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Curating Your Gift List – Where to Start?

It’s not just about toasters, tea sets and towels…the only thing that should limit your wedding gift list is your imagination. Bridebook went straight to the pros at Amazon.co.uk to get their essential tips in tackling your gift list, covering everything you need to know to start putting together the perfect wedding gift list!

www.bridebook.co.uk-amazon-wedding-list-feet

Start Early

Creating your gift list is an incredibly exciting part of planning for your future. The gifts you receive may well be with you for the rest of your life.

They will become a reminder of the day you started a new life together and also of each and every guest who wanted to commemorate that day so allow yourself plenty of time to carefully select and research everything you choose.

Think Variety

Always make your list longer than you need as your guest will value having a variety of items to choose from.

Amazon.co.uk has the world’s largest selection available for wedding gift lists; anything that is available on Amazon.co.uk can be added so make sure you select items that reflect your personality as a couple and will be things that you can enjoy together.

bridebook.co.uk blue bike from amazon — His and her bicycles are a wonderful addition to give your list a little variety to the traditional items

Price Range

It’s a good idea to have a wide range of gifts across various price points so that you are catering for all budgets. From photo frames and mugs to garden furniture and TVs, offer options across the price spectrum.

You can also add gift cards or incorporate charity donations into your list if you want to.

Go For What You Love

Don’t be constrained – whether you want design classics for the home, top-of-the-range cookware, luxury beauty and skincare products, a case of vintage champagne or a pair of bikes so you can kick start a new hobby together, do you research to ensure you’re getting the best of the best. With customer reviews you can make informed choices and read genuine customer feedback across all products.

And if there’s something specific you want from another online store and want truly endless options you can opt for the Universal Wish List Feature and add that to your list too!

bridebook.co.uk variety of items from amazon — Make sure you’re adding only the best of the best to your list by checking customer reviews

Eight Weeks in Advance

We recommend sharing your list with your guests eight weeks in advance of your wedding day. This gives them plenty of time to purchase the gifts and is short enough to avoid any products going out of stock.

It’s always a good idea to review your list a couple of weeks before the big day so that you can add extra items if necessary.

A Helping Hand

You are likely to have guests of all ages wanting to contribute to your day so make it as easy for them as possible. With an online gift list you can just share the link to your list and your guests can purchase at the click of a button, which will ensure you don’t receive duplicates.

Plus, there’s an extra bonus: as soon as your guests collectively spend £250 on gifts for your wedding, you will receive a £50 Amazon.co.uk gift card. (Ts and Cs apply)

Say Thank You

Once the wedding and honeymoon are over it’s easy to forget the all important thank you. People still appreciate a hand written thank you card and we provide a Thank You list which allows you to keep track of what has been purchased and by whom, so you can show your gratitude.

bridebook.co.uk amazon thank you note — Don’t forget the most important part – your thank yous!

Happy Planning!

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First Look At Jenny Packham’s New Affordable Bridal Collection with David’s Bridal

It’s official. Jenny Packham, one of the UK’s most recognised independent dress designers, adored by celebrities and royalty alike is launching a brand new bridal collection minus the designer price tag. The red carpet favourite follows in the footsteps of Vera Wang with the launch of a brand new collection exclusively for US bridal chain David’s Bridal. Prepare to fall in love as Bridebook brings you an exclusive first look at the Collection, available in all David’s Bridal stores and online February 10th.

bridebook.co.uk dotted veil on blonde model — We love this feminine veil with beaded floral accents

Wonder by Jenny Packham will feature bridal, bridesmaid, flower girl and mother of the bride styles plus a range of accessories including shoes, bags, sashes, hair pieces and veils. The 9 bridal gowns are available in a UK size 4-18 and are priced at £850 – £1395 whilst bridesmaid’s dresses, available in 12 delectable shades, start at £130.95.

bridebook.co.uk jenny packham for david's bridal sequin dress — A luxurious and glamorous sequin covered dress from the collection

The diffusion line offers all the grace and soft glamour Packham has come to epitomize at a fraction of the cost of her regular line, favoured by the likes of Kate Middleton and Angelina Jolie. The collection- inspired by the art nouveau style of the early 20th century – expertly captures how most women want to look on their wedding day. The beaded flowing gowns don’t feel dated or overly theatrical but instead effortlessly beautiful and timelessly chic. Trademark feminine silhouettes with intricate details along with structured shapes combine to create a collection that is light, romantic and contemporary.’ This is a designer and David’s Bridal collaboration at its best – letting all of us feel like fashion royalty without having to mortgage the house.

bridebook.co.uk jenny packham for david's bridal ivory dress with neckline details — The details Jenny Packham is so well known for continue to shine through in her collaboration with David’s Bridal

Happy Planning!

Don’t forget to take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!

Shortlist and book all of your favourite suppliers in one place

Stay on track with our live checklist

Keep your wallet happy with our state of the art budgeting tool

Add your nearest and dearest to your guestlist

Q & A With Kate Moss’s Florist Vic Brotherson

Vic Brotherson, owner and founder of the hugely popular London flower shop Scarlet & Violet, shares all her greatest tips and insights with Bridebook in this wonderful Q&A. From Star Wars buttonholes to ‘meadowy’ flowers to essential budgeting secrets – this is definitely one of our juiciest Q & As yet!

bridebook.co.uk blue flowers in blue vases — All pictured flowers by Scarlet & Violet.

How would you describe your signature style?

Gosh I have answered this question a few times and I still find it hard to put into words! I hope our signature are flowers that feel natural, uncontrived and meadowy, using blooms and greens that are interesting, detailed and textural . We arrange them as much as we can as if they have been picked and gathered from the garden, selecting tones and shapes that work alongside each other to build up to the finished bouquet or arrangement. It’s a bit like painting or drawing – layering and making sure that each stem has an impact whether just a subtle shadow or a shot of colour – each bunch is different and every day has its new beauties. We definitely tend to favour the more feminine, softer colours if left to our own choices.

bridebook.co.uk multi colour meadowy flowers — Vic’s signature style is natural and meadowy… and we love it!

What is your #1 tip for a bride deciding on flowers?

I can’t resist giving more than one! My top tips include looking at everything you can and seeing what you love, and making sure that the flowers you adore are available at the time of year of your wedding before you set set your heart on them. Choose your dress and venue first as these may have an impact on the colours and style of the flowers. If you’re not sure look at both options made into bouquets – brights or softs – and trial them by taking them home and have a posing hour in front of the mirror! See which works with your skin tone and wedding dress colour. Take pics, see what looks good in photos – this is the crucial thing as so much of the day is about creating beautiful memories. Keep an open mind don’t be too set on specific flowers, as you may see something when you go to the flower store that changes everything. Don’t be nervous or scared of looking at everything as even the most novice of flower buyers suddenly has a favourite and it’s always surprising you have more of an idea of what you love than you would imagine.

How do you add character to a men’s buttonhole?

I’m probably not the best at this as I do favour timeless flowers – I definitely encourage the gents to get involved and choose what they love, be it a bundle of herbs or a rose bud colour that they love- again I am always surprised at how suddenly the choices are made once there are actual flowers to look at, hold and smell. It can all get quite specific for these tiny little bundles but then again they are the only male element to the flowers so most chaps suddenly speak out. We have used star wars characters, scrabble letters, badges, tied with a variety of ribbons and embraced a few different nations with a nod to various cultures with native flowers and foliages – men’s buttonholes can be fun but remember they should not be overwhelmingly large. (Read more about grooms attire in our article here).

What is your best flower budgeting tip?

Get everything else right first, chairs and tables, linens etc. Think about anything else that’s going on the table too and where you are up to budget and space wise and work backwards- there are lots of ways to economise on flowers – be clever with single stems, be inventive with inexpensive blooms and foliage, be careful about doing them yourself as it can be too much. Be upfront about your ideal budget and then its up to us to make sure that the flowers are the most beautiful and suitable to work within that.

bridebook.co.uk pot of colourful flowers outside a tipi — The free and natural style lends itself perfectly outdoor weddings

Can you describe the most challenging assignment you’ve had?

I can’t think of one where I have felt any more frightened than usual – I am still nervous every wedding we do – I take what we do very seriously and not until it is all under way does my Saturday turn into a relaxed afternoon and I can breathe again!

What was your favourite moment from Kate Moss’s wedding?

Seeing the bridesmaids walk down the meadow walkway outside the church, that was my breathe again moment.

Whose wedding would you most like to do the flowers for – past, present or future?

My daughter, Betsy- a while to go yet but then I’ll be able to make all my favourites – so she’ll have to get married early June!

What was your favourite moment from your own wedding?

I’ve been married for 20 years – I was a florist and we got married early July so we had boxes and boxes of English delphinium for the church all down the aisle – it was such a memorable moment- the rest of the flowers were pretty minimal which just goes to show really that it’s just picking the right bits to focus on as there are flowery moments and none flowery moments.

bridebook.co.uk pale flowers in glass vases — Pair long stemmed and wild flowers with a variety of glass vases and you have the perfect vintage look

Happy Planning!

Etsy Spills Top Decorating Tips to Bridebook

So you’re planning your big day. With the help of Bridebook.co.uk’s super powerful Budget tool and über-comprehensive Checklist, you’ve got the key areas down: Venue, check! Car, check! Partner, check! Now it’s onto the fun bits, looking for those final touches to make your day unique and well… perfect. Etsy’s got your back – with an ever-growing selection of creative individuals designing some beautiful pieces to help dress your day, we’ve pulled together a mighty fine selection of bits and bobs to spark your imagination.

Edible wedding favours

Firstly, you want to leave a personal touch on the table for your guests. What better way to welcome them than with a delicious sweet treat? From gold leaf marshmallows from Yolk to luxury chocolates from Lynda Jane Cakes and the Whimsical Cake Company, it’s the perfect way to add a personal touch and give a taster of what’s to come!

Table Numbers

The table plans are complete – you’ve sorted out who’s sitting next to Uncle Fred and you’ve gone all Paddy McGuinness with pairing the singles. To make sure to avoid any unnecessary drama, accompany each table with table cards – and I’m not talking Sharpie on a Post-it note here. Feast your eyes on these pretty creations: these hand-calligraphed Kraft table numbers from Ivy & Inks are ideal for chic urban celebrations these tag shaped numbers from Creationery are perfect for rustic receptions, whilst this cute love-heart design from The Lovely Drawer is a super-easy design you can print at home!

Confetti

Confetti is a MUST HAVE. However the days of cut tissue paper are long gone. Think Harry-Potter-pages-cum-confetti from Roseberry Store, dried flowers from Lotus Floral Art and heart shaped pieces of London Sparkle floating through the air . Take a look at the selection below.

Extras

I’m sure you’ve got plenty of ideas for your table but see below a few extras that would really add an extra special touch. Place a jar of boozy sweets from HollyLollies on the table, get creative with these table card holders from Handmade by Mamas and finish off the night with some celebratory sparklers with punny tags from Creative Paper Makes *safety first people*.

Happy Planning!

Bridal Musings’ Expert Tips for Wowing Your Guests on Your Wedding Day

Wedding planning can be a massive affair, and for most it’s the first (and last) time you’ll do it. Sometimes it can help to have a guiding hand through the marital maze, which is why at Bridebook.co.uk we have world experts on hand to answer your wedding worries. Think Mary Berry for cakes, and Jimmy Choo for shoes – and Bridal Musings for guest enjoyment. With Bridal Musings having more than 3.3 million followers on Pinterest you’ll want to take note…

Make it Personal

Of course a couple will want to make their wedding day personal to them (initials decor is so popular right now!) but if you really want to wow your guests, why not make your day personal to them too?

Whether it’s a wedding booklet with a note and headshot for each of your guests, a personalised photograph in every place setting or a crowd-sourced playlist with shout-outs from the DJ, tailored thoughtful touches are guaranteed make your guests feel just as special as you do.

Up Your Food Game

Even if you’re a big fan of beef or salmon, chances are you’re not going to be floored when it’s served to you at your wedding reception.

If you really want to impress your guests, opt for something different with your eats. You can search our wedding venue directory for loads of gorgeous blank canvas spaces on there that’ll let your individualise your eating! Keep it casual with food truck tacos or family-style tapas, or opt for a luxe twist like sushi platters for the cocktail hour or a boozy sorbet between courses.

Any kind of creativity will be appreciated by your guests, big time.

Entertain Us

The biggest thing couples wish they’d put more thought into before their wedding? The entertainment. Throwing a great party means more than just sussing some evening music – why not add in extra elements throughout your day to keep your guests entertained?

Lawn games for the little ones, a mariachi band for cocktail hour, or a table quiz for guests as they take their seats. Touches like these go the extra mile for making your bash the most memorable one of wedding season.

Be Considerate

So you’ve been planning your wedding for months, forked out a small fortune on your meal, and had to be ruthless with your guest list. Your guests are lucky to have made the cut, right? Wrong!

Some of your guests may have spent a lot of money, travelled a long way, or had to take time off work to make it to your wedding, so make sure you shower them with your appreciation.

If your guests have several weddings/hen nights/stag dos to go to in a year, they’ll be hugely grateful for affordable accommodation choices, or pre-arranged transport.

From organising late night foods or pre-ceremony snacks to keep them from getting peckish, to providing blankets (for outdoor weddings), flipflops (for the dance floor) or hairspray and breath-mints (for freshening up!) any little touches you make will be more impressive to your guests than even the fanciest gown, venue or centrepieces.

All The Lights

Want to wow your wedding guests, but don’t have lots of cash to spend on styling? Scrap your flower budget, and sink your cash into lights and candles instead.

Okay, so we absolutely adore blooms, but it takes a lot of them to make a big impact. Deck your venue out in as many fairy lights, string bulbs, spotlights and candles as you can possibly muster, and your guests are guaranteed to gush when they walk into the room.

Banish the Nerves

Okay so this one is easier said than done! But it’s important to remember that your wedding is not a show, it’s a party. (The best party, like, ever!)

And if you want your guests to have a great time, the best thing you can do is just relax, and have a great time yourself.

The most fun weddings are the ones where the love between the bride and groom is truly palpable, and the couple are having the time of their life!

Laugh your way through the vows, beam during dinner, and be the first ones to hit the dancefloor in the evening. Lead the way for a fun night, and your guests are sure to follow suit!

Happy Planning!

Wedding Stationery Solved by Papeterie Eugénie

All of your wedding stationery questions are answered by the wonderful Papeterie Eugénie in this wonderful piece. Read on to cover all the ins and outs you need to know before picking your stationery and be inspired by Papeterie Eugénie’s beautiful designs!

Bridebook.co.uk-Papeterie-Eugénie-maroon-wedding-invitation-metallic-foil-design — Go Bold: Metallic foils look great on darker card especially with an intricate design.
By Papeterie Eugénie

Your wedding stationery is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your choice of style. It normally provides the first impression of your special day and a taster of what’s to come. It’s the perfect way to link different ideas and communicate with your guests.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-number-9-3D — 3D Stationery: Why not!
By Papeterie Eugénie

With so many options available, it may feel hard to know where to start. Firstly, take a little time to think about what you might like and what you might need. Secondly, read my essential advice below, written especially for the launch of Bridebook.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-lace-design — Glamorous Vintage: The antique gold lace and black sash imitated the brides’ designer wedding dress.
By Papeterie Eugénie

Gathered from years of experience as a bespoke wedding stationery consultant and designer – my top 10 pointers will guide you through your paper trail…

1. Your stationery starting point

I normally advise couples to confirm their venue, dress and floristry before making wedding stationery decisions. These features provide the backdrop to your day and often steer your choice of stationery styling.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-save-the-date — Personalised Bunting: A pretty but unfussy design often pleases the groom!
By Papeterie Eugénie

2. Defining your wedding style

Grand or informal, elegantly understated, contemporary or vintage? The list is endless, so agree on something you love and showcase this style, even loosely throughout. Carefully chosen stationery will successfully link all elements of your special day.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-menu-picture-of-a-proposal — Tell a Visual Story: ‘He proposed under a tree’.
By Papeterie Eugénie

3. Choosing your colour palette

Less is more and a limited palette creates an elegant finish. Select white or cream as your cornerstone, then choose one or two colours to reflect the tones of your day. If going bold, then gold or silver looks stunning on darker card.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-seasonal-theme — Naturally Autumnal: A seasonal theme can work harmoniously with your flowers.
By Papeterie Eugénie

4. Creating an impression

Do you want to communicate an elegant event, inject a little fun, or get people talking? Wording can be used to reflect your personalities too. Never underestimate the impact of stationery to set the tone, finish tables and say a personal thank you at the end.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-3D-design — Narrative Invitation: A quirky and individual way to connect with your guests.
By Papeterie Eugénie

5. The guest list

Would older guests cope with an app or prefer a traditional style RSVP method? Do visitors from abroad need earlier notice or advice on accommodation? This may influence your invitation design and timing, so it is worth considering.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-modern-name-cards — Modern yet Elegant: A design built on words offers a contemporary twist.
By Papeterie Eugénie

6. Making the most of your budget

Recent trends show desire for heritage techniques such as letterpress or engraved invitations. While these are expensive, some modern variations enable similar effects for less. Make special finishes like embossing, foiling or laser-cutting more cost-effective by using the same motif throughout. Printed invitations are most reasonable, so make these stand out with a unique illustration or personal design. A little hand-finishing can add a special touch.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-contemporaary-design — Modern yet Elegant: A design built on words offers a contemporary twist.
By Papeterie Eugénie

7. Pruning back

It may be possible to trim certain corners, such as skipping save the dates or providing smaller evening invitations. However, never scrimp on envelopes, matching information or a stylish seating plan – scrappy alternatives will undermine all your efforts.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-inviation-wrapped-up-with-brown-string — Rustic Bundle: Co-ordinate your items and wrap your Invitation, Information and RSVP Card in a cute hand-crafted bundle.
By Papeterie Eugénie

8. Finishing touches count

Keep fonts, colours, motifs and styling consistent. If going for an eclectic mix, make sure every item is quirky, but respect your colour palette throughout. Good attention to detail gives a polished result.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-vintage-design — By Papeterie Eugenie

9. When to send

Traditional etiquette dictates that invitations should arrive six-eight weeks prior to your wedding, with evening invitations at the same time. Modern lifestyles make this risky without a save the date, so often couples send day invites six months before, with evening invitations nearer the time.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-understated-embellishment — Paper and Cord: Not a fan of elaborate decoration? Understated embellishment can still add that special touch.
By Papeterie Eugénie

10. From start to finish

Always meet your potential wedding stationer and/or request samples. Quality varies enormously and your stationer will be with you throughout. A good relationship means that they will coordinate the finer details with your other suppliers-and help you with that last-minute Seating Plan change!

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-framed — Commission an Illustration: Include it throughout your stationery then ask guests to sign the framed original in place of a guest book.
By Papeterie Eugénie

In Summary:

Couples often tell me that wedding stationery becomes their favourite part of their planning. Of course! It is something you can enjoy together, a marrying of your personalities, a feature that can be truly unique to you both.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-beautiful-illustration — By Papeterie Eugénie

As well as making the first impression, wedding stationery forms keepsakes for you and your guests. My seating plans are often framed as lifelong mementos, a picturesque reminder of your special day; whilst signed illustrations or guest books provide emotional reportage from everyone who was there.

Bridebook.co.uk-Papteterie-Eugénie-wedding-stationery-with-a-pocketfold — Pocket-fold Presentation: Present your wedding arrangements in a handy pocketfold. Perfect if you have lots to communicate!
By Papeterie Eugénie

So, whilst every wedding is individual, your stationery always counts- please don’t forget to make it special!

Happy Planning!

Inspired by Papeterie Eugénie’s beautiful designs and helpful tips? Be sure to check out their Bridebook profile profile and website!

Browse other similar articles:

Q & A With 2016 Wedding Dress Designer of the Year, Louise Selby

Award winning dress designer Louise Selby shares her expertise with the Bridebook team less than a month after winning the prestigious National Wedding Dress Designer of the year from The Wedding Industry Awards – and we are so glad she has! Read on for some quality insight and tips only an award winner could provide.

bridebook.co.uk Louise Selby's Delphinium Dress — Louise Selby’s Delphinium Dress
By Yasmin Afshar

Could you walk us through your typical process with a bride?

All of my dresses are bespoke, and having a bespoke dress means the dress is made to fit your measurements exactly and includes a toile fitting, which is a cotton mock-up of the dress so that the bride can see exactly the design and fit of the dress before seeing it in the fabrics of her choice. There is flexibility on the details of the dress and the fabrics she chooses, so a bride can make it her own.

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of having a bespoke dress?

The most challenging aspect is that the bride needs a certain amount of vision, while understanding that there are some limitations to fabrics and designs one should always keep in mind.

What is your #1 tip to brides preparing for a bespoke fitting?

My number 1 tip is to wear the correct underwear for all the fittings. To have the correct underwear is so important, nude works best and seamless preferably. A good bra is vital under many of my designs, the Delphinium dress for example needs a backless bra, and luckily these are so readily available now. Marks and Spencer do a brilliant one, the Foxglove dress needs a bra with a transparent back, Boux.co.uk do an excellent one.

What is your favourite wedding dress style and what are your favourite wedding dress details?

At the moment, my favourite design is my Delphinium dress which is new for 2016 and is very Grecian and simple but exquisitely cut in a beautiful heavy crepe.

bridebook.co.uk-louise-selby-delphinium-dress — Louise Selby’s Delphinium Dress
By Yasmin Afshar

Could you describe the most challenging assignment you have ever taken on?

Some brides are more challenging than others, but we endeavour to ensure that they are all happy on the day!

What fabrics do you recommend a bride consider for each season?

Heavier fabrics such as zibeline and mikado work well for winter and autumn weddings, whereas softer satins and crepes are more suited to spring and summer. The chantilly laces are so pretty in the warmer months, beach weddings or gardens with that festival vibe, and the guipures are perfect for those golden autumn weddings (our Mimosa gown illustrates this perfectly). A little bit of fur is fabulous in the winter, we have some exquisite rabbit trims.

bridebook.co.uk-louise-selby-mimosa-dress — Louise Selby’s Mimosa Dress
By Yasmin Afshar

Which cuts do you recommend for the bohemiam, modern, whimsical, and classic bride respectively?

Princess lines work perfectly for the classic bride, the fuller skirt, maybe with pleats in a fine mikado for that Grace Kelly look, such as the Orchid gown. Finer silks such as a light weight zibeline work well as a sheath shape for an elegant Jean Shrimpton look, maybe with a grosgrain bow or waist detail, the Sunflower dress is the perfect example of this.

The bohemian bride suits the lighter Amalfi satin or crepe with a fine chantilly lace, look no further than the Primrose dress, below, with its pretty capped sleeve and low back detail.

bridebook.co.uk Louise Selby's Primrose Dress — Louise Selby’s Primrose Dress
By Yasmin Afshar

The modern bride suits a dress like the Foxglove, a streamlined crepe and georgette gown with a boat neck and a low lace back. Alternatively, for that Chelsea Registry Office look, early sixties vibe, chose the iconic Snapdragon zibeline coat with little strapless lace dress underneath, below. Accessorise with black and white Kate Spade vintage bag and black shoes.

bridebook.co.uk Louise Selby's Snapdragon Coat — Louise Selby’s Snapdragon Coat
By Yasmin Afshar

If you could have designed anyone’s wedding dress – past, present or future – who would it be and why?

The lovely Lily James, currently playing Natasha in War & Peace, would look gorgeous in one of my designs, maybe Primrose or Amaryllis or Foxglove.

What type of dress did you wear on your wedding?

I absolutely love the dress I made for my own wedding 24 years ago, an oyster shantung sheath, dress with Calais lace, slightly off the shoulder, and a lovely slightly ruched back detail.

bridebook.co.uk-louise-selby-on-her-wedding-day — Louise Selby herself in her self-designed wedding dress

What was your favourite moment/memory?

Arriving at the church with my little attendants and seeing my future husband for the first time, waiting for me by the altar.

What is your #1 planning tip for brides today?

The devils in the detail; but chose the details carefully. Some things are really not that important, don’t worry about the things you can’t control, such as the weather, concentrate on looking after your guests, making them feel part of a really special celebration that they will remember.

Happy Planning!

Want to see more of Louise’s gorgeous wedding dresses? Of course you do! Be sure to check out her Bridebook profile and website for some more swoon worthy designs.

Hair Up or Hair Down for a Wedding?

Are you trying to decide whether to wear your hair up or down on your wedding day? Brides often face this dilemma, but fear not, today we give you some of the best advice from one of our dearest wedding experts: Rose Magnall.

If you want to cut to the chase, these are the questions you should be asking yourself in order to make a decision:

How do you usually wear your hair?

Are you more comfortable with it up or down?

What kind of dress are you wearing?

Keep reading to explore these questions in more detail with our wedding expert, and by the end of this article, you should be on a good path to making your decision!

If you’re still looking for your hair and make-up, search in your area with Bridebook’s beauty, hair and make-up search!

Rose Magnall is a freelance hair and make-up artist who also works closely with the Liz Earle Beauty brand, celebrities and international bridal clients. Rose is based in London, but travels far and wide and knows how to get you walking down the aisle looking like an absolute goddess:

I find the decision between hair up or hair down is one of the most common difficulties many brides face in the run-up to their wedding. Hair, after all, is a woman’s crowning glory, and we as a gender can be pretty obsessed with our locks. This obsession tends to be magnified on our wedding day, as many things are!

There can be many pressures about how your hair ‘should’ look – from worries about the weather causing havoc if your hair is down, to agonizing over the many style options of an up-do, not to mention the endless ‘hairspiration’ photos to be found online and thinking, which of these is right for me?

My advice in helping any bride to make the decision would be to focus on two main questions: first, what suits the dress? And secondly, (and I think most importantly) what are you most comfortable with? Let’s focus for now on the latter.

Personally, for me, when it came to making the decision for my own wedding last year, I took a step back (many years back) and remembered how it felt to be a young girl, imagining myself as a grown-up woman getting married. Although I have long and generally well-behaved hair, I always imagined that I would wear my blonde hair up in a chignon – it was a clear vision that never wavered.

Perhaps the main reason I knew I wanted my hair up, is that I’ve always felt comfortable with it tied back, I’ve enjoyed wearing up-dos and having my hair styled off my face. I’ve also always found it easier – once it’s up, its up, and there’s no maintenance required.

However, for every girl who loves wearing their hair up, there’s another who prefers it down. And, in most cases, they always will have. I have worked with many brides with the most beautiful thick hair, who want nothing more than to show it off at its best on their wedding day.

And rightly so. Bridal hair down styles are exquisite, and girls who love to wear their hair down will feel nothing less than perfect if they decide to go down this route for their wedding. The thing is, brides who choose to wear their hair down tend to be girls who always wear their hair down – bottom line, they feel the most comfortable, beautiful and confident with their hair down. It’s the same reasoning for brides who choose to wear their hair up – it just feels ‘right’ for them.

bridebook.co.uk bride with hair down done by Rose Magnall — Hair down on Helen Wild

So, amidst the stresses and endless to-do lists involved in planning your wedding, take a step back and think about what it is that you really want – not what fashion and trends and family members want, or think you should do.

Think back to memories or occasions (a good opportunity to look through old photos) in your life when you felt the most beautiful and confident – was your hair down? If so, then maybe down is the way to go for your wedding day.

There are always ‘half-up’ options too, which can be a lovely way to show off your hair while keeping it directly off your face. This is quite a popular route for brides who are torn between up or down. Some brides begin the day with their hair up, then have their hair stylist transform the style into hair down for the evening (if you have the time and the budget this can be really special and a lovely surprise for your groom).

bridebook.co.uk- bride with hair half up and half down done by Rose Magnall — Half-up do on Catherine Moyer

The dress also plays a part in deciding how your hair should be worn – if you want to show off back-detail or shoulders then that can help you to make a decision. Bridal boutiques can offer great advice during wedding dress fittings – and you’ll get a feel for what looks better with certain dresses as you try on various styles.

You want to look back on your wedding day as the most wonderful experience, knowing that everything was perfect for you. So, follow your heart and trust your own sense of style, and on the day you’ll feel the happiest you’ve ever felt.

Happy Planning!

Inspired by Rose’s amazing hairdos and gorgeous makeup? Be sure to check out her Bridebook profile and website to book her for your own wedding!

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Q & A With Legendary British Florist Simon Lycett

As the head of one of the UK’s most revered and popular floral decorating teams, Simon J Lycett‘s Q&A has everything a bride could possibly want – from ingenious inspiration to no-nonsense wedding budget guidance this is one piece you definitely won’t want to miss.

bridebook.co.uk - simon lycett portrait — The legend, Simon Lycett himself

How should a bride begin identifying her style?

The diverse range of tastes and styles of our clients and their chosen wedding settings provide a real “kick start” to ideas for décor and design for the individual event. It’s all in the detail and and I adore getting carried away so that the thoughts and dreams of the bride and groom are manifested in their special day with little touches in the decorations to reflect their lives which are now entwined.

Simple or grand is not important, quality is my motivating force in all things. And whatever your style, presentation is EVERYTHING! From the simplest stem of garden rose within an antique French confiture jar to a vast stone urn of orchids, keep the finish and the execution immaculate – although it may look casual and spontaneous, to achieve perfection, everything needs to be planned, practised and polished!

What are your recommendations for a bride choosing her colour scheme?

When choosing your colour palette discount NOTHING and enjoy everything, surprising combinations work really well. Never be shy of mixing colour and if someone tells you that certain colours do not work together, tell them to look to nature for inspiration, the wings of a butterfly or the plumage of a humming bird and then see what does or doesn’t work together!

Where do you think is the best place for a bride to find inspiration?

The incredible seasonal raw materials that we work with – namely the foliage, flowers, plants and fruits available to us provide endless inspiration and food for thought.

What’s your top tip for making a flower budget go further?

Celebrate with seasonal flowers which are more reasonably priced and always resonate within a setting so well. Sometimes less is more, but often masses is best! I like the flowers at a wedding to always give you a “floral cuddle” and minimal just never manages to do so! Broad brush-strokes are what make impact so go with one large decoration rather than three small ones and you’ll still achieve the Wow! factor!

Enjoy exploring the textures and tones of fruits and vegetables. A few architectural artichokes arranged within a bowl of roses give masses of style and substance and makes a clever statement without adding fortunes to the budget! Buttermilk and yellow spray roses, vibrant green alchemilla mollis and blousy cream peonies, when arranged within glass vases filled with fresh Amalfi lemons suddenly become a cool and contemporary statement, giving a fresh citrusy “pop” of colour.

Whatever your budget, plant material must be the best available in perfect condition. Damaged flowers look sad to the naked eye but within a photographer’s lens each imperfection will shout!

bridebook.co.uk - simon lycett hanging roses and lights — Courtesy of Simon Lycett

What should brides consider when selecting their bouquet?

Be aware that many images within Bridal magazines have had colours tweaked in photoshop! So trust your florist when they say that certain coloured flowers are or are not available! And bear in mind that many photoshoot bridal flowers are a whimsical bit of fun which while looking good for a 10 minute photo-shoot, will not really last as a bouquet for an actual wedding because they will wilt and deteriorate quickly.

Bear in mind that a traditional, wired bouquet will take much longer to create than a tied bouquet, so will be considerably more expensive, however with no natural stems, there is no fear of marking a pale coloured dress!

As I hand over their bouquet on the morning of the wedding I always tell brides to carry their bouquet low, with relaxed arms, as it makes Brides look taller. And to walk slowly!

How important is scent when considering your wedding flowers?

The scent of herbs should never be overlooked when planning a wedding, especially in the bouquets and buttonholes. Few commercially grown flowers have a great deal of fragrance these days so add in some subtle scent with sprigs of rosemary and lavender, leaves of bay and sprigs of thyme. Or conjure some romance with charming scented narcissi and hyacinths, tulips, hellebores and muscari.

bridebook.co.uk-simon lycett car filled with flowers — Courtesy of Simon Lycett

Happy Planning!

Love Simon’s tips? Check out his amazing work and book him for your own wedding through his Bridebook profile!

Richard Ward Spills His Top Wedding Hair Tips

Here at Bridebook we were oh so lucky to have a chance to pick the brains of one of the most impressive and renowned wedding hairstylists in the UK. As the man behind Kate Middleton’s wedding hair, he is most definitely very deserving of the title! You can’t miss Richard Ward‘s top tips for pre-wedding hair care and especially his day-of hair tips – you’ll be thanking us later.

bridebook.co.uk Richard Ward — Richard Ward

How can a bride begin to choose the best hairstyle for her dress?

Wedding hair is notoriously hard to decide on – it has to work with your dress, accessories, face shape and make you feel totally comfortable at the same time! Take into account the dress neckline and go for a hairstyle that complements it; for example if you have a detailed, high neckline, an updo or keeping hair behind the shoulders will ensure it’s visible. Try out as many different styles as possible with your hairdresser until you find your perfect look.

How should a bride decide on which hair accessories to wear on her wedding day?

Whether you choose accessories or a veil depends on the neckline of your dress and what hairstyle you have chosen. A beautiful, intricate updo can be hidden or weighed down by a veil, and is better shown off with delicate accessories; wearing the hair in a more loose, flowing style can be complemented by a beautiful veil. Bring your veil or accessories to your hair trial and make sure they work perfectly with the look you have chosen for maximum impact on the day.

bridebook.co.uk Richard Ward brunette hairstyle — Hair by Richard Ward

Richard’s Pre-Wedding Top Tips:

Start prepping your hair with deep conditioning treatments – both in-salon and at home – at least 6 months before the wedding so it’s in tip-top condition for the big day.

Take inspiration from everywhere – magazines, Pinterest, catwalks – and make a collage of your favourite looks so you have a variety to choose from.

Try out lots of different styles at your hair trial and take photos so you can look back and choose your favourites.

If you want to create the illusion of longer, thicker hair, use clip-in hair pieces – they’re really versatile and easy to use, and you don’t have to wait months for your hair to grow!

Remember your hair has to work with your dress neckline – bring a photo of your dress to your hair trial so your hairdresser knows what type of style they are working with.

Complement an intricate up-do with beautiful delicate accessories or a tiara rather than a veil, as this could hide or weigh it down.

Bring any hair pieces, veils or accessories to your hair trial to make sure they work perfectly with the look you have chosen for maximum impact on the day.

Don’t have any major colour appointments too close to the wedding – have your last full appointment about 4 weeks in advance, and touch up with a semi-permanent gloss or vegetable colour in-salon just before the big day to really refresh your look.

bridebook.co.uk Richard Ward redhead style — Hair by Richard Ward

Richard’s On The Day Tips:

If you’ve chosen an updo or structured curls, wash your hair the day before to give it more grip – freshly washed locks can be harder to style and keep in place, and can drop more easily.

After a long day of dancing and photos, hair can go a bit flat – spritz a little dry shampoo into the roots halfway through the day or during the reception for extra volume and texture.

L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni. Art Super Dust is also a great product for volume – it’s a tiny bottle so is the perfect size to pop in a bag and whip out when your hair needs a quick boost.

If your hairdresser isn’t there all day, keep a small bottle of hairspray and a comb on hand with your chief bridesmaid in case of any last minute touch-ups to ensure your hair stays looking perfect for photos all day and night.

bridebook.co.uk Richard Ward blonde hairstyling — Hair by Richard Ward

Richard’s top product recommendations:

The Chelsea Collection Argan Hairspray, £5.99
The Chelsea Collection Argan Elixir, £5.99
L’Oreal Professionnel tecni.art Super Dust, £13
The Chelsea Collection Argan 10-in-1 Styling Spritz, £5.99

Happy Planning!

The Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards 2017

Introducing Bridebook.co.uk’s very first Wedding Awards!

You’ll find everything you need to understand the ins and outs of the BBWAs right here – as well as top tips on how to get the most votes and your best shot at the winning titles!

There has never been a better opportunity to showcase your achievements as a star wedding supplier – not only is it completely FREE to participate, but it also provides a fun and easy way to get in front of and show off to even more perspective couples. Our voting system is even set up so that as you get more votes, it will help your profile appear higher in our searches!

How?

(Psst… We’ve already done all the work for you so this part is easy!)

Improve Your Profile

Make sure your Bridebook profile is in tip top shape to best show off your business. To access your profile, simply go to www.suppliers.bridebook.co.uk and log in using your account details. (Hint: if you’ve forgotten your password you can reset it at log in!)

Share! Share! Share!

Share your Bridebook profile far and wide, calling your fans and followers to vote for you! All voting is directly on your Bridebook profile, so this is a key step! (And don’t forget the official hashtag #BBWA2017).

Deck Out Your Site

Post your “Official Nominee” badges on your social accounts and website! You can find everything you need right here.

Keep sharing…

And sharing… Voting is done directly on your Bridebook profile so this step is key!

And watch the votes pour in!

(Simply download the pre-made assets to add to your website, email signature, and social media – don’t forget, to get the most votes you should share your profile page directly)

Next Steps:

Once you have everyone from your past customers to your nearest and dearest voting for you, what’s next?

Settle in…

And await our Shortlist, Finalist and Winner announcements! All the key dates are found below:

Shortlist: The shortlist of the top suppliers with the most votes in each category will be announced on the 1st of February 2017 (date extended due to overwhelming demand)!

Finalists: TBA

Winner winner chicken dinner

Winners will be chosen from the finalists by a selection of our very own Bridebook.co.uk experts and the top thought leaders in the UK wedding industry.

Winner’s Announcement: TBA

Celebrate!

All winners will be featured in national press, win tickets to the 2017 Bridebook.co.uk Summer Party at Hedsor House, and attend an exclusive winner’s event!

May the best wedding suppliers win!

If you have any queries, questions or compliments please email [email protected]

FAQs:

How many people were nominated?

All Bridebook.co.uk suppliers are automatically entered in the Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards 2017.

Can I see who voted for me?

No, voting is private but you can see how many votes you have directly on your profile.

How many votes allowed per person?

Only one vote per person on a supplier is allowed. If a supplier has suspicious activity and has an unusual amount of votes from the same I.P address, those votes will be discounted and the supplier will be at risk of disqualification.

What do you win?

The winners in each supplier category from each region of the UK will win a national press feature, tickets to the 2017 Bridebook.co.uk Summer Party at Hedsor House, and a surprise winners’ event!

Q & A with Stephen Jones: Iconic Milliner

Stephen Jones OBE is one of the most iconic and influential milliners of all time. Based in London designing hats for A listers, Stephen’s achievements are endless, including curating the world famous ‘Hats’ exhibition at the V&A in 2009. Bridebook was fortunate enough to speak to Stephen Jones about two things we love: hats and weddings (of course!)

bridebook.co.uk stephen jones with an armful of his hats — The legendary milliner Stephen Jones and some of his creations

Do you think hats are a must-do for all wedding guests?

No it shouldn’t be compulsory to wear a hat, people have freedom of expression, but maybe those who are not really hat wearers should have a go because they’ll realise they’ll have so much fun wearing one, especially on such a special occasion.

Are there any rules when choosing a hat as a wedding guest? (Etiquette, style, occasion type etc.)

Ideally it should not be white as white is the colour of the bride. It should not be too big because if you’re in a Church or a Synagogue you don’t want to obscure the view of the person behind. On the other hand, however, if you’re known as an eccentric dresser you don’t want to let down your audience.

Do you have any tips for choosing the best hat shape for you?

A hat needs to suit your face more than it has to suit your fashion. So if you have a long face don’t wear a tall crowned hat. If you wear glasses, wear a hat with a turned up brim at the front so as not to crowd your face. If you have a broad face, wear a broader brimmed hat or a hat with statement pieces such as flowers. If you have a square face, wear something asymmetric to soften it. You can do all that, but I also think matching is a nice touch. It’s a big enough statement that you’re wearing a hat so you don’t need it to contrast your colours, or have it in any unusual colour. Also keep in mind that whatever colour your hat is gets cast across your face, so beware lime green hats! Sunshine cast through a blue hat tends to add a nice, gentle hue to your skin.

Where did you get married and what was your favourite part of your wedding?

The Chelsea Town Hall in London, a truly lovely venue. My favourite part was seeing a whole line of my guests walking two by two down the road at 9am on Monday morning, on the first day of London Fashion Week, dressed to the nines going to our wedding breakfast.

Happy Planning!

Browse other similar articles:

Wedding Stationery Solved

Bridal Makeup by Bobbi Brown

Bridal Musings’ Expert Tips For Wowing Your Guests On Your Wedding Day

Wedding Cake Tips by Mary Berry

Etsy Spill Top Decorating Tips To Bridebook

Q & A With Celebrity Hairdresser Daniel Galvin

Rock n Roll Bride’s Top Three Tips To Having a Truly Alternative Wedding

Q & A With Celebrity Hairdresser: Daniel Galvin

Globally renowned Daniel Galvin OBE, famous for giving Twiggy the blonde hair that she is known and loved for (as well as styling and colouring the hair of an endless list of celebrities), speaks to Bridebook about wedding hair and how to make sure your hair looks its absolute best on your big day.

bridebook.co.uk daniel galvin black and white portrait — Daniel Galvin

How far in advance of your wedding should you be thinking about a regime?

I always recommend that you should have your highlights / colour done 1-2 weeks before your wedding day to give the colour plenty of chance to settle.

What can you do to ensure your hair is at its best the day of the wedding?

The best thing to do is keep hair in amazing condition by using good treatments a few times a week, at least 3-6 months before your wedding. This will ensure your hair is shiny, healthy and beautiful looking on the day.

What else other than products can effect the health of your hair?

Blow-drying, tongs, straighteners, swimming and everyday wear and tear will affect the condition of the hair and should be avoided as much as possible in the run up to your wedding.

Is there anything else that is important to keep in mind?

Maintaining the colour of your hair, using Daniel Galvin detox to clean the colour and get rid of impurities, and Daniel Galvin clear gloss to make it shine for at least a year before the wedding is important so that it looks amazing on the day.

Where did you get married and what was your favourite part of your wedding?

In Muswell Hill, London. My favourite moment was undoubtedly seeing my beautiful fiancée coming down the aisle looking ever more radiant, but the whole ceremony and reception were equally as special. Finally driving to Fronton On Sea for our honeymoon also makes the top of this list.

Happy Planning!

Browse other similar articles:

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Etsy Spill Top Decorating Tips To Bridebook

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Steph & Greg in Devon (DIY Food + Games)

South West | Devon | Cullompton | Summer | DIY | Rustic | | Pink | | Barn | Real Wedding | Helen Lisk Photography #Bridebook #RealWedding #WeddingIdeas Bridebook.co.uk

This rustic barn wedding has so many handmade and personal touches from the bunting sewn together by the bride’s grandmother, to the flowers arranged by the bride’s mother, to the table chutneys and sides prepared by both of the couple’s fathers! Steph and Greg had family and fun in mind with their outdoor lawn games as well. Enjoy perusing this relaxed, lovely barn wedding at the Corn Barn in Cullompton.

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Photographer: Helen Lisk Photography | Venue: The Corn Barn, Cullompton, Devon | Wedding Dress: Phase Eight | Waistcoat: ASOS | Bride’s Hair: Vicky Miles | Florist:Arranged by bride’s Mum and Friends, Sourced by Radley Cross Market Garden, South Molton | Music: The Broad Band | Lights: Party Lights | Outdoor Games: The Very Vintage Hire Company, Exeter | Catering: sourced from various places. Bread and scones from Olivers of Crediton & Magdalen Road, Exeter; chutneys made by groom’s Dad; pickled onions made by bride’s Dad; salads from Maddocks Farm, Kentisbeare; cheese from Sharpham, Godminster and Cornish Cheese Company; ice-cream from ICE Artisan Gelato, Exeter; evening food from The Cauldron Street Food, Devon.

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The Corn Barn was bursting with local flowers arranged by Steph’s Mum and friends, and looked wonderful with a twinkling fairy light canopy overhead. A huge amount of work had gone into this wedding, mostly carried out by family and friends, and Steph and Greg themselves. They had a range of village fete style games outside for everyone to play, keeping adults and children equally happily entertained! The wedding breakfast was a grand ploughman’s lunch, with picnic hampers on all the tables filled with ham, cheese and homemade chutneys. Even the bunting was a compilation of pieces made by all the guests, and patiently sewn together by Steph’s grandmother.

The whole day was really wonderful to be part of and just bursting with emotion. Greg and Steph were glowing with happiness all day long, and Greg’s emotional speech pretty much had the entire room in tears.

Congratulations Steph & Greg and thank you Helen Lisk Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs to help remember a very special day!

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More beautiful wedding inspiration:

Laura & Marko in London (London Eye + Lace Veil)

Tanith & Conner in Oxfordshire (Outdoor + Autumn)

Kirsty & Luke in Wales (Umbrellas + Fascinator)

Prisha & Paul in Stratford (Saris + Purple)

Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)

Kate & Chris in Buckinghamshire (Plum + Letter Decor)

Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)

View More

A Red Double Decker and Outdoor Reception in Oxfordshire

outh East | Oxfordshire | Banbury | Autumn | Classic | Purple | | Country House | Real Wedding | Guy Hearn Photography #Bridebook #RealWedding #WeddingIdeas Bridebook.co.uk

Well, here’s something you don’t see every day! Newlyweds Alex and Stef organised a personalised red double-decker bus to take their guests to Kirtlington Park, a gorgeous country house in Oxfordshire – and we absolutely love it.

The stylish Saloon was the perfect location to celebrate with a champagne toast, while at their outdoor cocktail reception, Alex, Stef and their guests enjoyed views of the beautiful Chiltern Hills – and had some fun playing lawn games too!

South East | Oxfordshire | Banbury | Autumn | Classic | Purple | | Country House | Real Wedding | Guy Hearn Photography #Bridebook #RealWedding #WeddingIdeas Bridebook.co.uk

Congratulations, Alex and Stef! And thank you, Guy Hearn Photography, for letting us share these beautiful photographs.

Alex and Stef’s Suppliers

Venue: Kirtlington Park
Photographer: Guy Hearn Photography

Kendall & John in Glasgow (Coast + Train)

Scotland | Lanarkshire | Glasgow | Autumn | Coastal | Outdoor | Vintage | Purple | Red | Castle | Real Wedding | Hajley Photography #Bridebook #RealWedding #WeddingIdeas Bridebook.co.uk

Every single one of Kendall and John’s photographs is absolutely breathtaking! The natural scenery of Glasgow created a stunning backdrop as the couple meandered along the coastline and through the town for their wedding photos. Kendall’s red lips and heels and John’s burgundy velvet jacket and socks added a touch of personality and colour to the day contrasting beautifully with the natural landscape. Don’t be surprised if Glasgow’s tourism increases as a result of these photos!

Venue: A castle in Glasgow , Lanarkshire

Photographer: Hajley Photography

Season: Autumn | Styles: Coastal, Outdoor | Colours: Purple, Red

Words from the photographer:

“I was fortunate enough to meet John and Kendall at their friends wedding (that I was photographing) in France. They mentioned that they had just got married in Australia, however with John being from Scotland they were headed to celebrate round two with his close friends and family there. They kindly invited me to join them for this adventure. We had such a special afternoon together of spectacular sight seeing all over Glasgow, wandering through historic castles, along old paths and piers and admiring the breathtakingly beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and of course the loch…I must say my favourite view of all was just these guys though!”

Congratulations Kendall & John and thank you Hajley Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs.

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More beautiful wedding inspiration:

Hannah & Andrew in Marlborough (Farm + Summer)

Kirsty & Luke in Wales (Umbrellas + Fascinator)

Susie & Alex in Hampshire (Marquee + Shells)

Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)

Kate & Chris in Buckinghamshire (Plum + Letter Decor)

Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)

View More

Katy & Steven at the Tithe Barn in Dorset

The creative personal touches were everywhere at Katy and Steven’s wedding from the cross-stitched table names (of bands they’d seen together) to the nautical heart symbol, and K&S heart décor strewn across the tables. Take note of the delicious looking cheese cake (not cheesecake) made of stacked wheels of savoury cheese. Yum!

Venue: Tithe Barn, a barn in Symondsbury, Dorset

Photographer: Helen Lisk Photography

Season: Summer | Styles: Rustic, DIY | Colours: Blue, White

From the photographer, Helen Lisk:

“Steven and Katy were the second couple to get married in the newly renovated Tithe Barn, at Symondsbury in Dorset. The barn looked wonderful – I absolutely loved the flowers, from The Real Cut Flower Garden, all in beautiful shades of blue and white. Katy had spent a lot of hours carefully cross-stitching the table names (bands they had watched together) – there could not have been a more perfect way to display these, I loved it! It was a fabulous day to be a part of, especially as the expected rain held off and never quite reached us. Katy and Steven are such a great couple and I really enjoyed photographing their wedding day”

Congratulations Katy & Steven and thank you Helen Lisk Photography for letting us share these gorgeous photographs.

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More beautiful wedding inspiration:

Laura & Marko in London (London Eye + Lace Veil)

Steph & Greg in Devon (DIY food + Games)

Kirsty & Luke in Wales (Umbrellas + Fascinator)

Susie & Alex in Hampshire (Marquee + Shells)

Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)

Kate & Chris in Buckinghamshire (Plum + Letter Decor)

Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)

View More

Bridebook for Business: Wedding Supplier Marketing Bootcamp

Calling all Wedding Suppliers!

We want you to grow your business. Honestly, we do. We’ve realised that trying to promote your business in the widespread wedding industry can be a daunting and potentially expensive task, so we’re trying to help.

Bridebook has designed an educational series, Wedding Supplier Marketing Bootcamp, specifically to help wedding suppliers grow their business without spending anything on advertising.

We’ve put together detailed overviews and actionable tips that you can start implementing today. We’ll walk you through a variety of types of social media, what they mean for you, and how you can utilise these tools to grow your business.

By the end of the series, you’ll have better copy written on your website, and you’ll be updating your Facebook and Instagram profiles regularly – continually getting your name and brand out there…which will lead to customers getting in touch with you.

Go ahead, and start your Wedding Supplier Marketing Bootcamp now. Click through each topic and take notes as you read through. Try to implement at least one suggestion per day. By the end of the 8th module, you’ll be well-versed in wedding industry marketing – and you won’t have spent a thing!

Shameless Self-Promotion
Maximising Pinterest
Maximising Youtube
Maximising Instagram
Maximising LinkedIn
Maximising Email Marketing
Maximising Copy-Writing
Maximising Word of Mouth Marketing

And don’t forget, as one of your key free marketing resources, always keep your Bridebook profile updated!

Happy Marketing!

Bridebook Business: Maximising Word-of-Mouth Advertising

What is it?

Word-of-mouth is very important for those working in the wedding industry. Be it positive reviews on a Bridebook profile page or a chat with someone who recently got married, any recommendations can prove extremely valuable. Brides-to-be trust those who have had experience working with a particular supplier and are likely to value their thoughts highly. This is a source of advertising that can easily be harnessed for free (just like Bridebook!). To profit from it, ensure that you nurture your relationship with the happy couples who recently got married.

Why use it?

Various sources indicate recommendations from friends and family are a factor in more than 40% of wedding bookings. This makes them more important than wedding magazines, wedding blogs and even social media. Those who recommend your company must have previously enjoyed their experience and were presumably were good customers. Their friends are likely to be similar- just the type of clients you want to attract!

How to use word of mouth advertising?

Anyone looking to exploit word of mouth advertising needs to get their previous brides to speak about them. Couples who recently got married can be some of your best brand ambassadors. Keeping in touch with them after the big day is absolutely crucial. Do not rely on chance to get couples to talk about you. Encourage them to do so by giving them reasons and incentives to look back on their wedding day with nostalgia. The ideas below will help you to maintain a good relationship with happy couples:

1) Send thank you notes

Send couples a thank you note when they get back from their honeymoon. Try to personalise it with photos or key memories from their big day.

2) Give brides a gift after the wedding

If you can afford to, send your brides a thank you gift after the wedding. It can be small such as a photo of them in a frame or a “Just Married” keyring. It will give them something to remember you by and fill them with happy thoughts about their special day. It might also make them more inclined to help you at a future date.

3) Run a Real Wedding feature on your website

Post a featured real wedding on your website a few weeks after a couple’s wedding. This will make the couple feel special, it may encourage them to share it with their friends and family, and it will also provide good publicity when other brides-to-be use your website.

4) Get in contact with couples on their anniversaries

Use anniversaries and special occasions as an excuse to get back into contact with couples. Send them personalised emails including photos which will bring back the emotions of their wedding day.

5) Give brides incentives to refer friends to you

An incentive, such as “a free bottle of champagne” or a “free framed photo” for referring a customer will be an attractive offer. Brides like free things and competitions just as much as Bridebook does!

6) Ask for reviews on your website

Ask couples politely to leave reviews on your website and Bridebook profile. As a bonus, enter them into a prize draw for a bottle of champagne if they do.

7) And on social media too

If any client leaves a review on a social media, be sure to respond. If they had a fantastic day, say how delighted you are that they had such a good time.

8) Negative reviews are not a cause for panic

Do not panic if you receive a negative review on social media. These can be turned round. Apologise and explain how you are remedying the issues that they mention. Offer them a free gift or some form of compensation. Brides who see this will be impressed that you are so proactive and may pay less attention to the negative review.

9) Write a newsletter

If you have the time and the resources, write a quarterly newsletter to keep your previous happy couples aware of developments in your business. This will make their wedding day seem fresh in their minds…and hopefully make them tell all their newly engaged friends about their experiences.

10) Use memorable anecdotes to your advantage

Be sure to tell interesting facts and memorable anecdotes to couples. They are likely to pass this information onto friends; in the long-run, this may well lead to more business leads.

Happy Chatting!

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