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Black Wedding Traditions to Honour Your Heritage

Weddings are full to the brim with traditions and customs that couples may choose to include in their special day to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. In the UK, traditions include the couple not seeing each other the morning of the wedding, the bride wearing white and the couple cutting the wedding cake together.

But, many black communities have introduced new traditions to UK weddings, which many love to include in their wedding as a mark of respect and honour and to honour their heritage. Including traditions is a wonderful way to add depth and meaning to a wedding while keeping parts of a family’s culture alive.

In this post, and to celebrate Black History Month, we’re going to explore black wedding traditions and what you can do to honour your heritage at your wedding, including some from the Caribbean and several African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda.

Should you honour traditions at your wedding?

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Weddings are all about celebrating the love between you and your spouse-to-be as you start this wonderful new chapter in your lives. As part of this, using traditions can be a touching and thoughtful way not only to mark your family’s history, but also to instil your personality and culture into your big day.

If you and your partner are from different backgrounds, honouring traditions is also a great way to bring two cultures together and pay tribute to your families.

That being said, whatever you choose to do for your wedding is entirely up to you – it’s your day, after all. You may choose to ignore traditions, or you may wish to include as many traditions related to your heritage as you can. And let’s be honest, our families love a good tradition, so it would definitely be appreciated.

How can you honour your heritage at your wedding?

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There are many ways you can honour your heritage at your wedding, which can be as big or small as your style, preferences and budget allow. Just some of the ways you can honour your heritage can be done through the:

  • Ceremony
  • Rituals
  • Vows
  • Venue
  • Attire
  • Food and drink
  • Wedding favours
  • Music

You might decide to go all-out and have a wedding heavily influenced by traditions and culture. Or, you might choose to honour your heritage in a few smaller ways.

60 black wedding traditions and how you can honour them

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It might be important to you that your heritage influences your wedding day, but what traditions are there and which should you choose? Below are 60 black wedding traditions from around the world that make for wonderful ways to mark your family’s history and culture.

12 Caribbean wedding traditions

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  1. Place a dime in the bride’s shoe to bring a life filled with wealth and prosperity.
  2. The bride is given away by both her mother and father.
  3. The Sunday after the ceremony and reception, the wedding guests are invited to the bride’s home after church, which is known as Tun T’anks Sunday.
  4. To symbolise purity and modesty, and in some cases hide from unpleasant spirits, the bride wears a veil until the end of the ceremony.
  5. Instead of throwing the bouquet over her head, the bride throws it straight at one of her dearest family members or friends. Some believe that if no one catches it and the bouquet lands on the floor, it’ll lead to infidelity.
  6. Wedding ceremonies are often held in a marquee in the back garden (though in the UK, not many of us have gardens that are nearly big enough).
  7. To honour family members they’ve lost and ensure they can take part in the celebrations, white rum is poured outside before the ceremony.
  8. If they hope to start a family, a slice of wedding cake is kept under the pillow, which is thought to help with fertility.
  9. Brides ask their bridesmaids to also dress in white, which is thought to confuse any evil spirits who might try to meddle with the big day.
  10. Instead of tin cans, shoes are tied to the back of the wedding car at the end of the night, which symbolises that the father of the bride is no longer financially responsible for her.
  11. Traditional Caribbean wedding cake is known as ‘black rum cake’, which takes six months to make as the fruit is soaked in rum.
  12. Traditional Caribbean wedding food and drink include:
    • Curried goat
    • Rice and peas
    • Jerk chicken
    • Jerk pork
    • Fried plantain
    • Cornmeal
    • Pastries
    • Potatoes
    • Fruit
    • Desserts
    • Champagne
    • Rum

12 Ghanaian wedding traditions

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  1. Before the wedding there is a knocking ceremony, when the groom’s family approaches the bride’s family to tell them their son intends to marry their daughter.
  2. The bride’s brothers are offered money as a gesture of appreciation for protecting her, known as Akonta Sekan.
  3. The groom offers a drink, known as Tiri Nsa, to the bride’s father, which is often wine or schnapps, which acts as a dowry.
  4. The groom offers the bride’s family gifts known as ‘Aye-do-dee’, which can include meat, tobacco, schnapps and yams.
  5. Wedding attire is made from kente cloth (handwoven cotton and silk) which is brightly coloured with gold and jewels. This helps the couple feel like royalty for the day.
  6. Colours play an important role and represent different things:
    • Pink represents calm
    • Gold represents wealth
    • Maroon wards off spirits
    • Blue represents peace
  7. Traditionally, the wedding ceremony will take place at the bride’s home.
  8. Music from ‘Adowa’ groups will usually be played before the ceremony.
  9. As the guests take their seats before the ceremony, the bride’s family are usually seated first so they can welcome the groom’s family, who offer gifts.
  10. The bride gives consent three times to show that she is truly happy to become her fiance’s wife.
  11. During the first dance, guests are invited to throw money at the couple at the end of the song to help them start their new life together.
  12. Traditional Ghanaian wedding food and drinks include:
    • Jollof rice
    • Grilled fish
    • Stew
    • Roasted goat
    • Fried plantains
    • Plantain cakes
    • Bofrot (spiced doughnuts)

10 Nigerian wedding traditions

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  1. One partner writes a letter to their intended fiance’s family asking for permission to marry their child, which is often read aloud.
  2. Traditionally, guest lists aren’t put together, as everyone from the community is welcome to attend.
  3. Before the wedding, the bride’s family gives the groom’s family a dowry list, which they must adhere to if they want the wedding to go ahead.
  4. Kola nuts that have been blessed are broken apart and are used as a way to welcome the guests – the more parts the nut breaks into, the more luck the couple will have.
  5. One colour is chosen for the bride and another for the groom, and each family is asked to wear clothing of that colour depending on whether they know the bride or groom.
  6. Weddings are traditionally officiated by an Alaga, who heckles the groom and his groomsmen as a form of wedding entertainment.
  7. Brides wear a headpiece known as a Gele and grooms wear a Fila, with both usually being custom-made.
  8. The groom and sometimes the groomsmen will lie face down on the floor at the feet of the bride’s family to show that he will respect his future wife.
  9. The cake is usually cut during the ceremony itself, rather than at the evening reception.
  10. Traditional Nigerian wedding food and drinks include:
    • Jollof rice
    • Fried rice
    • Pepper soup
    • Pounded yams
    • Small chops
    • Chicken curry
    • Porridge
    • Ofada sauce
    • Moin moin

10 Ugandan wedding traditions

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  1. A dowry is offered by the groom to the bride’s family, which can be a large and expensive gesture, or something smaller and more of a token gift.
  2. There are often two ceremonies, the first being an introduction known as Kwanjula, and the second similar to Western wedding ceremonies.
  3. Brides traditionally wear a long silk or cotton dress, known as a gomesi, which is tied around the waist. This may be one of many dresses the bride chooses to wear throughout the course of the day.
  4. Traditionally, weddings are organised by older members of the family.
  5. Weddings are big and loud celebrations – so much so, that even strangers are invited to attend.
  6. Grooms wear a tunic or kanzu, which is often white or cream and floor-length, along with a round, flat cap called a kofia.
  7. Guests will frequently wear suuka, which women wear around their waist or shoulders, while men wear a kanzu and jacket.
  8. At the reception, guests often enter while dancing, at which point the couple will offer them a token gift.
  9. Traditionally, the Okunabbya omugole ritual must be completed by the groom’s mother, which involves the couple being washed in herb-infused water beneath a tree.
  10. Traditional Ugandan wedding food and drink include:
    • Matooke
    • Millet flour
    • Rice
    • Vegetables
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Fish
    • Fruit
    • Chapati

10 Kenyan wedding traditions

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  1. The bride wears a kanga or kitenge dress, which is a colourful dress with a head wrap. They’ll also wear lots of fabulous jewellery.
  2. The groom wears a kanzu, a floor-length white tunic, or a suit, with a kofia – a flat, round cap.
  3. The two families greet each other outside the venue to introduce themselves to one another before entering together.
  4. A sand-pouring ritual symbolises the two families coming together.
  5. The couple jump over a broom which is placed on the floor to symbolise sweeping away any bad luck.
  6. The bride and groom feed each other wine or honey, which represents the sweetness the two have in marriage. They may also wash each other’s feet as a display of humility.
  7. Benga or Taarab music is often played at the ceremony.
  8. Guests are usually invited to sing alongside the band, with anyone welcome to take part.
  9. On top of wedding favours, the couple traditionally give guests additional gifts, such as jewellery.
  10. Traditionally Kenyan wedding food and drink include:
    • Ugali
    • Nyama choma
    • Matoke
    • Pilau
    • Chapati
    • Goat
    • Vegetables
    • Fermented milk
    • Tea

8 Zimbabwean wedding traditions

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  1. The bride’s family ask for a dowry known as Lobola, which is traditionally in the form of livestock, but today may be a monetary amount.
  2. Both families agree on a mediator who will take part in pre-wedding negotiations, who is known as the Munyai.
  3. Music is played using a Mbira, a traditional Zimbabwean instrument that is thought to summon helpful spirits.
  4. The home is painted to symbolise that the bride will make a good wife and mother. The bride should paint the gates, walls and interior of the home.
  5. The bride wears Idzila around her neck, arms and legs, which are rings made of brass and copper, to represent her faithfulness.
  6. Hoops made from grass called Isigolwani are worn around the neck.
  7. Traditionally, the bride wears saris or lehengas, while men wear sherwanis or kurta pyjamas.
  8. Traditional Zimbabwean wedding food and drink include:
    • Sadza
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Vegetables
    • Fruit
    • Salad
    • Beer
    • Wine

8 South African wedding traditions

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  1. The Kupe is a traditional wedding dance, where guests stand and dance within a circle.
  2. Brides may wear a white, full-length dress with a veil or colourful Shweshwe. Grooms may wear a suit or a boubou.
  3. The Imbeleko ritual involves making an offering to ancestors in the form of exchanging cows.
  4. The men from the bride’s and groom’s families meet in each others’ homes to talk and drink, which is known as Dherela Amadoda. This is similar to the Umabo Ceremony, which is a traditional Zulu blessing.
  5. The bride is washed by her mother and other close female relatives in warm water which symbolises washing away bad luck.
  6. A couple of days before the wedding, the two families come together to share prayer and food.
  7. Zulu dancing and Marabi music are traditionally included in the celebrations.
  8. Traditional South African wedding food and drink include:
    • Sosaties
    • Umphokoqo 
    • Potjiekos
    • Bobotie
    • Fruit cakes
    • Rakgadi
    • Umqombothi

Real Wedding: Charmaine & Chris

Photo © Lok Creative

Charmaine and Chris tied the knot on 3 July 2021 at Mitcham Methodist Church and celebrated their love with a beautiful traditional Ghanaian wedding. They followed many of the traditions explained above, most notably:

  • The traditional knocking ceremony
  • Exchange of gifts from the groom’s family to the bride
  • The groom dancing in with his friends and family
  • The bride dancing in with her friends and sisters hiding her face until she got to the front
  • The bride being asked three times by her father if this was the man she wanted to marry
  • The exchange of rings

Real Wedding: Christina & Leslie

Photo © SMAP Photography 

Christina and Leslie tied the knot on 29 July 2023 at Sacred Heart Church in Wimbledon. Christina is Charmaine’s sister, and just like Charmaine, chose to honour her heritage with a traditional Ghanaian wedding, incorporating all the same traditions into her own big day. 

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

If you’re planning your wedding and looking to honour some of your heritage, there are plenty of ways you can do it, whether big or small. Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and tips you could need to plan a wedding that’s truly unique and meaningful to you.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Insurance: 2024 Edition

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it’s also one of the most exciting moments in your life. Unfortunately, as with life in general, things can sometimes go wrong, and that’s where wedding insurance comes in. This isn’t exactly the most exciting of topics – many brides and grooms don’t even consider it. No creative DIY ideas, or dreamy dress inspiration.

Wedding insurance is therefore one of several hidden wedding costs that many couples overlook. But it’s one of the most important parts of wedding planning, and well worth considering. In our ultimate guide to wedding insurance, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wedding insurance, including what it covers, what it doesn’t cover, how much it costs, why you should have it, and which insurance providers we suggest you consider. Read on for our advice and top tips.

What is wedding insurance?

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Wedding insurance (also known as event insurance or special event insurance), is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection in case something goes wrong either leading up to the wedding or on the day itself. It shouldn’t be confused with liability insurance for wedding suppliers (a separate type of wedding business insurance policy that covers professional suppliers – including photographers, caterers, florists and wedding planners). 

The way wedding insurance works depends on what you’re claiming for. You won’t always necessarily receive a lump sum in compensation. For things like a torn wedding dress or dead flowers, you’ll usually get a small payout that will cover the cost of the item. But in the case of venue closure, your provider may simply pay for a new venue directly. Remember that claims come with an excess fee. That means you’ll receive the full amount minus the cost of any excess.

Do I need wedding insurance?

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Wedding insurance is very much worth factoring into your overall wedding budget. We suggest you consider having at least basic cover in place in the majority of cases.

Reasons you should consider getting wedding insurance include:

  1. Your wedding costs a lot: Because wedding insurance provides financial protection, it could help save you loads of money. Weddings are pricey affairs, after all, with the average cost of a wedding in the UK having risen to £20,775 (£23,885 including the ring and honeymoon).
  2. You have items to protect: Wedding insurance could help you recover or replace important items such as wedding attire, rental equipment, or even wedding gifts. It’s a great way to protect items that will make your wedding day the way you want it.
  3. You want peace of mind: Wedding insurance could help you avoid an enormous amount of stress. Knowing you have financial protection means you can enjoy planning your wedding and celebrating your big day without worrying about what could go wrong.
  4. You want an affordable option: Wedding insurance policies are generally affordable, with coverage options and excesses that can be tailored to fit your wedding budget.

 

Reasons you might not want to get wedding insurance include:

  1. Low risk of cancellation or issues: If you’re having a small and low-key wedding, with few guests and minimal expenses, wedding insurance might not be necessary or worthwhile.
  2. Alternative postponement/cancellation options: It’s always worth checking with your venues and suppliers what their specific policies on postponing or cancelling your wedding are, and how much extra this costs. Then you can accurately and confidently insure any remaining elements.

What does wedding insurance cover?

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Wedding insurance covers many aspects of the wedding. The most important thing it covers is the possibility of having to cancel the wedding due to uncontrollable circumstances. This includes injury to the bride, groom or close relative. Also normally included would be sudden closure of the venue due to financial failure or a fire or damage at the venue.

In the circumstance that you had to cancel the wedding due to any of these circumstances, most insurers would pay the amount that you have spent on deposits in booking suppliers and venues up to the sum insured, and also what you are contractually obliged to pay in the event of cancellation. Make sure to check you are happy with the sum you choose to insure (typically the full cost of the wedding in the event of a last-minute cancellation) before you take out your policy.

Apart from having to cancel the wedding, there are several other (smaller) things that could potentially go wrong on your wedding day that would be covered by wedding insurance. When it comes to the loss or damage of items, the cost of the relevant items would be paid by the insurer.

Every wedding policy is a little different, though, so we recommend checking the small print before signing up. However, these are the things most wedding insurance policies typically cover:

  • Cancellation due to illness, injury, accident or death: This includes you and your partner, as well as your close relatives as defined by the individual policy (unless it’s linked to a pre-existing medical condition). The same people may also be covered if they’re unexpectedly called for jury service or posted overseas in the military – though very few policies cover this, so be sure to check with your provider.
  • Cancellation due to unexpected extreme weather: If over half of your guests can’t make your wedding due to extreme weather, you should be covered. Be sure to check the small print though, as many insurance policies differ slightly on this. If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, consider also adding extra cover as an add-on. This will protect you if on-the-day severe weather conditions ruin the experience, for example, a thunderstorm.
  • Venue damage or closure: This protects you if your wedding venue becomes unusable and can no longer honour your booking due to damage or closure. For example, through floods, fires or financial problems. This usually comes under “cancellation cover” in the insurance document, and would pay for another venue. It covers damage to wedding marquees that belong to the venue owner, as well as damage to fixed, permanents structures part of their property.
  • Third party marquee cover: This is usually an optional add-on that protects you against damage to a marquee erected on land that belongs to someone other than the marquee owner. It covers the structure itself plus anything inside like tables and chairs.
  • Supplier failure:  This protects you if your suppliers fail to provide the agreed services due to financial failure, and would pay for a replacement. It can sometimes include a damaged wedding cake, but only if it’s damaged in your possession (as opposed to if the cake maker themselves supplied a damaged cake). Be sure to get a written agreement with your suppliers when booking (as this will be vital to your claim), and check which suppliers your individual policy covers (as this can vary). Most policies don’t typically cover you in the case of supplier no-shows. That is, if a supplier cancels at the last minute and you need to rebook someone else (potentially at a much higher price). Only certain suppliers like photographers and wedding transports may be covered under different sections of cover.
  • Photography or video faults: This protects you against damage to the film or a technical fault that means your wedding photos or video can’t be printed or developed. Most policies will typically pay for a photographer to re-shoot your photos or footage with your wedding party. Check if your cover also includes payment towards the costs needed to do this (outfit hire, travel expenses, necessary meals and lodging, venue hire and accessories). Note that simply not liking the photos or footage won’t count as a valid reason to make a claim!
  • Lost, stolen or damaged items: This typically includes your wedding dress, wedding rings, wedding cake, wedding flowers, and decor. Note that it doesn’t cover your engagement rings (which you’ll need to add to your home insurance). Be sure to also check your individual policy for any caveats. For example, flowers and cake might not be covered after the reception.
  • Lost, stolen or damaged gifts: Often overlooked when it comes to wedding insurance, wedding gifts are collectively very valuable, and well worth insuring for peace of mind. For stolen gifts specifically, you’ll have to report them to the police to make a claim.
  • Personal liability: This covers you and your partner in the case of accidental damage to the wedding venue (think red wine spillages on carpets, or fire damage from cigarette ends), or injury to a third party (like slipping on the dancefloor, or spilling a hot drink on a guest). It doesn’t cover accidents caused by your guests.
  • Public liability: This is usually an optional add-on, requiring you to upgrade your insurance. It works just like personal liability, but covers accidents caused by your guests too.

What doesn’t wedding insurance cover?

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Hopefully you’re not too worried about your partner bailing on the day, because, just to be clear, wedding insurance doesn’t cover cold feet. There are also some other situations it doesn’t cover.

See our list below. For some of these, you may be able to upgrade your basic plan to provide extra cover, so be sure to check the small print to see exactly what is and isn’t included.

  • Cold feet: If you or your partner have a change of heart, you won’t be covered.
  • Minor reasons: You won’t be covered for any minor issues or incidents. For example, if one of your table centrepieces gets damaged, you don’t like your wedding photos, or you have an argument with one of your guests.
  • Pre-existing conditions: This includes any underlying medical conditions (though you may be able to upgrade your basic plan to include this).
  • Financial difficulties: You won’t be covered if you can no longer afford the wedding. The exception is redundancy (though your policy may require you to have been made redundant a certain length of time after taking it out). You also won’t be covered if you’re ill with a pre-existing condition on a basic insurance plan (but can usually upgrade to include this).
  • Damage due to negligence: If you leave important items like your wedding gifts unattended for an unreasonable length of time, you won’t be covered.
  • Deliberate acts of damage: If you cause deliberate damage to your venue or other wedding items (like hack away at your cake before the official cake-cutting), you won’t be covered.

How much does wedding insurance cost?

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The cost of wedding insurance in the UK varies depending on the value of your wedding and on what you want covered. It can cost anywhere from £27 for a basic policy of £3,000 of cover, and up to £600 or even more for the most comprehensive cover. It goes without saying that the larger and more elaborate the wedding (i.e. the more guests you have, and the more expensive items you choose to include), the more you’ll have to pay. For extras like pre-existing medical conditions, insuring an outdoor wedding, having a separate marquee, or insuring ceremonial swords, you’ll need to pay a premium.

For cancellation cover between £20,000 and £30,0000, you can expect to pay £100-150. That’s more than enough to cover the average cost of a wedding in the UK. The super cheap £20 policies are certainly affordable, but may be of little value if they don’t pay out the sort of money you’d need to replace or compensate for any parts of your wedding that don’t go to plan.

What’s the best wedding insurance to buy?

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To begin comparing the best deals on the market and find the best wedding insurance policy for you, you’ll need to firstly come up with an approximate cost of your wedding. Bridebook’s handy personalised budget planner tool can help you do just that – without the need for a spreadsheet. You’ll also need to note down any extras you need or want cover for, so you can factor in any optional add-ons. You can then start researching and comparing the most compatible policies.

Make sure you take the time to examine what you’re covered for, including any excesses and insurance limits. One of the most important things to look carefully at is the terms of “supplier failure”. These are the main people you’ll be relying on for your ceremony and reception, so you wouldn’t want to risk going without. You should also look into policies particularly carefully if your wedding plans have any added complications, like having your ceremony and reception on different days, or if your wedding is taking place abroad.

Comparison sites like Compare Wedding Insurance are a good place to start for comparing a range of wedding insurer rates and inclusions. To compare rates for your own specific requirements, we recommend checking out MoneySuperMarket’s personalised comparison creator.

There are several wedding insurance providers in the UK, each with their own unique policies and coverage limits. Some of the most popular specialist insurers include:

When should I take my wedding insurance out?

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It’s best to sort out your wedding insurance as soon as possible, ideally before you start paying towards your wedding. The earlier the better, as the cost stays the same regardless of when you book it. Plus the sooner you have it, the sooner you’re covered, which means none of your wedding money will be at risk at any point (besides the amount set as an excess by your provider).

You can take out cover up to 30 months ahead of your big day. That means coverage in the case of venue closure or family illness months or even a year in advance. But even if you’re months into your panic and have already made deposits and booked your suppliers, it’s not too late! As soon as you take out cover for your wedding, any payments you’ve already made may be covered as well. This does depend on the provider though. Some providers, including WedCover, InsureMyDay and CoverMyWedding, only cover deposits paid up to 30 days before the purchase of the policy.

Can I purchase wedding insurance if I’m getting married abroad?

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Standard UK wedding insurance policies don’t typically cover weddings abroad, so always double-check before purchasing or look into finding a specialist insurance policy for destination weddings. Wedinsure, along with Dreamsaver and a few others, helpfully cover weddings abroad, so check them out if you’re looking to tie the knot overseas. 

How can I reduce the risk of claiming on wedding insurance?

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Wedding insurance is a great way to protect your investment in your wedding day, but obviously you want to reduce the risk of things going wrong. Here are a few top tips:

  • Choose your suppliers well: Make sure your suppliers are experienced and reliable. Research them thoroughly by reading reviews, checking qualifications, getting recommendations from friends and family members, and meeting them face-to-face.
  • Read your contracts carefully: Make sure you know what you’re agreeing to with your suppliers and what’s covered by their insurance policies. Also check the policies of your wedding venue, like their cancellation policy and any restrictions on alcohol or open flames.
  • Check in with your suppliers often: Keep in touch with your suppliers throughout your wedding planning – communication is absolutely key. If you’re both on the same page, then things are less likely to go wrong at the last minute.
  • Have a Plan B: Have a backup plan in the case of unexpected events (like weather, illness, or other on-the-day emergencies). Ask your suppliers if they have anyone in their network who might be able to step in and help deliver an alternative service or products.
  • Reduce hazards where possible: Obviously you want to have fun on your wedding day, but take precautions if you’re considering something risky, like a bonfire or fireworks display. In such cases it’s best to use professionals, who will likely have their own special insurance.

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook 

There you have our ultimate guide to wedding insurance. For our guide to wedding finances and budgeting in general, check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for more information, and start planning your wedding with Bridebook today!

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Happy Planning!

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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

Effortlessly plan your dream wedding today

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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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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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Happy Planning!

How to Plan a Boho Wedding Ceremony

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

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

What is a boho wedding?

Photo © Wilderness Wedding Venue | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

How to plan a boho wedding?

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

Photo © Northside Farm | See their Bridebook profile

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

You can get married in:

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

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

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

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

2. Set the scene with boho wedding decor

Photo © Velvet Rose Flower Studio | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

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

3. Don a Bohemian wedding dress and accessories

Photo © Francis Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

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

Here are some popular boho wedding accessories to consider:

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

4. Send out your boho wedding invitations

Photo © Dove and Lace | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

5. Dance the night away with boho wedding music

Photo © Michael Mulholland | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

Photo © Artisan Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

FAQs

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

How many people use boho weddings?


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


How can you make a boho wedding bouquet?

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

What should grooms wear to a boho wedding?

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

What is the colour of boho?

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

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

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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 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!

Beth and David’s Magical Disney Barn Wedding

For that extra special wedding magic, there’s nothing like a themed wedding…especially if it’s a theme that takes you back to your childhood. You can personalise it completely, incorporating all the little details, simply because they bring you joy. Get inspired by Beth and David’s magical Disney-themed barn wedding, which they wanted to be subtle yet special. The newlyweds also share their top tips for other couples looking to have their own themed wedding.

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

We chose Disney for our theme because I have loved Disney since I was little and love going to Disney World as it feels like home! Every time I see the castle my heart just fills with love and joy. The details for our wedding came about as I knew I wanted Disney but I wanted it to be subtle.

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Venue

Our venue was All Manor of Events. We chose this venue because I wanted a barn style rustic wedding. The venue is also excellent value, they do a really good midweek package as well.

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Decor

I loved the idea of having our tables named after Disney rides, with fast passes for the seating plan (this went down so well with our guests) and knew I had to make it happen. I wanted to keep the centrepieces simple and easy to attach the ride cards so our guests knew which table was which.

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Accessories

Nails, cufflinks and Mickey pins for the groom and groomsmen I found on Etsy last minute and knew they would tie it all together. The bridesmaids and I all had Mickey pins in our hair.

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Cake

We had a bespoke three-tiered wedding cake with a special yet subtle gold Mickey design.

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Music

Our first dance was to Today Was A Fairytale by Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version), as that was the song from the film we saw on our first date, plus I am a huge Taylor Swift fan so we had to include her! Plus the fairytale theme of the song fit our wedding so well!

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

Beth’s Advice

The only tips I have for planning a themed wedding are:

  • Decide how much or little of the theme you want to include before you start.

  • Work out what is worth the money. We felt we didn’t need to splurge on our centrepieces as I was happy to make them myself to bring my vision to life. But we HAD to have the seating plan!

  • Discuss everything with your partner. If you want a themed wedding you both need to be on board!

  • It doesn’t matter if your guests or family don’t like the theme. It’s your day – do whatever is best for you as a couple!

    Photo © Rob Moore Photography

Beth and David’s Suppliers

Planning a special Disney or childhood-themed wedding of your own? Let Beth and David’s magical wedding be the motivation you need to just go for it, and follow your dreams!

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Happy Planning!

Rebecca & Tom’s “Subtly Nerdy” Fantasy Themed Castle Wedding

Thinking about having a more personal, non-traditional wedding? Then consider a themed wedding. They’re a great way to get creative with your partner and guests, and truly express your individual personalities and interests. Meet Rebecca and Tom, who combined traditional wedding themes with some unusual personal touches at their “subtly nerdy” fantasy themed wedding at Hedingham Castle. Check out their magical wedding day story and photos below. 

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

As with any recently married couple, we love to talk about our wedding!

Both of us are proudly nerdy people, and wanted to reflect that in our wedding – but without going overboard and alienating the people who wouldn’t “get it”. We aimed for a mix of traditional wedding themes with subtle elements that reflected our shared passions.

Many of our friends are geeky as well, and we knew they’d love the little touches we’d added. What we didn’t anticipate was our parents and extended families also really enjoying all the details. My own mum has told us several times how much she loved that it reflected exactly who we are as people, so it’s safe to say “mission accomplished”!

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

As anyone who’s planned a wedding can tell you, it’s very easy to go to extremes. You might become really passionate about one particular thing, without considering how it looks next to everything else you have going on. That’s why “subtly nerdy” became our motto: it all had to work together.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Venue

We got married in a castle! Hedingham Castle in Essex is a gorgeous venue and close to where we first met, at the University of Essex.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Decor

All the wedding signage was themed around fantasy elements: arrows, ravens, swords and medieval imagery. Archery was a recurring theme throughout the wedding, as we had met through our university archery club. Arrows, bullseyes and bows featured on most of our wedding signs.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

We decided to name our tables after mythical beasts like Phoenix, Kraken and Unicorn, hanging each table sign from a wreath. We decorated each wreath with artificial flowers, again reflecting the colours of Beccy’s bouquet.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Dress, Accessories & Bridal Bouquet

Beccy modified her dress to be more historic and fantastical – for example, she added ‘Guinevere’ sleeves.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Beccy’s accessories were themed around flowers and florals to fit the soft, fantasy theme, rather than sparkles and modern jewellery.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Beccy’s bouquet was built to look like a big scoop of wildflowers, and ivy formed a large part of the greenery – again, fitting the castle!

The Cake

The bottom tier of our cake was decorated with the spines of our favourite books, and the colours reflected both the cake topper and Beccy’s bouquet. The topper itself was from Etsy, showing a unicorn in a veil and a dragon in a top hat. I was personally ridiculously pleased at being able to get a dragon onto my wedding cake!

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Music

All the music was from our favourite films and games, like Jurassic Park, Skyrim and Final Fantasy. Beccy’s entry music was the main theme from Ori and the Will of the Wisps, her favourite game. It’s a beautiful and ethereal piece, but anyone who’s played the game would recognise it immediately.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Activities

We had a mead blessing after the ceremony to honour Beccy’s Nordic heritage, and yalekhtas (beaded handkerchiefs) on the dance floor for my Syrian heritage.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

We only had two speeches: I led the thank yous and Beccy ran a game using a big, soft D20 die. Not only did it reflect my passion for Dungeons & Dragons, but we donated money to the winner’s chosen charity!

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Instead of table games like wedding bingo, we changed it up to become “Wedding Achievements”. This was a totally optional activity for our friends and family to do, which encouraged them to explore the gorgeous castle venue and our decorations – the first table to finish them all won a bottle of bubbly. Some examples were “Paparazzi – Take a selfie with the newlyweds” and “And His Merry Men – Get a bullseye with the soft archery kit”.

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Rebecca and Tom’s Suppliers

Feeling inspired? Then why not start planning a unique themed wedding of your own? After all, your special day should be about celebrating everything you love. And as Rebecca and Tom have shown, you can effortlessly blend the traditional and the personal to strike the perfect balance.

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Happy Planning!

Wedding Gift Registry Alternatives

Not a fan of the traditional gift registry? No problem! There are plenty of great alternatives to physical wedding gifts, from honeymoon funds and charity donations, to memorable experiences to share with your partner, or even no gift at all! Read on for the full list (for more gift ideas, be sure to check out our top gift list ideas).

Honeymoon fund

Ask guests to contribute money towards your honeymoon expenses for a luxe getaway like no other. There are various options to choose from. Consider a flight to a room upgrade, as well as add-ons for the holiday itself, like a romantic beach dinner or boat and snorkeling trip. This is a great way for your loved ones to contribute towards a special shared experience, and make your honeymoon one to remember and cherish for years to come.

Charity donation

Choose a charitable cause that’s meaningful to you and ask guests to make a donation in your honour. Choosing a charity fund as a gift registry alternative is a great way to make a positive impact on the world, adding a purposeful touch to your wedding celebrations. Plus, if you choose a cause you’re passionate about, you can educate your guests about it and raise awareness, so it’s a win-win! The Wedding Shop has a great selection of well-known charities to choose from, from Cancer Research UK and Mind, to Oxfam and Save The Children. Any donations made to your chosen charity will be automatically sent on your behalf. Alternatively, you can create your own personal crowdfunding page, using a fundraising platform like JustGiving or GoFundMe.

Experience gifts

Create a wish list of experiences you would like to share together. Think romantic spa day, weekend getaway, cooking class, or luxury cinema experience. Choosing a gift experience as a gift registry alternative gives you the opportunity to bond with your partner and share lifelong memories. It also gives your guests the chance to give you something that truly reflects your interests and hobbies. Plus, experience gifts are often more versatile and flexible than traditional physical ones. You can redeem them at a time that works best for you, and look forward to them after your wedding.

Home down payment/home renovation fund

If you’ve not already bought a house together, why not create a fund to help you save for a down payment on a new home? Your friends and family will love having the chance to contribute to your future in a very practical and meaningful way. It’s a great alternative to a gift registry, because you can put the money towards a long-term investment and asset. This is particularly helpful if you’re first-time buyers and dreaming of homeownership. If you and your partner are already living together, you can use the cash contribution in other ways, for example, on a home renovation. Or you can be more specific, and ask for a kitchen or garden fund – the possibilities are endless!

Group gift

Some of your guests can come together to contribute towards a larger, more expensive, higher-value gift, such as a special piece of furniture or a new home appliance. Unlike traditional gift registries, which may only offer specific items, this gives your guests more choice, and the chance to help you buy something you need but can’t afford on your own. And rather than choosing from a pre-selected list, this way, your friends and family can personalise the gift to your tastes and needs. If you like surprises, this kind of wedding gift can also be a lot of fun to give and receive!

No gifts

You may prefer to have no wedding gifts at all, and choose to keep the focus on the celebration itself. After all, the presence of your loved ones at your wedding is arguably the greatest gift of all! If you like simplicity, this is a great alternative to a traditional registry. There’s no need to select, purchase and wrap individual gifts – so less stress for both you and your guests. It’s also a more sustainable option – no gifts means no waste or environmental impact, whether that’s the production and disposal of a physical gift, or the transportation involved in something like a gift experience. Requesting no gifts can also help your guests save money, especially if they’re already spending a significant amount on travel, accommodation or other expenses.

With all these alternatives, there are so many ways your guests can contribute to your wedding besides a gift registry. Whether it’s a cash contribution for your honeymoon or home, donations to a charity you love, memorable experiences, or just their presence, there’s something for everyone!

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Happy Planning!

Alternative Wedding Ideas for Modern Couples

Gone are the days when weddings were all about formal dress codes, traditional vows, and grand, conventional venues. Today’s couples are looking for unique and meaningful ways to celebrate their love and personalise their special day. While some wedding traditions stand strong, others are changing to reflect couples’ unique priorities and interests! If you’re a modern couple looking for alternative wedding ideas, here are some creative options to inspire you, from choosing your ceremony features and wedding party members to your fashion and entertainment.

Alternative venue

Photo © S.G Mark Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Nearly one-in-five of today’s couples choose a unique venue or location for their wedding. Now that they’re legal, why not take advantage of an outdoor wedding? Whether it’s a garden, park, beach, or forest, the freedom is yours! Outdoor weddings are perfect for couples who want to keep things simple and intimate. For an even more low-key option, consider eloping. You can exchange vows with your partner in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by just a few loved ones.

Alternative catering

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

For a more relaxed, informal vibe, swap the traditional sit-down meal for something fun like a buffet or hog roast, or something fancy like afternoon tea. Alternative catering can also be helpful if you’re on a budget, as you can save money spent on silver service or waist-coated waiters. For something more immersive, consider a more interactive dining experience or live cooking. There are plenty of fun options, from chef’s theatres and live cooking, to DIY dining experiences with make-your-own options such as pizzas, cooking with hot stones, Korean-style BBQs, or a giant fondue.

Non-traditional wedding ceremony features

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

From non-traditional wedding party members to unique celebrants, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose exactly what wedding features you wish to include in your own wedding. Maybe you want your mum or best friend to walk you down the aisle, maybe you want bridesmates or groomsmaids, page girls rather than page boys, flower boys rather than flower girls. Or you might want to involve your own children in your wedding, or have a pet play a starring role in your wedding party. You can choose whichever combination reflects your own priorities and values.

From our Bridebook couples…

  • “Mum walked down the aisle with Dad”
  • “I had my two brothers as my best men instead of bridesmaids”
  • “Our best friend did the ceremony, and it was totally personal”
  • “All our speeches were gender equal” (e.g. groom’s mum, bride and bridesmaids)

Alternative entertainment and activities

Weddings should be fun! And what better way to create joy than by incorporating activities and games into your wedding? From archery and country line dancing, to kid’s party and lawn games like egg and spoon races and welly wanging, there are so many exciting possibilities! In fact, nearly one-in-five modern couples are incorporating activities or games into their weddings.

Photo © Bart Kerswell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

From our Bridebook couples…

  • “We had the surprise of a wedding singer dressed in the uniform of the hotel staff”
  • “Chose archery as an activity for guests between the ceremony and reception”
  • “We had a country line dancing instructor come and run a session”
  • “Bouncy castle, bouncy slide, welly wanging, tug of war, limbo and piñata”

Alternative wedding fashion

Not a fan of the classic white wedding dress? No problem! Colourful wedding dresses are en vogue – from blush pink to crimson red to orange to black. In fact, over half of the dressmakers we spoke to are seeing wedding dresses in alternative colours to the traditional bridal white. David and Nathan were finally married in July of 2022…in a heatwave…in a velvet dress! Thankfully the aircon was fully functional and Nathan stole the show in their Billy Porter inspired gown.

Photo © Magpie-Eye Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Alternative wedding themes

Themed weddings are a great way to get creative with your partner and guests. They also allow you to truly express your individual personalities and interests, whether that’s a favourite movie like Harry Potter, or favourite time period like the regency era. From your invites and decorations, to your food and costumes, let your chosen theme run wild! If you’re getting married on a special holiday, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween, you might also want to showcase that.

Photo © Zane Corlett Photography | See their Bridebook profile

There you have our alternative wedding ideas for modern couples. From unique venues and theatrical catering, to fun activities and non-traditional dress, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find an option that reflects your unique priorities and values – and your individual personalities. Whatever you go with, make it personal, meaningful and memorable!

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Happy Planning!

Mastering the “Bridal Chop”: TikTok Hairstyle Trend Uncovered

There’s no time like your wedding day to make a bold statement and awe your guests. And there’s more than one way to do it, from your dress to your hair, and the subtle to the extreme.

Most often, brides revamp their reception or evening look by changing into an entirely new gown. But one trend we’re seeing is brides shaking up their look without purchasing an additional gown. For example, restyling their existing outfit with a detachable skirt, or wearing a flexible ‘multi dress’. Check out our article on 2023 Wedding Fashion Trends to learn all about it.

The latest TikTok craze, the so-called “bridal chop”, is by far the most daring bridal transformation. Featuring a head-turning haircut in between the ceremony and reception, it’s the ultimate grand reveal moment. Many brides choose not even to let their partner in on it. We spoke to some of our expert hairdressers and stylists, to get their opinion on such a dramatic on-the-day transformation, as well as their top tips on how to style short hair on your wedding day.

Plus, with celebrities from Paris Hilton to Sarah Michelle Gellar and Camila Cabello rocking bobs lately, there’s no denying that a shorter, cropped style is on-trend. So what are you waiting for?

Colette Johnson | CJ Beauty & Co

Photo © CJ Beauty & Co | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“I think the trend is brilliant! We have incorporated this as an option for brides under our full day package or with our evening turnaround service. It’s a brave option and a confident statement! But why not? Most brides grow their hair for their wedding day and then have it chopped off either before their honeymoon or when they get back – so why not have it done on the day as you enter married life and your first few hours as Mrs…”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“Brides are dressing up shorter hairstyles with bows, glitzy hair slides, or simple pearl headbands.”

Eileen Nugent | Eileen Nugent Hair & Makeup

Photo © Eileen Nugent Hair & Makeup | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“Regarding the latest “bridal chop” trend, I did do this a few years ago for a bride on her wedding morning and surprised her bridesmaids and husband to be. It was a great success.”

Eva Pisanu | Foreva Hair

Photo © Foreva Hair | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“I love this trend! As a bridal hairstylist that is also a qualified hairdresser this is right up my street! Such a great way to surprise your guests instead of a dress change. I quite often get asked for a hairstyle change for the evening do, but I haven’t had a haircut request, but I would love to do this!”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“There are so many hair accessories that suit a long bob or short hair. One of my favourites would be the floral hairbands!”

Hayley Laws | Freelance Hair & Makeup Artist

Photo © Hayley Laws | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“This trend of cutting your hair off between the wedding service and the reception is definitely a unique take on having a second dress for your evening guests. It isn’t something that I have been asked about yet. My brides have opted for another dress or a bold red lip for the evening. Cutting your hair off can be scary when most brides spend so long growing it for their big day. The quirkiest thing a bride has asked me is to put fairy lights in her hair to switch on when the sunset came. I love a dramatic haircut. It empowers the client and gives new confidence. As long as the bride is committed to the change, why not!”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

I would make the process as easy as possible to take less time out of your day. Maybe opt for a down style for the morning ceremony so that a ‘dry cut’ in a similar hairstyle won’t take too much time away from your guests. For short hairstyles in general I love a soft Hollywood wave or any wave at all. Part the hair deep to one side. It is a powerful style but is always a cute look for a short do. Add a simple vintage slide or a thick chunky headband as a statement piece. You could always add a side braid for an edgier style.

Kate Fletcher | Flashkate Bridal Hair & Make Up

Photo © Flashkate Bridal Hair & Make Up | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“I love this trend! Most brides grow their hair for the wedding day, so they can have a traditional ‘up do’. They mostly plan to chop their hair off after the wedding so why not AT the wedding. I’ve seen it a couple of times, paired with an outfit change, but not personally cut the hair. It’s a ballsy move and not for the faint hearted but has the real ‘WOW’ factor.”

Laura Anne | The Bridal Stylists: Wedding Hair & Makeup

Photo © The Bridal Stylists: Wedding Hair & Makeup | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“We haven’t yet [come across this] but we are totally down for this request! We think it’s fab! Such a unique way to transition to the evening.”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“If you are thinking about doing this, some pointers to consider: it really would only work if you have already had your hair shorter in the past and loved it. Don’t let this be the first time going shorter. Also, make sure the style you go for first is lightly styled without a ton of product, so that the changeover is shift and successful. Plus, your hairstyle needs to be an experienced hairdresser too! We love a choppy, textured wave on shorter hair. Maybe with one side pulled back with a fab statement accessory. Or perhaps you prefer a simple, sleek ‘lob’ letting the hair shine through.”

Laura Glanville | Wishbone & Comb Bridal Hair & Makeup

Photo © Wishbone & Comb Bridal Hair & Makeup | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“As a bridal hair stylist for over 10 years, I must say this new trend is one that I am a huge fan of! As most brides are opting for a change of outfit for the evening, then why not surprise everyone even further, by adopting a whole new hairstyle too? I have lost count of how many brides tell me, when I compliment them on their long hair, that they can’t wait to have it “chopped off” after their wedding. With this in mind, why not incorporate just that into their schedule as well!”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“I suggest that if they are not going to be away from their reception for too long – I recommend opting for a simple one length cut that can be easily styled with a pretty tiara headband, or with a hairslide clipped to one side, that will showcase their new shorter hairstyle beautifully.”

Melissa Clare | Melissa Clare Makeup & Hair

Photo © Melissa Clare Makeup & Hair | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“I personally haven’t had any brides do this but I think the idea is fab. In the same light as brides who love to have more than one dress and change halfway through the day to create a new vibe for the second half, why not add in a totally new cool chop too!”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“My advice would be if you are having a chop resulting in short-mid length tresses, then show it off, don’t hide your new look in a bun. Keep it down, whether you prefer casual beachy waves or a more glamorous Hollywood or vintage wave, you can accessorise this look with an on-trend headband or comb worn on the side behind the ear. If you prefer to have your new do off your shoulders you could try a low textured ponytail with chunky bow/ribbon.”

Olga Taylor | Barnet and Boatrace

Photo © Barnet and Boatrace | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“We’re absolutely loving the new bridal chop trend, but yet to find a bride that is brave enough to go through with this on their big day! Many are talking about it at their trial appointments though. It’s common practice for brides to grow their hair as they are led to believe that this is something that they ‘should do’ in preparation for their big day. Fuller, thicker, longer princess hair. We totally get it. Then suddenly, not long beforehand, they’ve been known to chop it as they feel totally fed up with the extra length or that it’s not really them. Within our team we have qualified hairdressers as well as stylists so we’d love to meet a bride who just holds off a couple more weeks and trusts us to transform them not once but twice on their big day!”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“A jewelled clip placed strategically above one ear on one side with brushed out waves looks simple yet super cute and guaranteed to wow guests at your evening ceremony!”

Vicki Lord | Vicki Lord Hair Wedding Hairdresser

Photo © Vicki Lord Hair Wedding Hairdresser | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

“Having a mid-day haircut can definitely be a fun and unexpected way to completely transform and switch up your look for your wedding day, and add an unexpected twist to your wedding day style! Being a multi award-winning bridal, red carpet, celebrity, fashion, cut and colour hairstylist, it’s not uncommon to see brides grow out their hair in anticipation of their wedding day, and it’s understandable that they may want to have longer hair or an up-do hairstyle for their big day. However, without regular trims, long hair can become unruly and difficult to manage, which can make it harder to achieve the desired wedding day style. In any case, in recent years, there has been a trend towards more unique and individualised bridal hairstyles.”

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

“Short hair can be just as beautiful and elegant as longer styles and can be styled in a variety of ways to suit the bride’s taste and wedding theme. A skilled hairstylist can work with the bride to create a bridal transformation that highlights her features and personality. Incorporating a cool and elaborate hairpiece can add an extra touch of glamour and individuality. Ultimately, the goal is to create a hairstyle that makes the bride feel confident, beautiful and true to herself on her special day!”

So if you were thinking of taking the plunge with a bridal chop of your own, this is your sign! With these top tips and tricks, you’re all set to turn heads more than once on your big day.

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Happy Planning!

Supplier Showcase: Brilliant Female-Owned Wedding Businesses

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the achievements of female wedding business owners. Women have long played a prominent role in the wedding industry. From wedding planners and coordinators to wedding designers, photographers, florists, cakemakers, caterers, and more, women make up 80% of the wedding industry! Read the success stories, achievements and advice of some of Bridebook’s top female business owners below.

Mercedes | 4YaParty Weddings and Events

About Mercedes: Mercedes (she/her) is a qualified venue stylist and prides herself on having great customer service and high attention to detail. She owns and manages 4YaParty Weddings & Events, specialising in providing eco-friendly and sustainable wedding and event decor, upcycled wedding decor, prop hire, and sweet treats. She says no to balloons and no to single-use plastic. Plus, for every booking she makes, she’ll have a tree planted in your honour!

Proudest achievement to date: “Becoming an accredited member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, making weddings eco-friendly by being carbon neutral for 2 years!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Being a black, queer, disabled, female business owner comes with many challenges! But the biggest challenge I have is believing in myself and knowing my worth! Believing in the value that my service brings to the wedding industry. But I have an epic support network in family, friends, the SWA and wedding suppliers, who have become friends!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Meeting lovely couples from all walks of life and hearing their love stories, watching their personality as a couple unfold in their wedding decor!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “My biggest advice for any woman who wants to start their own business is to make sure you’re passionate about whatever you choose! Running your own business is not a get rich quick route at all! It’s a very slow burner lol so if you don’t truly love it, then when it gets hard, it will be too easy to give up!”

Gemma | The Isla Gladstone Conservatory

About Gemma: Gemma is a leading entrepreneur and businesswoman in the hospitality industry with a number of nationally recognised restaurants, hospitality venues, catering companies and social enterprises under her guiding hand. She began her career in her teens, when she famously became the youngest licensee in the country. Over the last two decades she has developed a wide portfolio across the UK, successfully building iconic venues that are rooted in their communities. ****She opened The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in 2014 in the heart of Stanley Garden.

Proudest achievement to date: “They all said it couldn’t be done…A glass house in Liverpool…We have gone from strength to strength each year and have an all-women management team!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID…To see your hard work and dream stopped with nothing you could do about it. Having to break bride’s and groom’s hearts postponing their date time and time again, when we didn’t know when we could open again. It was truly the hardest time ever.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “It’s a happy place to be. Guests arrive happy, venue looks beautiful, and we get to be one of the happiest memories for brides and grooms.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in what you do…Look for support…Employ the best people to be around you…And enjoy!!!”

Stacey | The Venue Experts

About Stacey: Stacey, a.k.a. the “turbocharged wedding booking superstar”, is founder and CEO of The Venue Experts. She comes with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. From managing wedding venues and developing businesses in the hospitality sector to hosting large-scale events at some of the East Midlands’ best-known events companies, she is ready to take on any challenge. Stacey has extensive knowledge of managing venues in-house, having had business development and sales consultant roles at properties including Belvoir Castle and Hodsock Priory.

Proudest achievement to date: “I was recognised as one of the top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to watch by The Telegraph and NatWest.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Starting a business in the pandemic.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Making a difference in the industry and being considered as one of the leading experts.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in yourself, know your worth, and remember that it is worth the risk.”

Natalie | Velvet Moon Ceremonies

About Natalie: Natalie is an independent celebrant and proud founder of Velvet Moon Ceremonies. She loves crafting bespoke, personal ceremonies that reflect each couple as individuals and their story together so far. This includes matching both the tone (be it fun and laidback, or sentimental and romantic) and theme (traditional or alternative), and learning what’s most important to the couple. She weaves all this together into their script, to create a truly unique ceremony.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’m proud that within my first proper year of weddings I already got to do one of my dream ceremonies – one themed around the video game series Final Fantasy! I love being able to write meaningful, special ceremonies for couples that reflect who they are and what they enjoy whilst they celebrate their love for each other.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Having 2020 as what should have been my first wedding season! Obviously everything got pushed back and it’s been slow going, but I’m proud of what I achieved last year and I couldn’t have asked for better couples to work with.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being part of someone’s wedding day, surrounded by so many talented women who are amazing at their work! There’s so much build up, and being a 2023 bride myself I know how much work goes into the planning and the trust you have to have for every supplier involved to understand what you want and bring it together on the day.

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Network – there are so many other amazing women in this business who have been through what you have or struggled in similar ways. They can provide support and advice on any issue you’re facing as well as cheer you on and celebrate your wins.”

Jemma | Charlesworth Classics Ltd

About Jemma: Jemma is the proud owner and director of Charlesworth Classics Ltd. She works with couples from start to finish to choose and arrange the perfect transport for their special day. From vintage and classic London taxis to iconic Rolls Royces, there’s something for everyone. She hand-picks all the drivers herself, and prides herself on the service she provides.

Proudest achievement to date: “Breaking through the wedding car industry! I am not aware of another female director in this field local to me currently. This is still a very male dominated role, and there is still a very strong “boys’ club” mentality, which I hope will change in years to come. I have been very fortunate to have the support of my husband (which has made interactions with other wedding car companies a little easier), and to have been included with a select few individuals with whom I work very closely and experience no prejudice.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “I think my biggest challenge/lesson has been to follow my instincts. Prior to starting my company I was a stay-at-home wife. I had no experience what-so-ever. I just knew this was something I wanted. When COVID came, I refused to jump on the panic bandwagon. I made the most of the down-time and grew my business and feel I was in a good position to move forward once normality was restored.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “My couples! I love hearing the stories behind why my couples want to book my cars, whether it’s because we have been recommended by friends or family, or they simply just love our cars. There is always a story there and I love hearing them. Looking back at photos and receiving a review, reading the appreciation of the service my team and I have provided, there really is no better feeling!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe and achieve! Mindset is one of the most important parts of owning your own business. Find other women with your mindset and work together, pick each other up. Owning your own business can be very lonely. You spend a lot of time alone so a good support network is very beneficial – you don’t even need to work in the same field.”

Nyssa | Edinburgh School of Food & Wine

About Nyssa: Nyssa is the owner and manager of the Edinburgh School of Food & Wine. She prides herself on delivering a first-class service, having a dedicated wedding team to ensure each couple’s day runs perfectly from beginning to end. She organises and manages everything from wedding catering, bar services, room set up, lighting options, and prop selection. Couples can also choose from stag and hen do packages at the cook school, ranging from cocktail masterclasses to champagne, whisky or wine tasting, to BBQ cookery and food masterclasses.

Proudest achievement to date: “Finalist for 3 wedding awards as caterer of the year.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Taking over the business mid-COVID and making it a success whilst also being mum to three young kids.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Making specials for our clients, the delight of delicious food and great service!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Take the leap! It is so fulfilling to run your own business. It is hard work but worth every minute.”

Lily | Lily Kerbey Musician

About Lily: Lily is a passionate professional singer-guitarist who has been performing in and around Yorkshire at wedding and other private milestone celebrations for the last 10 years. A true expert in her field, she has played at all types of weddings, from cliff tops in Portugal to a DIY woodland wedding. She strives to make every couple’s day special, from singing as you walk down the aisle, to entertaining guests during the photos, and can create custom playlists of wedding songs.

Proudest achievement to date: “Singing at my first wedding abroad was very special! Also the fact I managed to get so many bookings that I could leave my full-time teaching job, which made me so stressed I got ill. I’m now happy and thriving and working at 10% of the capacity I was before.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Making the move from part-time to full-time. The instability of self-employed work is so scary, but now I’m in it I could never go back!

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Getting to be involved in the best day of people’s lives. Everyone is happy at a wedding, and that happiness spreads.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Find something that doesn’t feel like work. And enjoy every moment! When you genuinely love your job, everything else in your life fits into place. Take every opportunity you can but also look after yourself and put aside time for yourself!”

Sarah | The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company

About Sarah: Sarah is an award-winning professional cake artist and proud owner of The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company. After a career in retail management, she made the inspiring decision to turn her hobby into her profession. She creates bespoke wedding cakes and fresh designs for every couple, to make your cake individual and unique to you. Having inherited baking from her mum, and now with four children of her own, family is everything to her.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’ve won two business awards alongside cake awards. Being awarded for my business skills was amazing!

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Apart from COVID you mean? Being a mother of four, then taking on the custody of my six-month old grandson, while caring for my dying mum, while running a successful business, off the back of COVID, and still smiling always!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “I get to meet loads of excited, varied and different couples, and be part of their stories! I also love working alongside other fantastic suppliers.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “People buy from people, so be more you. Don’t look at others and try to copy them. Be yourself, and you’ll be successful. If you’re always comparing yourself to others you’ll never get there!”

Emily | Emily’s Moments Photography

About Emily: Emily is empathetic and quirky Belgian-born photographer with a passion for being who we are unashamedly. Her commitment is pure and simple – to tell each couple’s unique story sensitively and with humanity. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, but working across the UK, she produces images and photo albums that you will treasure for decades to come. She has been lovingly described as “approachable, upfront, honest, hopeful, curious, quirky.”

Proudest achievement to date: “Being back at square 1 in a brand new career aged 37 and building a sustainable business from scratch.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Managing my own expectations of what can be achieved. Owning a business is a few full-time jobs in one with a huge variety of skillsets to be acquired over time. I have to accept that I can’t acquire them all at once. I have to be patient.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being totally independent when making my own decisions to grow my own business. My daily successes are mine and mine alone to celebrate.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Don’t ever believe any unsupportive voices…whether they come from others or from yourself. Us women have a tendency to have in-built doubt in what we are capable of. We have to fight that inner voice. We can achieve whatever we set our mind to in our own way, using our own strengths and our own uniqueness.”

Jade | Hushabye Films

About Jade: Jade is an experienced film maker, videographer and owner of Hushabye Films. She spent over 15 years in broadcast television, working as a shooting producer/director, with experience across channels such as the BBC, ITV, MTV, E4, C4, Sky and various other satellite channels, with credits on high-profile programmes including the BAFTAs, Big Brother, T4, Comic Relief and V Festival. She has also created hours of online, YouTube and corporate content. She takes a cool, calm and personalised approach to shooting wedding films.

Proudest achievement to date: “When I decided to shoot weddings, I knew straight away I was going to do things differently! I took everything I had learnt from my 10+ years working as a TV producer and used it to make wedding films that people actually wanted to watch! When I started there were no “fun” wedding videographers. There was a HUGE gap in the market and I grabbed it with both hands! I’ve now shot over 200 weddings.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID!!! We were NOT prepared for that!!! But somehow I managed to shoot some small weddings and make promotional films to earn some income and spend hours everyday moving dates and making sure I could still film all the weddings the following year whilst also shooting all the new ones!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Working with the clients you want to work with and being creative everyday. I love the wedding industry and all the talented supplier friends I’ve made.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Don’t worry about what other people are doing with their businesses. Do what’s right for you and recognise that everyone is at a different stage of their own journey. Don’t carbon copy a business because it looks like it’s successful. Take inspiration if you have to but always put your own spin on it so you can be proud of your achievements.”

Harriet | Harriet Alice Fox Designs

About Harriet: Harriet is a Sheffield-based illustrator and graphic designer who specialises in creating hand-drawn bespoke wedding stationery. Working on a friend’s wedding stationery made her fall in love with the creative process. Since then, she has gone on to showcase her work at wedding fairs and attract a whole host of couples wanting something special for their wedding stationery. Harriet is passionate about creating unique designs that celebrate the wedding venue, reflect the couple’s interests, or even feature a beloved furry friend who can’t attend the big day.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’m most proud of my portrait seating plans! I’m so excited whenever couples want to work with me on them. The amount of work put into drawing every guest individual portraits and piecing it together is massive but so rewarding, and such a fabulous keepsake for the couples themselves.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Realising that your product/style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s a good thing. Because it makes what you do so much more unique and custom.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Delivering all the stationery goodies! There’s so much excitement from the couples, and I’m very grateful to be part of the buildup.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in yourself and your product. If you’re giving it 100% then your passion will shine through.”

H | Lawley Fine Jewellers

About H: As well as looking after the marketing and social media side of Lawley Fine Jewellers, H is a passionate jeweller and specialist in handmade engagement and wedding rings. She loves being at the bench and mastering the technical skills required to make beautiful pieces.

Proudest achievement to date: “Our biggest achievement is definitely the popularity and feedback of our Make Your Own Wedding Rings experiences. This year was our busiest yet!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Definitely the pandemic, which really hit the industry hard. We consider ourselves fortunate in that we were able to keep going. It was a stressful time both for couples organising their big days and for all the suppliers serving them.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being involved in a small way in each couple’s plans – especially with their wedding rings, which will be worn and cherished every day – is something amazing and we feel honoured. Also, making such great friends with other local talented wedding suppliers has been a wonderful surprise, as it’s something we didn’t expect. Being able to support each other and recommend trusted suppliers to our couples is fantastic.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Follow your own path and be authentic. Have each other’s backs and support each other, be it to share and recommend or offer friendly advice.”

Amy | Beewildblooms

About Amy: Amy is the founder and owner Beewildblooms, a family-run floristry business in Scotland. She specialises in unique wedding flowers and decor, as well as floral masterclasses and 1:1 classes. She is proud to have been featured in both Rock N Roll Bride Magazine and Rock My Wedding. Her style is rustic, wild, romantic, and most certainly one-of-a-kind!

Proudest achievement to date: “Starting our family floristry business during lockdown with no clients – selling £16 arrangements to doorsteps and now becoming a finalist for best wedding florist [for the Scottish Confetti Wedding Awards 2023] and being fully booked for 2023.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Having zero funding or savings after redundancy and building my business whilst also being a full-time mum at home.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Delivering a bespoke and personalised service to our lovely couples – we keep numbers small to deliver big joy!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Be authentic – YOU are your own super power! Keep trying different things until you find something that makes you happy and fills your cup. You are running your own business for a reason, because you can and you want to – so never forget your why! Don’t compare to others as everyone is at a different stage in business!”

Becky | Lavelle Bridal Couture

About Becky: At Lavelle Bridal Couture, it’s just Becky, all the way. From booking your very first private bridal appointment to the big day, she’s with you every step of the way. Having learnt to sew at the age of 10, she pursued a career in fashion and textiles, working for various design houses and retailers before opening her own bridal boutique right in the heart Warwick. Before opening her shop, she first studied wedding dress design at the London College of Fashion, so knows exactly what’s involved in the construction and how to advise on dress customisations and alterations.

Proudest achievement to date: “My biggest achievement happens every day in my small business… The majority of women feel super nervous when it comes to wedding dress shopping, and I always feel so proud when a bride leaves my boutique with the biggest smile on her face, having had the most amazing wedding dress shopping experience with me. I pride myself on helping brides feel comfortable and confident in their own skin so they feel gorgeous in their dream wedding dress.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID was a huge challenge for any business, but also supporting brides through such tough times was very challenging at times. The uncertainty of weddings was tough to navigate but I’m very proud to say that I’ve come through it and thrived.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Feeling honoured to be chosen by my brides to take a part in their special day and the emotions that brides feel and experience when they find the perfect dress. It’s such a special moment and I love that I can be a part of that!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Collaboration over competition, every day. I always think there is no competition as no-one can be you. Just be yourself and you’ll find the people who love what you do. If you support one another it will always pay you back at some point and then you’ll make great friends across a variety of industries who can support you through your journey.”

The wedding industry owes a great debt to the countless female business owners who have dedicated themselves to making couples’ special days truly unforgettable through their creativity and hard work. We hope that the inspiring stories and insights shared by the female business owners featured here will encourage more women to follow in their footsteps and continue to make a mark on the wedding industry for many years to come.

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Happy Planning!

Top Tips For Your Destination Wedding

A destination wedding can be a memorable and unique way to celebrate your special day with your friends and family. But planning one can be a daunting task! There are so many decisions to make and details consider. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for planning a destination wedding. They’ll help you make your big day a success, no matter where you are in the world. From choosing the perfect wedding venue, to being aware of the legalities, we’ve got you covered.

1. Choose the right location

Photo © The Art of Now | See their Bridebook profile

The location you choose for your destination wedding is crucial. Consider factors like climate, accessibility, price and venue availability. You may want to choose a place that has a special meaning to you and your partner. How about where you first went on holiday together? Or somewhere with stunning, picture-perfect scenery for your wedding photos?

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our handy guide on the top 10 destination wedding locations. From a romantic Mediterranean beach wedding on a Greek island to a cosmopolitan urban getaway in New York, the world is your oyster!

2. Give your guests plenty of notice and information

Photo © Papier | See their Bridebook profile

When planning a destination wedding, give your guests plenty of advance notice. This will allow them to make travel arrangements and organise their holiday time accordingly (particularly important for very far-flung locations). Send out save-the-date cards at least 6-8 months before the wedding to give your guests plenty of time to plan, and the invitations 3-4 months in advance.

Be sure to include all the important details on a separate information card along with the invitations themselves. We recommend the following as a bare minimum:

  • How to reach your destination and where to stay (include your venue’s address)
  • Information on the weather at the time of year (so your guests can plan their outfits)
  • Tips for places to visit and eat in the area (ask your venue for recommendations)

We recommend listing any extra wedding-related activities, like dinner the day before, or lunch the next day, on your RSVP card. That way, your guests can tick off which ones they’ll be attending.

3. Hire a specialist local wedding planner

Photo © Angela Salzano Destination Wedding Planner | See their Bridebook profile

Hiring a local wedding planner can be a game-changer when planning a wedding abroad. They’ll help you create the perfect wedding itinerary and handle all the necessary logistics, so you can focus on simply enjoying your big day and being present in the moment.

A local wedding planner will have specialist knowledge of the area and wedding suppliers, and can help you navigate any language or cultural barriers. Let them serve as your personal directory of recommendations, from accommodations and restaurants, to activities and attractions.

4. Choose the right wedding dress and attire

Photo © HEMYCA | See their Bridebook profile

When it comes to deciding on your dress code, be sure to consider both the location and nature of your wedding. Depending on the destination, you might need to choose materials that are comfortable in the heat or cold, and shoes that are suitable for the terrain.

If you’re getting married on the beach or very hot country, consider wearing slip-on sandals or going barefoot for a more relaxed feel. If you’re getting married somewhere cold like Iceland, think long sleeves and plenty of warm layers you can change into if necessary.

5. Plan group and honeymoon activities

Photo © FICO by Betty | See their Bridebook profile

An overseas wedding is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your guests. You can organise a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding lunch to extend the celebration and make a holiday of it. Plan group activities to create fun, memorable experiences. We recommend beach bonfires, water sports like snorkelling, hikes and day trips, or food and wine tastings.

Or plan activities for your honeymoon, to make the most of your flight tickets and journey! In fact, with honeymoons being a top splurge for newlyweds, combining your destination wedding with your honeymoon can be a great way to optimise both your budget and your time.

6. Don’t forget the legal details

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re hoping to tie the knot in a foreign country, be prepared to navigate some legal requirements that might be different from what you’re used to in your home country.

  • Make sure your marriage or civil partnership is recognised by the law back home. This might involve getting certain licenses or translations of documents (for example, if you’re a Brit marrying abroad, a certificate of no impediment (CNI) from the UK government).
  • Make sure you follow all the necessary procedures in the country where you’re planning to get married abroad. You’ll need to reach out to the local authorities to learn what to do.

The bottom line is that you don’t want to get caught out by any legal technicalities that could put a damper on your big day. So be thorough with your research!

Planning a destination wedding requires a bit more effort than a traditional wedding at home, but the results can absolutely be worth it. By following these top tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the destination wedding of your dreams with all of the joy and none of the stress.

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Happy Planning!