Author: Sophia Shafiee

Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.

How Much Does a Honeymoon Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

When all the excitement and chaos involved in planning your wedding is over and the two of you have said, ‘I do’ and partied with your family and friends, many couples embark on their first journey together as a married couple in the form of the honeymoon. It’s a way for the two of you to unwind after a hectic year or more of planning, and spend time in each others’ company while soaking in some sun, being pampered and enjoying some delicious food.

But, with a wedding already costing so much money, how much is a romantic honeymoon going to add to your overall cost? In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much couples spend on their honeymoon, what it costs to visit some of the most popular honeymoon destinations and why many couples are opting for a far more affordable minimoon.

What’s the average cost of a honeymoon?

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The average amount spent by couples on their honeymoon in the UK is £4,329. While this is an average, many couples can spend far less than this – or far, far more. It all depends on what you’d like to do on your honeymoon, how far you’d like to go and whether you want to splash out on luxuries such as the honeymoon suite or first-class flights.

This is by no means a cheap getaway – it is your honeymoon, after all, and a great reason to treat yourself and your new spouse. It’s especially expensive when you take into consideration the average costs involved with the rest of your wedding, which, as set out in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, is £20,775. That means, together with the honeymoon, you could be looking at a total cost of £24,069.

But how much should you spend on a honeymoon? Well, that’s another question entirely, and one that only you and your partner can answer. There is no right or wrong amount to spend on a honeymoon, it’s simply down to your tastes and what’s possible within your budget.

Once upon a time, almost immediately after the reception, newlyweds would jump on a plane in search of sun and sand. But, that’s becoming something of a rarity these days. In fact, the majority of couples now postpone their honeymoon, with 76% waiting at least four months after their wedding before jetting off. Of course, this is understandable, as not many couples have the budget to go on an expensive holiday right after throwing the most lavish and expensive bash of their lives.

That being said, the biggest wedding splurge is undoubtedly their honeymoon, with 40% of couples having a post-wedding getaway as their biggest expense.

How long is the average honeymoon?

Photo © Libra Photographic | See their Bridebook profile

The average amount of time couples are away on their honeymoon is seven days, but many go away for two or even three weeks. It all depends on where you want to travel to and the budget you have available.

When should you start planning your honeymoon?

Photo © Blooming Photography | See their Bridebook profile

You should start planning your honeymoon around the same time you start planning your wedding. This will give you a good idea as to how much your dream honeymoon will cost, and whether or not you’ll be able to go on it immediately after your wedding or a few months later.

Whether or not you book your honeymoon early is purely down to your budget. On one hand, if you book your honeymoon early you’ll be able to pay it off in chunks or set up a direct debit to pay monthly. On the other hand, if you wait until a few weeks before your wedding you may be able to secure a last-minute deal which is much cheaper. But, the risk with that is you might not be able to go to your first-choice destination.

How much do popular honeymoon destinations cost?

Photo © Photographer Liam Gillan | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re keen on rewarding yourself with a honeymoon after months of busy wedding planning, what are some of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples from the UK, and how much do they cost? Here are 10 of the most popular destinations and a rough guide to how much you might spend (based on two weeks during the summer in a standard room with economy flights).

The Maldives

A collection of islands located in the Indian Ocean, over 100,000 Brits visit the Maldives every year. With crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs, it’s a slice paradise that is perfect for honeymooners. Costs for a couple start from around £5,000.

Mauritius

Sharing the same ocean as the Maldives and not too far from South Africa, Mauritius has fabulous beaches, towering mountains, and luscious forests and gardens. Costs start from around £4,000.

Thailand

For a real adventure, Thailand is just about as far as a couple can travel from the UK, and offers a chance to see incredible sights and get immersed in a new culture. Costs start from around £3,200.

Seychelles

The ultimate luxury honeymoon destination where your comfort is always a priority.  There are also a few private island resorts in the area if your budget allows. Costs start from around £5,500 but can easily exceed £10,000.

Caribbean

With fabulous food and culture, the Caribbean has plenty of options for an idyllic honeymoon, on islands such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Costs start from around £4,500.

Mexico

If you’re looking for a balance of great beaches, rich history and delicious food, you really can’t go wrong with Mexico. Costs start from £3,600.

Greece

Not only does Greece have a huge selection of fabulous resorts and beaches, but it also has a rich history and plenty of culture to keep you busy exploring. Greece is always a great spot for couples on a budget, with costs starting from around £2,000.

Italy

Great food, great wine and great sights. There’s something for everyone in Italy, and costs can be reasonable for a two-week stay, starting at around £2,500.

Kenya

For a honeymoon on the wild side, a trip to Kenya or Tanzania combines relaxation with the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes in search of incredible wildlife. Costs start from around £3,500.

Dubai

A relative newcomer on the honeymoon scene, Dubai has fabulous weather, clear seas and world-renowned entertainment. Costs start from around £4,000.

For a little more inspiration, check out our post featuring nine romantic honeymoon destinations.

What factors can affect the cost of a honeymoon?

Photo © Memories & Milestones Photography | See their Bridebook profile

While many of the above costs are approximations, there are plenty of factors that can influence how much your honeymoon might cost, much like any other holiday you might book.

  • Location – The more popular the destination, the more you’re likely to pay.
  • Date – If you’re travelling at peak times, such as during the summer (and especially during school holidays) then expect costs to be way (way) higher.
  • Hotel/resort – The more premium the resort, the more it’ll set you back.
  • Upgrades – Because you’re going on your honeymoon you may be keen on a room or flight upgrade, but the costs involved can be eye-wateringly high.
  • Board – Whether you stay full board, half board, all-inclusive, or room only will affect the cost.
  • Activities – An adventure-packed honeymoon will cost more than a honeymoon spent lazing by a pool or on the beach.
  • Spending money – If you plan on eating a three-course meal every evening the costs will add up. Similarly, if you know you like to buy a lot of souvenirs you’ll need to budget accordingly.

If you want to get away on your honeymoon but don’t have a huge budget, check out our post on how to save money on your honeymoon.

How much does a minimoon cost?

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

If you want to get away after your wedding but don’t have the budget to spend on a two-week honeymoon, a minimoon might be exactly what you need.

A minimoon is a shorter, more budget-friendly way of getting away after your wedding until you’re able to save and get away from a longer honeymoon. There are no rules for what’s classed as a minimoon, but they’re often a few nights and will cost less than £1,000. It’s purely a means to get away, relax and decompress after a year or more of planning your wedding.

If you’re looking to stay in the UK, some popular minimoon destinations include the Cotswolds, Cornwall, the Lake District and the Peak District.

If you’d prefer to hop on a plane to somewhere  a little further afield, great international minimoon destinations include Paris, Bruges, Mallorca and Venice.

Wherever you choose to go, and for however long you choose to go, it’s a great way for you and your new spouse to enjoy some well-earned time together.

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How Much Do Wedding Favours Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Wedding favours offer you the opportunity to provide your guests with a small gift or keepsake that they can take home (or eat!) and remember the time they spent celebrating with you on your big day.

But when you’re already spending thousands on your wedding, how much should you spend on wedding favours that are thoughtful, personal and something that your guests are going to appreciate?

Below, we’re going to take a look at the cost of wedding favours, including the average amount couples spend, how much some of the most popular wedding favours cost, and what factors can influence how much you might spend.

What are wedding favours and do you need them at your wedding?

Photo © Green Manatee | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding favours are small tokens or gifts that you give to the guests who come to share in your celebrations on your wedding day. They’re small, personal gestures that are used to express your gratitude and work as a little souvenir for your family and friends.

Favours don’t need to be expensive – many wedding favours cost around £1 each – but they act as a way for you to show your appreciation. Many couples even choose to put together DIY wedding favours, which can be anything from a packet of sweets to a custom-made Rubix cube (although something like this will set you back a lot more than £1).

Even the most affordable or DIY wedding favour options will add to your ever-increasing list of expenses, which is saying something when you consider that the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £20,775. Does that mean, if budget is a concern, it’s something you could cut to save a bit of money?

Do you have to do favours at your wedding?

Photo © The Rustic Wedding Company | See their Bridebook profile

While favours aren’t something that your guests will expect – and certainly aren’t the reason they’re coming to your wedding – their absence may be noticed by some (but certainly not all). In fact, some of your guests may choose to not take their favour home at all, and if you’re gifting food or sweets, they may even be devoured before the first course is served at the breakfast.

If you’re looking to save budget, or it’s simply not something that interests you or fits with your style or theme of your wedding, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to provide favours simply to appease others or because it’s something you believe your guests expect – because they definitely don’t.

What’s the average cost of wedding favours?

Photo © Fabulous Functions UK | See their Bridebook profile

In the UK, the average amount spent by couples on wedding favours is around £160 in total. This might not be a huge amount when you consider your overall budget (it’s about 2% of what couples pay for the average wedding venue) but if you want custom, handmade favours or you’re inviting 120+ guests, that figure can be much higher.

Similarly, you could keep costs down while still honouring the tradition, by simply leaving a small packet of Love Hearts sweets for every guest. This would cost you much less than the average, with 250 packets costing around £17 (and leaving you with some to keep for yourself).

It’s also important to remember that low-cost wedding favours don’t need to be generic or boring. For more information, check out our blog post on 29 ideas for affordable wedding favours.

What are some popular wedding favour ideas?

Photo © Dream Weddings and Events | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re looking for some wedding favour ideas but you’re not quite sure where to start, the below guide will give you a rough guide for how much some popular wedding favours cost so you can gauge if they fit within your budget.

Edible favours

  • Retro sweets – You can pick up ready-made packs of retro sweets, or put together your own if you shop around to find cheap sweets in bulk. Costs start from £1 each.
  • Honeycomb – A real crowd pleaser, honeycomb not only looks great but is delicious too. Costs start from £1.50 each.
  • Fudge – Fudge is creamy and luxurious and is a fantastic way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. Cost start from £2 each.
  • Hot chocolate kit – A unique favour that most of your guests won’t resist and can be presented in many creative ways. Costs start from £2.50 each.
  • Popcorn – A cheap and tasty favour that no one will turn their nose up at. Costs start from £1 each.
  • Mints – Mints offer a breath of fresh air. Costs start from £1 each.
  • Jellybeans – Sweet treats that are affordable and come in a variety of flavours. Costs start from £1 each.
  • Cake pops – Cake pops are a lot of fun and a handy way to give your guests a cakey hit if you don’t have a traditional wedding cake. Costs start from £1.50 each.
  • Marshmallows – Affordable, sticky and sweet. Costs start from £1 each.

Non-edible favours

  • Bubbles – Everyone loves bubbles! Plus, they’re super affordable. Costs start from less than £1 each.
  • Personalised playing cards – Massively personal and always something your guests will want to keep. Costs start from around £5 each.
  • Second-hand books – A great talking point that is hugely affordable. Costs start from around 50p each, or even less if you check out some local charity shops.
  • Pens, notepads or pencils – A practical favour for everyone. Costs start from £2 each.
  • Jewellery charms – A cute memento that can be used in a huge variety of ways. Costs start from £3 each.
  • Wildflower seeds – Not a personal favour, but is certainly thoughtful. Costs start from £1 each.
  • Charity donation – A hugely thoughtful and generous gesture. You can donate as much or as little as you like.
  • Soap/hand sanitiser – A useful and unique favour. Costs start from £2 each.
  • Scratchcards – An exciting way to get your guests talking. Plus, one of your guests could leave your wedding a lot richer (and hopefully they’ll share some with you!). Costs start from £1 each.
  • Personalised candles – Who doesn’t love a candle? Costs start from £2.50 each.
  • Personalised coasters – A really unique gift that will remind your guests of your big day whenever they sit down for a cuppa. Costs start from £3 each.
  • Personalised keyrings – Everyone has at least a couple of keyrings, and there’s always room for one more. Costs start from £2 each.
  • Disposable camera – Quite a retro favour these days, but it can be a lot of fun having the photos developed to see what happened while you weren’t around! However, disposable cameras are becoming more expensive, with costs per camera starting from around £15 (and of course the cost to develop after the wedding). It can be hugely worth it if you have the budget, though.

Is it cheaper to do DIY wedding favours?

Photo © One Splendid Day | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re on a budget, it can be much cheaper to do wedding favours yourself. However, if you’re looking for highly personal or customised favours, such as personalised playing cards, you may find the DIY approach more challenging. If you haven’t done anything similar before, there’s also the risk of inconsistent quality.

If you’re looking for something simple, such as a bag of retro sweets, you should be able to put this together with little effort and without much room for error. It should save you some money, too.

What factors can impact the cost of wedding favours?

Photo © Make It Special Events | See their Bridebook profile

When choosing wedding favours, as well as the type of favours you go for, there are several factors to bear in mind which can impact the overall cost.

  • Quantity – It may seem obvious, but the more guests you have the more you’ll have to spend on favours.
  • Personalisation – Highly personalised wedding favours will cost more than something you can grab off a shelf or make yourself.
  • Vendor – A small, independent vendor may have higher prices than a large company with hundreds of employees. However, the level of care and quality is also likely to be better from a smaller vendor.
  • Quality – The higher the quality of materials or ingredients you use, the more expensive your favours will be. Remember, your favours are only a token gift to your guests and they won’t be expecting something premium.
  • Presentation – Marshmallows or honeycomb may be fairly inexpensive, but if you choose to package them in a fancy box with ribbon they may not be inexpensive for long.
  • Season – Depending on what you go for, the time of year may play a part in cost. For example, during peak periods when gift companies are in demand, costs may be much higher.

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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

Photo ©️ F. J. West Films

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

Photo © Dave Fallon Photography

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

Photo © Dale Stephens Photography

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

Photo ©️ Megan Daisy Photography

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

Photo ©️ Dotty Photography

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

Photo ©️ Sarah Fishlock Photography

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

Photo ©️ Tash Busta Photography

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

Photo ©️ Oliver Holder Photography

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

Photo ©️ Hamish Irvine Photographer

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

Photo ©️ Gareth Edwards Photography

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

Photo ©️ Andrew Franklin Photography

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

Photo ©️ HS Media

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.

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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?

Photo © The Ceremony Company | See their Bridebook profile

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!”

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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?

Photo © The Wedding ‘Day’ Coordinators | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Celebrating Love Wedding Planning & Styling | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Lucy Wright Events | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Amy Roberts Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Best Day Ever Wedding Planning | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Black Sheep Events | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Camilla Boniek Events | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © RandF Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

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.

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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?

Photo © Guildhall Exeter | See their Bridebook profile

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. 

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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!

Photo © Martin Holtom

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.

Photo © Martin Holtom

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!

Photo © Martin Holtom

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.

Photo © Martin Holtom

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!

Photo © Martin Holtom

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.

Photo © Martin Holtom

Victoria and Chris’ Suppliers

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!

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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!

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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).

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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!

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

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.

Photo © N D Reid Photography

Mel and Andy’s Suppliers

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!

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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?

Photo © MOCARO | See their Bridebook profile

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?

Photo © Love2Sparkle | See their Bridebook profile

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

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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.

Photo ©️ Darryl J Stubbs Photography

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.

Photo ©️ Mango Acoustic Duo 

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.

Photo ©️ Down For The Count

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.

Photo ©️ 4tissimo String Quartet

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.

Photo © Iggy Davis

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.

Photo © Crystal Gospel Choir

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.

Photo © Capture My Big Day

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.

Photo © Nottinghamshire Harpist

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.

Photo © Musical Sam Services

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

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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. 

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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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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.

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!).

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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.

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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.

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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.

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Music

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

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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!

Photo © The Kensington Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

Joanne and Luke’s Suppliers

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.

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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 Themed Wedding

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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Happy Planning!

How to Write Your Wedding Speech: Top Tips from You Said It Speech Writing

Looking for expert guidance and top tips on how to write perfect wedding speeches? Look no further than You Said It Speech Writing, brought to you by former Emmerdale and West End actress, Naomi Marghaleet. Based on 30 years’ experience, Naomi’s Wedding Boot Camps (for Grooms, Best Men, Brides and Best Women) are designed to take your wedding speech writing to another level. Check out her story, expert advice, and amazing speech writing packages below.

What is You Said It Speech Writing?

You Said It Speech Writing offers professional help for the one occasion in life when speaking well matters. After a confidential consultation we write your speech and offer to teach you how to deliver brilliantly, ensuring you are remembered for the right reasons! Don’t leave your speech until the last minute or try to “wing it.” Preparation is essential. Seize the opportunity to impress your new in-laws, surprise your partner and bring the house down.

Photo © You Said It Speech Writing | See their Bridebook profile

For over 20 years we have helped Grooms, Brides, Best Men, Best Women, Fathers & Mothers successfully deliver fabulous speeches. Our experience and integrity will boost your confidence. When people say, “You Said It!” you will glow with pride from a job well done.

What’s the story behind You Said It Speech Writing?

Years ago, I felt honoured when a friend asked me to read a poem at her wedding. Then, three weeks before The Big Day, she rang to say her fiancé didn’t like any of the priests her parents introduced them to and felt it was hypocritical to have a religious service because they were not religious. “I know I asked you to read a poem,” she said, “but as an actress you’re good with words and we’d like you to do the whole wedding. Will you create a ceremony for us?” I was flabbergasted! Later that evening another friend dropped by, with a book called Sacred Ceremonies and I opened it randomly at “Weddings.” Serendipity! Long story short, I created a ceremony and officiated at my friends’ wedding in France. It was a beautiful day. Everyone loved the ceremony and commented on the unique, special poems I included. Ever since, I’ve written ceremonies and speeches for weddings and all kinds of events.

Photo © You Said It Speech Writing | See their Bridebook profile

I set up You Said It Speech Writing to bring academic, research, writing and performance skills under one umbrella. We provide speeches and a range of content, but also help clients improve how they communicate, in person and online. By teaching the techniques professional actors use, based on 20 years in the theatre and television industries, we transform how clients feel about speaking in public and on camera. Formal training boosts confidence and fine tunes presentation style. Our wedding clients often return for help with work projects that lead to promotion. Upgrading your communication skills is a key to success.

What speech writing packages are available?

Photo © You Said It Speech Writing | See their Bridebook profile

Bronze “Boot Camp” Package

If you’ve been chosen as Best Man, Best Woman, Head Bridesmaid or Maid of Honour it is well worth booking a place at Boot Camp. Boot Camp is a fun, practical way to unlock your creativity & upgrade your communication skills in a supportive environment.

We do a brief physical and vocal warm up before introducing our unique collection of wedding poems and prose. Next, we discuss how to approach speech writing in terms of targeting your audience and why this matters, whether the wedding is traditional, themed or “alternative.” You will learn how to overcome nerves, boost confidence and explore vocal techniques, gestures and effective body language. We explain how to connect with an audience and how to successfully prepare for delivering your speech. Best of all, everything you learn at Boot Camp gives you a kitbag of skills that will last a lifetime.

Attend solo or book a unique Stag / Hen “do.” Boot Camp is suitable for 5-10 people. Spaces fill up fast. Book now!

Silver Package

Our Silver package is designed for two wedding guests. The most popular combinations are Best Man + Groom, or Bride + Maid of Honour, but Fathers and Mothers of the Bride or Groom are welcome. Two speeches are included in the package, of 5-10 minutes length, plus two public speaking sessions per person. People who have never received any formal public speaking training benefit hugely from learning 1-1 but we can provide shared sessions if requested.

Gold Package

If you decide to go for gold let us know asap! Three members of a wedding party receive three speeches of 5-10 minutes each, plus three public speaking sessions per person. As with the Silver package, some clients prefer to learn 1-1, but we are happy to offer group sessions so you can all learn together if you choose.

For a top-notch speech visit You Said It Speech Writing.

We are always delighted to hear from people keen to upgrade their communication skills in time for The Big Day.

What are your top tips for writing a wedding speech?

You Said It Speech Writing believes in the power of positivity, hence the following tips include 7 describing best practice and 3 warning what to avoid…

Photo © You Said It Speech Writing | See their Bridebook profile
  1. As Best Man, Best Woman, Bride, Groom or Proud Parent you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate love and friendship. Approach it with gusto!
  2. Find a poem or piece of prose to include. Excellent words add a sense of formality and help with structure. Remember schooldays English. Ensure your speech has a clear beginning, middle and end. Tell a good story.
  3. Research some writing that normally may not interest you. People tend to use the same pieces at weddings e.g. “On Marriage” from The Prophet and, although we love Gibran, there are many other sources to draw from. Think about the couple and find a piece of writing that connects with their hobbies, interests and/or favourite place. This makes your speech more personal and shows you care.
  4. Take some time to think about the wedding guests. Nowadays many people have stepfamilies they might want to acknowledge, in addition to blood relatives. It is crucial you find out before the wedding who to include and/or exclude in your speech. Asking a few questions can help avoid disaster on The Big Day.
  5. If the wedding is a second or third marriage be aware of how children or young people might feel when hearing their mum or dad say, “I do” to someone who is not their mum or dad. Sensitivity is key.
  6. Prepare well in advance. No performer goes on stage without rehearsing.
  7. In terms of content, don’t go on and on. Five minutes is adequate for a speech, unless there is a particularly good reason for elaborating. Keep it punchy and succinct. Long sentences may look good on paper, but when spoken out loud can sound as if you are trying too hard to impress.
  8. Before your speech do not drink alcohol and do not assume you can “wing it.” People make terrible mistakes when drunk. A wedding is a one take opportunity where your words will affect families for decades to come. Be remembered for the right reasons! Stay sober until after your speech.
  9. Bear in mind, people in the UK spend up to £50,000 on a wedding. Your job is to honour the occasion, not use this expensive event as a rehearsal for your stand-up act, or to blather on about yourself. It’s good to include a joke or three, but your sense of humour could be wildly different to the Bride’s parents or grandparents. Proceed with caution!
  10. Get professional help. At You Said It Speech Writing we love providing people with brilliant speeches because we know, in 10 years’ time, no one will remember the colour of your hair, tie or shoes but everyone will remember what you said. By getting professional help you can contribute to making The Big Day a huge success. Better still, you will learn lifelong skills and when people say, “You Said It!” you will glow with pride from a job well done.

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Happy Planning!

How to Plan a Twilight Wedding Ceremony

Picture this: you and your partner are gathered beneath the emerging stars as flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on your outfits as you walk down the aisle. Slowly, the sun sets on the horizon as you exchange vows in front of your closest family and friends, then you pose for some of the most incredible wedding photographs you’ll ever see.

Sounds magical, right? Twilight weddings are fast growing in popularity as couples seek increasingly more unique, romantic and affordable ways to spend their big day.

When it comes to planning a twilight wedding ceremony it’s not all that different from a traditional daytime wedding, but you’ll make several big decisions that are critical towards its success. These include what time to hold the ceremony, choosing the perfect venue and the potential hiccups you may need to overcome. In this post, we’ll take a look at everything you need to think about when it comes to planning the perfect twilight wedding.

What is a twilight wedding?

A twilight wedding is a wedding that is held during the latter half of the day – specifically any time after 3.30pm – though is usually timed to coincide with sunset. Whereas traditionally weddings take place over an entire day, twilight weddings start much later to take advantage of the enchanting and romantic atmosphere that builds as the sun goes down.

To take advantage of the setting sun, twilight weddings are often held outside, in locations that accentuate the natural beauty that comes with that time of day, for example on the beach or in a landscaped garden. But, we’re all too painfully aware of the unpredictability of the weather here in the UK, so venues that are covered but allow for a creative use of lighting also make for a great choice.

How popular are twilight weddings?

Twilight weddings are becoming more and more popular, thanks in part to outdoor weddings having now been legalised. Today’s couples now have more freedom than ever over where they can get married. More and more venues are starting to offer couples the option of a twilight wedding package, which is enough evidence to prove that interest continues to grow. But twilight weddings are still not quite in the mainstream, which ensures that if you do plan a twilight wedding, your ceremony will be a unique and memorable one.

Photo © Crowne Hill Plaza Solihull | See their Bridebook profile

Here’s what some of our venues have to say about the popularity of twilight weddings:

  • “Relaxed and romantic, our Twilight Wedding Package is becoming more popular, with couples looking to move away from the formalities of a traditional wedding breakfast followed by a reception. It removes the pressure of entertaining their guests for an entire day as well as reducing the costs.” (Nicola Corfield, expert sales and marketing manager at Crowne Plaza Solihull)
  • “Our Twilight Wedding Package has been extremely popular with our couples. Moving forwards, couples are often looking for that ‘non-traditional’ day where they can have all of their nearest and dearest there from the beginning – skipping the traditional sit down meal and heading straight for the party. This does tie in nicely with our outside wedding ceremonies as the vibe turns into a garden party feel. Twilight weddings are definitely here to stay.” (Pippa Attwood, experienced wedding co-ordinator at Slater’s Country Hotel and Inn)

What time is a twilight wedding?

Twilight weddings take place in the evening, usually around the time the sun begins to set. This means the time the ceremony takes place can vary depending on the season, but will always be some time after 3.30pm.

For example, during late December sunset starts around 3.35pm, while in June it starts around 9.30pm. That’s not to say that summer twilight wedding ceremonies have to start that late – after all, not many guests will want to wait until midnight to have a slice of cake – and the time your ceremony starts is purely down to your own personal preferences.

If you’re planning a twilight wedding for the spring, you may expect your order of service to look a little something like this:

  • 4pm – 5pm – guests arrive and enjoy some pre-ceremony canapés
  • 5pm – 5.30pm – guests are seated
  • 5.30pm – 6.30pm – the ceremony takes place
  • 6.30pm – 7.30pm – photographs and drinks
  • 7.30pm – 1am – evening reception including drinks, dancing and food

During the ceremony and later into the night as it starts to get much darker, additional lighting will help to keep the magical atmosphere alive, especially if it’s taking place outside. Torches, candles, fairy lights and even bonfires ensure warmth and beauty if the temperature starts to drop.

Photo © Slater’s Country Hotel and Inn | See their Bridebook profile

Here’s what some of our venues have to say about the timing of twilight weddings:

  • “Couples may need to be flexible with the day of week, as availability for evening-only weddings may not be available at venues during high demand wedding months and days of the week. Twilight weddings are perfect for a Friday afternoon, especially when wedding guests may have flexible working allowing them to finish early to attend the nuptials.” (Nicola Corfield, expert sales and marketing manager at Crowne Plaza Solihull)
  • “Twilight wedding ceremonies usually take place at 4pm followed by a relaxed drinks reception and canapés and on to the evening party with a BBQ or buffet. Brides and grooms have reported that they enjoy having the whole day to get ready with no pressure or time constraints and this makes a more relaxing experience on the whole.” (Pippa Attwood, experienced wedding co-ordinator at Slater’s Country Hotel and Inn)

What’s the best venue for a twilight wedding?

To make the most of the fabulous light and colours brought by the setting sun, twilight weddings are usually held outside at venues that accentuate the natural beauty. However, outdoor weddings aren’t for everyone, and many indoor venues can work just as well. Below are just a few options for you to consider:

  • Outdoor venues – beaches, gardens, parks, fields or vineyards are already beautiful outdoor venues, with that beauty accentuated further as the sun sets.
  • Rustic venues – barns, cottages, halls, courtyards and farms make for stunning rustic venues, especially when well lit using fairy lights and candles.
  • Rooftops and terraces – what better way to make the most of the twilight than by being up high so you can see for miles and miles?
  • Historical sites – wonderful historical sites, such as castles or the grounds of a manor house, make for jaw dropping backdrops, especially into the evening.

Crowne Plaza Solihull would also recommend considering hotels that are licensed for civil ceremonies specifically: “These work well for twilight weddings, as they can host the entire celebration, including hosting guests overnight, seamlessly and all under one roof.”

What are the benefits of having a twilight wedding?

We’ve already covered how magical a twilight wedding can be, but there are plenty of other benefits that might make it a better choice for you than a traditional wedding.

  • Cost because the ceremony and reception only take place during the evening, the costs involved can be much less.
  • Unique while growing in popularity, twilight weddings are still not as common as daytime weddings.
  • Romantic and intimate – sunset is already an enchanting time of day, add a stunning wedding into the mix and you have a recipe for a magical wedding.
  • Flexibility it can be difficult for all of your loved ones to attend a daytime wedding, especially if it takes place during the week, and a twilight wedding helps more guests be with you on the day. You may also find it’s easy to secure your preferred vendors if they’re not committing to a whole day.
  • Fewer formalities – if you’re keen on having a wedding but not looking forward to the formality of an all-day event, a twilight wedding condenses it, which relieves some of the pressure.

Should you consider a twilight wedding?

Whether or not a twilight wedding is right for you depends on your preferences and the time of year you’re looking to get married.

If you’re set on getting married during the winter, then you may want to think long and hard about an outdoor wedding – after all, your guests won’t be dancing at the reception if they’re still frozen to their seats. However, an indoor venue that allows for great views, or a covered venue where heaters can be used, also make for a great choice.

Certain aspects might have to be cut or trimmed down, such as the wedding breakfast and some of the speeches, so if you’re big into all the traditional parts of a wedding, then consider that there might not be time for everything. Remember, it will be difficult to squeeze every part of an all-day wedding into just five or six hours.

That being said, nothing can match the ambience of a twilight wedding, nor the photographs you’ll have thanks to the incredible lighting. As it gets dark and the candles, torches, and fairy lights begin to shine, it will transform an already beautiful venue into one that is truly breathtaking.

What are the risks involved with a twilight wedding?

If your twilight wedding takes place at an indoor venue then there are no more risks involved than there are with any other wedding – so you get all of the benefits with none of the stress.

However, if the ceremony is due to take place outside, then you’ll be checking the weather forecast obsessively for days and even weeks ahead of the day. So, in the event the dreaded rain cloud appears beside the date of your wedding, it’s best to have a backup plan to avoid heartache and disappointment. This could be something as simple as a marquee or other indoor space that you could switch to should the heavens threaten to open.

How much does a twilight wedding cost?

Because you’re using the venue for a shorter amount of time and paying vendors for fewer hours, twilight weddings should be cheaper, right? Well, generally they are, yes. For example, Slater’s Country Hotel and Inn twilight wedding package costs significantly less than their traditional package. However, depending on your chosen venue, it might not be as significantly cheaper as you might hope. It’s important to remember that even though your wedding isn’t using the venue throughout the entire day, it’s stopping other weddings from taking place that may have done. That being said, you’ll still make savings elsewhere, which makes a twilight wedding an enticing option for couples conscious of their budget.

Do all venues offer twilight wedding packages?

Not all venues currently offer a twilight wedding package, but as they grow in popularity they’re becoming increasingly more common. Below is a selection of just a few venues that offer twilight weddings and how much they cost:

Tips for the planning the perfect twilight wedding

Excited to start planning your twilight wedding? Here are five tips to help you create a beautiful and unique day.

  1. Choose the venue carefully – the most stunning venue on paper may not be the most practical, especially if it’s outdoors. Make sure there’s a back up option available if the weather takes a turn for the worst, and the sun isn’t blinding your guests as it sets.
  2. The timing is everything – if sunset is at 6pm, then don’t start the ceremony at that time. To get the most out of the fading light, make sure the ceremony starts around 20-40 minutes before.
  3. Dress for the occasion – even if it’s not raining, the weather will still play a big part, so dress appropriately and consider whether you want goosebumps on show in your photos. You may also want to consider offering guests blankets for their laps, which can double up as unique wedding favours.
  4. Have the right light – your ceremony may start while it’s still light, but it will soon darken, and having the right lighting, such as candles and fairy lights, will add further delicate beauty.
  5. Use the darkness to your advantage – as it gets darker it’ll help you to introduce new and exciting ways to entertain your guests. You could consider glow-in-the-dark decorations, give guests colourful glow sticks to use for photographs, or have a bonfire burning so guests can make their own s’mores.

Start planning your twilight wedding today

Now that you know what to think about when planning a twilight wedding, why not start planning your own wedding with Bridebook today?

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Happy Planning!

Catherine and Robert’s Botanical Houseplant Themed Wedding

Your wedding day is your day. That means it should be personal to you, and reflect who you are as a couple. Having a themed wedding can be a great way to create something truly special and unique. You can go as whimsical and wacky as you like! Take Catherine and Robert’s botanical houseplant themed wedding – perfect inspiration for all the earth-loving couples out there!

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are and our values, and the most important thing for us was to make sure our guests had a good time.

Photo © Allan Bovill

I’m a zoologist so a lot of our guests are an environmentally-friendly crowd, so we tried to be as sustainable as possible with things (dried flower confetti made at home, biodegradable bags and stickers, seed favours etc.).

Photo © Allan Bovill

The Venue

I always wanted to get married in a botanical garden, so we had our pictures done in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and then the wedding and reception at Orán Mòr, a Bridebook venue, across the road.

Photo © Allan Bovill

This is a beautiful hall with really rich, bold colours which is what I based my colour schemes on, and it worked nicely with the plants (I think).

Photo © Allan Bovill

The Decor

My husband and I are both PhD students so we are both very busy as well as being on a budget.

Photo © Allan Bovill

The houseplants were a combination of it being a bit different and a result of us having a big houseplant collection anyway, so we just decided to use them as decorations!

Photo © Allan Bovill

The Veil & Bridal Bouquet

The veil was a colourful wildflower embroidered veil from Etsy, which was handmade to order.

Photo © Allan Bovill

The flowers were designed to match the veil, hand-arranged by Lavender Blue in Glasgow.

Photo © Allan Bovill

The Cake & Cheese Table

I specialise in frogs so I had a frog pond layer in our wedding cake and a frog topper!

Photo © Allan Bovill

We had a cheese table instead of canapés at the reception!

Photo © Allan Bovill

The Music & Personal Touches

We walked down the aisle to the theme song to “Detectorists”, which is our favourite TV song!

Photo © Allan Bovill

We had photos with some dinosaurs that were in the Botanic Gardens at the time, which we loved!

Photo © Allan Bovill

Catherine and Robert’s Suppliers

Want a green eco-wedding like Catherine and Robert’s? Now’s the time to start planning! Remember to make the most of what you have, and DIY where you can if you’re on a budget. And don’t be afraid to let your personalities and interests shine as you unleash your creativity!

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Happy Planning!

Supplier Showcase: Our Top Eco-Friendly Suppliers for a Sustainable Wedding

In celebration of Earth Day 2023, we’re excited to recognise and encourage the wonderful ways the wedding industry can contribute to the preservation of our planet! Check out the efforts of our Sustainability Heroes. These suppliers are going the extra mile to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their businesses to reduce their environmental impact and make your wedding day as sustainable as possible. Read on to learn all about their ethos and approach to sustainability.

Anna | Wilderness Wedding Venue

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Sustainability is integral to The Wilderness. My parents have owned the farm for more than 40 years and we have a passion for nature and sustainability. Sustainable practices are in our roots. We want to promote wildlife and conserve all the incredible species we have and the landscape we enjoy.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

  1. We have been running a re-wilding and re-generation programme in the Stour Valley for more than 25 years to encourage rare breeds of birds.
  2. We ask that all guests are bought to the farm and taken home on a shared bus to minimise vehicle movements to reduce impact on the land.
  3. We have a leave no-trace policy and are extremely sensitive to how we recycle all waste. We do not use single-use plastics and try to use locally sourced ingredients and suppliers.
  4. We have off-grid glamping to minimise our power consumption.
  5. We keep noise in certain areas to a minimum to protect nesting birds.
  6. We are set on a 200-acre peatland marsh, which is very important as it acts as a natural carbon sink, capturing harmful C02 from the atmosphere. We do not use as pesticides or chemicals on the land and the grass can only be at specific times of year, to allow the nesting birds to rear their young and to allow wildflowers to grow (promoting insects and pollination).

 

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

We have been protecting the landscape for more than 25 years. We are very proud of our programme and last year saw the return of beavers to the area for the first time.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Running events while always ensuring the environment comes first. I.e. minimising our impact by transporting everyone on a large bus and making sure we are extremely sensitive to the landscape. At certain times of year the water meadows are flooded and this is to encourage certain birds to come and breed. This can be a challenge but we work with the seasons and nature comes first.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Listen and observe and think about the longer term impact. People will embrace it.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Think about what is really important to you. Instead of receiving a wedding gift, perhaps ask your guests to give some money to a charity to plant trees.
  2. Instead of having a traditional wedding favour, perhaps give your guests some wildflower seeds to plant, or give them something you have bought second-hand.
  3. Think about waste: everything you buy will have a waste implication. Perhaps buy a second-hand wedding dress or upcycle a wedding dress?

 

Henry | The Out Barn

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Sustainability is important for us as it helps to reduce the impact that our actions have on the environment. Weddings can often generate a significant amount of waste and by adopting sustainable practices, wedding businesses can help to minimise their negative impact on the environment and promote social responsibility.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

  1. Our heating is provided by a sustainable biomass boiler. We have solar panels for our electricity and we have our own bore hole for water. We can at times run fully off-grid!
  2. We have planted over 50,000 trees on the organic farm to provide future biomass energy and undertake tree regeneration, and 1 acre of wildflowers out the front for bees and wildlife.
  3. We take flowers left over from weddings to local care homes to be enjoyed for a few more days.
  4. The barn was built using oak grown from the farm where possible.
  5. All our waste is recycled using MCS Waste Management company that specialises in waste recycling.
  6. All produce is sourced within our local area.

 

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

We are most proud of delivering the leftover flowers to care homes!

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Retro-fitting a biomass boiler!

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Start with the small easy wins and work up from there. For example, swapping the bin company to a more sustainable one was easy for us.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Source from local area to reduce packaging.
  2. Use rustic tables so that no linen is needed (cleaning linen requires large amounts of energy).
  3. Pick a caterer that sources locally grown food.

 

Ellie | Sheepy Meadows

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

The events industry contributes widely to climate change, so it has been our mission to reduce our carbon footprint for many years, giving future couples the opportunity to do the same with their wedding. We recently were accredited with a Silver ECO smart venue award.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

500 solar panels, a wildflower meadow, beehives, upcycled buildings and furniture.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

Planting 12,000 trees and saving enough carbon to equate to a further more 10,000 planted.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Reducing the carbon footprint of weddings.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Sign up to Greengage for support on your journey and in creating a roadmap to a greener future.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Pick a sustainably-accredited venue.
  2. Always use local suppliers where possible.
  3. Go preloved on bridal wear and grooms wear.

 

Ebony | Cheshire Woodland Weddings

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

As a woodland venue, sustainability is one of the most important things we think about when organising our weddings. We have a few ways we keep things green and lower our carbon footprint. From using only Biodegradable confetti, using local suppliers, to having reusable venue dressing included!

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

Some of our standout earth-friendly features include: using only biodegradable confetti; using local supplier lists; decoration from our woodland; sourcing caterers who offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options; ale from a local brewery; recycling all of our waste; having reusable venue dressing included in our package; and having public transport within walking distance!

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

That would be using and recycling decorations from our very own woodland!

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Our firework displays. After trying many, different ways of trying to keep the carbon footprint low, we finally decided to swap them for a laser/light show! Alongside being more sustainable for the planet, the change is a lot kinder and safer for the local wildlife.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Use resources you have to hand, listen to you customer’s feedback, support your local businesses.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Book local suppliers.
  2. Use biodegradable confetti.
  3. Use sustainable decorations (e.g. using wooden table pieces that people can take home as a memento or making sure that something like your guestbook is able to be used as a decoration in your home rather than stored away, not to be seen until years later!)

 

Nathalie | Dressarte Paris

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

At Dressarte we’re committed to reducing the waste caused by the fashion industry by creating custom-made wedding attire from luxurious upcycled, recycled and eco-friendly fabrics. Over the years we built our own supply chain, sourcing luxurious surplus fabrics directly from mills, and deadstock fabrics from Italian and French fashion houses. Custom-made production means no stock, no over production, no waste. Our priority is to offer natural fabrics that are biodegradable and have benefits for health and environment. We work with experienced tailors, dressmakers and small ateliers who work on clothes production for our clients. Our service is even more responsible as the supply chain is better optimised and more efficient, with a low carbon footprint.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

Eco-friendly fabrics, zero waste design, 3D design and visualisation (reduces number of prototypes).

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

We managed to make luxurious surplus fabrics more accessible to brides around the world.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Building our own supply chain to source luxurious surplus fabrics.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Take it slow and implement initiatives step by step.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Choose quality over quantity.
  2. Mark your priorities and find eco-friendly alternatives if possible.
  3. Be open-minded and do not hesitate to DIY and ask friends to help.

 

Eve | Love It Again Bridal

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Wedding dresses are typically the most expensive dress you will ever buy and are predominantly purchased for one time use. The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world and by the very nature of the wedding industry, we contribute to that. A wedding dress is at the very centre of our industry. It is the signature piece and if we can prolong the life of those dresses, if the option is there, for it to be loved again, then we have a responsibility to prolong the life of that dress.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

When you purchase from Love It Again Bridal, you save a dress and other occasion wear from landfill, not just once but twice. Any item you receive from us will use packaging that has been reused and, in most cases, originally made from recycled materials. We use couriers with sustainable policies, committing to green cities and all electric fleets. All of our business equipment is preloved, where it is practical and safe to do so. We work with local suppliers, who also have sustainable practices, to ensure that our styled shoots and other projects, are as sustainable as possible.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

“Refresh the Dress Project”. We have taken one of our dresses, which is simple in style and design and are collaborating with a local seamstress, to transform the dress in to something more spectacular, using only existing and preloved materials. We are documenting the process, to transform the dress and hope to reveal it at a fashion show at a local wedding fayre in September.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Saving a dress with tomato soup, champagne, sweat, mud, grass and fake tan stains. We thought there was no way we could save it but persevered and have a dress worthy of being loved again!

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Choose wisely!

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Preloved wedding dress and other attire
  2. Use local and ethical suppliers
  3. Don’t be afraid to be green!

 

Dale | Dale Turner Photography

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Sustainability is important to my business because it allows me to create memorable experiences while minimising my environmental impact. Furthermore, by incorporating eco-friendly practices, I contribute to a healthier planet for future generations and meet environmentally-conscious couples’ growing demand for sustainable options.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I have transitioned to conducting Zoom consultations instead of meeting clients in person. This switch not only allows for a more flexible scheduling process, but also significantly reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the need for travel. I also prioritise the delivery of digital files in order to save the materials used in physical prints.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

I run a 100% paperless office, meaning all correspondence with clients, including contracts and questionnaires, is completed and returned electronically. Thereby eliminating the need for unnecessary printing and significantly reducing waste.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Transitioning to a paperless workflow. Initially, I faced resistance from some clients and vendors accustomed to traditional printed materials. However, through persistent efforts to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of going paperless, I successfully made the shift. I now utilise digital contracts, invoices, and photo delivery systems, which has reduced my ecological footprint and improved my overall efficiency and client satisfaction.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Embrace digital solutions: transition to paperless systems for contracts, invoices, and communication. Utilise digital platforms for sharing information with clients and employees, and consider offering virtual consultations to reduce carbon emissions from travel.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Opt for a location that already has eco-friendly practices in place, such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and responsible waste management.
  2. Prioritise working with vendors who share your values and incorporate sustainable practices into their businesses. This can include sourcing locally grown, organic food.
  3. Choose eco-friendly wedding favours, such as seed packets or small potted plants, that your guests can enjoy while also benefiting the environment.

 

Sarah | Sarah Horton Photography

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

It’s really important to me that my work only spreads good vibes, so of course damaging the planet is out! In 2020 I started tracking and offsetting my personal and business carbon emissions, and along with growing my own little ‘forest’ I’ve continued to take steps to reduce my impact – eating a plant-based diet, cutting out fast fashion, and switching to reusables.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I offset my business carbon emissions through Ecologi, and plant 25 trees in my Ecologi forest for every wedding booked with me. My couples get a link to the trees planted in their names, and can track the impact they have as they grow.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

The wedding albums I offer are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, using gorgeous eco-leather, inks, binding and glues. My kit bags are vegan leather and I’ve built up a list of other vegan wedding suppliers too. My wedding contracts and regular client contact is paperless and I offer video chats as an alternative to travel for meetings. Shooting weddings obviously involves a lot of necessary travelling and to tackle that I track and offset my carbon emissions through Ecologi. As of April we’ve planted almost 1500 trees, supporting reforestation in Mozambique and Kenya, planting forest gardens in Uganda and saving Moroccan fruit tree species.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Realising and researching ways to counteract my environmental impact. Ensuring that I use a reputable company to offset emissions.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Seek out and collaborate with other businesses with similar priorities, share initiatives and continue to speak out about what you’re doing.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Look into local sustainable suppliers and ask about how they work to reduce impact.
  2. Think about hiring rather than buying decor and having edible, recyclable or plantable favours, for example flower bombs or details of a donation made on your behalf written on seed paper.
  3. Speak to your venue about food options, are they locally sourced, plant-based etc.

 

Olivia | Olivia Bakes

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

I feel passionately about sustainability and it’s been a cornerstone of my business since its inception to work hard to care for the planet in a lot of daily small ways in my little corner of the world.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I use organic and ethically sourced ingredients and plastic-free products throughout my business. I work hard to ensure traceability in all the ingredients I use to ensure they are ethical down to the source.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

Investing in an electric car which is powered by green energy, to ensure all my wedding deliveries are green and good for the planet.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Ensuring traceability of all my ingredients in an area of the food industry that is notoriously poor in terms of slavery and welfare. I now source many of my products directly such as vanilla bean pods from Native Vanilla to ensure traceability and handmake all vanilla bean paste in house.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Do your research on where your products come from and where possible use small UK-based companies to help bring down your carbon footprint and help your local business community.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Look out for suppliers who talk visibly about their sustainability.
  2. Try to work with local or UK-based suppliers and ask the question. We’re usually very excited to be able to discuss our sustainable initiatives with couples.
  3. In terms of cakes – if you’re serving dessert as well drop your numbers by 20% – a lot of guests won’t eat both and it will save you money and wastage!

 

Gail | The Horsebox Pizza Company

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

We have always looked to our plates and consumables to be compostable – and compostable in a reasonable timeframe. We settled on palm leaf tableware early on and have added bagasse into the mix as new suitable products have arrived on the market.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

From the re-purposed horsebox down to the non-bleached napkins and calculating food miles, we always look to make the eco-conscious choices without compromising on flavour or customer experience. Our plates and consumables are plastic-free and compostable, and we have been committed to zero plastic and great taste since 2016.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

Choosing a rusty old horsebox to create our business around.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

We ensure that the wood we source for the pizza oven is locally sourced and wholly a bi-product of the local arboreal maintenance programs.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Look closely at your consumables and check for greener alternatives. The industry has come a long way and there are greater opportunities to choose eco-conscious products than ever before.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Choose a venue with easy access to public transport.
  2. Consider offsetting your event with a donation to tree planting.
  3. Look for caterers who source local produce and have an eco-conscious outlook.

 

Ashley | Ash Tree Floral Designs

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Sustainability should be a priority for all businesses nowadays. A lot of people automatically believe that floristry is natural and good for the environment because we work with natural materials. Unfortunately this just isn’t true! A lot of flowers are imported from abroad and are grown in heated glass houses and some are sprayed with harmful pesticides.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I try as much as possible to work with seasonal flowers that are grown outside and sourced from reputable suppliers. I also have close links with local, organic British flower growers, where I source the majority of my flowers from during the summer. I am very passionate about reusing and recycling as much as possible so I try to avoid single-use plastic and floral foam in my designs, instead opting for designs in water supported by chicken wire or moss.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

I am particularly proud of the close relationship I have forged with my local grower.We regularly work together on weddings and events and have created a powerful symbiotic relationship. I have also recently started teaching at my local college and have adjusted the curriculum to include sustainable floristry techniques. Sharing my knowledge and passion for eco friendly floristry with other budding florists is something I am very proud of.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

It isn’t always easy to not use floral foam. It is such a convenient invention. Unfortunately it is full of microplastic and never biodegrades. Making the break from foam means I have to explore other options and be a bit of a problem solver. Sometimes designs take longer to make and I have to test my mechanics to make sure the flowers last. It is worth the effort though. Flowers arranged without foam look more free form and natural, and not using foam is much better for the planet!

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Do your research to find out about latest advances in your industry. Talk to fellow businesses to find out what sustainable practises they have in place. Experiment and test out green alternatives for yourself and share the results. Being more sustainable and eco-friendly benefits everyone.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Opt for seasonal or locally grown flowers
  2. Gift your arrangements to your guests after the wedding so they can be enjoyed for longer
  3. Choose designs that can be repurposed for both your ceremony and reception so you get value for money and enjoy the flowers all day.

 

Lauren | The Coastal Wedding Co.

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

I grew up by the sea and take a lot of my inspiration from nature, so it feels only right that I work to protect what inspires me so much. I like to make sustainability accessible to my couples: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile doing.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I operate plastic-free, and will wherever possible source recyclable, biodegradable or plant-based materials for people’s wedding stationery. I also run charitable initiatives across the year to raise funds for good causes nominated by my couples, and am a corporate sponsor of Surfers Against Sewage, who have been working since 1990 to protect our coastlines.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

Definitely my work supporting good causes. Sustainability goes beyond being environmentally-friendly, and in 2022 I raised £346 for good causes through initiatives like my charity map illustration and corporate sponsorships.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

Finding ways to pack my orders that protects them from damage without using plastic or other single-use materials. I use unbranded packaging that is easy to reuse or recycle, and replaced bubble wrap with wood wool which is compostable. As a paper-goods based business I feel that I have an extra responsibility to offset the impact of that on the environment.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Start small: whatever you can do will make an impact. It doesn’t need to be a huge change or something that’s going to be difficult to manage.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Ask your suppliers what environmentally-friendly alternatives they recommend – they’ll have great ideas.
  2. For stationery, avoid single-use acrylic and opt for things like natural fibre, plant-dyed ribbons, or recycled/plantable card.
  3. Anything you can swap or reduce will make a difference. You don’t have to compromise on everything you love and want.

 

Kay | Make-Up By Kay Louise

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

My concern is for future generations and our planet. Animals especially are suffering as a result of human disruption. I’ve always been cruelty free in my personal life so it was an obvious choice to continue this ethical stance within my business. It has naturally progressed to include sustainability too. The wedding industry is responsible for so much waste, from food to single-use plastic products. I wanted to be a part of helping to reduce this moving forward.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

I’m cruelty-free and proud. I use organic skincare products which are certified with the Soil Association. I recycle empty cosmetics using in-store/brand recycle schemes. I also only use bamboo disposables, organic cotton and reusable wipes/pads where I can too.

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

Choosing brands certified with the Soil Association and Leaping Bunny and ensuring that I recycle wherever I can. Actively sourcing sustainable products and equipment within my business.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

COVID!!! Single-use aprons, masks and visors were a huge challenge as well as having to use throwaway cotton pads again, but I opted for reusable bamboo wipes that were boiled and disinfected, and where I needed to use disposable wipes, I chose organic cotton or recycled bamboo ones. I had washable aprons made and got a pair of goggles that were reusable and could be cleaned down after use for each client instead.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

Choose you brands wisely. Do the research and don’t be afraid to ask questions to these brands. Start simple, recycle and reuse where you can.

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Do your research and ask questions.
  2. Source local suppliers/produce/products.
  3. Hire or rent items rather than buy.

 

Ruby | Lebrusan Studio

Why is sustainability important to you as a wedding business?

Engagement rings, wedding bands and commitment rings are deeply sentimental pieces of jewellery, heavily loaded with emotion. To us, the idea that jewellery so symbolic could be mired in a history of exploitation and destruction is just unthinkable.

What are your standout earth-friendly features?

Our default offering of recycled platinum and gold and our collection of reclaimed diamonds and sapphires afford our clients the opportunity to create brand new pieces of jewellery without the use of any new materials whatsoever. The new materials we work with are largely extracted on a small artisanal scale, with environmental impact taken into consideration. We use recycled or FSC certified papers in all marketing materials and packaging, segregate waste for recycling, power our office with Good Energy-supplied green energy, ensure our NEST pensions are only being invested in environmentally-friendly causes, and are working closely with an environmental sustainability specialist to measure our CO2 emissions. Our manufacturing takes place in Hatton Garden, London, where jewellery is transported from A to B on foot – that’s some seriously low mileage!

Proudest sustainability initiative you’ve undertaken?

We’re really proud to fulfil our promise of planting 10 new trees for every piece of jewellery we sell in partnership with One Tree Planted. We have also gained our ‘Created in the UK’ certification, on account of 100% of our jewellery being produced locally.

Greatest sustainability challenge you’ve overcome?

The harsh reality for jewellers who wish to create sustainable pieces is that ethics still significantly limit material and manufacturing options. Whilst the trade has progressed since we first started our journey, our palette is still far more limited than if we were to produce jewels en masse, using industry-standard materials. It’s not just the processes of sourcing and creating that are challenging for ethical jewellers like us, but the costs incurred. Ethically-sourced materials and sustainable manufacturing techniques are simply more expensive to commission.

Top tips for other aspiring green wedding businesses?

If you are to carve yourself a long-term place in the field of ethical weddings, it’s crucial that you are not just unique, but authentic. Take some time to sit down and really consider what it is that makes you unparalleled. Ask yourself these three simple questions. Once you’ve found the answers to these questions – and you believe in them – you are unstoppable.

  1. What’s your innovation?
  2. Why do you care about pursuing this?
  3. What makes your work stand head and shoulders above everyone else?

 

What would be your 3 top tips for couples planning a green wedding?

  1. Rent whatever you can. Single-use products are the bane of planet Earth, so when shopping for decor, equipment or clothing for your wedding, seek out rental websites instead of buying new. Loaning high-end products is also a great way to upgrade your wedding without the price tags.
  2. Think ‘seasonal and local’ at all times. From your wedding flowers to your table decorations and wedding breakfast, you can minimise your environmental impact – and support some independent businesses in the process – by foraging and shopping locally.
  3. Grill your wedding jeweller. Any jewellery brand who works hard to minimise its environmental impact, maximise its positive socioeconomic output and maintain transparent supply chains will be proud to shout about it. Take some time to research the importance of ethical metals, diamonds and gemstones and define what ‘ethical’ means to you personally.

 

From earth-friendly venues and bouquets to eco-conscious photographers and caterers, there are so many ways to make your wedding greener. We hope our incredible Sustainability Heroes, with their stories and expert advice, will inspire you to think about the positive steps you can take – even small-scale, individual changes can have a mighty impact collectively.

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Happy Planning!

Supplier Showcase: Wonderful Muslim Wedding Specialists

Muslim weddings are joyous and colourful celebrations steeped in tradition and symbolism, with customs that have been passed down through many generations. These weddings are not just a union of two individuals, but also a merging of two families and their communities. And so, as we approach the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, we want to highlight our wonderful suppliers in the industry that specialise in Muslim weddings. Read on to learn all about their achievements, challenges and expert advice to both couples and other wedding businesses.
 

Liridona | Manor Hotel

About Manor Hotel: The expert team at Manor Hotel have a wealth of experience in Muslim and Asian weddings, and understand the importance of religion and tradition. They provide tailor-made packages, luxury in-house halal catering, prayer and storage rooms, and ample space for your ceremony – amidst sparkling chandeliers, romantic spiral staircase, and manicured lawns.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “All our couples have their perfect day. We also have won “Best of Bridebook Platinum Award 2023” and “Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2023.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Meeting amazing people and making our couples’ dreams come true.
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Speak to the couple and find out what they would like for their big day, and make sure you will be able to deliver.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Find a venue that can accommodate your numbers, that allows outside catering, and that can accommodate special requirements such as female staff only, bar to be hidden, separate rooms for the men and woman, a changing room etc.”
 
 
About Queen of Hearts Floral Design: Queen of Hearts Floral Design is a London-based luxury florist specialising in creating bespoke and timeless arrangements. From buttonholes and bouquets, to dreamy centrepieces and ceremony displays, no request is too big or small.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “It has to be being featured in Vogue, and winning Best Floral Company two years in a row.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Definitely the couple’s reaction on the big day, and keeping in touch post-wedding.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Be open to ideas from clients.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Spend time researching what photography style best suits you as a couple. Are you wanting candid and fun, or more romantic and sultry? If you plan on doing your Nikah (religious ceremony) and evening reception on the same day, always repurpose your florals. Move them around your venue to get the best use out of them. And finally, instead of throwing your bridal bouquet at the end of night, why not throw a small (cheaper) dummy version instead! I encourage all my brides to keep their bouquet, preserving it and putting in a vase at home which is a lovely memory of the big day.”
 
 
About The Orangery: The Orangery is a gorgeous wedding venue in Kent, winners of the Couples’ Choice Great Service Award at The Kent Wedding Awards 2021/22, with over 20 years of experience in delivering five-star weddings. They’re not just Muslim wedding specialists, but also Asian wedding specialists generally. If you’re planning an Islamic ceremony, the grounds, garden or orangery all provide a picturesque location for up to 150 seated guests. Their selection of approved catering partners will collaborate with you to create the perfect halal menu that suits both your taste and budget.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “In January 2023, we heavily invested in Asian wedding training for our team and reviewed our venue’s offering operationally to ensure we offered a five-star experience to our Muslim couples, their families, and their guests. By March 2023, our venue was chosen by Khush Magazine as the perfect choice for the editor’s sister’s Nikah!”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Nothing compares to being part of a couple’s wedding. From the moment they walk through our doors as an engaged couple, to the moment they leave as a married couple, it’s a true privilege.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Invest in regular training for your team, and always be looking for ways you can improve the customer experience.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “When it comes to finding the perfect venue, choose a venue that understands the requirements involved in holding your Nikah. Also ensure they will allow early access to their dressing room if you require it. And finally, book a show round to get a feel for the venue and team that you simply can’t get when viewing through a website.”
 
 
About Ameer Wedding Photography: Ameer Wedding Photography specialises in shooting candid and documentary style photos and images, capturing moments and stories rather than strict poses. Ali will work with you to capture the style and theme you’re going for, from traditional Muslim ceremonies to elopements and even themed or destination weddings.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “I’m most proud of not giving up! Towards the start of my business it was difficult to get by financially, but through hard work and determination, Alhamdulillah, I’ve got to a stage where I’m proud of what I’ve built…!”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Getting to be a part of people’s special day!”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Don’t limit yourself to a single culture.”
 

Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Make sure you get coverage of the Nikah, and consider having fewer group shots (it will take away from the intimacy of the day. Also make time to greet your guests away from the stage (this allows lots of candid opportunities).”

 
About The Decorium: The Decorium is one of London’s top event and entertainment venues, and prides itself on being a Muslim and Asian wedding specialist. Combining a unique history and gorgeous neo-classical architecture with a contemporary twist, bespoke service, and a great value for money, it’s a dreamy venue at which to celebrate your special day.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “More than 5000 couples have celebrated their weddings here.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Every wedding is different but beautiful in its own way. Seeing the joy and hope on the faces of the bride and groom is a constant reminder of how lucky we are to be in a business that is both positive and heart-warming.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Be positive and helpful and listen to what the bride and groom actually want, as opposed to what you think they should have.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Listen to your family, listen to each other, listen to your heart.”
 
 
About Jester Styles Magical Entertainer and Host: Jester Styles is an award-winning magical wedding entertainer and host, with years of experience performing at hundreds of weddings. He offers TV show-quality magic and a modern, magical twist on the Master of Ceremonies’ role, bringing his magic to the whole of your special day and letting you just sit back and relax.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “[Being a] multi-award winner and member of the Magic Circle.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Helping people bring their dream day to life.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Listen to your clients’ needs and manage their expectations so they have everything they want on a realistic level.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Focus first on what you want, then on what you need, and only then on what is expected.”
 
 
About Blotts Country Club: Blotts Country Club is a beautiful and unique wedding venue set in four acres of landscaped gardens, featuring a private gazebo, bandstand and ornamental bridge. It specialises in both Muslim and Asian weddings, with large professional kitchens that provide amazing in-house halal cuisine, and catering to non-alcoholic weddings only.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “Working with clients to create an amazing wedding day both for them and for their guests.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Creating something new for events and weddings.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Be open to ideas from clients.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Start planning your guest list early. And be honest with the venue – the more you tell us the better we can be prepared for the day. And finally, if you have an idea or vision ask us if it’s possible.”
 
 

About Fyzal Photography: Fyzal Photography creates beautiful, timeless and award-winning wedding photography. With almost two decades of experience photographing weddings, he’s known for his dramatic conversation-piece images and photojournalist storytelling style. He’s an expert at capturing emotion and all the details, both big and small. His extensive experience in bridal fashion editorials adds an extra unique dimension to his wedding photography.

Proudest achievement to date: “Travelling and documenting weddings in Europe.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “I love my job!”

Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Stay true to yourself and your vision.”

Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Plan well and be well prepared. Generate a rapport and work with your suppliers. Have fun and enjoy your day.”

 
 
About Kegworth Hotel: Kegworth Hotel is proud to be an Asian wedding specialist. With 71 en-suite bedrooms, highly flexible function spaces, and entertainment all under one roof, it’s perfect for an intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations alike. There’s also a great range of in-house halal catering options, whether you want five courses or just one. Alternatively, you can opt for external catering, and choose a menu that exactly matches your specific requirements.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “Building our business in this beautiful village setting with an amazing team of people.”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Getting to meet new couples who all have different dreams of their wedding day and helping make it happen.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Having a plan helps, but having several backup plans helps even more, as things don’t always go to plan.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Avoid scheduling your wedding during Muharram and Ramadan, and choose an auspicious date (potentially a Sunday). When it comes to choosing a venue, decide whether you want to get married in a mosque or at a formal wedding venue. And finally, if one member of the couple needs or wants to convert to Islam, be sure to include the timeline for this process in your preliminary planning.”
 
 
About Oakington Manor School: Oakington Manor School is quite a special wedding venue. All proceeds go towards supporting the education of its pupils, plus it’s got 20 years of hosting experience. It’s also ideal for very large Muslim weddings! You can easily entertain up to 450 guests seated at round tables in the small hall, and 650 seated guests in the large hall.
 
Proudest achievement to date: “Having a very busy venue!”
 
Best part about owning a wedding business: “Providing excellent services to the community.”
 
Advice to other cultural wedding specialists: “Look after the client’s feelings and emotions.”
 
Top tips for couples planning a Muslim wedding: “Planning. Engagement. Togetherness.”
 

It’s so important to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of love and tradition in today’s ever-evolving wedding industry. We hope that the Muslim wedding specialists and business owners featured here will inspire both couples and other cultural wedding specialists alike.

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Happy Planning!!

 

Alice & James’ DIY Festival Themed Farm Wedding

If you’re looking to have a fun and unique wedding, why not have a themed wedding? You can make it truly personal, including the things you love most just because you love them. Festival lovers Alice and James went for nothing less than a DIY festival themed farm wedding. Read on to learn all about their celebrations and take inspiration from their uplifting wedding photos.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

My husband is James and I’m Alice. We have always loved festivals and they’ve played quite a big part of our relationship! Lots of mementoes! James even asked me to be his girlfriend at V festival. So when he asked me to marry him, we knew a festival theme would be really fitting!

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

A lot of our friends are also festival lovers and our family know us as party people. We really wanted to create a relaxed few days that our friends and family could enjoy. Lots of great food, free flowing drinks, a fantastic band and our own little tent village!

Photo © Alice Johnstone

The Venue

We planned a three-day event at Willow Grange Farm in Ely, Cambridgeshire, which was the most beautiful setting we could imagine! They have a huge Sperry Tent which has the festival look we wanted whilst giving a bit of a glam take on it! It also provided bell tents for all of our guests which was so exciting!

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Decor

I really wanted to be heavily involved in all parts of the wedding so did a lot of DIY. I made my own invitations as festival lanyards, including our festival name “G Festival” as my new surname would be Girscher.

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

My mum made all of my bridesmaids’ bouquets and flower crowns. I reused paper tassel garlands from someone else’s wedding. I hung ribbons to blow in the wind and we had huge helium balloons with tassels down the aisle. I made my own table plan, name places and order of the day pallet! I personally really loved seeing everything I had planned come together on the day. It was all worth it! Hall & Co added to my creation with beautiful florals.

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Catering

Hall & Co also catered the day with canapés, BBQ sharing boards and dessert boards to give the relaxed atmosphere we wanted! Lots of wine on the tables.

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Cake

My mum and I made our 5 tier cake which was covered in pressed flowers, glitter balls and sparklers. Plus my mum and dad’s topper from their wedding cake 30 years ago!

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Activities

The second day, everyone woke up and dressed ready for festival party! We had a bottomless Prosecco brunch with singing waiters. It was so much fun! The party continued with card games, dance offs, karaoke, volleyball and dancing all fuelled by gigantic bottles of Prosecco! An ice cream van was booked for the afternoon and it really was a perfect day!

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The next day we had breakfast in the Sperry Tent and said our farewells. It was the most amazing few days with our closest friends and looking back at the photos, all I see is laughter, love and happiness and it makes me cry every time! Our photographer Lee Allison and our videographer Harry Tarbuck from Servo Creatives captured it so perfectly.

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

Alice’s Advice

I would really recommend a non-traditional wedding for any couple! Make it personal! Put your character in it! Include things that you love just because you love them. I think there is so much pressure to pick things because your guests will like it more or “it’s more wedding appropriate” but I truly think your heart shines most when you’re doing what you love! It’s your special day and it should be everything you love.

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

Alice and James’ Suppliers

Inspired to plan a DIY festival themed farm wedding of your own? Then go for it! As Alice and James have shown, not only does it offer a rustic and charming atmosphere, but it also allows for authentic and personalised touches that truly reflect your style and personality. From creating your own decor to hosting memorable, interactive activities, you can really make it your own!

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Happy Planning!