ring. Certain metals will be better for different people, so if you’re always on the go and want your ring to feel extra durable, go for platinum and avoid stones that may fall out or get dirty. Or if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot and wants a ‘comfort’ choice, try a flatter band with more rounded edges so your ring slips into your life with ease.

Make Sure It Really Fits

Throughout all the seasons of the year and among having children and many different exercise regimes, your ring will experience it all. But you will need to make sure it’s sized right in the first place so it can be comfortable during all of these situations. Your fingers will expand and slim down depending on the weather and also your weight, so go and try on your ring on different days or in different heats so you can work out what size will be most comfortable for you the majority of the time.

Think Ahead

Most people wear their wedding bands all day, every day for 50+ years. So when choosing your dream ring, you will need to consider if you’ll still like it in years to come. Following the latest jewellery trends can be a great place to start, especially when it comes to finding inspiration. If you do so, however, take into consideration that these styles may become less popular over time. Just make sure you are in love with them regardless. Choose a ring because you have fallen in love with it, not just because your friends love it at the time. Also, don’t forget to get it insured!

Don’t Forget The Upkeep Of Your Ring

After all the time you will spend wearing your ring, don’t expect to have it looking totally sparkling year upon year without any maintenance. Embellishments, gemstones and engraved rings will take more work to make them look new again, so research into what you can do to keep them clean. (And if you’re not sure you can commit, ask your jeweller about what type of wedding bands are low maintenance!)

Happy Planning!

Wedding Day Checklist – Things to Check

Wedding Day Checklist

With so much going on with your wedding planning, it can be hard to focus on some of the small tasks that make your wedding special. For that reason, we have built a wedding day checklist. This covers all the small tasks that are required in the week leading up to the wedding that have a direct impact on your wedding day. If you are looking for a more comprehensive checklist for the entire planning process, take a look at our wedding planning checklist.

Have you completed the following tasks?

Favours prepared
DIY decorations made
Printables printed
Signs printed and twined
Table decorations gathered and packed
Miscellaneous decorations packed
All attire collected and packed
Flowers for mothers of bride and groom collected
Arranged collection of cake
Confirmed all vendor arrival times
Wedding Party briefed

If you have completed the above tasks, you’re good to go. Remember to do your final wedding checks with your vendors too.

Read the full wedding planning checklist.

4 Things You Must Do at The Final Wedding Dress Fitting

The final wedding dress fitting has arrived. It’s your last chance to make sure you are happy with the finished result and advise of any changes you would like made. Whatever you do, make sure you do the following 4 things:

1. Take your wedding shoes

This is a must! You need to see how the dress looks with your shoes but also make sure that the length of the dress is correct when worn with heels. Try walking with the dress and shoes on together to give yourself an idea of how difficult it will be on the day.

2. Take undergarments and accessories

Likewise, take any accessories(veil, hair clips, tiaras) and undergarments that will be worn with the dress to your final dress fitting. This is to see how they look together and make sure it’s not dreadfully uncomfortable.

3. Take your bridesmaids or the “people who will be helping you to get ready on the day”

This has 3 purposes:

to get a 2^nd opinion and make sure everything looks as it should
to find out how to put the dress on(it can be harder than it looks)
to learn how to bustle the dress

4. Learn how to care for your dress

This is mainly to find out how to keep your dress crease-free. Normally, the best option is to use a steamer rather than an iron as the heated plate of an iron would melt most dresses. These can be hired or purchased for around £50.

It’s also good to find out how to take care of stains should you happen to get any(e.g. from makeup). Every dress is different but the shop should be able to advise on this.

Since this is your last dress fitting, try to enjoy it as much as you can. The next time you go back to the store you will be collecting your wedding dress!

The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Music

Choosing Your Wedding Music

Choosing your wedding music is one of those tasks that is deceivingly demanding.

You might think that this is an easy task, but once you start you will quickly realise the significance of the responsibility.

The music you choose for your wedding is such a big deal because……music is such a big deal. When we watch a film or go to a restaurant, music is used to create atmosphere. It changes the way people feel. The same is true for your wedding music. The music you choose is ultimately going to affect the mood of both you and your guests, so making the right choice becomes very important.

There are 3 main points of your wedding where you will need to choose music:

Ceremony
Dinner
Dance

Before we look at each section, consider the feel you want to create and make sure this fits with your theme. The feel will determine the style of music you should be going for. E.g. Easy-listening acoustic music would go well at a boho or rustic wedding, but wouldn’t be as fitting at a formal affair. Likewise, some indie-grunge might suit a rock n roll wedding but would be unfitting for almost any other style. Perhaps extreme examples, but you get the idea.

So let’s break down each point of the day

Ceremony

This is probably the easiest section of the day to choose your music for as there are certain pieces that have become synonymous with weddings. This is very dependent on the type of ceremony you are having so the best approach here is to discuss the options with your officiant as he/she might have some suggestions.

Dinner

Background music during the meal is an area that people often miss as most wedding guides won’t mention it. This is really not necessary as most of your guests will be talking and not listening to the music but it is really helpful in setting the scene and creating the feel that you want the day to have.

A good option here is to make a Spotify playlist in advance and plug it in to the PA system at your venue during the meal. Remember to match your music to your wedding theme.

Dance

Ah, the dancing! The grand finale to your wedding day. There are only 3 rules when choosing the music for the dancing(although you can break as many of these rules as you wish).

You must like it
It makes you happy
You can dance to it

Other than that, the choice is yours.

If you have hired a band, your choices will be easier as they will have a set playlist for you to choose from. You may be able to request that they learn 1 or 2 songs if you have something special you would like played(i.e. your first dance).

If you have hired a DJ on the other hand, the choice is as widespread as you like which takes you back to square one. Just make sure it’s happy music that’s good for dancing.

We’ve put together a guide on crafting the perfect wedding playlist in case you need some further inspiration.

5 improvements to your Bridebook Business Profile that will help grow your wedding business!

Bridebook Business‘ aim is simple: we want to make sure that your Business profile is seen and matched with as many of our happy couples as possible.

Our Venue and Supplier search is one of the fastest growing functions on Bridebook, having increased by 700% since the start of the year! To meet this high demand, the Bridebook team have been working on Business Account updates that will not only improve your SEO and increase profile load speed but also benefit your business overall.

5 Bridebook Business Account Updates That Will Benefit Your Wedding Business.

1. Network builder: Add and support the fellow Venues and Suppliers you love working with to your Bridebook network. This help couples when deciding their wedding team, as they will know who you have worked with previously and that you are confident in their skill and professionalism. It also shows that you have a high level of industry knowledge and backing, which is paramount to your wedding business success.

2. Review capability: Couples, guests and recommended suppliers are now able to share their feedback on your services. Why not share your Bridebook profile link with past couples and on social media to gather feedback and praise.

3. Venue Styling tags: Select the styling tags that best describe your venue. By doing this you improve the relevance of search by couples, helping you to specify your target audience.

4. Improved usability and photo uploading: Drag and drop multiple photos into your business account and move them around with ease. Remember to set your most enticing business photo as your profile thumbnail, as this is the photo that couples will see first.

5. (Coming soon!) ‘As Featured On…’ Personalised Bridebook Business Badges For Your Website: Build your industry reputation by showcasing your Bridebook profile to potential couples with your personalised badge. Want to be the first to receive your exclusive Bridebook badge? Email [email protected] with the subject title ‘Badge me’.

Over to you!

To update your Bridebook profile, log in to your Business Account HERE. Once updated, you will instantly increase your profile searchability and are able to connect with our community of 40,000 couples. In short, spend a little time adding all the photos, videos, and information you love about your business, and we will show off your business for you!

Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and marketing your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.

Who can I contact for help?

For any questions about your Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on suppliers.bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!

Supplier Stories – Industry Insights From Wedding Cake Designer, Blushing Cook.

Introducing Supplier Stories!

Supplier Stories is an original Bridebook Business article series, which will go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.

Whether the ‘story’ is that of a venue owner, photographer, cake designer or anyone who is involved in the big day, we strive to recognise the devotion and skill that goes into piecing together one of the most memorable days in 2 people’s lives. These Supplier Stories will take a look into the individual’s experience and the industry as a whole, as well as a true story in itself that is most definitely worth celebrating.

Blushing Cook’s Story:

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Blushing Cook Sammi-Jo Gascoyne. A true artist, Sammi combines outstanding and contemporary baking skills with stunning decoration, using fresh flowers to make natural, delicate and eye-popping wedding cakes. After working for Michelin star chefs and award-winning bespoke cake companies, Sammi is now embracing her own vision and is definitely one to watch! So without further ado, over to Sammi!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am obsessed with anything floral. Floral prints, flower markets, growing flowers on my balcony and my flowery Doc Martens which I wear everywhere. I love cooking, simple delicious food and finding new places to sample other people’s hard work and talents.

I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!

2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?

I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years, I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.

3. What drew you to the wedding world?

For myself, the most important element of cooking anything is bringing happiness to other people, however momentary it is. I love the idea that I am responsible for probably the most important cake of two people’s lives. I still feel the same adrenaline delivering a cake now that I did on my first delivery.

4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?

I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.

5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?

Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!

6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?

I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on an unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).

7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?

People are definitely favouring a more natural approach to cakes. I use Italian Meringue Buttercream instead of the traditional fondant or Royal Icing and people seem to love it. I also use fresh flowers and my clients are more than happy to have these as opposed to the traditional sugar ones.

8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

People know what they want! Pinterest boards and screen shots are so helpful to me when a couple are describing what they want. It’s an amazing platform for advertising and you can plan your wedding on your commute to work – it’s fantastic.

9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?

For myself, the taste of the cake is just as important as how it looks. I have had so many people comment that they didn’t normally like cake, but they loved mine. I try not to make it too sweet and always moist and fluffy. My approach to my relationship with clients is to imagine I was ordering a cake. I want them to trust me and my product. I love meeting new people, often we get distracted from cake discussions and end up discussing their new puppy or something silly. I stay in contact with lots of my clients and I love to hear that they were happy with their cake.

10. What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!

11. What do you love about Bridebook?

I think Bridebook is fantastic. It’s so easy to use and such a great way for people to find exactly what they are looking for. It’s always one step ahead with their knowledge of suppliers and if I was planning a wedding it would be the first place I would look for everything and anything, which is the beauty of it – it covers everything!

A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.

Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].

Supplier Stories – The Blushing Cook’s Wedding Cake Journey

Introducing Supplier Stories!

Blushing Cook’s Story:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!

2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?

I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.

3. What drew you to the wedding world?

4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?

I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.

5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?

Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!

6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?

I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).

7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?

8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?

10. What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!

11. What do you love about Bridebook?

A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.

Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].

What Your Bridesmaids Should and Shouldn’t Pay For

On your wedding day, you’ll be surrounded by your friends and family. Among them, your bridesmaids will be some of the closest allies and will have a key role to play not just in the wedding itself, but as part of the build-up as well.

But, when it comes to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for, how do you know who picks up the bill? Is it you, your family, or your bridesmaids themselves?

Your bridesmaids will do a lot to support you already, and as tough as it is to talk about costs, it’s a must. Establish from the beginning what they’re responsible for and what you’ll be covering for them. Then hopefully that’ll mean there are no awkward arguments during the lead-up to your wedding.

But, how do you know who pays for what? What are the traditions and the unwritten rules about what you should pay for and what your bridesmaids should pay for themselves? In this post, we’re going to explore exactly that, including who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, who pays for the hen do, and what else you should be aware of as your big day approaches.

Who pays for the bridesmaids’ dresses?

Photo © Tom Groves Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

One of the most difficult subjects to talk about with your bridesmaids is who pays for their dresses. Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses. However, it’s becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses.

It’s also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride’s beautiful dress. But, it’s also becoming more popular for each of the bridesmaids to wear a different dress, but one that usually sticks closely to the theme or colour scheme of the wedding.

Of course, this does depend on the costs involved. If the dress you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear comes with a high price tag, it’d be unfair of you to expect them to pay, so you’d probably want to foot the bill on that occasion.

Whatever you choose to do, or whatever your budget allows you to do, just make sure you’re open and honest with your bridesmaids at all times. If you’re asking them to pay, give them as much notice as possible, so they’ll have a long time to save. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it’s important to give them plenty of time to afford it. Saving for a £200 dress is a much easier task if your wedding is two years away compared to just a couple of months.

For more information, read our guide to wedding etiquette: who (traditionally) pays for what?

Who pays for the bridesmaids’ shoes?

While many brides and their families offer to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s not as common to offer to pay for their shoes. Shoes may be a part of their outfit, but there’s usually far more flexibility when it comes to footwear than the dress. So, this will often be something the bridesmaids pay for, whether it’s flats, heels or wedges.

Who pays for the bridesmaids’ accessories?

Similar to the shoes, it’s usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids themselves to pay for any accessories they might want to wear, such as any jewellery or bags.

How much do bridesmaids’ dresses cost?

Photo © The Wedding Photography House | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of bridesmaids’ dresses can vary hugely depending on whether you choose to buy dresses from a wedding boutique or a high street retailer. Neither is the right answer – both offer wonderful dresses – it just depends on your style, taste and budget.

Specialist bridal shops that also sell bridesmaid’s dresses, such as The Bride’s Wardrobe and Cherished Wedding Boutique, have ranges that suit a variety of budgets, with prices starting from around £200.

High street retailers such as M&S offer a great selection of affordable bridesmaids’ dresses, with prices ranging between £75 and £250. There’s also the option to rent, although this isn’t quite as popular with dresses as it is with wedding suits.

What if your bridesmaids can’t afford the dress you want them to wear?

Photo © Paul Swift Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’ve asked your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses (which you’re well within your right to do) then you may face an additional challenge: what if your bridesmaids can’t afford it?

If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dress, then you possibly already knew about their financial situation. Similarly, you hopefully gave them enough of a heads-up so that they could save money for their dress. Even then, you may face the awkward situation where they’re not able to pay for the dress.

If this happens to you, where possible we’d recommend that this is something you try to find a little more budget for, and offer to pay for your bridesmaid’s dress. It wouldn’t be fair on that particular bridesmaid to expect them to pay, especially if it means them getting into debt. The only other option would be to uninvite them from being a part of the bridal party, which will almost certainly cause tension and could damage your relationship with them forever.

It’s a tough situation, and one that’s hard to offer advice on as every situation is different. Just make sure that you let your bridesmaids know they can speak to you about any concerns they have, because you definitely don’t want anyone to feel stressed or anxious because they’re struggling to find the funds to pay for their dress.

Do your bridesmaids pay for your hen party?

Photo © The Soul of My Lens Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Often, your bridesmaids will cover the costs of arranging your hen party, such as travel, accommodation and activities. But, expect to pay for a few drinks for your hens along the way.

The only exception to this is if you’ve had a heavy hand in the planning process. It would be unfair to expect your hens to pay for a long weekend to Prague – especially if you were the one to suggest it. Travel can be pricey, and not all of your bridesmaids will be in a position to pay for additional costs, especially if they’re not exactly cheap to begin with.

Cheat sheet to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for

If you’re in a rush, check out the below quick reference cheat sheet for everything you need to know about what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for:

Complete list of what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for

Photo © Sam Chipman | See their Bridebook profile

Check out our below guide to discover what you might ask your bridesmaids to pay for. Just remember, every wedding is unique – just like your bridesmaids – so these aren’t strict rules that you should stick to.

Your bridesmaids should pay for:

Your bridesmaids should pay for their own shoes and accessories. However, a great gift to thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your big day would be a token piece of jewellery that they can wear on the day.

Your bridesmaids should pay for:

Hen party costs are also up to the bridal party – they can split this between them and still give you the best pre-wedding party of your life. The only caveat to this is if you have ambitious plans, such as a trip to Europe or something else on the pricier side.

Your bridesmaids should pay for:

Travel and accommodation associated with your big day are the duty of your bridesmaids to organise and pay for. However, you could help them out by booking a block of rooms at a discount price, or if your venue is far away, you could arrange for a large group of you to travel together to cut down the cost.

Your bridesmaids should pay for:

If your bridesmaid chooses to give you a wedding gift (and they may not as they’ve already spent a lot of money and effort on your wedding) the cost is up to them. It may only be something small, but it will be a lovely keepsake to mark them accompanying you on your big day.

Your bridesmaids should pay for:

Aside from any welcome drinks and wine/fizz with meals, unless you’re offering an open bar your bridesmaids will expect to pay for their own drinks, particularly as the evening reception begins.

Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:

The bride is expected to pay for any floral accessories and the bouquets being held by the bridesmaids. Don’t forget about any extras, like corsages.

Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:

If you choose to have your bridal party stay with you in your hotel suite on the eve of your wedding, that’s your responsibility and you should cover the cost of this.

Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:

Transportation on your wedding day is also up to the bride and her family to pay for. Your bridesmaids will have enough to think about on the day, so do them a favour and arrange how they’ll get from the altar to the reception. You could save these costs by having the ceremony and reception at the same location.

Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:

This one almost goes without saying, but your bridesmaids shouldn’t have to pay for any food on the big day. This includes any pre-ceremony food as you get ready, such as salmon and scrambled eggs and a cheeky glass of Buck’s fizz.

What about the grey areas?

As we’ve already highlighted, it’s entirely up to you and your budget to decide whether or not you offer to pay for your bridesmaids’ dresses. If you’re expecting your bridesmaids to wear a dress that’s on the pricier side, then this is something you should probably offer to pay for. One of the unofficial rules is that if you’re giving your bridesmaids certain ‘rules’ they have to stick to, then that usually means it’s something you should pick up the bill for.

Hair and makeup is another tricky one. If you’re not that fussed and want to save some pennies, ask them to do their own hair and makeup (they will look stunning anyway). However, if you specifically want a glamorous or particular look for your bridesmaids, you will have to pay for a professional. Your chosen hair and makeup artist can probably offer you a deal if they’re looking after several people in your wedding party. Read our post on the cost of wedding beauty for more information.

Alternatively, if your bridesmaids are being a little diva-ish and want to hire a professional without your requesting it, they’re probably better off picking up the cost – or you could split the bill in goodwill to keep them sweet. Remember, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you’re happy with the final looks.

How to talk about money with your bridesmaids

Photo © M.I.N.E Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The most important thing you can do is keep money talk open and honest. Talking about money can be difficult at the best of times, but doubly so when you’re asking someone to spend some of their own hard-earned cash. As soon as you know your plans, communicate them to your bridal party so they know exactly what’s expected of them and how much they’re going to have to save.

Evening Standard columnist and wedding planning expert Hamish Shephard has the following advice: “Asking someone else to spend money on your wedding can be a difficult subject to bring up. The best thing you can do is to just be honest. In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which can sharply rise if you have to buy dresses for three or four bridesmaids.

If necessary, be prepared to compromise. You might be spending a lot of money on your wedding, but that doesn’t mean your bridesmaids don’t have financial concerns or commitments of their own. Before you ask them to pay for their own dresses, try to be sympathetic to their financial situation. The more open and transparent you are, and the more time you give your bridesmaids to save, the easier the conversation will be.“

For more expert insights from Hamish Shephard, check out his recent feature on the Financial Times’ Money Clinic podcast, which covers the high cost of being a wedding guest, and how both guests and couples can approach the subject of money And for tips and tricks on saving some cash, read our guide to saving money on bridesmaid dresses.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and expertise you need to plan your big day. Want to find the perfect dresses for your big day? Look no further! We’ve got hundreds of boutiques to choose from that can provide both wedding and bridesmaid dresses.

Browse other similar articles:

Happy Planning!

Bridebook Business: Self Promoting Your Wedding Business

In order to succeed in the highly competitive wedding industry, it is important to attract regular attention that will increase your popularity. For many couples, experience and understanding equals professionalism, and self-promotion is one of the most effective methods to advertise this.

Couples always want the best. Tell them why you are just that.

When organising their wedding, couples want nothing but the very best, often seeking recommendations through friends and family in order to find the most outstanding wedding venues and suppliers. In the absence of personal advice, however, couples will begin to search elsewhere. This is why it is important to build an excellent repertoire highlighting experience, expertise and professional knowledge.

External confirmation, in any of its forms, not only gives couples a greater peace of mind but also helps boost business exposure. When buying a product, we all want that added sense of security, and to know that ‘it’ actually works as advertised. And the same thing goes when couples are deciding on their wedding team; if they can see real life reviews and official associates, they are much more likely to consider you!

Here are Bridebook Business’ Top Tips for Self Promotion:

Build your network and recommend fellow suppliers.

If you have previous experience working alongside other suppliers, be sure to include this on your website and social media profiles, especially if they are an established name. This can help to offer reassurance to couples, as if they have the knowledge that things have gone smoothly before, they will be more encouraged to consider you as a potential wedding supplier. Constructing strong relationships with fellow suppliers is crucial to building out your network, which will almost certainly prove useful one day in the future.

Reviews & Testimonials From Past Clients

Having a valid and relevant set of client reviews can provide customers with an added sense of security and verifies that what you and your business offers, is genuine. The Wedding Report 2017 revealed that couples on average read 7.6 reviews before making a booking. It is the second most relied upon source of feedback (friends and family recommendation being the first) and is, therefore, invaluable to your business. Bridebook provides a space for couples, guests and family members to share their feedback following a wedding. You know you’ve done a good job, so be confident and ask your couples to share the reasons why.

Social Media

Social media is now the most effective platform in order to successfully promote your business. No matter what your business size or status, never hesitate to tell the world about your skills and services. Sometimes it can just be about the basics and the more often you get your name out there, the greater your presence in the wedding industry will become. Signing up to the most popular social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest will really help you to gradually increase your exposure, but it is important to find the most appropriate channel for your business. For example, Instagram is all about image sharing so may therefore be best utilised by photographers. Venue suppliers on the other hand may find greater reward from maximising Facebook; where they can formulate longer posts, including information on location and available dates.

Blogs

Wedding blogs are a particularly useful source for couples, helping with inspiration and also as a means to find valid recommendations; repetition fundamentally leading to familiarity. To begin with, conduct a detailed web search into the most popular online wedding blogs, and furthermore, wherever possible get in contact with ‘Real Weddings’ editors. Always remember however that it remains crucial when making a submission to tailor your wedding stories to each individual blog’s tone and style. If you show a willingness to comply with certain standards, there is a greater chance you will be chosen to feature.

Awards

Wedding awards can be organised locally, nationally and internationally, making them crucial (and fun) to get involved in where possible. Do your research and nominate yourself for those that are relevant to your business. To further increase votes make sure to ask all of your past clients for their support and also encourage them to mention the awards to their friends and family too. Don’t be shy! And of course, once you have been shortlisted, or if you are even lucky enough to win, be sure to showcase this sufficiently, including on your website and social media pages. Also, don’t forget about the yearly Bridebook awards, where finals are judged by both our team here, and also top wedding industry names. It really will help to bring a positive recognition to your brand!

Show off your credentials

When building a company profile, many professionals forget to include a list of previous credentials and accreditations. This is so important since it provides further information about your experience and expertise. When advertising work in the wedding industry, it is important to remember that you are selling services that are extremely competitive; therefore it is important to include elements that make you stand out. Simply list your relevant qualifications just like you would include them on a CV, mentioning your school, university and past employers to add validity.

Bridebook Business Handy Hints: To get things started, maybe take some of the comments from your website and social media platforms or even perhaps use feedback from past clients and add them to the Testimonials section in your Bridebook Business Account.

Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and market your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.

Who can I contact for help?

For any questions about Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on Bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!

Bridebook Business: Confidence In Marketing Your Wedding Business.

In any wedding, the couple are always, of course, the two most central characters of a wedding. But you, the venue and suppliers, the behind the scenes professionals, are what bring that magic together. Without your continued dedication and skill, it would be near impossible for any big day to become a reality.

Bridebook Business Is Here To Help!

Here at Bridebook.co.uk, we recognise and understand the pressures involved, not only on the wedding day itself but everything that allows you to be a part of that day, including the promoting your business and finding business leads. So we’re here to help. By offering you relevant and industry led advice, our aim is to provide you with the information you need to boost your marketing confidence and increase your presence in the UK’s wedding industry.

Build your confidence and promote your business on these top wedding channels:

Pinterest: Weddings are all about the visual. Virtual pinboards are a very effective planning tool for brides to be. Explore how Pinterest could help your business.

YouTube: Not just the home to funny videos of cats, YouTube is the second largest search engine with more than 3 billion searches a month. Could uploading regular content help to showcase your services?

Instagram: Over 20% of the world’s internet users now have an Instagram account and is for many people a visual diary. Could this powerful social media platform offer potential inspiration for your customers?

LinkedIn: LinkedIn can help to nurture relationships with fellow suppliers, while showcasing your own talent.

Email Marketing: Email may seem slightly outdated when compared to more modern social media platforms. However, it can be still incredibly effective when proving your work ethic to any potential customers.

Copywriting: Without fun and engaging content featured on your website or blog, it may be difficult to effectively communicate your business purpose.

Self-Promotion: Confidence is essential when building a business network.

Word of Mouth: Friends and family really enjoy a good gossip. How can a solid repertoire of clientele help to promote your business?

Finally, always make sure to keep your Business Account up to date with the most recent news and updates from your business. You can do this by going to business.bridebook.co.uk and selecting log in.

Who can I contact for help?

Sending Wedding Invitations : 4 final checks

Sending Wedding Invitations

So you’ve named and addressed your invitations and they’re ready to go. But stop right there! Before your run out and pile them all into a post box, take 5 mins to go through the following checks to make sure there are no mistakes.

1. Check your guest list

Take a look at your guest list spreadsheet and cross-check your pile of invitations against it. You want to make sure that every name on the spreadsheet is included in an invitation.

2. Are they all named, addressed and stamped?

Yes, I’m being this specific……but trust me….when you need to write a lot of invitations, this can easily be missed. Check that they all have the name and address(and ideally double check that you have the correct address) and finally check that every envelope has a stamp.

3. Is there a return address on the back?

Not a necessity but this can be useful if there are any issues with sending the invitations(especially if one of your guests has moved house and not informed you of their new address).

4. Keep international mail separate

If you are sending any international mail, keep this separate and don’t stamp it with the others as you will need to pay a custom price for international postage. It’s easy to quickly stamp everything and overlook this so make sure you are checking the addresses as you are stamping.

Bam! You’re good to go. You’re invitations are checked, signed, sealed and…..will very shortly…..be delivered.

Walk to that post box like a boss, slam dunk those invitations and take a bow. You’ve just completed your invitations.

Read our hack on processing your RSVP replies as they are sent back

Wedding Vendors – Spreadsheet

Wedding Vendors Spreadsheet

One of the most difficult aspects of managing your wedding planning is staying on top of the various conversations you have with vendors. Attempting to keep all of this information in your head is nearly impossible as you discuss style choices, wedding day arrangements, meetings, deposits, full payments, number of guests……the list goes on……and on. It’s quite possible that you have 20+ email threads going at any one time…..and it’s all vendors!!! That doesn’t count the various arrangements you need to make with your guests and wedding party. What you need is a central location to keep all the key vendor information you need. For that reason, we have built this spreadsheet which includes all the key information you need to keep a note of.

Once you have the information added for each vendor, pass this onto anybody in your wedding party who is responsible for meeting vendors on the day of the wedding or before. This gives them all the key information they need in case there are any problems.

The Wedding Supplier’s Guide to Reducing a Couple’s Planning Anxiety

Amidst all the fun and excitement of throwing a wedding party, there lurks a more serious, stressful side. As the angst sets in, even the most grounded Bride and Groom can end up wanting to run for the hills, and no more so, than on the big day itself.

As a venue manager or supplier, getting a nervous bride down to the ceremony room and ready to walk down the aisle, on time, and in a fit emotional state can be difficult. Calming the groom so he can enjoy the wedding breakfast, without worrying about making his speech, is equally demanding.

MindMarriage has put together some incredibly insightful tips for how to help calm and guide a couple through some of the more stressful periods, helping to make both their and your experience that much smoother.

How You Can Help

As a venue manager, getting a nervous bride down to the ceremony room and ready to walk down the aisle, on time, and in a fit emotional state can be difficult. Calming the groom so he can enjoy the wedding breakfast, without worrying about making his speech, is equally demanding.

Imagine if you had the power to help. That by using some simple words, you could easily help the bride or groom feel calmer and more confident. MindMarriage works with hundreds of stressed brides and grooms providing Hypnotherapy before the wedding, and have some top tips for keeping them calm on the day.

You probably don’t believe this could actually work but the truth is that over time we’ve all been subliminally conditioned to accept certain trigger words.

You would never suspect these hypnotic words of being able to dramatically change someone’s state of mind but used consciously and correctly, they can significantly alter thoughts and feelings.

So, what are the magic words?

The Magic Words

“IMAGINE”

By asking your bride or groom to imagine something, you bypass that critical part of the mind that throws up objections, and essentially sneak in through the back door of their mind.

As strange as it may sound, the brain literally cannot tell the difference between imagining reality, and actually experiencing reality. As far as your brain is concerned, there’s no difference between visualising yourself calm and confident walking down the aisle, and actually being calm and confident walking down the aisle!

“YOU”

Words that refer to us are particularly hypnotic as our critical minds take a break when we evaluate ourselves, in comparison to being naturally critical of others.

There’s nothing as stimulating to us, as ourselves! As long as the words are specific to the individual you’re addressing, it’s guaranteed to carry them along in a daze.

For example, a hairstylist or makeup artist, would confirm not just how great the style is, but how great it is on that particular bride, negating their self-doubt.

“BECAUSE…”

Explaining your reasoning before asking a question, significantly influences the decision making.

The word ‘because’ satisfies the brain’s natural search for reasons. So, give your wedding couple a reason to feel calm and it’s more likely they’ll feel calm!

“Everyone is going to have a great time because you’ve planned everything perfectly”.

There are lots of other hypnotic words but these three are particularly powerful.

Now you have some of the tools to ensure that the couples you work with are cool, calm and collected throughout the wedding planning process and your time working together. It’ll be a much more enjoyable experience for the couple and yourselves, and is sure to help your brand stand above the rest!

How to Choose a Wedding Planner

Hiring a wedding planner is an optional extra for many people, with most couples opting to plan their own wedding. This is partly down to a misunderstanding of what a wedding planner does and their role in wedding preparations. Many venues include a “wedding planner” in their wedding packages but most of the time this is just a member of staff who deals with on-the-day arrangements. They would not provide the same service that a wedding planner would. The term “wedding planner” could have multiple meanings. In this hack, we will advise on 4 different types of wedding planners and their responsibilities in making your wedding dreams a reality. Starting with……

The Wedding Planner

The standard Wedding Planner will take care of all your wedding planning woes, from start to finish. A wedding planner should be a specialist in event management and well experienced in creating and running events. They will meet with you for an initial consultation to discuss your wedding specifications, then they will go away and make it happen. They will arrange wedding vendors, attend venue/vendor meetings, liaise with vendors etc. A proper wedding planner will remove the majority of your wedding planning duties, leaving you to look forward to your wedding and just enjoy all the nice bits. Like choosing decor on Pinterest! The wedding planner will normally be in attendance on your wedding day to liaise with vendors as they arrive. This will help you to relax on your wedding morning as you will probably be feeling nervous enough as it is!

The Wedding Coordinator

A Wedding Coordinator is often less experienced than a wedding planner and may not hold an event management qualification. They would still cover many of the responsibilities of a regular wedding planner but would leave many other aspects of the planning to you, such as liaising with vendors and attending meetings. A wedding co-ordinator would normally be present on your wedding day to organise vendors and decorations etc in the same way that a fully fledged wedding planner would be.

The Wedding Director

A Wedding Director is a service often offered by wedding planners. A wedding director would provide a “day-of” service. A wedding director carries out most of their work in the few months prior to the wedding. Their services would include: finalising all vendor arrangements, visiting venues and planning layout, providing a day-of timeline for all parties, management of the wedding day activities. A wedding director service is normally a cheaper service due to the shorter length of service provided.

The Wedding Designer

This is a very different role to the other 3 as it solely caters to the visuals of the wedding and would not normally include the administrative duties carried out by a wedding planner. A wedding designer is an experienced creative professional who is able to combine various elements of design including decoration, flowers, table settings etc. to build a cohesive “look” for your wedding. These professionals can elevate your wedding vision beyond what you had imagined yourself.

When hiring a wedding planner, make sure to get a breakdown of everything they provide in their service. Many people call themselves wedding planners but only cover a fraction of the responsibilities that a qualified wedding planner would cover. To ensure you receive a high quality of service, consider using a verified wedding planner directory such as UKAWP This helps you to avoid hiring an inexperienced planner who could muck up your whole wedding.

If a planner isn’t in the budget, learn how to be your own wedding planner

What to Ask Your Wedding Officiant

Wedding Officiant

Your wedding date is nearing and it’s time to meet with your officiant to go over some of the finer details of the ceremony. Here are 5 questions you should ask.

1. Can you help us in registering our marriage?

Registering your marriage can be a monotonous task depending on your local laws and the complexity of the process. Most officiants have performed weddings for many couples so are very familiar with the process and should be able to inform you of all the necessary steps.

2. Are we able to have a rehearsal?

You may not feel you need a rehearsal and just want to wing it on the day. If you want to put your mind at ease however, it can be a good idea to have a quick rehearsal in the last few weeks before the wedding so that it is fresh in your mind. If they are not able to accommodate this, they should be able to go over the structure of the ceremony over the phone. You can write this down so that you have a clear picture of how the ceremony will pan out.

3. How long will the ceremony normally last?

Following on from question 2…..ask how long the wedding ceremony will last? This is important to know as it will determine the timing of events to follow. Once you know the duration of the ceremony, add it to your wedding day timeline.

4. Can we customise the ceremony?

If you don’t want to go with the standard wordings, you may be able to customise certain aspects of the ceremony such as the vows. The other important areas of customisation are song and reading choices. Ask what is/isn’t allowed as there are certain restrictions depending on the type of ceremony you are having.

5. Would they like to attend the meal?

Since they play such an important role in your wedding day, it’s always polite to ask your officiant if they would like to stay for the meal and reception. If they do, that is another person you need to account for when finalising numbers with the caterer. Remember to add this to your wedding guest list spreadsheet.