Deciding what you’re wearing on your wedding day is hard enough – let alone deciding what everyone else will wear! But even though we can’t promise it’ll be totally smooth sailing, these three questions will get you and your bridesmaids well on your way to your dream dresses.
1. What Colour Will Fit With My Wedding Theme?
If you’ve already decided on a wedding theme (and we highly recommend you do), you’ll have a much easier time of it when it comes to picking out your bridesmaids dresses. Even picking out two or three colours will help narrow down your options – or knowing whether you’re going for something more casual or formal. On the other hand, you could start off by thinking about the time of year. If you’re having a winter wedding, for example, you’ll probably be discounting anything that gives you “sundress” vibes. On the other hand, you’re unlikely to want to go for dresses using velvets or furs in the height of summer.
2. What Suits My Bridesmaids?
Okay, so colour’s sorted – now what kind of style? This is when you’ll want to spend some time thinking about your bridesmaids and what suits them. The same dress is unlikely to look as good on your tallest friend as on your shortest. In our opinion, the easiest thing to do is to let your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses – with guidelines, of course! That way, your 5’10 sister can stun in a silk slip dress – but your pint-sized bestie still looks super cute in their A-line minidress. If you definitely want all your bridesmaids to wear the same dress, look for a “compromise dress” that looks just about okay on everyone. What you want to avoid at all costs is choosing a dress that looks spectacular on one of your bridesmaids – but terrible on everyone else.
3. Do Your Bridesmaids Like It?
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding – but your bridesmaids are some of the most important people in your life, so you want to be sure they’re happy wearing whatever you’ve picked out. Ideally, make a day of it and take all your bridesmaids on a shopping trip. At the very least, though, send them a link to the dress you’ve chosen before you commit to buying it. After all, you want everyone smiling in the photos!
It felt like the whole world was watching Pippa’s big day, with brides-to-be in particular keeping their eyes peeled for any extra inspiration. Thankfully, Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s leading wedding planning app and website, has done all the leg work and compiled all of the new trends Pippa has set into motion in the wedding world with her big do. Whatever your budget or wedding style, you might just find something you’d like to re-create for your own big day.
The main trend from Pippa’s wedding is the embracing of traditions. From the choice of flowers and church location, to the outfits of the pageboys and bridesmaids and the wedding transport, to the design of her own dress and bouquet, Pippa’s wedding will have likely started a renaissance for tradition in weddings.
Wedding Dress Trends:
Tradition is the trend here. Gone are the days of strapless dresses and nude mesh cutouts. Instead, we’re seeing a shift to embracing the history and tradition of styles that are timelessly classical such as Pippa’s high neck, cap sleeves, chapel length train, and heavy embroidery. Want to re-create the look? Discover wedding designers and boutiques near you.
Mini-bridesmaids:
Pippa opted to have just children in her bridal party for the Church ceremony, as opposed to her adult friends. This is sure to become a more popular trend especially for brides who have too many close friends to choose from or would like to avoid the politics and save money by not paying for bridesmaids dresses and makeup. Plus, they look positively adorable!
Glass Marquees
The infamous glass marquee, costing a whopping £110,000, is going to set the trend of glass marquees like wildfire. You’ll be seeing couples leaving behind the boxy and restricting canvas marquee feel, and instead opt for the glamorous ‘greenhouse effect’. Track down your UK glass marquee today!
“Unplugged” Weddings
Just as we saw a spike in ‘plugged in’ weddings complete with wedding hashtags and live Instagram feed displays, we are sure to see couples return to the more authentic experience, including social media bans and no photos allowed, as was sure to be the case throughout Pippa’s day.
Wedding Flower Trends
Another ‘back to tradition’ trend here. Floral trends have been leaning heavily on bright, diverse and exotic combinations of flowers in the recent years, however Pippa’s choice of going traditional with a focus on pale pink English roses is an indication of a shift in preference for organic and natural flower choices. Pick your wedding florist from the best of Britain on Bridebook!
Two Venue Weddings
Pippa chose to split her big day into a two tier event, the more formal and traditional morning ceremony followed by the big bang of a party in the evening. As couples get married later in life and struggle juggling the expectations of the older generations with the party expectations of their friends, this is a structure that is sure to become more and more popular. Plus who doesn’t love browsing gorgeous wedding venues?
Black-tie Receptions
Usually associated with big American weddings, the black-tie evening event is experiencing a resurgence, just like we saw for Pippa’s evening event in the glass marquee. A great way to add that extra dose of celebration to your evening.
Two Dresses
Just like two part weddings are becoming a trend, so are two dresses! A formal more traditional gown for the morning ceremony, and then a more relaxed cut in the evening. Not only is this practical (no trains or big skirts to deal with during the dancing), it also adds that extra level of theatrical oomph as the bride reveals her second outfit.
Unique Entertainment
Whilst everyone loves a good magician, expect to see couples trying to get more creative and unique with their wedding entertainment (even if it’s not quite a Spitfire flyby).
May Weddings
Summer months have long reigned supreme for weddings, but we’re glad to see the appreciation for spring months increasing. While you may have to risk wet weather, the advantages are boundless. From fewer conflicting occasions, the gorgeous colours of British springtime, and the exciting energy that comes with the run up to summer, we’re happy to see May getting the attention it deserves.
Transport
Vintage is back in style! Pippa’s vintage Jaguar was a showstopper in itself, and much more classical looking than the newer luxury white sedans that have been popular as of late. Besides, when else would you have the excuse to ride in a gorgeous vintage car?
Exotic Guest Hats
Previously reserved for Ascot, expect guests to go big on hats! Not only does it make the congregation look fabulous as the Church is filled with different colours and shapes, it’s also an extra bit of excitement and fun for the guests. We’re hoping to see some more feathers in particularly, as one of Pippa’s guests so perfectly demonstrated.
Heirlooms
Pippa wore the same earrings on her wedding day as she did when she was Kate’s bridesmaid in 2011. We all know the ‘something old’ requirement, but tying in objects that have familial meaning and that can be passed on to your children on their wedding day adds that special touch.
Mix-matched Groomsmen Wear
Whilst the Middleton and Matthews men stayed very traditional with their tails, tie pins, and double breasted waist coats, they injected it with what is sure to become a popular trend. Balancing the traditional morning suits with pops of contrasting colours such as orange ties and baby blue satin waistcoats, with different groomsmen wearing different colours.
Family Involvement
More and more couples are embracing multi-generational family involvement in their big days. While there is a draw to involve your uni friends, there is a traditional and loving quality of opting to build your wedding party from family alone. Whether it’s your sister as Maid of Honour, or your adorable 5 year old second cousin, it’s good to keep it in the family!
Planning your wedding?
While all these trends are undoubtedly wonderful and very welcome, it can be easy to assume it would be too pricey or stressful to try and re-create for yourself. But fear not! Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s #1 wedding planning app and website, have all of the wedding planning tools you need to ensure you can plan your wedding without the stress, and without the price tag!
Searching for that perfect venue ideal for your summer wedding? Bridebook.co.uk have done the hard work for you by listing the top 100 best wedding venues for the summer! These are the best of the best – and they suit sunny weddings down to the T.
If you want to look more locally for your dream venue, there’s always our huge Wedding Venue Search, with every venue you could possibly think of. You’re welcome!
The stunning manor house of Fennes set in the countryside of Essex is home to breath-taking gardens, perfect for hosting a summer ceremony. The bridge over the lake makes for incredible photo opportunities!
The shabby-chic style of East Quay Venue is perfect for a summer seaside theme. With a shingle beach and beach huts right on its doorstep, this makes it one of the best wedding venues in the UK!
The Granary Estates offer two incredible barns with a central private courtyard, this is one of the best wedding venues on the list, and it’s ideal for hosting a summer outdoor wedding reception.
As a former dairy farm, Heaton House Farm is home to rustic sandstone barns and infinite rural views, making it a brilliant setting for an outdoor ceremony. If a farm sounds like the perfect place to get married, check out 20 farm wedding venues we’ve put together for you!
Hengrave Hall is a stunning Tudor mansion in the Suffolk countryside and is a gem of the area’s medieval history. If you dream of a castle wedding on a summer night, this is the venue for you.
An outdoor wedding ceremony wouldn’t be complete without the backdrop of Tudor venue Leez Priory. 40 acres of parkland will ensure you have stunning surroundings on your special day.
While we’re on the theme of castles, this one is hidden in an enchanted forest. If you’ve always had the idea of a summer fairytale venue, check out these UK castle wedding venues!
This grand castle is fit for a King and Queen, with spectacular views across the Kent countryside. Feel on top of the world with a sunny wedding at Lympne Castle!
Heaps of character, history and warmth come with award-winning venue Iscoyd Park. The beautiful grounds are ideal for summer games and outdoor entertainment to charm your loved ones. Certainly one of the best wedding venues in the UK.
This white Palladian mansion boasts a 19th Century chapel and 40 acres of grassy surroundings, making Beaumont Estate perfect for your summer celebrations.
Set on 6 acres of meadows, High House showcases itself to be a striking summer wedding venue. With a Monet-inspired bridge over the pond, your wedding photos will look impressive!
The 750-year-old Elmore Court overlooks the Cotswolds and the River Severn, making it a great location to host a grand wedding. Elemore Court is a Grade 2 listed mansion house Elmore Court is a place of fun and maximum celebration. With an estate which is now rewilding and a wild swimming lake you could stretch your celebration over a weekend of festivities. Your summer wedding could take place in the walled garden, on the lawn, in the beautiful house or church nearby. Then let the party continue late into the night in the sound proof ‘future rustic’ Gillyflower, finishing round the fire pit in the meadow and back to the house for a night cap and a beautiful bed.
The beautiful country house comes complete with exquisite decor and high ceilings to make your special day feel like a dream. With Warwick House, you can dream away!
Flagstone floors, an open fireplace and heaps of character encompass Cripps Barn. With fire pits and sunny gardens, this is the ideal venue for the ultimate summer wedding.
Kilminorth Cottages is a beautiful wedding venue completely surrounded by countryside. So romantic! If you can picture yourself getting married in a setting like this, check out these 20 beautiful barn wedding venues!
A stunning red brick Tudor courtyard is the grand entrance to Fulham Place, a beautiful country house with lovely surroundings. You’ll forget you’re in London if you host your summer wedding here!
Dodmoor House is an award-winning grade II listed barn venue with four acres of grounds and a rustic courtyard, perfect for a breezy wedding celebration.
As a restored stone barn, the light and airy space of Winkworth Farm offers an ideal location for a wedding in the summer months – not to mention the 200 acres of organic pastureland!
On the edge of The New Forest National Park, The Old Vicarage is a country house and versatile outdoor space, which would be the ultimate venue for wedding garden games.
With a boutique interior and Georgian features, Nonsuch Mansion is excellent for an outdoor wedding – and you’d half expect to see something similar in a Disney movie!
Woodhill Hall is a truly unique venue full of character. With quirky outdoor features and stylish bedrooms, this location is perfect for a totally bespoke wedding.
If you’re after a venue that’s rich in glamour and luxury, The Kings Oak Hotel may just be the one. Set in Epping Forest, the gorgeous building and outdoor pool are perfect for partying on a summer night.
The 17th Century Queen Anne style Mansion House of Highfield Park stands elegantly among 35 acres of countryside and stunningly polished gardens. A perfect venue for a regal outdoor wedding.
Stunning grounds surround the immensely grand Clevedon Hall. With lake views and rural landscapes, this venue makes a great choice for a wedding in the summer months.
The wonderfully rustic yet romantic feel of Stratton Court Barn is ideal for your bespoke wedding theme. Party into the night with plenty of space on the barn grounds!
The 17th Century manor house Greenwoods Hotel & Spa is set in dazzling extensive grounds, ideal for a picture perfect wedding day. Choose to get married in the summer under the pretty gazebo and you’ll create a memory that will never be forgotten!
The 400-year-old barn of Lyde Court is a beautifully preserved venue. With a quirky interior and versatile outdoor space, this is a unique location to help your dreams to come true.
In the rolling Cheshire countryside sits Sandhole Oak Barn. With it’s lakeside location and decked outdoor space, it is an idyllic venue for a wedding in warm weather!
A sweeping driveway and incredible gardens are just the beginning of what Pembroke Lodge has to offer. This Georgian mansion also has remarkable views to enjoy on your special day.
The red brick 18th Century buildings of Shustoke Farm Barns are striking on the outside and inside. The gorgeous courtyards are ideal for celebrating with your loved ones in the summer months.
An amazingly restored 18th Century barn is set on stunning grounds and provides heaps of character and charm for your wedding day. This venue is The Garden Barn!
The award-winning Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is home to countryside backdrops, an Asian Sensory Garden, and a gorgeous lake. What more could you possibly want from a venue?
The grounds of Wotton House have stone pillars, water fountains, and a rather grand building to match. Where else would you want to host your summer wedding?
The Jacobean Manor of Holdsworth House Hotel has enticing gardens, rooms full of character and 3 acres of stunning grounds. Wake up and smell the flowers – quite literally!
China Fleet Country Club exudes tranquillity and romance for your big day. Sitting on the banks of the River Tamar, you also get magnificent views wherever you roam.
Complete with regal features and 30 acres of spectacular land, the Victorian manor house of De Vere Tortworth Estate is fit for the finest King and Queen!
A gravel driveway and elegant grounds lead you to the spectacular Brampton Grange Estate, where you’ll enjoy finding great spots for your wedding photos!
Compromising a classic house with a contemporary barn, Hyde House & Barn is definitely one of the best wedding venues on this list! Imagine your summer night party going ahead here.
Oozing tons of grandeur and luxury, Wood Hall Hotel & Spa really delivers for a summer wedding day – but why stop there? Make it a wedding weekend and take full advantage of the spa.
Offering 2 wedding venues and 500 acres of private parkland, Orchardleigh House & Estate is an elegant stately home that can cater for the ultimate summer wedding.
A 65-acre organic farm is where River Cottage HQ resides. With plenty of versatile indoor and outdoor space, this is a great venue to host the wedding bash of the season.
Traditional stone farm buildings and a wonderful sheltered courtyard belong to Healey Barn, an ideal setting for the most romantic of summer celebrations!
The pretty stone exterior of Crockwell Farm radiates rustic beauty, while the gardens give you the perfect location to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy the sun.
The elegant manor house of Dumbleton Hall Hotel is situated alongside the lake and backs on to extensive gardens with views of the Cotswolds. A perfect summer venue!
This 16th Century country house offers traditional charm with a contemporary twist. Your summer wedding at Swancar Farm Country House is sure to be one of romance and elegance!
The 200-year-old Threshing Barn and original rustic features, along with a modern vibe of the outdoor Collecting Yard, give you all you need to host the perfect summer night celebration at Southend Barns.
The long, grand driveway invites you in to the Grade I listed Hintlesham Hall. It has a charming interior and is nestled in the serene Suffolk countryside – brilliant for a tranquil wedding experience.
This spectacular purpose-built marquee sits within Painshill’s private gardens and has a glamorous feel inside. Not forgetting The Conservatory‘s fabulous outdoor space to entertain your guests!
Surrounded by the Staffordshire countryside, and with a fishing lake right on it’s doorstep, Blakelands Country House is a one-of-a-kind venue that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
The grand country house of Moor Hall is set on lush lawns and beautiful landscapes, perfect for enjoying your special day in the summer months. The unique sunken garden is a great photo opportunity!
Within Wales’ Brecon Beacons lies the magical wonderland that is Peterstone Court Hotel. Overlooking the Pen Y Fan mountain range, you can spend your summer wedding day enjoying the breath-taking country landscape.
Just off the North coast of Wales, Chateau Rhianfa and it’s architectural beauty stand tall over beautiful gardens and sea views. Let your dream come alive with a summer wedding here!
The stylish country mansion of Prested Hall is surrounded by stunning parkland and tranquil waters. Spend your wedding day here in the summer and you’ll have the most magical backdrop for your celebrations.
The Venue at Kersey Mill is set in the Suffolk countryside and offers many versatile spaces to make your wedding bespoke. Beams and original brickwork are displayed, and the Kiln Room is the perfect space for an intimate and romantic ceremony.
Perfectly-preened lakeside gardens could be the setting to your summer ceremony. The 16th Century Rookery Manor Hotel not only brings beauty and class, but plenty of luxury too – in the form of a spa!
The spectacular Birtsmorton Court has it’s own moat, so while you’re getting stunning photos taken, your guests can enjoy drinks in the sun and picturesque views from the court.
The Victorian country building and it’s lush gardens belong to Trunkwell House, which offers a luxury marquee for all of your guests and a truly unforgettable outdoor ceremony set up.
The Georgian Friern Manor boasts perfectly manicured lawns and exquisite menus to celebrate your first day as Mr and Mrs!
So, that’s our top 100 summer wedding venues to take into account when planning your celebrations within the summer months, wherever you are. Make sure you check out the rest of our wedding planning tools too – we’ve got a really powerful budget tool, an awesome guestlist function, and a directory overflowing with amazing suppliers to give you the day of your dreams.
If you liked what you saw here, check out some more wedding venue inspiration articles we’ve put together for you:
After months of anticipation, the Royal Wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is only a couple of days away! There will be parties all over the UK, with pubs extending their hours and miles of bunting stretched across the country, but the most important celebration is happening at Windsor Castle, where Harry and Meghan will get married.
Bridebook.co.uk – the UK’s most popular wedding planning app, – has broken down the Royal Wedding by its costs, numbers, and planning details… So whether you are sitting on the couch, watching from the pub, or sharing the moment with your family, below is our guide for May 19th!
Here’s a timeline of the day:
Hamish Shephard – Bridebook’s CEO, – will be LIVE on E! News all day on Saturday to talk about the wedding industry, royal traditions and to comment on the events! Be sure to tune in!
WATCH NOW: Hamish Shephard on BBC Business News Worldwide!
You’re a part of the Bridebook Business Community and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have you as part of our family.
The Bridebook Business team strives to help and support venues and suppliers pack their calendars full of wedding bookings. We do this daily by matching your business profile to relevant couples searching directly for your business type.
But, what’s the best way to get even more wedding bookings? Spreading the word, of course! Bridebook has launched 3 types of digital badges that can be personalised to your business which, once added, link directly to your Bridebook profile.
Instantly build your industry reputation by adding your personalised Bridebook.co.uk badge to your website or email signature and showcase your profile to potential couples and fellow suppliers.
Here’s a little more about how to find and add your badge:
Where do I find my Bridebook badge?
Your badge is waiting for you in your Bridebook Business account. Simply head to business.bridebook.co.uk, login to your account and select ‘Profile Settings and badges’.
Which badge should I use?
We would recommend using the third badge given that it’s small, link-filled and definitely packs a bright blue Bridebook punch!
However, you have three badges to choose from (lucky you!) and the choice is completely yours. Whether you choose to use one badge or all three, we are happy for you to edit and share them all.
Where should I add my badge?
That is once again up to you! We would recommend sharing the badge proudly on your homepage, but alternatively, if you have a page specifically about weddings that would be great too.
How do I add my Bridebook Badge to my website?
Select the badge you wish to use.
Add your business name to the text box provided and your badge will be ready to integrate into your website faster than you can say ‘wedding booking’!
Select ‘copy to clipboard
Paste the code directly into your webpage’s HTML code.
Sound confusing? Not to worry! You can either contact us at [email protected] OR ask your website developer for a quick helping hand.
How do I add my Bridebook Badge to my email signature?
Copy the second badge image.
Go to your email settings, and paste the image into your signature text box.
Highlight the image and select ‘add link’.
Choose either your bridebook profile url or the bridebook.co.uk url and paste the url into the web address link box.
Select save and you’re good to go.
Over to you!
To update your Bridebook profile and get your brand new badge, login to your Business Account HERE.
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and marketing your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions about your Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on suppliers.bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
It’s fair to say that technology and digital innovation has already changed pretty much every industry in some way, and the wedding industry is no exception.
Sure, we can blame ‘the rise of online’ for the outlandish requests we receive as wedding suppliers (I’d like a unicorn, please) or we can accept the challenges and opportunities it presents for us to develop our business, offer something new and drive the UK wedding industry to the next level.
Millennial couples today are presented with an abundance of choice when it comes to perusing wedding venues, photographers and themes (to name a few), and limitless information sharing between couples and wedding suppliers online opens us all up to the latest (and often most outlandish) trends that people are indulging in all around the world.
For couples, the pressure to achieve wedding perfection has intensified as a result of what is shared online because they can see what others have achieved on their big day and naturally, these ‘budget-less’ wedding ideals affect their own wedding expectations.
We seem to exist in a world of ‘wedding extremes’ more than ever before.
On the one hand, we have ‘the spenders’ who’re looking to compete with celebrity-esque wedding ideals. They want the great wall of white flowers showcased at Kim Kardashian’s wedding and the hair and makeup modelled by Michelle Keegan on her big day. On the other hand, we have ‘the savers’ who are rebelling against the idea that you have to spend a year’s’ salary to achieve your dream wedding. These guys aim to create a super modest, stripped back and trendy, low-key day.
It’s fair to say that the wedding industry is a great example of an industry in transition, spurred on by digital advancements and our natural, human responses to them as soon-to-be brides and grooms, and as suppliers too.
Many wedding venues and suppliers are embracing this change and are responding favourably to how the digital revolution has influenced how brides find inspiration, how couples find a venue, and how local wedding suppliers connect and communicate with each other and with newly (and even soon-to-be) engaged couples.
Here are 4 key areas of the wedding industry that we’ve identified as ‘in transition’ and which we think deserve our attention as wedding suppliers of tomorrow.
1.Are Couples expecting more because of social media?
In the experience of one of our very own ‘Bridebook’ bride-to-be’s, a discrepancy exists between what couples want from their wedding day based on what they find on social media, and what they can actually get from UK venues and suppliers.
This particular bride to be has been frantically saving pins and posts, and requesting decorations, tableware and dresses from UK wedding suppliers when to her dismay, she discovered that those products only existed in the US at present!
Increased social engagement from across the pond and the use of idea board tools (such as Pinterest) means that UK suppliers face increased pressure to stay innovative on a global level, and it helps to have an eye for trends that seem to be taking off before you’re even asked to cater to them.
Wedding suppliers have to get better at keeping up to date with wedding innovations and quicker at realising change and being able to deliver what couples of 2017 and beyond demand.
It is essential that suppliers are ‘present’ online in terms of advertising their services and monitoring trends. Social media is here to stay and we predict that it will only become more impactful for the wedding industry. Wedding venues in particular (but all suppliers in general) should invest in expert photography and post high-quality images to showcase their products or services online and to help garner greater interest from inspiration seekers.
Image pinning platform Pinterest commissioned a study in February 2017 which found that over 40 million people still “turn to Pinterest for guidance across the wedding planner journey” every year. This Pinterest study also states that 81% of engaged Pinners start planning their wedding on Pinterest before they’re even engaged.
This is proof that focusing your efforts on the ‘engagement’ stage of the client attraction funnel is key, and that if you grab the attention of people in this early ‘ideation’ stage you’re much more likely to convert them into bookings later on in the wedding planning process.
Being noticeable on Pinterest and Instagram, in particular, is proven to sell products in the longer term and garner attention from couples in the inspiration stage.
For further guidance on social growth, visit Bridebook Business Live on YouTube to find out how Bridebook.co.uk grew to 350,000 social media followers in just 12 months!
2.Innovative wedding venues
When our very own Bridebook Bride was planning her wedding, she drove for 35 hours around France to visit 11 venues within 5 days. But what if the venues she’d planned to visit had offered a detailed online look at their building and grounds? She would have been able to spend more quality time looking around a couple of shortlisted wedding venues and with greater intent to place a booking.
Websites with better quality galleries and a larger selection of images of their wedding venue will, of course, impress more couples than those which cannot offer a high quality first and second look during the decision-making stage.
In 2017 and beyond, it is essential that couples can peruse your venue easily, in a detailed fashion and from the comfort of their own home. Couples today will shortlist venues to view and make booking decisions based on what can be discovered and viewed online.
Over the next few years, more and more venue finder tools will exist online and if you fail to secure a presence you’ll fail to be discovered by couples and will, therefore, fail to receive bookings. Featuring your wedding venue on Bridebook is free and can help you get discovered and increase your business leads.
Beyond this, super savvy wedding venues like Brookfield Barn in West Sussex have begun to offer immersive online experiences that enable couples to take 3D virtual reality tours of their venue – helping both in the decision making process and in helping couples to organise their wedding online post-booking.
Imagine how much of a selling point it is for busy couples to be able to show their florist exactly where they’d like certain flowers positioned, digitally, saving all parties concerned a trip to the venue, and preventing wedding venue staff from having to take the time to accompany individuals around their building and grounds. This kind of digital-experiential wedding planning signals the future for the global wedding industry, not just the UK.
3. Live streaming
Many couples are also choosing to live stream their wedding day using tools such as Periscope and Facebook Live – enabling them to share footage of their big day in real time with those who couldn’t make it.
Wedding venues, in particular, should make the most of this trend and ensure that they have a social presence online; advertising the appropriate #hashtag or @handle to enable couples to tag them in live wedding day footage.
This is one of the quickest and easiest ways in which venues can add valuable media footage to their portfolio. It works as free advertising for the wedding venue in question; showing other engaged couples what a wedding at their venue could look like in reality.
4.The latest in wedding photography and videography
Gone are the days of digital cameras on dinner tables. Now the vast majority of couples will engage a professional photographer to capture their entire wedding day at an average cost of around £1,211.
Couples are placing greater importance on capturing their big day in style and are investing more time (and often money) in selecting the right wedding photographer AND videographer.
Do you specialise in both photography and videography?
If you specialise in one or the other, you may want to consider expanding, partnering with another supplier or upskilling to include both as an option in your product portfolio. Videography is fast becoming a wedding standard of the future, and if couples can select one supplier that offers both services at an improved package price, you’ll stand out in the online crowd.
Something you can also expect to be asked more frequently in 2017 and beyond is whether you provide the option to shoot using a drone. Yes, wedding drones! They’re really ‘taking off’ as a photography must-have in the weddings of tomorrow because couples are increasingly keen on having aerial videos and photos of all of their guests with their venue in the background.
In the world of ‘image capturing,’ it is also worth considering the fact that wedding guests will also be acting as amateur photographers on your client’s big day, and organising digital photographs can be an arduous job for happy couples to face.
You could take your business one step further and depending on your budget and resource, consider offering photo montage services or even developing your own app similar to WedPics, that enables your client’s guests to upload all of their photos in one place. Offering automated ways for your clients to collect, organise and publish their pictures will put your business at a huge advantage in the wedding industry of tomorrow.
Are we in the midst of a Wedding Industry Revolution?
Absolutely, and it’s such an exciting time to exist in the UK wedding industry.
As with all businesses in all industries, those who fail to innovate and keep a finger on the pulse where the latest trends are concerned will struggle to compete for bookings over the coming years.
Be aware of what changes are happening around you because, in the fast-paced world of online, today’s news is tomorrow’s lesson.
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and market your wedding business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Keep your Bridebook profile up to date and relevant by logging in and editing your Business Account HERE. Once updated, you will instantly increase your profile searchability and are able to connect with our community of 40,000 couples. In short, spend a little time adding photos, videos, and information you love about your business now, and benefit later!
Welcome to this week’s Supplier Story! ‘Supplier Stories’ is an original Bridebook Business article series, where we go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
So whether this is your first story or 10th, enjoy as we look into the industry as a whole, and celebrate a true story in itself! Who says couples have all the fun?
Ashridge House’s Story:
This week we’re talking to Katie Hurrell, Senior Business Development Executive in Wedding & Events for the gorgeous Ashridge House. With a history stretching back to 1283, the dramatic design of the house and the immaculate grounds, make it a popular choice for couples who are looking for that wow-factor. As a result, the Ashridge House team has developed a keen understanding of what modern couples need and how to manage every aspect of a country house wedding.
So without further ado, Katie over to you!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
We are an established private business school and conference centre that opens and welcomes happy couples for weekend weddings.
2. Share the story of Ashridge House?
Steeped in history and nestled in a 190 acre estate in the Hertfordshire countryside, Ashridge House is the perfect setting for weddings whatever the season.
Our spectacular Grade I listed country house has a fascinating history spanning over 730 years. It started life in 1283 as a Benedictine monastery, and following the Dissolution it became a royal residence for the children of King Henry VIII. It then passed into the hands of the Egertons who became the Dukes and Earls of Bridgewater. This rather formidable and well-connected family retained ownership until after the First World War, when it became The Bonar Law College. Today the world-renowned Hult International Business School and Ashridge Executive Education call it home.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
The venue is so beautiful and unique, and as we have a chapel on-site some of our staff chose to get married here. The idea of going out to the public was driven by the enthusiastic and talented members of our Food & Beverage team.
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
A lot of people, we find, want to create their own day with different suppliers for styles of food service and entertainment, including some very unique ideas. As a result, we find there is a need to adapt our traditional all-inclusive package to accommodate the needs of ever more creative couples.
5. What wedding venue trends are you seeing in the industry?
There are a lot of enquiries for less formal meals (i.e. not a 3 course sit down), including canapés only, food stations, buffets, hog roasts etc. DIY finishing touches, Chiavari chairs and cocktail stations are a few other unusual touches that are becoming more popular.
6. What is the biggest challenge you face on the wedding day itself?
Ensuring that everything runs on time!
7. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
The likes of Pinterest and other social media platforms are really helping people develop a clear vision of what they want for their big day with endless possibilities.
8. What has been your biggest time saver this year?
Ensuring that the website and directories have as much as information as possible so that couples can match their requirements with ours even before they contact us.
9. How do reviews affect the industry?
I think that a lot of people look to reviews on online directories or via word of mouth prior to going ahead. This is very important for us too – as a hidden gem, reviews really do draw people in.
10. How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
A couple can meet with their allocated coordinator as many times as they would like to in the lead-up to the big day. They can be in constant contact so that they can talk through ideas, budgets, logistics and so on whenever they need to. We ensure that there are three meetings on-site (6 months prior, 3 months’ prior (for the menu tasting) and 6 weeks’ prior (to go over logistics). The meetings with the coordinator is a friendly, safe place to discuss ideas with no judgement. A lot of our couples do gain really great relationships with their coordinator whereby trust is built in the lead-up to the big day. This helps the couples to relax on the big day, knowing that their expectations and needs for the day will be exceeded.
11. What do you think makes Ashridge House unique?
It is an extremely unique venue, with thousands of excellent photo opportunities. We really are a hidden gem, and couples can get a sense of that atmosphere instantly on arrival due to the calm environment – this really feels like your castle for the day. We pride ourselves on service and are constantly receiving comments on how friendly the staff are and how they will all go above and beyond to ensure the day is perfect for the couple. The food is all done in-house by our team of creative chefs, and our traditional British menu is impressive in terms of both variety and quality. Our coordinators really are with couples every step of the way and will do everything they can to make the planning process stress-free. If a supplier is running late or has a problem, the coordinator will be on hand straight away so that the couple will not even have to know about the delay or misplaced suppliers!
12. What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
An understanding (from the venue and other suppliers) of exactly what the couple want from their big day.
13. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
In February this year, we hosted a wedding that had been booked three years in advanced. The whole time we knew the bride – she would joke about how she wanted a white wedding. On the morning of the wedding, we had a substantial snowfall! The photos were beautiful and there was no snow to be seen the day before or prior – it was a complete dream come true!
14. What do you love about Bridebook?
We love the useful shortlist, the clear layout of the Bridebook profiles and how the site truly is a one-stop shop for couples.
A huge thank you to Katie for sharing her Supplier Story. Check out the beautiful Ashridge House in their Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
OMG. If you’re reading this article, your wedding day must be close… How exciting! But that also means it’s time to make sure absolutely everything is in place. Now, every wedding is unique so we can’t guarantee that this list is exhaustive – but with these key tasks ticked off, you’ll definitely be in a great position.
1. Give Your Guest List A Once Over
Do one last guest list check. Are all your RSVPs in? Did you catch all the +1s and dietary requirements? Do you need to make any last-minute changes to the seating plan? If so, now’s the time to make those changes and send a completely up-to-date guest list to your venue.
2. Wardrobe Checks
If you’ve purchased your outfits, it’s dress rehearsal time. Get the wedding party together (including you and your partner) and make sure everyone’s outfits are just right. If you’re renting any aspect of your wedding outfit, make sure to finalise the date and time for pickup and collection. Now’s also the time for any last hair appointments, beauty treatments and so on. Don’t forget to put your shoes through their paces to make sure they’re broken in before your big day. And always pack an extra shirt!
3. Pin Down The Details
Contact all your suppliers to confirm all the details, including timings and locations. Now’s the time to give them clear directions to your wedding venue too – you don’t want to be fielding calls on your big day! Make sure you tick off the following:
Officiant – arrival time, details of any personalised vows
Photographer – arrival time, shot list
Videographer – arrival time, shot list
Cakemaker – arrival time (likely the day before), storage arrangements
Caterer – arrival time, menu, serving times
Transport – pickup and dropoff times, locations
Entertainment – arrival time, timings
Band or DJ – arrival time, timings, first dance song, set list
Hair and makeup – arrival time
Once you’ve confirmed with all your suppliers, make one last call to your venue to make sure they know everything that’s going on too.
4. Speech, Speech!
Give your vows and speeches one last read through and make sure you’re 100% happy with them. Give yourself a day or two to get familiar with any edits you make – and set aside some time to do a practice run in the bathroom mirror!
5. In Case Of Emergencies…
A few days in advance of your wedding, put together an emergency kit of wedding-day must-haves. This will be personal to you and your partner but might include items like deodorant, safety pins, plasters, a hairbrush or comb, wet wipes, a travel sewing kit… It might seem like overkill but we can guarantee you’ll be glad to have it on the day!
Now don’t get us wrong – you may well have a lot more to do than that! There are decorations to organise, rehearsal dinners to host, place settings to write… But make sure you’ve covered this in the week or two leading up to your wedding and it’ll be much smoother sailing.
Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s leading wedding planning website and app, has broken down the costs of the most hotly anticipated wedding of 2017. Whilst the average UK wedding costs £16,842 in 2017, Pippa Middleton’s wedding will cost almost 15 times as much at £246,949 ($320,113 USD, €292,699 EUR). There will be 4,333 other weddings happening in the UK on Saturday 20th May, but Pippa and James’ will certainly be the most talked about, and likely to be the most expensive.
Here is the breakdown of the cost of Pippa Middleton’s Wedding:
Venue/Marquee – £65,000: Being hosted at the Middleton’s family home, with over 350 guests expected, a super-sized luxury marquee is needed as the venue. A luxury 350-person marquee will start at £25,000 but can easily go much higher. With the unreliable British weather in May, a wet weather solution for the drinks reception will also be needed, requiring another marquee, plus a fully-equipped catering tent boosting the price. The average UK wedding venue cost is just £5,819 in comparison.
Catering – £70,000: The top luxury London caterers will charge over £170 per guest for catering including all food, chefs and staffing, glassware and crockery hire, and linen hire. A marquee wedding requires an extra level of staffing compared to a permanent venue, which will increase Pippa’s catering costs to around £200 per guest, and will comprise the largest cost of the wedding. Luxury wedding caterers, The Admirable Crichton, who hold the Royal Warrant for HRH The Prince of Wales for catering excellence, are likely to be the caterers for the wedding. With over 2,000 canapes and at least 15 chefs required, it will be a busy day for them.
Dress – £10,000: Giles Deacon is rumoured to be the designer of Pippa’s bespoke designer dress. Giles previously designed Abbey Clancy’s stunning wedding dress for her marriage to England footballer Peter Crouch which cost £10,000.
Floristry – £16,000: Marquees always require a lot more floristry and decoration than a venue, so luxury florists Lavender Green, the florists for the day, will have their work cut out. On top of this, the wedding florist will include the flowers for the church, plus the bouquet and more. With the wedding hosted in the Middleton’s rustic garden, with wild flower meadows and in-bloom purple rhododendrons, expect tall overflowing centrepieces fusing the marquee with the garden. Elaborate table-centres can cost £300 each alone, so with 35 round tables for the guests, the cost can easily stack up.
Drinks – £17,720: We expect around 233 bottles of champagne alone will be drunk to keep the guests topped up during the drinks reception and speeches. This champagne will cost around £9,320, on top of which will be fine wines for the wedding breakfast and open-bar cocktails for the evening.
Photography – £3,500: Hiring one of the top wedding photographers, including a gorgeous album, will cost around £3,500. Dorset-based Millie Pilkington, the private wedding photographer for William and Kate’s wedding, is most likely to be the person behind the lens.
Videography – £4,000: Without the world’s media filming every moment like her sister’s wedding, Pippa will likely have a videographer there to capture the day’s special moments. Luxury videographers have teams of cameramen to capture all angles, plus usually a drone or two.
Cake – £2,600: A stunningly-decorated cake from a top cake maker will start from £2,600 and need to be six-tiers to give a slice to each of the 350 guests. The cakemaker is thought to be luxury London-based Domino Purchas or local-Berkshire based top baker Rosalind Miller.
Stationery – £5,125: The wedding will require a number of stationery elements including save-the-dates, the invitation, the Order of Service, the menus, and the stamps! Invitations from a top stationer will cost around £11 each before the other items are included. Mount Street Printers are said to be the chosen stationer.
Music – £6,750: From bell ringers and the organist and choirs in the church, to relaxed acoustic musicians for the drinks reception and a top wedding band and DJ for the party, music will be the centre of the entertainment. A top London 6-piece wedding band will cost over £4,250 with everyone else on top.
Wedding Rings – £19,900: Rumoured best man Spencer Matthews better not make the expensive mistake of forgetting the rings. With their wedding rings said to be from Cartier, a diamond encrusted wedding ring for Pippa will cost £15,500 whilst a platinum band for James would be £1440.
Bridesmaids Outfits – £2,250: Whilst the bridesmaid’s dress Pippa shone in at the Royal wedding cost over £2,000, the average cost of a designer bridesmaids dress is £750. The average number of bridesmaids a bride in the UK has is 3.4, so we are assuming Pippa will have 3 bridesmaids.
Flower Girls and Page Boys Outfits – £1,698: With Prince George and Princess Charlotte due to be centre stage as flower girls and page boys, Nicki Macfarlane, who provided the flower girl outfits for the Royal wedding, will likely be back on hand. A page boy outfit will cost around £226 each, and flower girl dresses £340.
Church Fees – £456: Pippa and James will need to pay the church their marriage fees, but whilst this is the most important part of the marriage, it has one of the smallest price tags.
Decoration and Production – £6,000: For spectacular lighting and production throughout the grounds surrounding the marquee and inside the marquee itself, a top London agency will likely be taking on the job of adding the absolute wow-factor. From bar hire to amazing dance floors, production is key to transforming the blank-canvas of a marquee into something truly jaw-dropping.
Groomswear – £6,050: Dashing groom-to-be James Matthews is likely to be wearing a bespoke tailor made tailcoat, waistcoat and trousers from one of London’s top Saville Row tailors. A bespoke tailcoat from a top tailor will cost around £4400 alone.
Hair and Makeup – £1,700: No doubt a top team will be on hand to ensure Pippa and the whole bridal party will be looking absolutely radiant. Hannah Martin of Bobbi Brown and Richard Ward, who also did Kate’s wedding makeup and hair for the Royal Wedding, are the top choices.
Veil – £2,000: Celebrity milliner Stephen Jones is rumoured to be the designer of Pippa’s bespoke veil, which will doubtlessly have incredible attention to detail.
Entertainers – £1,500: Whilst guests taking photos is expected to not be allowed at the wedding, a photobooth will be an ideal opportunity to capture the guests at their best. Luxury children’s entertainers, like London’s based Sharky+George who did the Royal wedding, are expected to be on hand to give parents, like William and Kate, the night off.
Music – £6,750: From bell ringers and the organist and choirs in the church, to relaxed acoustic musicians for the drinks reception and a top wedding band and DJ for the party, music will be the centre of the entertainment.“The Rumours” led by Pips Taylor, who are regulars on the society festival scene, are said to be DJ’ing the event.A top London 6-piece wedding band will cost over £4,250 with everyone else on top.
Wedding Favours – £700: These lovely little gifts for every wedding guest should not break the bank. We expect something low-key and personal, such as a small jar of local honey considering the wild flower meadows that fill the Middletons’ garden.
Transport – Free: With James being a previous racing driver, we are confident he has a few friends who can lend him a stunning car to drive himself and Pippa, as a happily married couple for the first time, from the church to the reception, just like Prince William did.
and finally…
‘Luxury Facilities’ – £4,000: Don’t forget the toilets! With this marquee wedding the luxury toilets that will need to be on hand are unlikely to be the plastic boxes we are used to seeing at festivals. Imagine luxurious bathrooms with gorgeous soaps and fresh linen hand towels. For 350 guests, top end mobile toilets will cost £4000.
The above figures have been calculated following an analysis of over 170,000 weddings viaBridebook.co.uk‘s wedding planning tools andbudget calculator, and a review of over 70,000wedding industry suppliers’ price estimates listed on Bridebook.co.uk’s wedding venue and supplier directory. Bridebook.co.uk is currently being used by 1 in 5 UK couples planning their wedding, and therefore has an unparalleled understanding of the wedding planning process, as well as relationships with brides and wedding industry suppliers across the country.
Hamish Shephard, founder of Bridebook.co.uk, says: “The whole world will be watching Pippa and James tie the knot on 20th May. The international media will turn their attention to the British wedding industry, which is exciting for all suppliers at every level. We believe Pippa has purposefully chosen to work with a number of superb British brands for her big day, helping to support them and showcase how brilliantly the English ‘do weddings’, with so many talented people working in our industry.”
“Weddings have become increasingly lavish over recent years mainly due to couples getting married when they are older, and hence being able to spend more, and social media raising everyone’s expectations of a wedding. Couples don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands to have an incredible day, today’s savvy couples find ways to save on average £10,147 on their big day so get very happily married without breaking the bank. With the month of May being outside the expensive peak summer wedding months, even Pippa and James will have likely had some discounts from their suppliers. ”
“Traditionally the bride’s parents would pay for the whole wedding, however this is only the case in 23% of weddings now, so it is likely both the couple themselves and the groom’s parents are contributing, so Carole and Michael Middleton can breathe easy.”
“It’s not only the couple who are spending, the guests will likely be spending a total of £67,485 to attend too. According to our latest Bridebook.co.uk survey, the average cost of a couple attending a wedding this summer is £385.63 (including gifts, accommodation, transport and fashion) and with Royal guests it is likely to be far higher for this wedding too.”
Although the Middleton wedding exceeds six figures, the other 4333 brides tying the knot that same day are likely to be spending substantially less. In comparison,the Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Report 2017 found the average costs for a UK wedding to be as follows:
Bridebook.co.uk is the UK’s leading wedding planning platform with over 40,000 couples currently planning their weddings on the website and app.
Launched in 2016, Bridebook.co.uk‘s state-of-the-art wedding planning toolkit with personalised Wedding Checklist,Wedding Budgeter and Wedding Guestlist Manager, enables couples to plan their entire wedding from any device, anytime, anywhere, all in one place…for free. With over 70,000 wedding venues and suppliers in its directory, Bridebook.co.uk increases the digital presence of industry professionals and connects them directly with local couples. Bridebook.co.uk has also partnered with leading experts such as Mary Berry, Bobbi Brown and Jimmy Choo to provide genuine expert advice and inspiration to its couples. Bridebook.co.uk was founded by Hamish Shephard, an industry professional and recently married groom who used Bridebook.co.uk to plan his own May 2016 wedding. Visit Bridebook.co.uk online and the Bridebook.co.uk App on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
We all need a helping hand from time to time, especially in the wedding industry. Our days can be filled with endless emails, constant phone calls and running around like crazy people in-between. But, what is built from that hard work (and those long hours) is the understanding that we are all working together to make two people have the happiest day of their lives. (Not many people can say that they do that for a living can they?)
So Bridebook Business is here to support and help you through the madness and today we’re sharing these 9 amazing tools that will help you: keep you up to date, on track and grow your wedding business (we definitely couldn’t get through the day without them).
Get Feedback. Set up a quick and easy feedback survey now for show rounds or meetings that don’t result in bookings. You will find out the reasons why you weren’t booked and this will revolutionise your business.
Stay focused. Download this and you will receive a weekly email showing you where you have been spending your time but most importantly, where you have been wasting it. No more hiding.
Clear inbox. De-clutter your inbox (and your mind) with this auto-unsubscriber. It rids you of those unwanted newsletters and spam in a single click and keeps your emails relevant and informative.
Faster internet. With over 200 million downloads, and being the most popular Google Crome extension, this is a tech must. Never see an annoying advert again on the web or Youtube and instantly speed up your internet much faster.
Stop internal emails. Slack is WhatsApp for work. It allows you to connect with your team or fellow suppliers, both on desktop and app, in a quick and orderly way. Keep your inbox clear and focused for enquiries. We use Slack here at Bridebook. We have no internal emails and a much better communication system.
Get things done. Weddings are all about teamwork and monday.com allows you to collaborate, delegate and work in sync on tasks that matter. Just like Bridebook’s Wedding Checklist which allows couples to do the same.
Track your marketing. Bit.ly is a clever link shortener that provides free analytical insights into your marketing tactics. Sharing a link on social media? Use a bit.ly link and see exactly how many clicks it received and what time and from where
Make beautiful imagery. Who said you need a designer? Canva allows you to quickly and (very) easily create stunning designs and imagery yourself with easy drag-and-drop templates. Make your social media standout and shine!
Grow your wedding business. Personalise your Bridebook Business Profile with the things you love about your business and let us market and showcase it to over 40,000 couples across the UK. Couples can search based on their location preference, budget and capacity, saving you time and making sure that the enquiries you receive are the most relevant to your business. And best of all? It’s free (and it’s brilliant – but we are a little biased).
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and market your wedding business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Keep your Bridebook profile up to date and relevant by logging in and editing your Business Account HERE. Once updated, you will instantly increase your profile searchability and are able to connect with our community of 40,000 couples. In short, spend a little time adding photos, videos, and information you love about your business now, and benefit later!
With your Guest List sorted and your invitations sent out, you might think you’re out of the woods. No more arguments about whether or not Cousin Penny’s new partner makes the cut? You’re sorted… Right?
Well, not quite. We hate to break it to you, but once the RSVPs start to come flooding in, you’ll have another challenge to face: creating your wedding seating plan.
What’s The Best Way To Seat Guests At Your Wedding?
We know it’s not the answer you want, but all we can say is… It depends! What vibe are you going for? If you want to create a more relaxed atmosphere, long rectangular tables can be a good option as they allow guests to chat more easily. On the other hand, you could opt for traditional round table plan, which work especially well if your Guest List is divided into clear groups – or if you want to encourage guests to mix.
How Should You Decide Where To Seat Guests At Your Wedding Table Plan?
Whatever table layout you’re going for, we recommend seating guests according to your relationship with them. There’s no “one size fits all” here, but working through this list from “nearest to top table” to “furthest from top table” is a great place to start.
1. The Top Table
Start off with the top table, which is usually a long table facing the rest of the guests. Here, you’ll find you and your partner, along with your parents and the very closest members of your wedding party (the best man or woman, maid or man of honour, or similar).
2. Immediate Family
Any immediate family should be sat at the table nearest to you and your partner – most likely your siblings, if you have them.
3. The Wedding Party
Any bridesmaids, ushers or other members of your wedding party should also be prioritised for a seat near the top table.
4. Extended Family
Next up is your extended family: your grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins. If any of your other relatives have travelled especially far to be at your wedding, consider including them here too.
5. Close Friends
Any close friends who didn’t make your wedding party come in around the same place as your extended family.
6. Friends
Look, you shouldn’t usually rank your friends… But you might have to make an exception! The A List are in your wedding party and we’ve just dealt with the B List, so this is the C List – plus any acquaintances or friends of your parents you felt obligated to invite!
7. Colleagues
If you’ve invited your colleagues, it tends to be a good idea to put them all on the same table as they may not know many of your other guests. If you’re super close to your colleagues, bump them up to sit somewhere between your “close friends” and “regular friends”. But for most people, colleagues come in last place.
Welcome to this week’s Supplier Story! ‘Supplier Stories’ are an original Bridebook Business article series, where we go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
So whether this is your first story or 10th, enjoy as we look into the industry as a whole, and celebrate a true story in itself! Who says couples have all the fun?
The Vintage House That Could’s Story:
This week we’re shining the spotlight on the brilliant Katie Sutton from The Vintage House That Could. Katie uses her inspired imagination, incredible artistry and a thorough knowledge of her clients to create bespoke, fun and quirky styling for every wedding she does. Her work has led her to be nominated for the Amara Interior Blog Awards, and she has been featured on Rock My Wedding and in Vogue.
So without further ado, Katie over to you!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello! I am Katie and I am 41, a proud mummy of two lovely children, aged 16 and 11, and the wife of a very understanding and helpful-up-a-ladder husband. We live in Leicestershire with our sausage dog Slinky in the real Vintage House That Could.
2. Share your story?
I trained as a children’s illustrator many years ago and then spent 17 years as an art teacher, and then assistant head in a secondary school. I have always had a love for vintage and have spent many a happy hour trawling vintage fairs and car boots to style our home. People took an interest in my interior styling which led to styling events – which I absolutely love – and here we are today! I left my full-time teaching post in July 2016 and haven’t looked back.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
As with many stylists, I first realised the huge need for my services after I planned and styled our own wedding 3 years ago. Although a DIY wedding is fantastic, it can be a huge stress and stopped me from enjoying fully the run up to our big day. I knew that if I could help other people to enjoy a relaxed day and allow me to do all the work for them then I would be happy.
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
For me, I think that many couples can be too inspired! Pinterest is a wonderful tool but it can hinder the process and give people unrealistic ideas, especially when it comes to budgets.
5. What trends are you seeing in the industry?
There is still a huge trend for tropical vibes and botanicals, which I don’t see going away anytime soon. I am more than happy with this as I love using hanging baskets and lots of greenery in my styling.
6. What is the biggest challenge you face on the wedding day itself?
I am much happier if I can get into the venue the day before the wedding and do the majority of my decoration then. I can then go to bed happy that most of the work is done (not that I sleep)! My biggest challenge is time and how little some venues are willing to give me.
7. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
I love technology and how it can bring suppliers and clients together. My Instagram account has been an amazing resource for bringing in new leads and sharing with others the work that I am doing. Couples sharing their weddings on social media is also brill.
8. What has been your biggest time saver this year?
I am a big list writer and spend Sunday nights planning out my coming week. I try to schedule something on each day and leading up to a wedding I schedule every last detail.
9. How do blogs affect the industry?
I think wedding blogs are a great source of inspiration and obviously getting featured on a blog can be massively helpful for your business. I think the only downside to seeing so much online is that it’s very difficult to keep coming up with new and original ideas.
10. How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I meet my couples at the venue firstly and before going into wedding details I try and encourage them to tell me lots about themselves: hobbies, interests, hates! I always try and include something specific to them in the styling so that it is truly unique to them as a couple. After the initial meeting, I produce a Pinterest board for them and encourage them to keep adding to it during the planning process so that I am really getting their true ideas.
11. What do you think makes The Vintage House That Could unique?
I think TVHTC is unique because every wedding is unique. I don’t have a styling package; I don’t hire out my props to other companies so you can be sure that what I source for your wedding is special to you. No two weddings are the same and I treat every event individually. I like to think that clients can see from my website and social media that I truly love what I do and that if something isn’t beautiful then I won’t use it. If I have to go to the other end of the country to find a piece then I will!
12. What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Every wedding is perfect in its own way because essentially it’s just about love. However, a wedding that is full special detail will have your guests talking for years to come. Our own guests still tell me that our wedding was the best they had ever been to. Why? Because we strayed from tradition: no speeches, no seating plan and everyone was so relaxed – although maybe the Strawberry Vodka favours had something to do with that!
13. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
Walking down the aisle to Bruno Mars ‘Marry You’ with my dad and trying very hard not to cry.
14. What do you love about Bridebook?
I wish I had Bridebook when I got married rather than just aimlessly googling! Everything in one place and so easy to use. There are some really cool suppliers too.
A huge thank you to Katie for sharing her Supplier Story. Check out The Vintage House That Could’s amazing styling in her Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
If you’re married or have your wedding date booked, you’ll have a good idea of exactly how much is involved in preparing for a wedding. Bridebook.co.uk – the UK’s no. 1 wedding planning app, -recently found that millennial couples are getting married later in life, which means paying the bill themselves and taking on more wedding planning responsibilities!
However, Harry and Meghan are not your average millennial couple. The groom and bride-to-be won’t be enlisting the help of friends to make bunting on a Friday night, and Harry won’t be playing supermarket sweep to get the best drink deals for the wedding party to enjoy.
But with great power comes great responsibility, and while they have all the help in the world, Harry and Meghan are under serious pressure to make sure that they throw the wedding of the decade.
With less than one month to go until the Royal Wedding of 2018, let’s take a look at what the soon-to-be newlyweds should be up to…
1. Attend the final dress fitting
Meghan should have a date with the dress sometime this week.
She’ll wear the underwear and shoes she’s picked out for the big day to ensure that her bespoke wedding gown fits perfectly in every way and looks seamless from all angles.
We predict that Meghan will opt for something sleek, classic and romantic. Stay tuned… the dress will soon be revealed! Eeek!
2. Write the wedding speech
Most grooms won’t have started their wedding speech by the ‘one month to go’ point. When you have a Stag Do to survive, it simply doesn’t make sense to start preparing a speech before you’re in the clear.
However, we’re sure Harry has now started to pull together and formalise ideas for his wedding speech. Possibly with the help of William and his father, seeing as they’ve both already survived their royal wedding toasts.
Don’t worry Harry. You’re only expecting around 600 guests at the private evening reception!
This is where Royal status comes in handy. Finalising those on-the-day wedding coordination details and confirming final details with wedding suppliers is something Meghan and Harry won’t have to worry about first hand.
As well as confirming organisational details such as arrival times and setup locations, the Royal Wedding Planner will need to confirm must-have shots with the photographer and videographer and send the venue and caterer the final guest headcount.
4. Finalise guest list and seating plan
If we were invited to attend the royal wedding, we wouldn’t need chasing for an RSVP. But because of Meghan and Harry’s royally impressive guest list, they will need to conduct a final chase of any ‘maybe’ RSVPs to ensure that all attendees are accounted for.
The couple will then need to finalise the seating plan with their wedding planner.
5. Pack for their honeymoon
Once all the organising is over, it’s time to pack for the expected £120,000 honeymoon – one of the more enjoyable ‘last minute’ wedding prep tasks.
Don’t forget to roll your Hawaiian shirts Harry – saves on space and reduces ironing.
Have you set up your own personalised wedding checklist?
If you’re in the throes of wedding planning, we advise you to start your wedding checklist – whether you’ve enlisted the support of a wedding planner or are doing everything yourself.
Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s number one, free wedding planning app, provides couples with a free wedding countdown checklist to ensure you never miss a single wedding planning action.
Set up a free account today and enjoy the many benefits of becoming a Bridebook bride or groom. Our advice section will help you plan the best day of your life while you search thousands of UK wedding suppliers in your local area, completely free.
Who needs a royal entourage when you’ve got a royally great wedding planning app?
Looking for a wedding venue that will leave your guests speechless and melt your heart? Barns are incredibly versatile and they come in all shapes and sizes – from charming and rustic to suave and modern. And they always look good when decked out in fairy lights! Today, Bridebook.co.uk shines a spotlight on 38 beautiful barn venues across counties in the South East, including Kent, Surrey, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and more (if that’s a bit far for you don’t worry, we’ll be covering your region soon!).
Have a look through, click the links to find out more and message any that you like the look of on their Bridebook profile. And don’t forget that if you’re looking for barns in your area, you can find them all by going to our Wedding Venue Search and choosing “Barn” in your filters. Click here to see all the barn wedding venues in the UK. Have fun on your search and happy planning!
Historic Preston Court is a 600-acre private estate and farm offering three exceptionally unique spaces for your wedding celebration, including its enchanting 17th-century barn. With unique features such as a carousel, a magical moated island and farm animals – Preston Court has everything you could wish for and more for a magical wedding day and reception.
Whether you are planning an intimate civil ceremony, or a more lavish, opulent reception, Winters Barns offers an awe-inspiring, multi-functional space which you can freely decorate as you wish. Their belief that weddings should remain private means that this romantic setting is exclusively yours for your special day.
Set in the rolling hills of the Kent countryside, The Barnyard is the perfect backdrop for lovers of peace, tranquillity and privacy. Home to both a beautiful old barn conversion, as well as a truly luxurious grand marquee, you have the luxury of choice at The Barnyard.
Inspired by the surrounding country feel, this building has been cleverly converted to blend old oak beams with versatile modern facilities and its enchanting contemporary walled garden is somewhere to enjoy both privacy and tranquillity. There is a wonderful intimacy about Bury Court Barn that provides the atmosphere for a truly special wedding.
The beautiful oak-timbered 19th-century Fison Barn, and its secluded courtyard provides a unique and picturesque canvas for you to create your wedding day your way. The courtyard provides a wonderful backdrop for open-air blessings, reception drinks or the occasional hog-roast. And, to top it off, they even have a camping area for your guests so they can pitch up and stay the night with you. Glamping wedding anyone?
A magnificently restored historic barn beautifully located in rural Oxfordshire, and set in its own grounds near the ancient market town of Wantage, south of Oxford. The main barn consists of a majestic hall with huge barn doors opening onto the lawned courtyard. Catering is carried out in-house to a very high standard and offers a superb range of menus to suit your individual tastes.
Cooling Castle’s glorious high beamed Tithe Barn is a wonderful canvas for you to paint your own picture. The decorative choices you make whether grandiose, glamorous, sparkly, rustic, or understated, will reflect your own ideas and style. The team behind the scenes work tirelessly to make sure your day becomes a reality and if we’re honest, who doesn’t want a castle backdrop thrown in there too.
A Cotswolds Barn in a truly romantic setting, Caswell House offers a unique ambience created by a combination of stunning barns and exclusive use of the immaculate grounds. To top it all off, the Bride and Groom can enjoy the complimentary bridal suite after the festivities have ended!
Grade II listed wedding barns of different sizes for different ceremonies. Enjoy your ceremony in the cloistered garden, drink and dance in The Great Barn or the Small Barn, kick off your shoes and relax after all the dancing in the Engine House.
Millbridge Court is an idyllic rustic wedding venue with gardens that you and your guests will love, and a stunning barn, this could be the wedding venue of your dreams!
A wedding venue for all seasons, their purpose-built barn boasts stunning lakeside views and was designed with weddings in mind. Created using traditional techniques, it provides a rustic setting with integrated modern features including music system, atmospheric lighting and the option for web streaming the ceremony, meaning that no matter where in the world your family are, they can be by your side.
Your Day. Your Way. At Stratton Court Barn they offer a traditional converted barn, originally built in Cotswold stone in 1872. They pride themselves on providing a relaxed atmosphere, with an informal approach, to help you really enjoy your day. Their belief that your wedding day should reflect you, as a couple, means that you can let your imagination run wild and really create a bespoke to your day.
A 200-year-old wedding venue like no other, the barns are set in luscious landscaped gardens with hidden courtyards and tranquil lawns. As evening falls, the gardens are lit with romantic up-lights that show off the fantastic flint and log walls of the wedding barns. Here guests can gather around the relaxing Collecting Yard with its sumptuous sofas and fire pits to enjoy a truly magical evening setting; the perfect end to a perfect day.
The historic buildings of The Olde Bell, function as a village, the main Inn building for the overnight guests and locals, and the auxiliary buildings for private gatherings. The Tithe Barn is the largest of the spaces offering exposed beams, locally sources food and overnight accommodation.
Comprising of two beautifully restored interconnecting 18th century stone barns, they have been sympathetically converted to retain many of their original charm, along with the beautiful arrow slit windows, natural stone 2 foot thick walls, exposed beams and boasting two log fires. A setting that allows for a day couples will cherish for a lifetime.
Gate Street Barn is built in the traditional style using wood from oak trees lost on the farm in the 1987 hurricane. It boasts beautiful landscaped gardens and views of the working organic farm and a hobby herd of English Longhorn cattle. The dedicated team make you feel at home and support you every step of the way whilst creating your big day.
A unique 16th Century barn fronted by a large covered drinks patio and adjoined by a flower-laden pergola leading out to a large lake, beautiful gardens and woodland views.
A Traditional barn with ample romantic spots to take photos in the woodland. Open the floor to ceiling barn doors to reveal the magnificent dining area. The Starlight Barn offers a truly unique space where you and your guests can dine under the stars.
Offering a reception that seats 70 people, the 200-year-old barn is ideal for intimate weddings in a tranquil and rustic environment in the Kent countryside.
Positioned on the banks of the River Blackwater in Yateley, Hampshire, you’ll find Rivervale Barn. A wedding venue full of natural charm and elegance, built with beautiful weddings in mind. It boasts a selection of different barns to choose from for your ceremony, reception and dining – each unique and as captivating as the last and is equipped with a romantic bridge which, of course, is wedding photo shoot ready.
Rustic, elegant and simple. Dovecote Barn is a Grade II listed building, full of character and charm with exposed brickwork and oak beams. For larger wedding parties (over 100) they offer a bespoke marquee or two hat Tipi situated in one of their picturesque farm locations. The only limit to this venue is your imagination!
Feel like you’re a million miles away from anywhere as you embrace the site of the historic thatched clock sitting on top of the barn’s entrance welcoming you and all your guests into this enchanting venue. Surrounded by lush green foliage, the clock tower and detail inside the barn add unique style and pretty period charm to the countryside setting. You’ll be begging for time to stand still once you see this timeless venue.
Offering two refurbished wedding barns, one 500 years old, the other equipped with antique cartwheel chandeliers. Hire one, or both for the exclusive use of the whole estate on your special day.
The barn is set in the middle of a family farm. You will have exclusive use of the venue for up to three days and freedom to choose any supplier you wish. With views of a spectacular landscape, the only rule they have is that you respect the awe-inspiring nature you are surrounded in!
You have the choice of two 17th Century barns, one accommodating 200 guests, and for more intimate celebrations, the Barley Barn can seat 60. Include the farm animals in your photos and enjoy drinks on the manor house lawn before dancing the night away.
Say your vows in front of 80 of the most important people in your life in the most exquisite 16th Century barn. The barn at Elvey Farm Country Hotel is ideal for an intimate ceremony.
This Grade II listed barn features a handsome fireplace and Baltic pine wooden floor. Incredibly versatile and well equipped for any type of weather it is the ideal location for whatever time of year. Have the freedom to choose your own suppliers and enjoy the truly unique space and surroundings.
A magnificent barn wedding venue to celebrate in! Hidden amongst the trees of a private wooded estate is this magical blank canvas wedding venue where you and your partner can tie the knot in the most unique way, bespoke to you!
Located beneath the Selborne Hanger of the South Downs National Park, enjoy your day in the 16th Century Hampshire Barn, with glorious views over tranquil meadows. There is a fixed price all year round, so you can have your Saturday wedding in the summer for the same price as a mid-week wedding in November!
Charming flint barns in East Sussex, offering couples a beautifully unique space as a DIY venue. Hire of the barn includes porter loos, otherwise, you are free to choose any supplier and any decoration you wish!
Beautiful barns in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each of the barns are inter-connecting and open on to a beautiful flower-filled courtyard which means your guests are never too far from the celebrations. All three barns have their own individual characteristics giving your guests a surprise as they enter each barn.
Set in a region of impeccable beauty, this barn is full of character and charm. Party to music played by the DJ from the raised gallery, eat mouth-watering canapes from the in-house catering team and soak in the great atmosphere this 18th Century barn offers.
Set against the rolling South Downs, Pangdean Old Barn offers a unique setting in an 18th century Old Barn, charming courtyard, flint walled garden and working farm environment.
Open log fires and large doors opening onto the garden, this West Sussex venue is perfect for winter and summer weddings. The gardens featuring ponds and willow trees creating a beautiful photo backdrop.
In addition to these amazing barns, try entering your location and see which alternative venues are near you. Filter the results by what’s important to you and you’ll be sure to find gems of all sorts for your wedding!
Choosing a DJ or musician for your big day is mega important to ensuring you and your guests have an unforgettable time. Whether you have a solo cocktail singer or a 10-piece jazz band, these are our top tips to remember.
Research
Look into what you can afford in your budget and what sort of music you want as a couple. Before you set your heart on your favourite local band to play at your wedding, research into all other options before pinning your hopes on one idea. Always have a plan B too, incase the vendor you ask is not available. It is also crucial to clarify if the DJ or musicians hold public liability insurance and all of their electrical equipment is certified – if not, this could cause big problems on the day, and most venues ask for music vendors to confirm this before they are allowed to play.
Consider Your Venue
A solo singer may get lost in a huge venue, but if you’re having an intimate drinks reception outdoors then a single musician would suit this. Think about the size of your venue, how much room you can afford to reserve for musicians, and how many guests there will be listening at one time.
Hear Them In Person Beforehand
Before booking anyone, be sure to meet them and hear them play in person. This will help you determine whether they are the right fit for your special day. Ask them for any upcoming gig dates or wedding exhibitions they may be playing at and make the effort to go and see them. You can also chat to them about your expectations and requirements for your special day to make sure they are a good match.
Always Soundcheck
It’s super important to ask your musicians to get to the venue early to set up and have a full soundcheck before any of your guests arrive. Your attendees will hate standing around listening to instruments being tuned, so make sure your musicians are ready well in advance of any arrivals. Ensure there is plenty of power supply too, so there’s no sudden power cut halfway through your first dance!
Playlist Do’s and Dont’s
Ask your music vendor for a full list of their repertoire and with your partner choose which songs you want to cut. This is to avoid cringey moments when a song is played that reminds you of your ex! Also make a note of your favourite songs from the list so your musician or DJ knows your ‘must-play’ requests. If your special song is not included in their repertoire, see if your musicians can learn it especially for you!
Consider Your Guests
You and your husband-to-be may love rocking out to heavy anthems, but remember to compromise. If there are a lot of older relatives at your wedding, throwing in a few 60’s numbers will make their night – and it could be a lot of fun for all involved! Also ask to keep the song choices censored for any young guests that will be attending.
Think Carefully About Your First Dance Song
A first dance can be awkward, especially if you’re not that great on your feet, so don’t choose a super long track. It is, of course, your special moment – however four minutes of swaying back and forth can be tiresome for your guests after they have initially smiled and taken a photo. Choose a song that is special, but will also get everyone involved by the end so all of your guests can enjoy it as much as the two of you.
Noise Levels
Check with your venue about any noise limitations and the time when loud music has to cease. Relay this back to your musicians or DJ so they know how much time they have, and can fit in all the requests and encores thrown at them! Have a think where the speakers are too, so you don’t place someone with sensitive hearing in the loudest part of the room.
After the most perfect proposal and receiving the engagement ring of your dreams, finding a wedding band to match will take some time. Consider these tips before you start to shop…
What’s Your Style?
Are you a platinum woman, or will a warm gold suit your skin tone? Have a think about what metals you like and if you’d like something detailed or simple. Consider if you want your band engraved, heavily embellished or finished with glitzy gemstones before you start ring shopping, so you can put more of your efforts into the style you like. And if you’re not at all sure what type of ring you want, start dreaming! Take inspiration from Pinterest and other sharing sites that might give you a few ideas of what ring would suit you.
To Match Or Not To Match?
Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or just complement it? Would you like you and your husband to- be’s bands to match metals, or take on your own unique styles? Now is the time to answer all of these questions, but don’t be afraid to take a different stride. You and your partner’s rings could entwine two different metals to represent your individual personalities, meaning you could always have them connected to you on your finger. How romantic!
Budget, Budget, Budget!
Just like any other part of your wedding planning, you will need a budget. You might want to research a little into how much your dream ring might cost, before creating an unrealistic budget and being disappointed. Set aside enough of your wedding funds to go towards a ring that you love as you will be wearing it for a long time to come. Take into consideration how much it will be to insure your ring too.
Lifestyle Choices
Ponder your day-to-day lifestyle before committing to a specific ring. Certain metals will be better for different people, so if you’re always on the go and want your ring to feel extra durable, go for platinum and avoid stones that may fall out or get dirty. Or if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot and wants a ‘comfort’ choice, try a flatter band with more rounded edges so your ring slips into your life with ease.
Make Sure It Really Fits
Throughout all the seasons of the year and among having children and many different exercise regimes, your ring will experience it all. But you will need to make sure it’s sized right in the first place so it can be comfortable during all of these situations. Your fingers will expand and slim down depending on the weather and also your weight, so go and try on your ring on different days or in different heats so you can work out what size will be most comfortable for you the majority of the time.
Think Ahead
Most people wear their wedding bands all day, every day for 50+ years. So when choosing your dream ring, you will need to consider if you’ll still like it in years to come. Following the latest jewellery trends can be a great place to start, especially when it comes to finding inspiration. If you do so, however, take into consideration that these styles may become less popular over time. Just make sure you are in love with them regardless. Choose a ring because you have fallen in love with it, not just because your friends love it at the time. Also, don’t forget to get it insured!
Don’t Forget The Upkeep Of Your Ring
After all the time you will spend wearing your ring, don’t expect to have it looking totally sparkling year upon year without any maintenance. Embellishments, gemstones and engraved rings will take more work to make them look new again, so research into what you can do to keep them clean. (And if you’re not sure you can commit, ask your jeweller about what type of wedding bands are low maintenance!)
Bridebook Business‘ aim is simple: we want to make sure that your Business profile is seen and matched with as many of our happy couples as possible.
Our Venue and Supplier search is one of the fastest growing functions on Bridebook, having increased by 700% since the start of the year! To meet this high demand, the Bridebook team have been working on Business Account updates that will not only improve your SEO and increase profile load speed but also benefit your business overall.
5 Bridebook Business Account Updates That Will Benefit Your Wedding Business.
1. Network builder: Add and support the fellow Venues and Suppliers you love working with to your Bridebook network. This help couples when deciding their wedding team, as they will know who you have worked with previously and that you are confident in their skill and professionalism. It also shows that you have a high level of industry knowledge and backing, which is paramount to your wedding business success.
2.Review capability: Couples, guests and recommended suppliers are now able to share their feedback on your services. Why not share your Bridebook profile link with past couples and on social media to gather feedback and praise.
3.Venue Styling tags: Select the styling tags that best describe your venue. By doing this you improve the relevance of search by couples, helping you to specify your target audience.
4.Improved usability and photo uploading: Drag and drop multiple photos into your business account and move them around with ease. Remember to set your most enticing business photo as your profile thumbnail, as this is the photo that couples will see first.
5. (Coming soon!) ‘As Featured On…’ Personalised Bridebook Business Badges For Your Website: Build your industry reputation by showcasing your Bridebook profile to potential couples with your personalised badge. Want to be the first to receive your exclusive Bridebook badge? Email [email protected] with the subject title ‘Badge me’.
Over to you!
To update your Bridebook profile, log in to your Business Account HERE. Once updated, you will instantly increase your profile searchability and are able to connect with our community of 40,000 couples. In short, spend a little time adding all the photos, videos, and information you love about your business, and we will show off your business for you!
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and marketing your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions about your Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on suppliers.bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
Supplier Stories is an original Bridebook Business article series, which will go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
Whether the ‘story’ is that of a venue owner, photographer, cake designer or anyone who is involved in the big day, we strive to recognise the devotion and skill that goes into piecing together one of the most memorable days in 2 people’s lives. These Supplier Stories will take a look into the individual’s experience and the industry as a whole, as well as a true story in itself that is most definitely worth celebrating.
Blushing Cook’s Story:
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Blushing Cook Sammi-Jo Gascoyne. A true artist, Sammi combines outstanding and contemporary baking skills with stunning decoration, using fresh flowers to make natural, delicate and eye-popping wedding cakes. After working for Michelin star chefs and award-winning bespoke cake companies, Sammi is now embracing her own vision and is definitely one to watch! So without further ado, over to Sammi!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am obsessed with anything floral. Floral prints, flower markets, growing flowers on my balcony and my flowery Doc Martens which I wear everywhere. I love cooking, simple delicious food and finding new places to sample other people’s hard work and talents.
I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!
2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years, I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
For myself, the most important element of cooking anything is bringing happiness to other people, however momentary it is. I love the idea that I am responsible for probably the most important cake of two people’s lives. I still feel the same adrenaline delivering a cake now that I did on my first delivery.
4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?
I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.
5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!
6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on an unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).
7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?
People are definitely favouring a more natural approach to cakes. I use Italian Meringue Buttercream instead of the traditional fondant or Royal Icing and people seem to love it. I also use fresh flowers and my clients are more than happy to have these as opposed to the traditional sugar ones.
8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
People know what they want! Pinterest boards and screen shots are so helpful to me when a couple are describing what they want. It’s an amazing platform for advertising and you can plan your wedding on your commute to work – it’s fantastic.
9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?
For myself, the taste of the cake is just as important as how it looks. I have had so many people comment that they didn’t normally like cake, but they loved mine. I try not to make it too sweet and always moist and fluffy. My approach to my relationship with clients is to imagine I was ordering a cake. I want them to trust me and my product. I love meeting new people, often we get distracted from cake discussions and end up discussing their new puppy or something silly. I stay in contact with lots of my clients and I love to hear that they were happy with their cake.
10.What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!
11. What do you love about Bridebook?
I think Bridebook is fantastic. It’s so easy to use and such a great way for people to find exactly what they are looking for. It’s always one step ahead with their knowledge of suppliers and if I was planning a wedding it would be the first place I would look for everything and anything, which is the beauty of it – it covers everything!
A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
Supplier Stories is an original Bridebook Business article series, which will go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
Whether the ‘story’ is that of a venue owner, photographer, cake designer or anyone who is involved in the big day, we strive to recognise the devotion and skill that goes into piecing together one of the most memorable days in 2 people’s lives. These Supplier Stories will take a look into the individual’s experience and the industry as a whole, as well as a true story in itself that is most definitely worth celebrating.
Blushing Cook’s Story:
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Blushing Cook Sammi-Jo Gascoyne. A true artist, Sammi combines outstanding and contemporary baking skills with stunning decoration, using fresh flowers to make natural, delicate and eye-popping wedding cakes. After working for Michelin star chefs and award-winning bespoke cake companies, Sammi is now embracing her own vision and is definitely one to watch! So without further ado, over to Sammi!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am obsessed with anything floral. Floral prints, flower markets, growing flowers on my balcony and my flowery Doc Martens which I wear everywhere. I love cooking, simple delicious food and finding new places to sample other people’s hard work and talents.
I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!
2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
For myself, the most important element of cooking anything is bringing happiness to other people, however momentary it is. I love the idea that I am responsible for probably the most important cake of two people’s lives. I still feel the same adrenaline delivering a cake now that I did on my first delivery.
4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?
I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.
5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!
6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).
7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?
People are definitely favouring a more natural approach to cakes. I use Italian Meringue Buttercream instead of the traditional fondant or Royal Icing and people seem to love it. I also use fresh flowers and my clients are more than happy to have these as opposed to the traditional sugar ones.
8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
People know what they want! Pinterest boards and screen shots are so helpful to me when a couple are describing what they want. It’s an amazing platform for advertising and you can plan your wedding on your commute to work – it’s fantastic.
9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?
For myself, the taste of the cake is just as important as how it looks. I have had so many people comment that they didn’t normally like cake, but they loved mine. I try not to make it too sweet and always moist and fluffy. My approach to my relationship with clients is to imagine I was ordering a cake. I want them to trust me and my product. I love meeting new people, often we get distracted from cake discussions and end up discussing their new puppy or something silly. I stay in contact with lots of my clients and I love to hear that they were happy with their cake.
10.What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!
11. What do you love about Bridebook?
I think Bridebook is fantastic. It’s so easy to use and such a great way for people to find exactly what they are looking for. It’s always one step ahead with their knowledge of suppliers and if I was planning a wedding it would be the first place I would look for everything and anything, which is the beauty of it – it covers everything!
A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
On your wedding day, you’ll be surrounded by your friends and family. Among them, your bridesmaids will be some of the closest allies and will have a key role to play not just in the wedding itself, but as part of the build-up as well.
But, when it comes to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for, how do you know who picks up the bill? Is it you, your family, or your bridesmaids themselves?
Your bridesmaids will do a lot to support you already, and as tough as it is to talk about costs, it’s a must. Establish from the beginning what they’re responsible for and what you’ll be covering for them. Then hopefully that’ll mean there are no awkward arguments during the lead-up to your wedding.
But, how do you know who pays for what? What are the traditions and the unwritten rules about what you should pay for and what your bridesmaids should pay for themselves? In this post, we’re going to explore exactly that, including who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, who pays for the hen do, and what else you should be aware of as your big day approaches.
One of the most difficult subjects to talk about with your bridesmaids is who pays for their dresses. Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses. However, it’s becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses.
It’s also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride’s beautiful dress. But, it’s also becoming more popular for each of the bridesmaids to wear a different dress, but one that usually sticks closely to the theme or colour scheme of the wedding.
Of course, this does depend on the costs involved. If the dress you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear comes with a high price tag, it’d be unfair of you to expect them to pay, so you’d probably want to foot the bill on that occasion.
Whatever you choose to do, or whatever your budget allows you to do, just make sure you’re open and honest with your bridesmaids at all times. If you’re asking them to pay, give them as much notice as possible, so they’ll have a long time to save. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it’s important to give them plenty of time to afford it. Saving for a £200 dress is a much easier task if your wedding is two years away compared to just a couple of months.
While many brides and their families offer to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s not as common to offer to pay for their shoes. Shoes may be a part of their outfit, but there’s usually far more flexibility when it comes to footwear than the dress. So, this will often be something the bridesmaids pay for, whether it’s flats, heels or wedges.
Who pays for the bridesmaids’ accessories?
Similar to the shoes, it’s usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids themselves to pay for any accessories they might want to wear, such as any jewellery or bags.
The cost of bridesmaids’ dresses can vary hugely depending on whether you choose to buy dresses from a wedding boutique or a high street retailer. Neither is the right answer – both offer wonderful dresses – it just depends on your style, taste and budget.
Specialist bridal shops that also sell bridesmaid’s dresses, such as The Bride’s Wardrobe and Cherished Wedding Boutique, have ranges that suit a variety of budgets, with prices starting from around £200.
High street retailers such as M&S offer a great selection of affordable bridesmaids’ dresses, with prices ranging between £75 and £250. There’s also the option to rent, although this isn’t quite as popular with dresses as it is with wedding suits.
What if your bridesmaids can’t afford the dress you want them to wear?
If you’ve asked your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses (which you’re well within your right to do) then you may face an additional challenge: what if your bridesmaids can’t afford it?
If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dress, then you possibly already knew about their financial situation. Similarly, you hopefully gave them enough of a heads-up so that they could save money for their dress. Even then, you may face the awkward situation where they’re not able to pay for the dress.
If this happens to you, where possible we’d recommend that this is something you try to find a little more budget for, and offer to pay for your bridesmaid’s dress. It wouldn’t be fair on that particular bridesmaid to expect them to pay, especially if it means them getting into debt. The only other option would be to uninvite them from being a part of the bridal party, which will almost certainly cause tension and could damage your relationship with them forever.
It’s a tough situation, and one that’s hard to offer advice on as every situation is different. Just make sure that you let your bridesmaids know they can speak to you about any concerns they have, because you definitely don’t want anyone to feel stressed or anxious because they’re struggling to find the funds to pay for their dress.
Often, your bridesmaids will cover the costs of arranging your hen party, such as travel, accommodation and activities. But, expect to pay for a few drinks for your hens along the way.
The only exception to this is if you’ve had a heavy hand in the planning process. It would be unfair to expect your hens to pay for a long weekend to Prague – especially if you were the one to suggest it. Travel can be pricey, and not all of your bridesmaids will be in a position to pay for additional costs, especially if they’re not exactly cheap to begin with.
Cheat sheet to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for
If you’re in a rush, check out the below quick reference cheat sheet for everything you need to know about what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for:
What you bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for: quick reference cheat sheet
Complete list of what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for
Check out our below guide to discover what you might ask your bridesmaids to pay for. Just remember, every wedding is unique – just like your bridesmaids – so these aren’t strict rules that you should stick to.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Your bridesmaids should pay for their own shoes and accessories. However, a great gift to thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your big day would be a token piece of jewellery that they can wear on the day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Hen party costs are also up to the bridal party – they can split this between them and still give you the best pre-wedding party of your life. The only caveat to this is if you have ambitious plans, such as a trip to Europe or something else on the pricier side.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Travel and accommodation associated with your big day are the duty of your bridesmaids to organise and pay for. However, you could help them out by booking a block of rooms at a discount price, or if your venue is far away, you could arrange for a large group of you to travel together to cut down the cost.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
If your bridesmaid chooses to give you a wedding gift (and they may not as they’ve already spent a lot of money and effort on your wedding) the cost is up to them. It may only be something small, but it will be a lovely keepsake to mark them accompanying you on your big day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Aside from any welcome drinks and wine/fizz with meals, unless you’re offering an open bar your bridesmaids will expect to pay for their own drinks, particularly as the evening reception begins.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
The bride is expected to pay for any floral accessories and the bouquets being held by the bridesmaids. Don’t forget about any extras, like corsages.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
If you choose to have your bridal party stay with you in your hotel suite on the eve of your wedding, that’s your responsibility and you should cover the cost of this.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
Transportation on your wedding day is also up to the bride and her family to pay for. Your bridesmaids will have enough to think about on the day, so do them a favour and arrange how they’ll get from the altar to the reception. You could save these costs by having the ceremony and reception at the same location.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
This one almost goes without saying, but your bridesmaids shouldn’t have to pay for any food on the big day. This includes any pre-ceremony food as you get ready, such as salmon and scrambled eggs and a cheeky glass of Buck’s fizz.
What about the grey areas?
As we’ve already highlighted, it’s entirely up to you and your budget to decide whether or not you offer to pay for your bridesmaids’ dresses. If you’re expecting your bridesmaids to wear a dress that’s on the pricier side, then this is something you should probably offer to pay for. One of the unofficial rules is that if you’re giving your bridesmaids certain ‘rules’ they have to stick to, then that usually means it’s something you should pick up the bill for.
Hair and makeup is another tricky one. If you’re not that fussed and want to save some pennies, ask them to do their own hair and makeup (they will look stunning anyway). However, if you specifically want a glamorous or particular look for your bridesmaids, you will have to pay for a professional. Your chosen hair and makeup artist can probably offer you a deal if they’re looking after several people in your wedding party. Read our post on the cost of wedding beauty for more information.
Alternatively, if your bridesmaids are being a little diva-ish and want to hire a professional without your requesting it, they’re probably better off picking up the cost – or you could split the bill in goodwill to keep them sweet. Remember, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you’re happy with the final looks.
The most important thing you can do is keep money talk open and honest. Talking about money can be difficult at the best of times, but doubly so when you’re asking someone to spend some of their own hard-earned cash. As soon as you know your plans, communicate them to your bridal party so they know exactly what’s expected of them and how much they’re going to have to save.
Evening Standard columnist and wedding planning expert Hamish Shephard has the following advice: “Asking someone else to spend money on your wedding can be a difficult subject to bring up. The best thing you can do is to just be honest. In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which can sharply rise if you have to buy dresses for three or four bridesmaids.
If necessary, be prepared to compromise. You might be spending a lot of money on your wedding, but that doesn’t mean your bridesmaids don’t have financial concerns or commitments of their own. Before you ask them to pay for their own dresses, try to be sympathetic to their financial situation. The more open and transparent you are, and the more time you give your bridesmaids to save, the easier the conversation will be.“
For more expert insights from Hamish Shephard, check out his recent feature on the Financial Times’ Money Clinic podcast, which covers the high cost of being a wedding guest, and how both guests and couples can approach the subject of money And for tips and tricks on saving some cash, read our guide to saving money on bridesmaid dresses.
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