May 2023 - Bridebook

Pridebook 2023: Inspiring LGBTQ+ Couple Stories

Here at Bridebook, we’re on a mission to help make the wedding planning journey as joyful as possible for all engaged couples. That means supporting every couple, everywhere. And so, to commemorate Pride Month, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ couples and suppliers and championing inclusivity at Bridebook and throughout the wedding industry. In this feature, check out the inspiring stories and gorgeous wedding photos of some of our fabulous LGBTQ+ couples. And if you and your partner are looking for an inclusive venue, be sure to check our top LGBTQ wedding venues. They’re going the extra mile to make sure all couples feel supported on their special day.

Kimberley & Daniella

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met through mutual friends when we were 17. I was mesmerised by her and thought she was way out of my league. We met face to face in person at a birthday party of our mutual friends.

What is your favourite shared memory?

Our wedding day has to be the most amazing day and memory we share.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

We lived 160 miles apart and we overcome that with Kimberley moving away from family. But other than that, we have overcome everything life has thrown at us – health problems, financial uncertainty, getting married in a pandemic to name a few!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had rainbow pin badges for wedding favours that were sent by Cancer Research, we had a steel pan artist play our wedding song for Daniella to walk down the aisle to keep her Jamaican roots, we had bowling at the venue. We had all family and friends that meant so much to us.

Chris & Stephen

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met through a mutual friend over drinks during a night out in Glasgow. We just became friends in the same social group over many months, so we never had that awkward first date moment!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Without a doubt our wedding day in 2022. After getting engaged in Toronto in 2018 and having set a date to get married May 2020, we were putting the finishing touches on our wedding and honeymoon plans, however, the covid pandemic struck and cancelled all our plans. We re-scheduled to 2021, that got cancelled again and the we re-scheduled to September 2022. So after all that hassle, stress and uncertainty, it was awesome to finally celebrate our Big Day together with our closest family and friends – a celebration of freedom and fun for us all.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Buying our first home together in the area we wanted. It took endless viewings, many offers and lots of last minute closing dates where we lost out by only small amounts to finally get the flat of our dreams by chance. We were about to give up and look at different areas but then we managed to cut a quick deal with sellers that avoided closing dates and the rest is history. We’re in the process of doing our flat up and truly love where we stay, so it was worth it in the end.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We wanted our day to be a fun relaxed day of celebration for ourselves and our family and friends. We kept our ceremony light-hearted and chose to do a Rock Paper Scissors contest in front of our guests to decide which of us would walk down the aisle first. I, Chris, lost, and Stephen, my fairer half, won and walked down first. Our celebrant was fun and got everyone involved in the ceremony including a big group selfie after we got married. We had an acoustic guitarist playing during our ceremony, followed by a cocktail reception afterwards with gin 75 cocktails and nibbles. Dinner and speeches followed . After that, we cut our cake together and a modern vintage swing jazz band entertained our guests for the rest of the evening with fun upbeat covers of classic and pop songs.

Sam & Meg

How did you and your partner first meet?

We were in the same year at school! Had our first romance at the age of 13, found each again at the ages of 19 then went our separate ways and Meg had a little girl in 2011. We lived separate lives until fate brought us back together again for the final time at the age of 31!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Our wedding day felt like our life had come full circle and it the day we had been waiting for.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

COVID! In 2020 we hadn’t lived together long then all of a sudden we were together with our daughter 24/7. We both caught COVID at the start when it was still quite frightening, but we made it through and got engaged that summer.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had an intimate day with no more than 30 of us then we hired a DJ and had a party in the evening with around 100 people.

Beth & Gemma

How did you and your partner first meet?

Instagram – Gem liked one of my photos so I messaged her we got to know each other virtually for a while. After a month of talking we finally went on a date at Dinton Pastures. After two years of living together we got engaged there too – Gem had absolutely no idea that I was going to propose.

What is your favourite shared memory?

Apart from our actual wedding day (which was absolutely beautiful), and getting engaged, we loved our trip to Mexico!

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

We have overcome a lot of challenges, but the greatest would be how we together challenge people’s perceptions of lesbian couples. There seem to be so many misconceptions out there and we do our best to show that we are just the same as everyone else!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had an under the night sky theme that ended with fireworks! We kept everything as “traditional” as we could. We were surrounded by our wonderful friends and family at Warbrook House and had the best day. We were even married by a married couple! We were so worried it wouldn’t happen due to COVID but were so lucky that we could have everyone there to celebrate with us.

Stephen & David

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met on a dating app while at Cardiff University back in 2013 while I was doing my postgrad and he was in his first year. It turned out his friend lived a few doors down from me so he came over for coffee and the rest is history.

What is your favourite shared memory?

Probably our first holiday to Disney World together with my family. One day we got caught in a massive rainstorm and ended up in a pub just chatting away in the middle of Epcot. It was magical!

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Probably surviving long distance for 4 years while he finished his studies in Wales and I worked in England – driving 4 hours each way every weekend to see each other.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We went for a simple day with lots of family and friends. It was at a lovely hotel in Milton Keynes with about 60 day guests. We walked down the aisle with our mothers, and embarrassingly both cried (tears of joy haha) as we did so. Then my dad gave a wonderful speech that was so accepting and charming that it just made the day.

Megan & Felicity

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met in an LGBTQ+ choir! My wife was already a member and I joined and we hit it off!

What is your favourite shared memory?

I think our honeymoon is up there. We had a few nights in Brighton in August and it was so nice. One evening we went down to the hotel bar for cocktails and spotted a mini golf course on the beach so we spontaneously decided to play tipsy mini golf and it was silly and fun.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

We now have a child together! They were 6 years’ old when I met Megan, and we have co-parented together ever since – which is always challenging!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had a subtly space themed wedding, with a galactic buttercream cake and little moons on all the tables and things. My makeup had star freckles dotted on and my wife had cosmic blue hair!

Katie & Kaz

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met at work – the office I was working at closed down and we were relocated to the office where Kaz worked!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Besides our wedding day, it would have to be our lockdown holiday to Devon.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Kaz was rushed in for a major back operation 4 weeks before the date of our wedding. We wanted a low-key wedding that was personal and all done by us. I suggested postponing but Kaz was adamant she would be walking down that aisle, so I was adamant I would pull every string out of my bag of tricks to make sure it was perfect for her. The recovery is still ongoing so we have daily struggles, but we do it all together. And it just works!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

A small ceremony with our closest family and friends. Owls flew the rings down the aisle and we had photos with them and for our guests as owls are my favourite! I planned an ice cream van to show up for Kaz as an absolute surprise! So I was able to pull her first ice cream as my wife!

Edward & Gary

How did you and your partner first meet?

Through a dating app. We went for a date to a lovely hotel bar and the rest is history!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Getting our dog Freddie!

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Looking after our dog after a major surgery on his back – months of rehab!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had quite a small wedding. To start we bucked trends and got ready together. Drove ourselves and best friend down to the venue, had a small ceremony, 20 of us in total. We then had a Christmas feast, made everyone change into black tie, and welcomed another 30 guests for a champagne drinks party. We sang carols around a grand piano and danced the night away!

Samantha & Holly

How did you and your partner first meet?

Samantha’s sister was playing on a football team at university with Holly and introduced us!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Renovating our 1960s house – many tears but so much fun!

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Living three hours apart for two years! Lots of late night train rides on a Friday night after work.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

Ice cream canapes, fish and chips main course and a whole load of fun. I spent 18 months learning calligraphy so I could make all the wedding signs and stationery.

Alice & Dawn

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby club! We played rugby together on the same team. I pursued Dawn and had to convince her to go out with me!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Watching the dancing panda in Prague.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

Probably Al’s endometriosis diagnosis and health issues after that.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

We had it at Spring Cottage, Rivington, which is such a beautiful venue. It was a day event only and we had 40 guests. It was just so simple and perfect and really relaxed.

Gian & Marco

How did you and your partner first meet?

We met via an online dating site.

What is your favourite shared memory?

We love to travel, and do a lot of activities together, from hiking to jumping off paragliding and to simple things like cooking dinner and watching our favorite TV shows in Netflix.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

So many different things – the pandemic really hit us hard as it imposed a huge threat to our health. We were basically living and breathing the till death do us part!

What did you plan for your wedding day?

Our wedding was an amazing garden wedding. We had an intimate audience of family and friends from around the globe to celebrate the day with us in the UK.

Emma & Em

How did you and your partner first meet?

Became friends at work and you know the saying…fell in love with my best friend!

What is your favourite shared memory?

Apart from our wedding day a gorgeous trip to Venice!

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?

I (Em) went through life changing surgery. The build-up and recovery were long and hard, with some dark days where Emma became my strength.

What did you plan for your wedding day?

Ours was an Easter wedding. It was a gorgeous sunny day with our guests and ourselves staying at the venue’s glamp site. We had an Easter egg hunt in the forest outside the cottage we got married in, and a live band in the evening. Plus our dog was with us all day at the wedding!

Pride goes beyond June. We’re here to support, to inspire, to educate – and above all to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community – not just for one month, but for all time always.

Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Celebrant Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Two common choices for couples are getting married in a civil ceremony or a traditional religious ceremony. They’re both fantastic choices but come with certain limitations if you’re hoping for a more bespoke ceremony. That’s why the third option, a wedding celebrant, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples tying the knot.

By hiring a celebrant, you’re free to have your wedding be as personal and customised as you like. But how much does a wedding celebrant cost and what’s included?

In this post, we’re going to explore how much a wedding celebrant costs, what factors can influence that cost and why they ask for as much as they do.

What is a wedding celebrant and what do they do?

Photo © Creating Ceremony | See their Bridebook profile

A wedding celebrant is someone who will officiate your wedding. A celebrant doesn’t only officiate weddings, but many of life’s other important events, such as funerals, naming ceremonies and renewals. You may find yourself hiring the same celebrant for various events throughout your life.

When a celebrant officiates your wedding it will be highly personalised so it’s specific to you and your partner. They can be as religious as you like, or have no references to religion at all, which is why they’re a popular choice for couples with no beliefs or mixed religious beliefs.

What type of wedding celebrants are there?

Photo © Sonal Dave | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, there are several types of celebrants that can officiate your wedding:

Interfaith ministers – A great choice for couples who may have different faiths or no faith at all. They have knowledge of different beliefs and can accommodate accordingly.
Humanists – They officiate highly personalised weddings, usually not focused on religious beliefs. They also officiate alternative weddings regularly.
Independent celebrants – Authorised independent celebrants can solemnise marriages.

Is a wedding celebrant the same as a registrar?

Photo © Lynn Tierney Ceremonies | See their Bridebook profile

No, a wedding celebrant isn’t the same as a registrar and it’s important to be aware of the differences when planning your wedding.

A registrar can legally officiate a wedding via a civil ceremony. They oversee the approval of your marriage license and it’s legally binding.

A celebrant cannot legally marry you (apart from in Scotland!), but can support you through your wedding and help you with everything you need for getting your marriage license. When a celebrant officiates your wedding ceremony you will still need a registrar so your marriage is legally binding. However, this doesn’t remove any of the personalisation from hiring a celebrant.

With this in mind, you’ll also need to factor the cost of a registrar into your overall budget, which averages at around £300 (check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for more information).

What’s the average cost of a wedding celebrant?

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The average amount spent by couples in the UK on a wedding celebrant is around £500. However, some celebrants can cost much more than this, while others cost less. If you’re looking for your ceremony to have a personal touch, then a wedding celebrant is the best way to do that. For more information, check out our ultimate bedding budget breakdown.

Why does a wedding celebrant cost so much?

Photo © Dave Octave Celebrant | See their Bridebook profile

To the average guest at your wedding, a celebrant appears to play a small part in your celebrations. But, they don’t simply pop in for half an hour to officiate at the ceremony then head off to the next wedding – there’s a lot of work involved.

As we’ve already highlighted, a celebrant will help make your wedding ceremony hugely personal. It’s unlike any other wedding that came before it nor any other wedding that will come after it – and that doesn’t happen by accident. Once you’ve hired your celebrant they’ll sit down with you and your partner to discuss how you met, what interests you share, where you’ve travelled, times you’ve laughed, times you’ve cried, and you’ll share many, many other stories as they really get to know you. After all, how could they make your ceremony personal if they don’t know the real you?

Many celebrants will send out questionnaires that encourage detailed answers, which they’ll study carefully to create a beautifully crafted script for the big day. They may even talk to your family and friends to get some of the juicy information from them that you may have conveniently not mentioned. They’ll also arrive at your wedding and meet with you and your partner individually to help calm any nerves you might have before you walk down the aisle.

There’s also years of training and experience behind a skilled wedding celebrant that got them to where they are today, so you can be confident they’re going to officiate your wedding with style, confidence and professionalism.

So, while your guests might only see your celebrant for less than an hour, there’s a lot of work involved beforehand that helps to justify the cost.

Natalie Beer, experienced celebrant and proud founder of Velvet Moon Ceremonies, shares her top tips on how to save money on your wedding:

“The best way I found to save money as a 2023 bride myself was forgoing anything I didn’t want but others perhaps thought ‘should’ be part of a wedding. That way you’re not spending money on things you don’t care about and you get a wedding that’s more ‘you’ and only includes things you really want.
Having the big wedding day not be legally binding was part of that for us, so saving money on the fee of a registrar visiting our venue could go towards the celebrant cost we booked for the big wedding day and then had a simple legal ceremony a couple of days before. It was night and day difference throughout the whole process – the celebrant-led process was so much more personalised, we felt so much more cared for, and the ceremony itself, despite having perhaps triple if not quadruple the audience compared to the legal ceremony, was so much more relaxed as we were really put at ease and the atmosphere was so much more us!
As celebrants we can bring such personalisation, fun and creativity to your ceremony so that it’s exactly what you want, and you almost have a friend standing up there taking your ceremony more so than a stranger. That’s a cost that for us was absolutely worth it, and for all of my couples it is too. If it’s something that couples feel is important to them, to have a ceremony that really reflects them and is so much more meaningful than a generic script, then it’s definitely worth considering booking a celebrant.”

What factors affect the cost of a wedding celebrant?

Photo © WILD BLESSING CEREMONIES | See their Bridebook profile

While the average cost of a wedding celebrant may be £450, this figure can be higher or lower depending on a number of factors.

Experience – A more experienced celebrant will often have higher rates.
Reputation – A skilled and reputable celebrant will be able to ask for more due to the demand for their services.
Location – Where the celebrant is based will affect their rates, for example, if they’re based in London they’ll usually be higher. They may also ask for more if they have to travel a long way to meet with you and on the day of your wedding.
Style of your wedding – If your wedding is complex or takes more preparation it could affect the cost.
Rehearsals – If you choose to have rehearsals then this will increase the cost of your celebrant.
Additional services – Additional services, such as asking your celebrant with help writing your vows, will affect the overall cost.

How long before your wedding should you book a celebrant?

Photo © Velvet Moon Ceremonies | See their Bridebook profile

It’s recommended that you book a celebrant as early as possible, as many affordable, skilled and in-demand celebrants are fully booked for many months. If you find the perfect celebrant who is excited about the stories you and your partner share, the last thing you want is for them to book another wedding on the same day as yours – so get in there quick!

Natalie from Velvet Moon Ceremonies shares her professional advice:

“I’d recommend that couples book their celebrant as soon as they are able to! Mainly because, like other suppliers, the earlier you book the more likely the celebrant is to be free. Booking far in advance also means there’s plenty of time to get to know each other and for the ceremony script to be written, and perhaps even visit the ceremony space together to discuss ideas and make the couple comfortable with how everything will run. I’ve had some couples book me two years in advance and others book with just a couple of months to go until their date, so it’s all doable as long as the celebrant is free on their wedding day!”

Use Bridebook to plan your wedding

Bridebook has a huge number of wedding celebrants to suit all styles and budgets. Sign up and start planning your wedding today!

Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be time-consuming and stressful – not to mention overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you approach vendors? Do you know how to secure the best deal or negotiate with venues?

Of course, using Bridebook is a great way to take away a lot of the stress of planning your wedding, but there’s so much to do and so many things to remember, that it can still feel daunting at times.

That’s why many couples choose to hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner is an expert and will know exactly what to do to give you the wedding of your dreams.

That expertise does come at a cost – but it can definitely be worth it, saving you time, stress and even money. In this post, we’re going to explore how much a wedding planner costs, including what a wedding planner will do, the average amount couples might spend, and how a wedding planner could save you money.

What’s the average cost of a wedding planner in the UK?

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The average amount couples spend on a wedding planner in the UK is £2,436. This may sound like a lot for something you can do yourself, but it will save you a lot of time, energy, stress and money in the long run. Wedding planners also have years of experience planning weddings behind them, so know exactly what you need to execute your ideas for the perfect wedding. As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average overall cost of a wedding is £20,775, and a wedding planner can help keep spiralling costs down to a manageable level.

Remember, this figure is an average, so some wedding planners will cost way less. But, more expensive planners will likely have more experience in the industry, along with better connections and negotiating skills, so paying that bit more could be worth it.

What does a wedding planner do?

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As you might expect by the name, a wedding planner takes the reins and helps you plan your wedding. They help you by making bookings, securing deals, making decisions and sorting out any problems that might arise. Depending on what you agree with your wedding planner, they may also help you to set up and manage the day as well.

However, while they may take the lead in planning your wedding, you don’t lose out on the excitement, or lose any control. You’ll have in-depth discussions with them about what you’re looking for and your budget to make sure they’re always aligned. Then, they’ll go and do all the long-winded bits, so you have the pleasure of making the decisions while avoiding the boring and tiring leg work.

Does a wedding planner help to save you money?

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While at first the average cost of a wedding planner can seem like a big expense on top of an already expensive wedding, a good wedding planner can save you a lot of money.

An experienced wedding planner will have planned dozens, if not hundreds, of weddings. In that time, they’ll have made connections with venues and vendors, know all the right questions to ask and have learned how to negotiate the best rates. They’ll help you save money in ways you might not have even realised were possible.

As well as saving money, they’ll help you organise everything to avoid expensive mistakes. What might seem like an unnecessary cost could actually be one of the best decisions you make to make sure your wedding goes to plan and sticks to your budget.

On top of saving you money, a wedding planner also saves you time, which could be spent doing other more valuable things, particularly if you’re self-employed. Planning a wedding is time-consuming, so why not let someone else do the hard work?

What does it mean when a wedding planner receives a commission?

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When you’re finalising the details with your wedding planner, you may notice in the paperwork that it mentions the planner may receive a commission when they make a booking. But what is that commission and where does it come from?

Don’t worry, this isn’t an additional fee you have to pay. This simply means your wedding planner may receive a small amount of commission when you book a specific venue or vendor and is usually a small percentage based on the cost. However, a good wedding planner won’t be driven by their commission, so shouldn’t allow it to sway their decisions about what is right for your wedding.

If you’re not sure about anything, just speak to your wedding planner before hiring them – they’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding planner?

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A wedding planner will usually charge a flat fee based on the scope and scale of your wedding. What that fee is can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Your budget – the higher your budget, the more a wedding planner will usually ask for. Not because they think you can afford to pay more, but because there will be more work involved. Often, a wedding planner will ask for between 10% and 15% of your overall budget.
Location – The location of your wedding will play a big part in the cost. For example, a wedding planner based in London will be more expensive than one outside the capital. However, if you’re getting married in London, you’ll probably want to consider a London-based wedding planner as they’ll have the local knowledge and contacts.
Service – A partial wedding planning service will be more affordable than a full planning service.
Number of guests – The more guests you intend to invite, the more work a wedding planner will need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Can a wedding planner also be your wedding coordinator?

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Many wedding planners also offer a package that includes coordinating your wedding day. After all, who better to manage the big day itself than the one who helped you to plan it?

On-the-day coordination helps to reduce the stress further, make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and fixes any potential hiccups that might occur. This leaves you to enjoy your day, knowing it’s being managed by an experienced professional.

When should you hire a wedding planner?

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If you’re looking to hire a wedding planner to provide a full planning service, the best time to do so is right at the start, before you’ve made any other bookings or reservations. This is so you can fully utilise their services and allow them to help you consider all options and secure the best deals.

If you’re only interested in a partial wedding planning service, you’ll need to hire them with around three or four months to go before your big day.

Is hiring a wedding planner worth it?

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Planning a wedding can be a long, tiring, stressful and expensive process. That being said, it’s also a lot of fun! However, not everyone has the time and energy to spare, which is where a wedding planner shows their true value. If you find planning challenging or may struggle to find the time to spare, then you’ll definitely get a lot out of hiring a wedding planner.

A wedding planner can also be a lifesaver if you’re interested in a destination wedding. A local planner will have the knowledge and insight you might lack by getting married away from home and will save you hours and hours of avoidable research on just the area alone.

In fact, according to qualified wedding planner and wedding expert, Hamish Shephard, organising a wedding can take 200 to 300 hours of planning. When you think of it like that, the average cost of a wedding planner is actually pretty great value, especially as they can also save you a lot of money down the line.

Start planning your wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we can help you with planning every aspect of your wedding – including if you want to hire a wedding planner. Sign up today and take the stress out of planning your big day.

Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Registry Office Wedding Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

If you’re not interested in a large wedding or have a smaller budget, a registry office wedding is a great option for your big day. You may not want a lavish ceremony where you get married in front of a hundred people – you may prefer a more intimate wedding attended only by those closest to you. There is no right or wrong approach – only what’s right for you.

In the UK, the average cost of a wedding has risen to £20,775. For many couples, spending that amount on a wedding isn’t possible, and seeking affordable alternatives to expensive venues is just one way to cut this figure in two.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a registry office wedding, including the average amount couples pay, the factors that can affect that cost, and why couples choose to get married at a registry office.

What’s the average cost of a registry office wedding?

Photo © Kensington and Chelsea Register Office | See their Bridebook profile

According to our data, the average amount spent by couples getting married at a registry office is £1,342. It’s also important to remember that this figure is an average, and it can be cheaper still to get married in a registry office – much cheaper.

Many registry offices offer a basic ceremony rate, which includes hiring the room, for as low as £57. However, this basic figure can vary depending on where you’re based and the, as the cost is set by the local council. This also doesn’t include the cost of a ceremony room (which is different from a registry office) which can cost around £200.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t the only fee you’ll pay. As well as the cost of the room, you’ll also need to pay for each of you to give notice (from £35 per person) and any additional marriage certificates (around £10). There may also be administration and postage fees, starting from around £10.

Registry office wedding costs can therefore be broken down like this:

Overall average registry office wedding cost – £1,342
Basic UK registry office ceremony rate – as low as £57
Cost of ceremony room – £200
Cost to give notice – from £35 per person
Marriage certificates – around £10
Admin and postage fees – starting from around £10

See the infographic below for a full breakdown of registry office costs:

Registry Office Wedding Cost Breakdown Infographic — This infographic shows a breakdown of registry office wedding costs

What’s the average cost of registrar fees?

As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, fees for a registrar to attend a civil marriage venue (for example, a town hall, or a hotel) cost an average of £300 in the UK. This cost can also vary depending on the day of the week. Expect to pay higher fees on weekends and bank holidays. By contrast, weekdays during office hours are generally the most affordable option.

Monday to Friday (office hours) – £300-400
Monday to Friday (outside of office hours) – £400-£450
Saturday – £500
Sunday – £550
Bank Holiday – £525
Special Days (for example, Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year Day) – £600-£650

Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office?

Photo © The Guildhall Bath | See their Bridebook profile

With the average cost being £1,342, a registry office wedding is by far the cheapest venue option for couples, coming in at 75% cheaper than getting married in a place of worship, 82% cheaper than a hotel and 89% cheaper than a castle. This figure does include the cost of the registrar, which as stated above, costs an average of £300. This is also the most important cost to be aware of, because without a registrar you can’t have a legally binding marriage!

As we’ve already highlighted, the average overall cost for a wedding is £19,184. With the average cost of a venue being a huge chunk of that cost (almost half in fact), getting married in a registry office can make a wedding far more possible for many couples. Plus, some couples simply don’t want a large wedding and are much happier to save some money by hosting an intimate ceremony with their closest family and friends.

What factors can affect the cost of a registry office wedding?

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While the cost of getting married in a registry office is, on average, the cheapest type of venue throughout the UK, there are factors that can affect the cost.

Location – Depending on where you’re getting married, some registry offices can be more expensive than others, as the cost is set by the local council.
Time and day – It can be more expensive to get married during more popular dates and times, such as on Saturday afternoons.
Season – During peak seasons, such as the spring and summer, the price may be higher.
Guests – A registry office will have a limited capacity and there may be an additional charge if you want a larger number of guests.
Additional services – Additional music and decorations (if allowed) may affect the cost.

There are also the costs associated with a wedding at any other venue, such as if you’re hiring a photographer or videographer.

Do you have to pay a deposit when booking a registry office wedding?

Photo © Sheffield Town Hall | See their Bridebook profile

Some registry offices will ask for a non-refundable deposit to secure the date and time of your wedding. This is usually around £50, but can vary.

Are there any fees if you need to cancel or reschedule?

Photo © Civic Hall Leeds | See their Bridebook profile

As well as losing your deposit, you may be charged a fee if you cancel your wedding (particularly if you cancel last minute) and there may be admin charges to rebook.

How long does it take to get married at a registry office?

Photo © Argyll and Bute Registrars | See their Bridebook profile

A registry office wedding is perfect for couples who don’t want a long ceremony or the attention that comes with getting married at larger venues. The ceremony itself will take around 20 – 30 minutes, and you’ll need to arrive around half an hour to an hour early, so you can be interviewed before the ceremony takes place. This means that several marriages can take place at the same registry office on any given day.

Why might you choose to get married at a registry office?

Photo © Wandsworth Civic Suite | See their Bridebook profile

Whether you’ve been married before, have a tighter budget, or simply don’t want the fuss that comes with a larger wedding, there can be many reasons why getting married at a registry office is the right choice for you.

As our data shows, a registry office wedding is a much more affordable option. Just because it’s cheaper it doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful – far from it. Even a more intimate wedding can still be beautiful and highly personal – it’s just far kinder on your budget.

Once your registry office wedding has finished and the two of you are married, it’s up to you what you do to celebrate. Depending on what you choose, costs will obviously vary greatly – an intimate meal with family and friends will be far more budget-friendly than hiring a venue and hosting a party.

For more information on keeping costs down, check out our post on how to save money on a wedding.

Start planning your wedding with Bridebook

At Bridebook, we can help you plan everything to do with your wedding, from the venue to the stationery. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your post-registry office wedding celebrations, we’ve got plenty of brilliant restaurant wedding venues you can choose from.

Happy Planning!

Victoria & Chris’ Mythology and Lore Storytelling Themed Wedding

If you and your partner have fairly niche interests, why not join the host of other couples who have planned their own unique themed wedding? There’s no better way to show off your personalities and get creative! Victoria and Chris did exactly that with their non-traditional themed wedding inspired by their love for each other and their shared love of mythology and lore. Check out the details of their wedding planning, and their gorgeous photos, below and get ready to be inspired.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

We aren’t very traditional people, met at Boomtown music festival, as wild west performers, and it was definitely love at first shot! For the wedding planning, there was a lot of research!

We started with deciding on which mythologies and lore we wanted to represent, and ended up with different realms that represented parts of our life together and our families: Land of the Fae, Valhalla, Arkham, Olympia, Atlantis, Sherwood, Gallifrey, Loch Ness, El Dorado, and Camelot.

The Venue

Our wedding venue was Forever Green, a beautiful venue in the heart of natural forest land, making it the perfect venue for a hideaway wedding, especially one with a mythology and lore theme!

Forever Green is a unique and magical wedding venue, as its views into the surrounding forest of Ransomwood give you the feeling that the venue and the forest are merged as one.

The Activities

We brought different items together to remind people of stories of each place, so naturally had a wedding reception escape room where all our guests worked together to unlock the wedding cake!

We were also very lucky to have suppliers who were just as excited by our theme as we were! So much personal attention was given to the pre-planning and running of the day.

Victoria and Chris’ Suppliers

Venue: Forever Green
Photography: Martin Holtom
Flowers: Paeony Floral Design
Makeup: Beaux Beauty Bridal
Bridal dress: designed by Victoria Kay, provided by The White Wedding Lounge
Groom’s suit: Slater Menswear
Wedding cake: Chris’ mum

If you’re feeling inspired to have your own magical storytelling themed wedding, why not start planning all the little personal touches, and reaching out to suppliers who share your vision? Victoria and Chris have shown that with plenty of research and creativity, you can have the wedding of your dreams, that’s as unique as you are, not to mention fun for all those involved!

Happy Planning!

Mel & Andy’s Whimsical Alice in Wonderland Themed Wedding

Childhood memories are precious, and often hold a special place in our hearts. What if you could relive those cherished moments on your wedding day? A themed wedding inspired by your childhood can transport you and your guests back in time, creating a magical and unforgettable experience. Get inspired by Mel and Andy’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed wedding, complete with quirky DIY touches and a host of unique, interactive activities.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

Since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. I have about 20-25 copies of the book, two Alice in Wonderland tattoos, and always wanted an Alice in Wonderland wedding!

Thankfully, my husband was happy to let me have my dream wedding – he went with all my crazy ideas and helped make everything. Our wedding ceremony was a White Rabbit theme; our wedding breakfast was a Mad Hatter’s tea party; and our evening party was a Red Queen theme.

The Venue

Our venue was Nunsmere Hall in Northwich, Cheshire, and we picked it because it was a gorgeous country house which we felt fit the theme.

My husband and I set up everything in the wedding breakfast the night before and it took hours! My mum and I then stayed over at Nunsmere Hall Hotel the night before together.

Our wedding coordinator was Erin at Nunsmere Hall, and she was the best ever! She saw our vision and was as excited as we were. We have her Hufflepuff flowers on the wedding day as a thank you (made my friend Amee at A Thousand Years Bouquets). We also gave my mum, my mother-in-law and hairdresser Alice in Wonderland flowers, and pocket watches to my three dads.

Our wedding decorator was Marie at Butterfly Events (who work with Nunsmere Hall), and our DJ was from Hipswing (who also work with Nunsmere Hall).

The Decor

We wanted our wedding to be created by ourselves. I was the painter, Andy was the craftsman. I painted six giant paintings from the original Tenniel drawings in the original book, while Andy crafted a this way/that way sign, which I then painted, as well as stands for my paintings and signs, and our own photo memory board. We made all of our own themed invites and table names too.

We collected tea cups, tea pots, plates etc. for our table decorations. It took two years to collect enough items to make our wonky table decorations, which were covered in card and flowers and keys. Most of our decorations came from charity shops. Our centerpieces for the wedding breakfast were all homemade, and took us about nine months to complete in little stages.

Dress, Accessories & Bridal Bouquet

I originally wanted a blue wedding dress, but couldn’t find one I liked or that was in my budget! So I had my bridesmaids in blue tea dresses instead.

My bouquet was handmade by my friend Amee at A Thousand Years Bouquets (she can be found on Facebook). They are made of an old copy of Alice in Wonderland and blue card. She is amazing!

My wedding shoes were Alice in Wonderland converse-style, which I bought from ShoeArtCottage on Etsy. I also had Alice in Wonderland socks, which were a gift.

I had my nails done by Karen at Shanti Beauty in Crewe, Cheshire. They were French nails, but my ring fingers were blue with bows on them. Andy bought me stopwatch earrings for the day, and I bought him his cufflinks. I had his tie and pocket square made from blue Alice in Wonderland fabric by my friend Stewart. My bracelet and necklace were from Pandora, and featured all of the Alice in Wonderland collection, which my mum and stepdad had bought me as gifts on the day.

The Activities

My hen do was at the Rabbit Hole Team Room in Stoke. It was an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea that my best friend and chief bridesmaid Vickie arranged.

Two of my dads walked me down the aisle, and Andy wrote the best speech and had everyone laughing. He wrote me a poem in his speech, too, and it was just beautiful.

We had a chessboard dance floor and provided games like Jenga, and cards for the evening party. We made our own photo booth frame, which we used our own camera for, with props to go with it.

We had a sweet table with “Eat Me” jars on it, which my two dads arranged for us. Our wedding favours were little shots of gin in “Drink Me” bottles, and “Eat Me” cookies shaped like mushrooms.

Mel and Andy’s Suppliers

Venue: Nunsmere Hall
Photographer: N D Reid Photography
Decor: Butterfly Events
Music: Hipswing
Cake: Lois’ Little Cakery
Flowers: A Thousand Years Bouquets
Bridal dress: WED2B
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Retro Star London
Shoes: ShoeArtCottage (Etsy)
Hair: Hair By Danni
Makeup: Amylee Mobile Makeup Artist
Nails: Shanti Beauty
Mel’s bracelet and necklace: Pandora
Engagement ring: The Diamond Store
Wedding rings: Ernest Jones
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Marc Jacobs
Tie and pocket square: Shady Queen Limited

Dreaming of planning your own childhood-inspired themed wedding? Then take a leaf out of Mel and Andy’s book, and start putting together your own unique ideas – the possibilities are endless!

Happy Planning!

How Much Do Wedding Accessories Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Finding the perfect wedding dress or suit can be a huge relief, however, that’s not where it ends when it comes to putting your attire together for the big day. There are still accessories to choose from to complete the ensemble, from the shoes you’re going to wear that balance style and comfort (you’re going to spend a lot of time on your feet!) to the jewellery that ties it all together.

But, what do couples spend on accessories during the build-up to a wedding? In this post, we’re going to take a look at everything related to wedding accessory costs, including shoes, bags, headpieces, jewellery and everything in between.

What are wedding accessories?

Photo © Joanna Reed Bridal Accessories | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding accessories are the extras you’ll wear on your wedding day in addition to your dress or suit. They add a little extra sparkle and complement the overall style and theme of your wedding.

Bridal accessories include a veil, a headpiece, jewellery, shoes and a handbag or clutch.

Groom accessories include a tie or bowtie, cufflinks, a watch, a pocket square, shoes and a belt.

There are also accessories for the ceremony and reception, such as ring pillows and flower girl baskets, and accessories at the reception, like table numbers that complement the decor.

What’s the average cost of wedding accessories?

Photo © Dressarte Paris | See their Bridebook profile

The average amount couples spend on wedding accessories is around £300-£400. This can include bridal accessories such as a veil and garter, and groom accessories like cufflinks and a pocket square.

If you’re looking for an idea of what individual accessories might cost, the below guide will give you an estimate of what to budget for. You can also use our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your overall wedding may cost.

Veil

A traditional bridal dress is worn with a veil, but it’s certainly not a requirement. In fact, over half of today’s brides choose not to wear one, so there is no right or wrong answer. If you’re keen to wear a veil, depending on the style you choose, expect to spend anywhere from £50 – £250. Bespoke veils with personalised detailing will naturally cost more than standard designs.

Nathalie Neuilly, founder of Dressarte Paris, shares her expert insights as an experienced dressmaker: “We often do custom veils adding custom messages, initials etc. But it’s true that more than 75% of our brides decide to go without veils. Instead they prefer to add fresh flowers when styling their hair, or upcycle their mum’s veil and create a custom accessory.”

Headpiece

If you’re not wearing a veil, a headpiece, such as a tiara or hair comb, can add a little extra sparkle. Costs will be around £100 – £250 but can go higher.

Jewellery

Of course, you’ll likely already have jewellery that would work nicely on your wedding day, but you may want to treat yourself to something new for such a special occasion. Costs for new jewellery can range from a simple pair of earrings at £20 and go up from there.

Jacket

If you’re wearing a strapless dress or getting married during the colder months, you may want to consider a bridal jacket that complements your dress for when the temperature drops. Costs start from £75.

Garter

A garter is a traditional accessory worn around the bride’s thigh and is usually made from lace. It’s another accessory that many brides choose not to wear, but if it’s something for you then you might spend between £20 – £50.

Handbag or clutch

Not many wedding dresses come fitted with pockets, and the modern bride needs somewhere to keep your phone that isn’t your bra. Plus, a small handbag or clutch can complement a dress beautifully. Costs for a clutch will often fall between £25 – £80.

Tie

The groom’s tie is a way to tie a suit together with the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding. Ties will often cost around £25 – £60.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are a popular gift for a bride to gift her groom ahead of the ceremony. They can be unique and personal and can be customised so that they have meaning behind them. They cost around £50 – £100.

Pocket squares

Pocket squares are another traditional wedding accessory and one that is still typically upheld. It’s another great way to introduce a touch of colour to a suit. Thankfully, they’re relatively inexpensive at around £10 – £15.

Belt

A belt is something already found in no short supply in many drawers, but a new belt for the big day will cost around £15 – £25.

For more information check out our introduction to wedding accessories to give yourself a little inspiration.

What’s the average cost of wedding shoes?

Photo © Shoe Design and Bridal by J. | See their Bridebook profile

Another key accessory to budget for is the shoes you’ll wear on your big day. At your wedding, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, from the time the two of you are exchanging vows to when you’re dancing the night away ten hours or so later. For that reason, you’ll each need a pair of shoes that are kind to your feet.

The average cost of wedding shoes will vary, but couples in the UK spend around £200 on new footwear.

For some expert advice on wedding shoes, check out Jimmy Choo’s guide to the wonderful world of wedding shoes.

How much do the bride’s shoes cost?

Whether you’re looking for a flat or something with a heel, practicality is just as important as style on your wedding day. The cost of your bridal shoes can vary, but if you budget for between £60 – £150 you should find something to suit any taste.

How much do the groom’s shoes cost?

Grooms have a similar range of choices, including style, colour and even heel if you’re looking to gain an inch or so. Costs for groom’s shoes also vary, but will be around £50 – £130.

Should you buy new jewellery for your wedding?

Photo © London Diamond and Emerald Fine Jewellery | See their Bridebook profile

There’s a lot to buy during the build-up to your wedding, and whether or not you should buy new jewellery is your decision.

As it’s your special day, you may want to treat yourself to a new piece of jewellery to mark the occasion. Of course, if you’re hoping to wear several accessories, you may have to wear some that you own already. When you consider the cost of a headpiece, a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, cufflinks and a watch, the cost can quickly add up. Our data shows that the average amount couples spend on jewellery is £1,000, and this doesn’t include the cost of the wedding rings. But, it depends on you, your budget and the sentimentality as to whether or not you should buy new jewellery. It’s always nice to have a little treat though, of course!

For more information, check out our guide to choosing wedding jewellery.

Should the groom wear a hat and gloves?

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This is another question that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. Whether the groom should wear a hat and gloves or not depends on the formality and the theme of the wedding. At a formal wedding, they’re not generally worn, but at a very formal wedding, where the groom may be wearing a tuxedo rather than a suit, they may also choose to wear a top hat, gloves, and even carry a walking stick. But, it’s purely a matter of taste and what suits your style. If this is something you’re looking to wear, then the cost for a hat and gloves will start from around £200.

For more information read our introduction to the groom’s attire.

What about wedding ceremony and wedding reception accessories?

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Accessories at your wedding ceremony, the wedding breakfast and evening reception do often cross over into wedding decor territory, which is worth bearing in mind when it comes to accessorising and budgeting for your overall wedding.

Examples of wedding ceremony accessories include:

Ring pillow or box
Basket for the flower girls
Guest book and pen
Aisle runner

Examples of wedding reception accessories include:

Name cards
Table numbers
Table runners
Cake topper

Plan your wedding with Bridebook today

Sign up to Bridebook and plan your wedding with ease, including a huge number of wonderful dress and accessories suppliers to choose from.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding accessories, we’ve written a guide to help you get the most our of your budget.

Happy Planning!

How Much Does Wedding Music Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

What is a wedding without music? If you think about it, music plays a major part in every wedding. It greets your guests as they take their seats, it accompanies you as you walk down the aisle, and it’s the reason why your uncle decided to do the Macarena alone on the dancefloor because everyone else refused to join him.

Music sets the tone for your wedding, creates atmosphere and gets everyone moving. But, with so many options available, should you choose a solo musician, a band, or a DJ? And what about the music at the ceremony itself?

In this post, we’ll take a look at how much wedding music costs, including the average price couples pay, the cost of various options available to you at the ceremony and reception, and the factors that affect the cost of wedding music.

What’s the average cost of wedding music?

Photo ©️ Encore – Outstanding Wedding Musicians

As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount couples spend on wedding music in the UK is £1,800. To be specific, based on our 2024 UK Wedding Report, that breaks down to £1,127 for reception music, and £641 for ceremony music. This figure doesn’t include the costs that may come with hiring additional non-music entertainment, like magicians or dancers, which can cost an extra £800 on average.

This cost can, of course, be much higher or lower, and depends on various factors such as the number of musicians and singers, how long they’re needed and the type of music they play. It may seem obvious, but a band that comprises five members will usually be more than a solo musician or a DJ.

If it’s important to you that there’s music at your wedding but your budget is on the smaller side, check out our blog post on saving money on wedding entertainment.

How much do wedding bands, singers and DJs cost?

The average spend may be £900, but the price you pay for music at your wedding may be vastly different depending on what you’re after.

Solo musician

A solo musician will be accompanied by pre-recorded backing music or may play an instrument such as a piano or guitar. Some great solo musicians for a wedding include Kate Ferguson and Jon Hart. Costs start from £350.

Duo

A duo is a pair of musicians, with one or both often playing an instrument. Great duos include Mango Acoustic Duo and The Boardwalk Duo. Costs start from £500.

Band

A fabulous option for the evening reception, a live band will get your guests moving on the dance floor. Awesome bands to consider for your wedding include Down for the Count and The RockPins Pop, Rock, Indie Anthems 60’s to Now! Costs start from £1000.

String quartet

Welcome your guests and walk down the aisle to beautiful music by a string quartet. Many quartets even offer classical versions of well-known pop songs! Consider quartets like 4tissimo String Quartet and Crystal Palace String Quartet. Costs start from £500.

DJ

A safe option for almost every wedding, a DJ will play the tunes to suit your taste and even take questionable requests from your guests. Some of the DJs you can discover on Bridebook include Iggy Davis, Disco Nyts and The Wedding Players. Costs start from £360.

Choir

A choir brings harmony and class to your wedding and is a wonderful way to begin your celebrations. Fabulous choirs include Crystal Gospel Choir and Lyrica Singers. Costs start from £300.

Bagpiper

If you’re looking to celebrate your Celtic heritage, the bagpipes are a fantastic way to include some traditional Scottish charm into your wedding. Talented bagpipers include Andrew Brian Highland Bagpiper and Spud the Piper. Costs start from £150.

Harpist

Delicate and elegant, a harpist is a great way to welcome your guests and a beautiful choice of music to walk down the aisle to. Great harpists include Nottinghamshire Harpist and Meredith McCracken. Costs start from £225.

Organist

For a touch of wedding tradition, an organist (or pianist) provides just that. Organ players we love include Musical Sam Services and Grant Jones. Costs start from £120.

Do you need a live musician for your wedding?

If you’re on a tight budget, then a live musician isn’t a must-have for your wedding – your guests will still have an incredible time celebrating your big day by throwing some shapes thanks to a DJ. But, if you do have a larger budget to dedicate to musical entertainment, then it will add a unique and personalised touch.

A talented live musician or band not only provides background music to your wedding but also works as a feature and talking point. There’s so much variation out there, whether you’re a fan of rock music, pop, classical, jazz or more. Check out our selection of wedding musicians and find the perfect musical entertainment for your big day.

How much does wedding ceremony music cost?

It’s unlikely you’ll want a band or singer at your wedding ceremony (but if you do, go for it!) but live music can add a lovely, personal touch. A string quartet, a harpist or even a bagpiper ensures a welcoming atmosphere and ambiance that pre-recorded music can’t match.

Because your wedding ceremony is one of the shortest parts of your big day, the cost of a live musician at the ceremony can be far more affordable than a musician you may hire for the entire day or evening reception. If you’re looking for a musician to perform during the ceremony alone, the costs will be around £120 – £350. The more specialist the musician is, such as a harpist, the more expensive they’ll be.

What factors affect the cost of wedding music?

Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for wedding music, including:

Location: If you’re in London you’ll likely pay more than if you’re hiring a musician outside the capital. You may also have to pay an additional fee if you’re outside their usual catchment area.
Date: Expect to pay more for a musician during peak times, such as during the summer months and at weekends.
Type of music: The type of music played can affect how much you’ll pay. For example, a band will usually be pricier than a DJ.
The number of musicians: It may seem obvious, but you’ll pay more for a band than a solo singer.
Experience: An experienced performer will cost more than an up-and-comer, but is more likely to entertain your guests for longer.
Time: The longer you want the musician at your wedding the more they’re going to charge.
Extras: A lighting package, smoke, bubble or confetti machine, plus mics for the speeches, may be available for an additional cost.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Sign up to Bridebook and start planning your wedding today! We have a wide range of musicians available to book for your wedding to suit all tastes and budgets.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding music, we’ve got all the hacks you need to help you hit the right notes.

Happy Planning!

Joanne and Luke’s Fabulous Lord of the Rings Themed Wedding

Themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. From fairytale castles to rustic barns, the possibilities are endless. But how to plan a themed wedding that’s both creative and personal, yet tasteful and classy? Check out Joanne and Luke’s fabulous Lord of the Rings themed wedding – the perfect combination of intricate planning and thoughtful DIY touches.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

Luke and I are both self-styled Mega Geeks. We love everything fantasy and our home is filled with memorabilia, figurines and books etc. We met at London Film & Comic Con, where I was dressed in a costume she had made as Daenerys from Game of Thrones. For our wedding we needed to find a theme that suited both the venue and was a passion for both of us in equal measure.

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

We tried to infuse our themes throughout the wedding without being too over-the-top and were absolutely thrilled with the result, which we felt really reflected us and our passions. Lots of guests commented that the days was very “us”, which was lovely to hear. everyone had a wonderful time!

The Venue

Had we chosen a castle venue, Game of Thrones was the obvious choice of theme, but when we found Bourton Hall we absolutely fell in love and no other venue then would do!

It did, however, require a theme re-think, and so we picked the obvious (to us): Lord of the Rings! A lifelong obsession for both of us – both the books and the wonderful movie trilogy, as well as The Hobbit – it was a theme we could both throw ourselves in to fully! We felt it lent beautifully to the gorgeous wood panelling and natural feel of the venue and lent to decorating with wonderful greenery, white, natural flowers and wooden accessories.

The Decor

Luckily, Luke is an artist (check out his beautiful creations here), which meant we could design so much of our stationery ourselves (and saved a fortune in the process!).

He created our invitation suite entirely from scratch using the fonts and styles of the Lord of the Rings, and even wood-burned our table names himself, all places from the world of Tolkien.

Our top table was Rivendell, complete with a golden dragon to keep an eye on us. We couldn’t find an actual Smaug, so Viserion from Game of Thrones did a wonderful job of filling in for him!

Luke also created an amazing table plan, fitting in with the maps of Middle Earth (Rivendell, Erebor, Hobbiton, Mordor, Lothlorien and so on), which everyone commented on!

We decorated the lounge tables with piles of old books rather than flowers to give the area a cosy, “Hobbity” theme, and hidden around the beautiful floristry were some little hanging Hobbit holes.

We created some guest bags to go in the rooms of our guests that stayed overnight, and made labels for items with relevant quotes from the books to decorate. And finally, we had a photo booth in the evening, for which we collected various Lord of the Rings related props and costumes which leant to some wonderfully funny moments in the evening!

The Accessories

I had ordered a replica of Galadriel’s Nenya ring to wear on the day, which came in a beautiful wooden carved box. I also contacted Weta Workshop (who created all the props, costumes, and pretty much everything for the films), and they very kindly sent a second ring box – which we were completely blown away by – so that both the bride and groom’s rings could be kept in style!

Some little finishing touches were Luke’s cufflinks, handmade little wooden Hobbit holes which were a Father’s Day gift from Charlie, who also had a Leaf of Lorien brooch on his little suit.

The Music

We created playlists including music from all of our favourite films and TV shows.

Whilst waiting for the bride to arrive, there were some Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings musical pieces, and during the wedding breakfast we had created a playlist using acoustic versions of various themes, including Harry Potter, Star Wars and even Pokémon!

Joanne and Luke’s Suppliers

Venue: Bourton Hall
Photography: The Kensington Photographer
Stationery, table names, artwork, paper flowers: Luke Fielding
Bride’s dress and accessories: TDR Bridal Birmingham
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: TDR Menswear Birmingham
Floristry: Solihull Wedding Creations
Hair and makeup – Louise A’Ness Makeup Artist
Little boys’ suits: Next
Rings: H Samuel (Joanne’s) & Ernest Jones (Luke’s)
Ring boxes: Weta Workshop

If you’re looking for a wedding that’s personal to you and your partner, why not have a fantasy-themed wedding of your own? With careful thought and plenty of research, you can – like Joanne and Luke – incorporate your favourite elements in a manner that’s both creative yet tasteful.

Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Marquee Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Since 2021, the laws surrounding outdoor weddings in the UK have been relaxed to allow couples a greater amount of choice when it comes to getting married. Now, if you’re looking to get married outside, or in a marquee surrounded by glorious countryside, you’re absolutely free to do so.

However, there are costs and considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to hiring a marquee for your wedding. In this post, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding marquee, what factors can push that cost up, and why a marquee might not necessarily suit every venue.

What’s the average cost of a wedding marquee?

Photo © Original Marquees | See their Bridebook profile

As explored in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples spend an average of £4,200 on a wedding marquee. However, the bare bones of a marquee aren’t likely to provide you with a dream location for you to host your wedding ceremony, breakfast or evening reception. So, you’ll also have to budget for wedding decorations to ensure it’s personalised to your tastes and every bit as beautiful as you’d hope for your big day.

On top of the cost to hire the marquee, there are other costs to bear in mind:

Site rental: This could be free if you own the land, or £1,000+ if not
Furniture hire: £500+
Catering: The average cost of catering starts from £15 per head
Toilets: £100+
Staff: £100+ per member of staff
Decor: Couples spend an average of £1,000 on non-DIY wedding decor
Power: Generator rental costs are around £100

Do all types of marquee cost the same?

Photo © Sami Tipi | See their Bridebook profile

Due to the differences in style and size – which can affect storage, set up, take down and transportation – not all marquees cost the same to hire. There are several types of marquee that are often used at weddings, with each type suitable for a slightly different purpose. Just some of the marquee types include:

Pole marquees: Wooden poles support a canvas roof. They provide an elegant look for a more traditional wedding.
Clearspan marquees: Modern and high-tech with a metal frame which allows for more flexibility. However, they’re also more expensive.
Stretch tents: A popular choice with material – as the name suggests – stretched over internal poles.
Tipis: Tipis are full of character, but creative use is important as interior space can be limited.
Yurts: Yurts are constructed using circular wooden frames and can be visually striking, especially from the inside.

For something a little different, you could even hire a circus tent to really make sure your wedding is remembered for a long time to come. In fact, Bigtopmania allows just that, with prices starting at £100 if you have a smaller budget. If you’re looking for something a little more modern but still just as unique, BAYA Hire provides incredible dome tents, with prices starting from around £4,600.

What is the most commonly used marquee at a wedding?

Photo © Abacus Marquees | See their Bridebook profile

Despite there being so many choices available, the traditional marquee remains a firm favourite thanks to its versatility, large capacity and highly customisable interior space.

What factors can affect the cost of hiring a wedding marquee?

Photo © The Events and Tents Company Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

On top of the type of marquee you decide to go for, there are many other factors that mean the price you pay may begin to creep up (and up and up if you’re after a lot).

Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:

The size: The bigger the marquee the more you’re likely to pay.
Location: Is the venue in a remote location? Does the space mean set up and take down will be difficult?
Duration: If you need the marquee for multiple days then the cost will be higher than if you only need it for one.
Date: If your wedding is taking place at peak times such as during the summer or at weekends the rates may be higher than off-peak times.

Is it cheaper to use a marquee over a traditional reception venue?

Photo © Bigtopmania | See their Bridebook profile

The average cost of a wedding venue is over double the cost of a marquee. Initially, it may seem like a no-brainer that a marquee is a more budget-friendly option than a traditional venue. Here are a few ways a marquee may be a cheaper option:

A greater level of flexibility when it comes to location, size and layout
There are far lower rental costs
Venues often have certain restrictions which marquees don’t
Vendors can provide off-peak discounts

On paper, a marquee is a great option for couples with a smaller budget. But, before you start hammering tent pegs into the nearest field, there are additional costs to be aware of.

What are the potential additional costs?

Photo © Coastal Tents | See their Bridebook profile

When speaking to your chosen vendor, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for the price you’re quoted. If you’re after a marquee and it just fits within your budget, then check it includes everything you’re hoping for – otherwise, you could be in for an unwelcome surprise.

For example, not all marquees will be big enough for you, your guests AND catering, so will a second smaller marquee be required for the caterers? Similarly, what about a bar and a dance floor? Or lighting and heating? You may also need to hire a generator to make sure there’s power and toilets because…*ahem*. All of these additions will considerably bump up the cost, so if they’re needed make sure they’re factored into your budget before you hire your marquee.

For more information check out our post on the questions to ask your marquee hire company.

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How Much Does Wedding Decor Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Choosing your wedding venue is just one part of planning your wedding. Even once you’ve found the perfect venue, chances are it still might not match your and your partner’s personalities 100%. That’s where wedding decor comes in, and helps you to personalise your wedding so it reflects your life, interests and values.

Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so why not add a few extra touches that help the day be all about you?

In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding decor costs, what factors can affect the cost of wedding decor, and whether you should consider hiring a professional decorator for your wedding.

What is wedding decor?

Photo © Out of the Ordinary Event Hire | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding decorations are the additions you make to your chosen venue to help create a beautiful, romantic and – most importantly – personalised setting. Your decor can be as bold or as subtle as you want and can help to create an overall theme for your wedding that goes beyond a simple colour scheme.

For example, you could have something traditional like a rustic or vintage theme, or even something out there like a superhero or steampunk theme – whatever you choose is up to you. Spell out your new shared surname in giant lights with Letterhire.com , or introduce a ‘Pintrest-esque’, rustic feel with The Rustic Wedding Company. Your decor will ensure that your theme resonates throughout your entire wedding, from signage through to the table decorations.

When it comes to wedding decor, you can be as creative as you like. Examples of what to include are:

Candles
Table centrepieces
Fairy lights
Table runners
Chalkboards
Photo collages
Balloons
Chair covers
Unique signage

You can even incorporate your theme into the ceremony, with plenty of opportunities to add that personal touch, such as altar decor, a ring pillow, or an aisle runner. Just remember, you’ll only spend a small portion of your wedding at the ceremony, so don’t blow your entire decor budget on something your guests won’t get to appreciate for very long.

What’s the average cost of wedding decor?

Photo © Letterhire.com | See their Bridebook profile

As our ultimate wedding budget breakdown will show, we found that couples tend to spend around £1,500 on average on professionally sourced wedding decor (as opposed to DIY wedding decor). However, this doesn’t include the cost of flowers, which have a separate budget, so this is something to bear in mind when planning what to spend on decorations.

Should you hire a wedding decorator?

Photo © The Rustic Wedding Company | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding decor is something many couples choose to arrange for themselves, but if you’re looking for custom items then you may want to consider hiring a professional to take care of it for you. Similarly, you may have a vision for your wedding that you could struggle to make a reality by yourself – wedding decorators have the skills and experience to bring your ideas to life in ways that you might not.

It should also be said that some decor can take a lot of time and energy to put together. When planning your wedding you’ll have a lot of plates to spin, and custom decorations can be one of the most time-consuming. Yes, hand-making your own bunting may save you money, but it might unnecessary stress to what can already be a stressful process.

That being said, if you’re on a tight budget then organising your decor yourself is one of the first cuts you can make. For more tips check out our guide to saving money on wedding decorations.

What factors can affect the cost of wedding decor?

Photo © Stingray Events | See their Bridebook profile

Whether you choose to hire wedding decorations, hire a decorator, or do it yourself, there are various factors to be aware of that can push that cost up or down.

The venue: The larger the venue, the more expensive it’s likely to be to decorate to your own tastes. It’s also important to check with the venue whether they restrict certain items.
The location: Is the venue difficult to get to, or in a less populated area which means sourcing decorations from nearby may be challenging?
Date: If you’re hiring decorations, then expect to pay a little more during peak times such as during the summer months or at weekends.
The number of tables: If you have fewer tables then you’ll need fewer centrepieces.
Style and theme: The more grandiose your style and theme, the more expensive it will be to hire the relevant decor.
Customisation: Custom decorations are more expensive than those that are off-the-shelf. A DIY approach may save you a lot of money – check out our best DIY wedding ideas for some inspiration!

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How to Plan a Boho Wedding Ceremony

When it comes to planning your dream wedding, one of the most important decisions is choosing your theme. The possibilities are endless – from formal black tie and season-themed weddings to all-black weddings and media-based pop culture weddings. One other very popular and currently trending wedding theme is the boho wedding.

If you’re a free-spirited individual who would LOVE a natural and earthy outdoor wedding with rustic themes, lavish floral arrangements, flowing light linen drapery, woven decor elements, and DIY projects aplenty, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you’ll need to plan the boho wedding of your dreams.

What is a boho wedding?

Photo © Wilderness Wedding Venue | See their Bridebook profile

Before we get to the planning stage, let’s clarify exactly what a boho, or bohemian, wedding is. The bohemian lifestyle means embracing your free spirit and becoming one with nature. The ‘boho chic’ trend began gaining popularity around the 2000s while being heavily inspired by the ’60s and 70s Hippie era.

Now, you don’t have to follow the hippie culture A-to-Z or have a complete boho wedding; instead, you can pick and choose what you like to have in a wedding that follows your vision. The best part about this is that you won’t go wrong with anything you choose. With a boho wedding, blending your natural surroundings with touches that reflect your personality is all you need for perfection.

If you’re a couple that prefers structure and a clear-cut plan, then incorporating macrame and boho-inspired stationery, such as handwritten calligraphy, botanical prints, and watercolour designs would look amazing. But if you’re a more free-spirited couple, an eclectic mix of colours and textures should be the way to go.

How to plan a boho wedding?

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

There’s a lot to consider when planning a wedding. A boho wedding is no different: you can opt for a romantic, vintage, or natural boho wedding with different elements thrown in. To help you out, we’ve created a guide that will help you with shortlisting and finalising your options:

1. Say “I do” at the best bohemian venue

Photo © Northside Farm | See their Bridebook profile

Your venue is one of the key elements that will show your passion for the bohemian lifestyle. Boho wedding venues are laid-back, natural, and generally in an outdoor setting, with possible rustic or vintage touches. The best thing about these is that they cost less than traditional weddings, so you can get the real fairytale wedding without breaking the bank.

You can get married in:

A famous local park
Natural reserve
Beach
Farmhouse
Ranch
Orchard
Barn
Cottage
Even in a well-decorated backyard or garden

Some of the lush and green places in the UK that would make a perfect setting for a boho or outdoor wedding are:

The Lake District: With its stunning lakes, mountains, and forests.
Cornwall: With its golden beaches, rugged coastline, and beautiful gardens.
The Cotswolds: Known for their scenic villages, rolling hills, and gorgeous countryside.
The Scottish Highlands: With their wild and beautiful landscapes, dramatic mountains, and ethereal forests, you can’t get a more boho wedding venue than this.

Top tip: don’t forget to consider the local climate and weather when choosing a location.

2. Set the scene with boho wedding decor

Photo © Velvet Rose Flower Studio | See their Bridebook profile

When choosing the decor for your picturesque boho wedding, choose decor that works with your venue. If you have an outdoor wedding in a garden, park, forest, or beach, focus on natural, earthy elements that will make the venue pop. You can never go wrong with Pampas grass and driftwood accents.

For the floral arrangements, you don’t have to follow structure or have manicured bouquets with matching flowers. Mismatched wildflowers with succulents and big boughs of greenery are popular options in the boho wedding scene. You can even match your bouquet and flower crown, if you choose to wear one, with the floral arrangements.

You can save on budget for the rest of the decor by making it a DIY project or thrifting. Here are a few other decor items to consider:

The arch: you can go with a fun and spirited geometric arch or macramé fringes for a whimsical setting. If you want to take a more natural route, raw wood and florals can create an arch that will awe your guests.
Rugs: rugs can be used to line the aisle for a softer and easier walking path and also the dance floor for a coachella-esque approach.
Rustic decor: The options are numerous: feathers, candles, bottles and jars, and glassware.

3. Don a Bohemian wedding dress and accessories

Photo © Francis Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Boho wedding dresses tend to be more casual, whimsical, and often not white. Some have off-the-shoulder designs with flowing sleeves; others are covered from top to bottom with lace. Since they’re more minimalistic than their traditional counterparts, you can get a boho wedding dress for a lot cheaper. If we’re selling you on the budget-friendly options, trust us, most boho weddings are that cost-effective.

For accessories, you could pair the dress with vintage jewellery, flower or lace headbands, and even cowboy boots and a hat for a fun twist.

Here’s a list of ideas for boho wedding dresses:

Flutter sleeves or lantern sleeves
Non-white wedding dress, such as cream, champagne, light pink, or any soft pastel colour
A goddess-style boho wedding dress with an inner corset, flowing sleeves, and mermaid skirt
Plus size boho wedding dress with sweetheart neckline and bishop or long puff sleeves

Here are some popular boho wedding accessories to consider:

Crystal headbands
Flowers and lace woven into your braid
Flower crowns with flowing hair
Beads and crystal jewellery

4. Send out your boho wedding invitations

Photo © Dove and Lace | See their Bridebook profile

Like with the decor and everything else – boho wedding invitations are best to keep casual, fun, and whimsical. For a spiritual touch, a metallic mandala embossed invitation would give off elegant yet mystic vibes. For a more laid-back option, deckled edge or kraft paper invitations would look amazing. Following an eclectic theme, your invitations can be mismatched with funky colours.

If you want to check out our range of boho wedding invitations, check out our stationery section.

5. Dance the night away with boho wedding music

Photo © Michael Mulholland | See their Bridebook profile

As we all know, the vibe of any place is set by good, relevant music. For a boho wedding, you want to set the mood with music that follows your wedding theme and breathes life into the venue. Your guests could end up disappointed with a generic DJ or band who doesn’t understand how to enthral the crowd with music that fits.

For a classic boho wedding, you could skip the DJ and opt for instrumental pieces or even violin and piano music. Acoustic wedding singers could also make the evening magical with a personalised playlist: Michael Mulholland, Matthew Turner and Ed Peczek are some of Bridebook’s most in-demand acoustic wedding singers.

6. Wow your guest with a boho wedding cake and bohemian menu

Photo © Artisan Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Food brings everyone together, and what better way to make your wedding memorable than having a unique spread with foods from cultures around the world? You can contact a catering company and work with them to design a custom menu, or if you want to go down a simpler path, having a simple buffet with dishes from different parts of the world is a good option too.

You can get locally-sourced food from farms and ranches around you with rustic selections like a charcuterie board, fruit platters, local wine, vintage elements like a vintage food truck, or DIY food stations.

And for the heart of the wedding, the wedding cake, you can take inspiration from the ground and the sky above. There’s nothing dreamier than a celestial-inspired cake featuring geodes and gemstones. Alternatively, naked cakes adorned with flowers and lush greenery are also a signature bohemian wedding staple.

FAQs

Check out some commonly asking questions about planning a boho wedding ceremony, along with their answers.

How many people use boho weddings?

While there are no clear-cut stats on the percentage of people opting for a boho or outdoor wedding, boho weddings are one of the most popular wedding themes for 2023. With more and more people embracing the minimalistic, free-spirited approach, boho weddings will only be gaining popularity.

How can you make a boho wedding bouquet?

There’s no ‘one’ way to make a boho bridal bouquet. Instead, you can match the wedding bouquet with your dress, accessories, or venue. Pampas grass is an evergreen option; you can pair it with rust-coloured florals. Or, a bouquet of wildflowers tied together with lace is a great option too. If you need some inspiration, check out these boho floral arrangements on Pinterest.

What should grooms wear to a boho wedding?

The essence of a boho wedding is freedom; naturally, it also extends towards the groom. He can match his clothes with the bride’s or opt for something completely different such as no shoes or a cream shirt with suspenders – think Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.

What is the colour of boho?

There is no single “colour of boho” – it’s a blend of different tones ranging from earthy to stunning jewel tones, encompassed in neutral and warm colours such as white, grey, brown, yellow, orange, blue, red, white, etc.

Now you have the perfect guide to planning the boho wedding of your dreams. For hassle-free and cost-effective A-to-Z wedding planning, get started on Bridebook today!

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Veil

Headpiece

Jewellery

Jacket

Garter

Handbag or clutch

Tie

Cufflinks

Pocket squares

Belt

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