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Advice From The Experts: Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the run-up to your big day. They’ll make your memories last forever – so you’ll want to make sure you find the person who’s going to capture your day perfectly. But with so many photographers, styles and packages out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve called in the experts to give you their advice on finding your perfect match!

(Cover image from Paul Swift Photography)

Where should couples look for wedding photographers?

“Sites like Bridebook, where you can find loads of photographers under one roof, are really helpful. But try Google or Pinterest too. Search for terms your dream photographer might be using, such as ‘light and airy wedding photographer in London’ and see who pops up.”

– Queen Bea Wedding Photography

“Search Google for “wedding photographers” and you’ll be shown more than ninety million results… so that’s probably not much use! Post on Facebook and ask, “Anyone recommend a wedding photographer?” It’ll probably be the most popular post you’ve ever made! Again, this isn’t much use – there’ll be hundreds of photographers to choose from. Instead, use the wedding industry itself, such as wedding shows, venue recommendations and online wedding industry leaders like Bridebook.”

– John Price Wedding Photography

What can help couples make a decision between different wedding photographers?

“Look for a full day of wedding shots by your potential photographer. It’s easy to be impressed by one or two ‘wow shots’ – but if the rest of the day isn’t consistent, you may be disappointed. Always ask to see galleries of the full day, ideally with a wedding similar to yours: a winter wedding or a barn wedding, for example. Another major point to consider is their experience. Particularly if it’s a winter wedding or a rainy day, finding a photographer with experience and knowledge of darker locations is very beneficial. You shouldn’t have to miss out on anything because of the weather!”

– Laura Rachel Wedding Photography

“If you prefer to meet people in person, go to a big wedding fair. You can suss out a photographer’s vibe and check out physical copies of their work. They’re also a lot of fun!”

– Queen Bea Wedding Photography

What should couples avoid when booking a wedding photographer?

“Try not to penny-pinch when it comes to your photography budget as you always get what you pay for. The average price of an experienced wedding photographer is £1500. If you can’t afford the photographer you like, ask what this includes. You could ask to have fewer hours or to have digital images only. This will likely bring the price down and you still get to have a professional, well experienced photographer.”

– John Price Wedding Photographer

How can couples make sure they get every shot they want?

“A pre-wedding meeting is a must – approximately six to eight weeks before the wedding date. A good wedding photographer knows what the most important moments are, but this is your chance to mention anything you’re particularly after. There’s no way to specify every single image you’d like throughout the day, but most photographers love getting a list of family photos you’d like to have (including specific pairings of people).”

– Paul Swift Photography

“Preparation! Don’t wait until the wedding day – or worse, afterwards! – to realise there was a key shot missed. Do your research and work with your photographer to create a group photo list and a list of any must-have shots. If there’s a special ring tied to the bouquet, tell your photographer! And ask your photographer if there’s enough time for all your requests – you don’t want to be rushing on your wedding day.”

– Laura Rachel Photography

“We encourage our clients to create a Pinterest board of wedding photos they love. This way, we can see what style of image resonates with our couples and what’s important to them.”

– Andi Watson Photography

How can camera-shy couples feel more comfortable being photographed?

“Have a pre-wedding shoot. On top of receiving a great set of images, a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to build trust and friendship between the couple and the photographer. The couple gets to experience what it’s like to be photographed together and become more comfortable being photographed. In turn, the photographer is also able to see the couple’s personalities and how they react to the camera. I really can’t recommend a pre-wedding shoot enough.”

– Paul Swift Photography

“The engagement shoot is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer – which makes getting your photo taken far easier if you’re at all camera shy! – and it’s also a good time to walk about the venue together and discuss ideas.”

– Andi Watson Photography

Do you have any other top tips for couples looking for a wedding photographer?

“Consider two photographers. Having a second shooter is getting more and more common in wedding photography. It’s takes a considerable amount of effort to photograph an entire wedding solo, so you might want to ask your favoured photographer if they can offer a second photographer too. The price of an additional photographer at your wedding will have a great return on investment as it allows your main photographer to really focus on quality while the second shooter can concentrate on grabbing candid shots.”

– Paul Swift Photography

“Book the style of photography you want – not what’s trendy, what the photographer wants, what all your friends used or what your dad or auntie think you should have. If you want something less traditional, with more colour and fun, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s your wedding – and a day you don’t get to repeat. Don’t have any regrets!”

– Queen Bea Photography

The Current COVID Wedding Rules in England

UPDATED: 14th June 2021

N.B. The following applies to weddings in England only. We are expecting official confirmation from the government tomorrow which will be updated here.

Finally, we can give you the news that we’ve all been waiting for – big weddings are back! The government has announced today that while other restrictions will remain in place, weddings with more than 30 guests will be able to go ahead in England from 21st June! Your patience and resilience through all of this have been incredible and we are so excited to watch you celebrate, even if there will still be some more restrictions in place than we had hoped for.

We know it can be tricky to work out exactly what these restrictions are and what is just guidance, but hopefully, we can help. Below are the latest rules, as reported by the Deputy Political Editor at The Telegraph. This should give some additional clarity about what is and isn’t allowed from 21st June.

From June 21st:

Allowed:

Unlimited attendees at wedding ceremonies and receptions, so long as they can be accommodated in a COVID-secure way
Musical entertainment, with a group of up to six performers allowed inside, and up to 30 performers allowed outdoors
The wedding couple’s first dance
Speeches, with the Government guidance urging that these take place outdoors or in a well-ventilated area where possible. Public address systems, such as microphones are preferable to raised voices.
Cutting of the cake
Guestbooks and camera stations are allowed, however, contact should be minimised, with hand sanitisation stations encouraged before and after use

Not Allowed:

Indoor dancing
Stand up drinks receptions at outdoor or indoor wedding venues

Advised Against:

Dancing outdoors
Communal singing, which includes hymns
Reusable service booklets and devotional materials. Single-use alternatives that can be binned should be used instead
Cash donations, with alternative online giving encouraged instead

Obligatory:

Facemasks must be worn indoors during wedding ceremonies and receptions, except for when eating and drinking
Table service for food and drink, with no more than six guests per table
Risk assessments are mandatory for all wedding venues, as well as guests celebrating on private land if more than 30 people are attending

Make sure you download the Bridebook app and update your wedding location and date. This will ensure you get breaking news that is relevant to your wedding, whenever it is announced. To get the latest updates follow #whataboutweddings and The UK Wedding Taskforce on Instagram.

Venue Showcase: Elusive Locations (Kirtlington Polo Club & Leckhampstead Forest)

Elusive Locations presents Kirtlington Polo Club, an affordable all-inclusive wedding in a unique and breathtaking location with spectacular views over the Palladium Mansion, Oxford & Leckhampstead Forest, set in a serene ancient oak forest. It’s truly the perfect solution for couples wanting a peaceful, private wedding experience.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’ve been working in events – I say the term loosely as it’s been mostly commercial events and festivals – for the past four years or so, and weddings the past 18 months. Elusive Locations is a venture that we’ve taken on in addition to a long standing luxury wedding company called Marble Private, which has been featured in Vogue for its stunning weddings (I know, epic right!). I’m currently a world-class plate spinner working for both of these wonderful wedding companies – but don’t worry, I’m not yet ‘wedding-ed’ out.

A bit more about me, I’m 23 living and working in London, and when I’m not at the office in Notting Hill or working from home, you can find me painting or reading in a park somewhere, or heading back home to the Cotswolds countryside to be with my family. My role at Elusive Locations is mostly marketing focused, but I will also be your first point of contact when you enquire with us, so do drop me a line and say hello!

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What drew you to the wedding world?

Weddings have always fascinated me, and I absolutely love how fast-paced and exciting the industry is. There’s a real passion amongst the wedding planners and suppliers I have had the pleasure of working with, and of course it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there! Seeing happy couples say ‘I do’ is a true joy – especially now when so many have been postponed two or even three times. The first ‘wedding related’ job I ever did was actually as an assistant Wedding Florist – it was about 3 years ago – and it was my responsibility to hand the bride her bouquet. She literally burst into a flood of tears and the make up artist had only just finished her lashes! I remember thinking ‘this is such a cool job. I want to do more of this’

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What do you think makes Elusive Locations unique?

Elusive Locations was born in a time where venue hunting has become a challenging and exhausting job, so we’re attempting to cut through the noise with not just an affordable option, but an exclusive and undiscovered option. Our two venues – Kirtlington Polo Club in Oxfordshire, and Leckhampstead Forest in Buckinghamshire – are in previously unused spaces, hidden away in deep forests, and it’s there amongst the trees that you’ll find our enchanting wedding spaces. As I said earlier, our company has its roots in the wedding industry and our directors have won awards for their 15 years of experience, so these spaces are beautifully designed. Every little detail is meticulously thought out, and because both our venues are completely outdoors, there is a magical feel to them. Think of it like this: disco balls line the trees, festoon guides you to your huge private tent, and when you step inside there’s a stunning dancefloor, beautifully decorated tables, a bar filled with only the fizziest of champagne, and the smell of seasonal flowers fills the air. We love the festival feel of an outdoor celebration, and we’ve brought this to both our venues with an elegant, luxurious spin.

Added to this, we build special relationships with our clients by making sure the first step in our enquiry process is a phone call. We want to hear your vision, get to know you, and then personalise our venues to suit your needs. We know that no two clients are the same, and so we make sure to listen to your every need to personalise your day – for example at our Kirtlington venue, you can actually watch a game of Polo during your drinks reception, and the two teams can wear uniforms that are personalised to your couples names!

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

As mentioned, the first step in any consultation with us is a phone call. This is important because we want to get to know our couples personally and curate every wedding to suit them. Everything from the flower arrangements, tablescapes, firework displays, and cocktail choices can be completely personalised to represent our wonderful, unique clients. As part of our service offering, we provide a wedding planner on site for 5 days, making sure that the details are absolutely perfect for our couples, and we also make sure our caterers are in direct conversation with our couples so that the food and drink is exactly what they’re looking for. We’re currently running Open Days because we really want to get to know our clients personally, and we’re encouraging them to bring images, tell us their ideas, and get excited with us about their upcoming celebration!

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Details! The devil is truly in the details, and we’ve only learned this after 15 years of working in the wedding industry. Whether it’s as simple as providing polaroid cameras for guests to take pictures, which are then used as name places on tables, or whether its selecting seasonal and sustainable flowers that are handpicked by our floral team, there are endless opportunities to make the wedding unique and memorable for our couple. Both our venues have the catering tents, dancefloors and glamping rigged and ready to go all season, so what we do exceptionally well is add in the special extras to set the wheels in motion.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Elusive Locations?

Part of our extensive service offering is music and booking curation, so on one occasion we had a client who absolutely loved pop star Mika – and what did we do? Secretly booked him in for a 2 hour set, and he did a sound test whilst the guests were eating in the adjacent tent, only to burst into song as desserts were being polished off! On another occasion, we used a field next to the venue to build a secret rave in the forest, where we led guests by Samba band to a dancefloor amongst the woods. They literally partied till 5am!

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Why should a couple book Elusive Locations?

We’ve hand selected our stunning venues in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire because of their enchanted and undiscovered feel. We know that stately homes and manor houses can be a charming place for a wedding, but hundreds of couples have walked through that threshold and got married before you. What we offer is a venue set in a unique location on the periphery of London; romantic and peaceful, and perfect for a couple who wants to fall in love with their surroundings as they say their special ‘I do’.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Try to incorporate your personality into your wedding to give your guests – and you! – the most memorable experience. This day is all about your love for each other after all, and there are so many fun ways to bring that into your day. Our favourite example of this was a ‘food tour’ with all the places our couple had had a special moment – starting with pints of Guinness and oyster shucking, to wood fired pizza and wine tasting, and then a limoncello gift for guests before they depart.

What’s the best photo spot at Elusive Locations?

At Kirtlington, the best spot is undoubtedly at the top of the hill, looking out over the Palladium Mansion in Oxford on one side, and on the other the grounds designed by Capability Brown. It’s absolutely always a winner for our clients!

At Leckhampstead, it’s got to be in amongst the trees when they are lit up with disco balls, fibre optic lighting and candle orbs.

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What part of your business are you most proud of?

I think what we’re all the most proud of is our collaborative approach. We all work together to create the most stunning experience for our clients, and with our suppliers and partners as well. We’ve handpicked local recommended suppliers – from florists, photographers, caterers and tech teams – and these wonderful people are truly some of the best in the business!

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Zoom weddings were certainly an interesting thing to come out of the pandemic… whilst we love this adaptability and creativity, we’re thrilled that physical weddings and events can take place again in the coming months. We’re always putting human connection at the very centre of how we work, and this is most important at a wedding! Some of the technology we’d love to see prevail though is paperless invites – it’s an opportunity for our industry to become more eco-friendly and reduce waste.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

It sounds cliche, but take it one step at a time. Wedding planning can be super exhaustive at times, but this is what we’re here for! The whole idea is we’ll take the stress out of your day whilst keeping the fun and romance. Try not to get overwhelmed by an endless list of tasks and to-do’s, and instead allocate an hour a day to achieve one simple task. Stay organised, stay positive, and most importantly keep a really open line of communication with your suppliers and planners.

What do you love about Bridebook?

Right from the get go we’ve had amazing support from the Bridebook team, Kane especially. They’re always on the other end of emails to give a helping hand, and that’s been invaluable for us starting a business literally in the middle of a pandemic.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]. Also, if you enjoyed this article, see more here.

10 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Videographer

By David Christopher Photography

If you’ve decided you’re keen for a videographer, then let’s make sure you find one that is perfect for you. Like your photographer, they are going to be working in close proximity to you on one of the most important days of your life, so you want to make sure you like their style and them! Catching your wedding day on film is an amazing memento and one you will get teary over for years to come! Before you hire one, let’s make sure you ask the right questions and find the best one for you…

By Richard Skins Photography

1) How long have you been filming weddings?

You will want to make sure that the person you hire is experienced enough to convey the atmosphere and emotions of the day on film – creating something Oscar worthy!

2) How would you describe your style?

Styles primarily divide into documentary (filming as the day unfolds) or cinematic (weaving the episodes of your wedding into a story). Both are absolutely great to look at, so choose whichever style you like best! Also discuss whether your video will be music based or dispersed with speech and wooping from guests – again this is completely your preference!

3) Have you worked with our photographer before?

Would you be open to meeting with them if not? The photographer and videographer work very closely on the wedding day and therefore need to get along and know how the other operates.

4) Have you worked at our reception venue before? If not, would you be up for visiting it with us – would this cost extra?

If your videographer is familiar with your wedding venue, they will know the best angles to film from and the best lighting opportunities.

By Chris Giles Photography

5) What kind of equipment do you use?

This may seem like a silly question if you don’t know a lot about cameras, however, this will give you an idea about how large the video equipment is, how the microphones will work and what sort of lighting the videographer intends to use.

6) How long do we have to wait to see the final result?

While you can get the raw footage, or the highlights video fairly soon after the wedding, the full film may take up to six months in editing, so make sure you’re happy with this.

7) What will the final result be?

One 10 minute video? Or a feature length with all of the full length speeches?

8) Can I choose the music for the film?

Many videographers are more than happy to do that, so have a discussion with them and have a list of favourite tunes at the ready. If they can’t use your exact song selection they might come up with great alternatives along the same vibe.

9) Who will own the copyright?

This is important as any additional copy will have to be paid for separately.

10) How many copies of the film do I get? And how much does it cost if we want to buy extras?

If you want to distribute the video to all your relatives abroad, you may want to find out how much an extra video costs before you make any promises!

By Miki Photography

Happy Planning!

Browse other similar articles:

The Latest COVID Wedding News

Update: The Times has reported that the government will (finally!) lift the 30-person limit on weddings, even if the easing of other lockdown restrictions is delayed beyond June 21.

We will be keeping you all up to date if there are any changes to the rollout of weddings, so you’ll never miss the latest news. Download the Bridebook app today so that you are first to hear of any changes to policy that may affect your wedding.

Whilst restrictions are set to end on the 21st of June, weddings are still likely to be a little different for the next couple of years. The “new normal” will probably still affect a few things at your wedding. And while there may be no major fixed rules, we want to give you some tips on how to navigate through the early days after restrictions end.

Below are our top tips for planning a post-COVID wedding.

1. Keep up to date with latest government restrictions

Firstly, make sure that you know the particular COVID rules in your given area. Remember that there are often slight differences in policy between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Keep up to date with everything here.

Also, while the government has said that there won’t be different rules for different regions, this policy may change. Particularly, if pockets of the countries see mini-outbreaks. Again, make sure you know the rules for your wedding location and your hometown. This way you won’t get caught out with any last-minute changes.

2. Make contingency plans for guests coming from abroad

One thing that definitely won’t be back to normal straightaway on 21st June is international travel. With new variants and differing vaccination rates, some restrictions on travel are sure to remain for a while.

As a result, we recommend making some contingency plans for any guests who are planning to come from abroad. Keep up to date with which countries are on which lists (red, amber, green). This will ensure you know which guests may need to quarantine and who may need to order tests for early release from quarantine.

Travel rules are likely to remain in flux for some time yet, so do think about how you will mitigate this. Will you still go ahead with some live streaming options? A lot of venues now have this capability so do ask ahead of time. Similarly, we have seen some couples use computer tablets at tables for guests who are abroad and can’t make it to the ceremony.

Have a chat with your partner and work out what will work for you and your day.

3. Check your honeymoon destination

Since travel restrictions are likely to continue, you will also need to keep an eye on the rules for your honeymoon destination. Again, keep up to date with the latest for your particular country at the government-specific site.

Know what the quarantine rules are so that you can book the required time off and make sure you have your tests done well in advance.

Remember to do the same if you are having your hen do or stag do abroad, particularly if your bridesmaids or groomsmen aren’t quite as on-the-ball as you.

4. Keep your guests feeling safe

Even when restrictions end, some guests may still be nervous. It has been a really tough 18 months and some people want to take things a bit more cautiously than others. And that’s fine.

Make sure you know which of your guests might need a little more reassurance in advance. You can then provide badges for people who want to signal to others that they would like to keep their distance a bit more.

You could seat them nearer to open doors or windows to get more ventilation. Simply increasing the number of sanitisation stations around the venue can put some people at ease.

Similarly, if you are a bit nervous about having your wedding straight after restrictions end, let your guests know what you expect from them. This way there won’t be any surprises on the day.

5. Talk to your venue about their safety measures

The staff at wedding venues want you and your guests to feel as safe as possible on your big day.

Many venues now have protocols for making a venue more COVID-secure. This can include greater distancing at tables, one-way systems around the property, and increased ventilation. As we mentioned above, many also have the ability to livestream parts of the event.

Chat to your venue to let them know what things you need on your particular day and they are likely to be very accommodating.

6. Download the Bridebook app

The Bridebook app is where you can get the latest and most up to date news for weddings. If things change, this is where you’ll find out first.

Update your date and let us know where you’ve booked your venue. Then we can provide you with the most relevant information for your specific wedding date and location.

7. Have fun!

Restrictions are due to end on 21st June, so there should be no major rules at your wedding outside of travel restrictions. Instead, it will be up to you to find the right balance for you and your guests. But remember, it has been an incredibly tough 18 months and one that we know people can’t wait to put behind them. People have never been in bigger need of a great party. Your wedding will be a celebration that will live long in the memory. So be safe, but enjoy it! You deserve the best day of your life.

FAQs: The Latest Wedding Rules in England Explained

England is currently in Stage 3 of unlocking, but what does this actually mean for your wedding?

We know that navigating through all of these regulations can be really tricky, so we are here to help. Our team has reviewed the current government advice and pulled together a list of the top FAQs so you can double-check you’re following all the guidelines for your big day.

A summary of the current guidelines: Weddings and civil partnerships can take place either indoors or outdoors at a Covid secure venue from May 17th. The reception can include a seated meal and entertainment. Ceremonies and receptions are allowed in private gardens but not inside private homes. Stage 3 is expected to last until 20th June.

Who is included within the 30 people? Up to 30 people can attend the wedding reception, not including any working staff. This 30 does however include children of any age.

What counts as a Covid-secure venue? A venue that has completed a COVID specific risk assessment. We recommend you talk to your local authority or venue to find out more.

Do guests need to wear masks? Face coverings are required by law indoors across the UK. Therefore, masks must be worn throughout the ceremony with the exception of the couple and officiant. Guests can remove face coverings when eating or drinking.

Do guests need to be socially distanced? There is no longer a requirement to seat guests at socially distanced tables. There is a ‘greater emphasis’ on personal responsibility and people are encouraged to ‘exercise caution’ where necessary. Ultimately, this decision will be up to you.

Is live music allowed at the reception? Indoor performances can take place but outdoor performances are ‘preferable’. Professional performers should make sure they adhere to the Performing Arts Guidance. Amateur choirs, bands and musicians can perform in a group of up to 6 indoors and up to 30 outdoors.

Can there be dancing? Dancing is ‘advised against’ except for the couple’s first dance and dance floors must remain closed. Any close contact is deemed a personal choice.

Is congregational singing allowed? Communal singing should not take place indoors or outdoors at Step 3.

What counts as outdoors? An outdoor reception can be partially sheltered, however, 50% of the walled area must remain open.

Can there be more than 6 guests at each table? This is down to a personal choice, but we recommend you check in with those attending, especially if some of your guests are vulnerable.

Is confetti allowed? Confetti isn’t specifically mentioned in the guidance. However, activities such as cake cutting and game playing can take place provided appropriate measures are in place. There is much more detail within the document for specific cultural and religious features. We recommend you read up on this for more detail.

Can we have features such as guest books and photo booths? As above, these are allowed but appropriate measures are encouraged, for example, adding multiple hand sanitisation stations.

Can we have a drinks reception? A standing drinks reception cannot take place. In line with the current guidance, food and drink must be ordered and consumed whilst seated.

Are we allowed to stay overnight? In Step 3 of the roadmap, hotels are allowed to be open. Provided that your venue is legally allowed to be open during this step, you will be able to stay overnight.

What is next for weddings?

We are so excited for champagne to be flowing, cakes to be cut and cheesy tunes to be pumping. The end of these restrictions is so near and we can’t wait to watch you (finally!) have your moment. We know how tough it’s been to watch your original date pass by, but your day is so close and trust us, it’ll be worth every second of the waiting.

Here at Bridebook, we are pretty positive that restriction-free weddings will be allowed after June 21st. With the roadmap going according to plan and a strong vaccination rollout, we feel incredibly confident that you’ll be able to say “I do” in the way you dreamed of very soon. Keep your eyes peeled for new information, we promise we’ll update you as soon as we can.

Download the Bridebook iOS app here, if you haven’t already for our latest COVID updates. For Android, download the app here.

Wedding Suppliers Terms & Conditions

1. About us

1.1 The Bridebook website and mobile application (together the “Bridebook Platform”) is owned, operated and managed by Bridebook Limited (“Bridebook”, “we”, “us” and “our”). We are a limited company, registered in England and Wales with company number 09190872, and whose registered office is at 43 Manchester Street, London, W1U 7LP. Our VAT registration number is GB 204 9275 15.

2. Our contract with you

2.1 These are the terms and conditions (“Terms”) on which we provide you with a licence to use the Bridebook Platform and which constitute the contract between you and us regarding your use of the Bridebook Platform and any text, images, descriptions, pricing, reviews, messages, files, videos, 360° images and videos, logos and photographs that are incorporated into and form part of the Bridebook Platform (“Platform Content”).

2.2 With the exception of any separate agreement we may enter into with you in accordance with clause 5.2, the Terms constitute the entire agreement between us in relation to your use of the Bridebook Platform. You acknowledge that you have not relied on any statement, promise, representation, assurance or warranty made or given by or on behalf of us which is not set out in these Terms and that you shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in these Terms.

2.3 These Terms and our contract are made only in the English language. In the event of these Terms being translated, the English language version of these Terms shall prevail if there is a conflict.

2.4 By registering with us to use the Bridebook Platform and promote your Wedding Services to (and interact with Couples via) the Bridebook Platform (being a “Wedding Supplier”), you signify that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

2.5 If you do not agree with any part of the Terms, you are not permitted to use the Bridebook Platform in any way. You may only access and use the Bridebook Platform if you agree to all of the Terms.

3. Revisions to the terms

3.1 The date of the current version of the Terms is set out above. At any time, for any reason and in our sole discretion, we may revise the Terms by providing you with no less than 15 days’ notice of the revision, if you have registered as a Wedding Supplier (unless the revision is necessary to enable us to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation or unless address it is necessary in light of an unforeseen and imminent danger related relating to fraud, malware, spam, data breaches or other cybersecurity risks, in either such case we make the revision without providing you with any prior notice). We will notify you of changes to the Terms by email or via the Bridebook Platform.

3.2 Please check the Terms regularly to read any revisions we have made, as where we make only minor changes to the Terms we will not notify you. Any minor revisions that we make to the Terms are effective immediately and so are binding on your use of the Bridebook Platform when we publish the revised Terms on the Bridebook Platform.

3.3 Your continued use of the Bridebook Platform after we have revised the Terms indicates your consent to the revised Terms.

3.4 If you do not agree with any revision to the Terms, you are not permitted to continue to use the Bridebook Platform in any way once they have taken effect.

4. Registering to use the Bridebook Platform

4.1 To make full use of the Bridebook Platform and to use the Services you must register for an account as a Wedding Supplier, claim or input your Wedding Services and provide certain information about your business as set out in the registration process. You must only register as a Wedding Supplier in your capacity as acting wholly or mainly in the course of a business, trade or profession.

4.2 The information that you provide when registering and all other information, photographs and content that you upload to, generate or create when using the Bridebook Platform whether relating to your Wedding Services or otherwise (including descriptions, photographs, pricing, 360° images and videos, messages, files etc.) will be together referred to in these Terms as “Supplier Content”. Please see clause 11 for the rights that you grant us when uploading Supplier Content to the Bridebook Platform.

4.3 You are fully responsible for all Supplier Content and must ensure that all Supplier Content is accurate and complete and is kept current and up-to-date whilst you continue to use the Bridebook Platform and the Services. You must contact us promptly to inform us of any changes to this information. If you are uploading Supplier Content on behalf of the Wedding Supplier (i.e. where you are an employee of or consultant engaged by the Wedding Supplier) you warrant that you have the necessary rights and authority to upload the Supplier Content and to bind the Wedding Supplier in question.

4.4 Where you register for an account on the Bridebook Platform, you must create a username and password. Only you may use these details. Sharing your username or password with any other person is strictly prohibited. Accordingly, you agree to:

(a) maintain the security of your username and password and be fully responsible for all use of the Bridebook Platform made using the same;
(b) immediately notify us if you suspect or become aware of any unauthorised use of your username or password or any other breach of the Bridebook Platform’s security by sending an email giving details of the unauthorised use or other breach to [email protected];
(c) ensure that you close or log out of the Bridebook Platform at the end of each session;
(d) only maintain one account on the Bridebook Platform at any time; and
(e) only operate a Bridebook Platform account in the identify of your business.

4.5 You are responsible for all use of the Bridebook Platform and any commitments made on your behalf, carried out under your account, using your login details.

4.6 Usernames and passwords are our property and we reserve the right to alter or replace them at any time in our sole discretion.

4.7 We reserve the right to disable your username and password and suspend your access to the Bridebook Platform at any time, if in our reasonable opinion you have failed to comply with any of the provisions of these Terms.

5. The Bridebook Platform, Bridebook Services and Rankings

5.1 The Bridebook Platform is an online platform via which you can list the various wedding services and arrangements that you provide (“Wedding Services”) as part of our directory, promote those Wedding Services to users of the Bridebook Platform (“Couples”) and interact with Couples (together “Services”).

5.2 We currently provide Wedding Suppliers with the ability to register for a free account on the Bridebook Platform. However, we also offer account types and privileges which you can pay to access and, in the future, we may charge fees for other features of the Bridebook Platform. Wherever fees are to be payable for your use of the Bridebook Platform, we will enter into a separate agreement with you in respect of any such fees.

5.3 We do not control the material submitted to the Bridebook Platform by you, any other Wedding Supplier or any Couple. In particular, we do not control the reviews that our Couples provide regarding Wedding Suppliers.

5.4 The order in which Wedding Suppliers are presented to Couples, when making a search via the Bridebook Platform, will be ranked. Rankings of Wedding Suppliers via the Bridebook Platform are based firstly on whether the Wedding Supplier is operating under a paid for or free account (with paid for accounts taking priority over free accounts). Thereafter, within the categories of paid for and free accounts, rankings will be based on the extent to which the Wedding Supplier actively uses the Bridebook Platform, with those Wedding Suppliers who are more active featuring higher in the rankings.

6. Wedding services

6.1 We provide the Services so that you can promote your Wedding Services to Couples. However, we have no role in the sale of any Wedding Services and we will not be a party to any contract that you enter into with any Couple.

6.2 Whenever you make a sale of Wedding Services to a Couple you shall:

(a) record the booking of Wedding Services made by the Couple in the content management system, provided via the Bridebook Platform;
(b) ensure that the booking with the Couple incorporates a set of terms and conditions which clearly set out a contract for the sale of the Wedding Services between you and the Couple;
(c) make clear to the Couple that the Couple’s contract for the Wedding Services is with you and not include the name of Bridebook in that contract;
(d) not otherwise represent to any Couple that the Couple’s contract for the Wedding Services is with Bridebook.

6.3 Without prejudice to the foregoing, in relation to any Wedding Services that you promote via the Bridebook Platform, you warrant that:

(a) if you are a company, that you are the genuine owner of the Wedding Services that you upload to the Bridebook Platform or otherwise claim on the Bridebook Platform;
(b) if you are an individual (for example if you are an employee of or consultant engaged by the Wedding Supplier), that you have the necessary authority to register the Wedding Supplier concerned on the Bridebook Platform and/or to claim the relevant listing and profile;
(c) the Wedding Services shall be safe for occupation and use by Couples and all other third parties;
(d) the Wedding Services shall not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party;
(e) the Wedding Services shall be performed with the highest level of care, skill and diligence in accordance with best practice in your industry, profession or trade; and
(f) the Wedding Services shall comply with all applicable laws and shall satisfy any licensing and consent requirements applicable to the provision of the Wedding Services.

7. Licence to use the Bridebook Platform

7.1 In consideration for you agreeing to comply with these Terms we grant you a royalty-free, non-exclusive, revocable, worldwide, non-transferable, non-sub licensable licence for the duration of these Terms to use the Bridebook Platform and the Platform Content for the sole purpose of receiving the Services.

7.2 Your right to use the Bridebook Platform is personal to you, you may not otherwise transfer the Bridebook Platform or your right to use the Bridebook Platform to anyone else for any reason.

8. Accessing the Bridebook Platform

8.1 You are responsible for arranging technologies which you require to access the internet and the Bridebook Platform.

8.2 Access to the Bridebook Platform is permitted on a temporary basis. We may suspend, withdraw, discontinue or change all or any part of the Bridebook Platform at any time, for any reason and in our sole discretion, without notice to you.

8.3 You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining an alternative means of communication with any Couple that interacts with you via the Bridebook Platform, so as not to be reliant on the availability of the Bridebook Platform and/or the Services.

8.4 You agree that you are responsible for all of your communications and interactions with us, other Wedding Suppliers and Couples through the Bridebook Platform.

9. Restrictions on use of the bridebook platform and platform content

9.1 You must only use the Bridebook Platform and the Platform Content for:

(a) viewing them on a computer screen;
(b) printing one single copy of them to the extent strictly required in order to use the Services (and not further copying them);
(c) where (and only to the extent that) permission to download and store them is specifically granted in, downloading and storing the relevant Platform Content on the hard disk of your computer or portable media but not making any further transfer or copy of it; and
(d) where you are using our mobile application (“App”) you may:
- (I) download our App onto a Device and view, use and display our App on the Device; and
- (II) receive updates to the software code of our App via the relevant App Store that you downloaded our App from – these updates may incorporate corrections to bugs in our App.

9.2 You are only permitted to use the Bridebook Platform for the purposes of promoting your Wedding Services to Couples and interacting with Couples, as set out in these Terms. Unless you have requested and received our prior written consent or unless expressly permitted in these Terms, you shall not:

sub-licence, assign, share, sell, lease, grant a security interest in or otherwise transfer your right to use the Bridebook Platform;
store pages of or datasets from the Bridebook Platform or any Platform Content on a server or other storage device connected to a network or create an electronic database by systematically or otherwise downloading and storing any or all of the pages of the Bridebook Platform;
by any means scrape, extract, download, data mine, display, transmit, publish, upload or sell or offer for sale any part of the Bridebook Platform or Platform Content;
remove or change any Platform Content or interfere with the proper working of the Bridebook Platform or the servers on which it is hosted;
circumvent, disable or otherwise interfere with the security-related features of the Bridebook Platform or features that: (a) prevent or restrict use or copying of any part of the Bridebook Platform; or (b) enforce limitations on use of the Bridebook Platform.
create a copy of the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or a standalone website or platform which impersonates the Bridebook Platform;
attempt to access the database, user information, passwords or other records relating to the Bridebook Platform except in the normal course of using the Bridebook Platform;
attempt to modify, translate, adapt, edit, decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, reconstruct or discover any source code or software programs used by Bridebook in connection with the Bridebook Platform, the Platform Content or the Services;
use any network monitoring or discovery software to determine the Bridebook Platform architecture or extract information about usage, individual Couple or Wedding Supplier identities; or
incorporate all or part of the Bridebook Platform into another service or website or make it available via framing or mirrors;

9.3 You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless, us, our officers, directors and employees from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities costs and/or expenses (including but not limited to reasonable legal fees) that we incur arising from:

(a) your misuse of the Bridebook Platform;
(b) your breach of these Terms;
(c) any claim that we may receive from any Couple(s) in relation to your Wedding Services;
(d) any breach of these terms by any person accessing the Bridebook Platform under your log-in details; or
(e) any claim that your use of the Bridebook Platform or your Supplier Content as provided to us caused damage to a third party or violated any third party right, including without limitation any intellectual property, property, or privacy right or is otherwise illegal or unlawful.

10. The Bridebook Platform is for use by Couples and Wedding Suppliers only

10.1 We make the Bridebook Platform available for use by Couples and Wedding Suppliers only.

10.2 Companies, partnerships, and other entities or businesses providing or intending to provide a Similar Offeringto Bridebook, as well as their employees, agents, directors, or contractors, whether based in the UK or anywhere in the world, do not have permission to use or access the Bridebook Platform or Services for the purposes of establishing, offering, providing, improving or comparing the Similar Offering.

10.3 Any breach of this condition, without our prior written permission, will be a breach of these Terms and we reserve all rights in relation to such a breach, including to remove or refuse access and/or to suspend or disable profiles or accounts or to pursue legal action to protect our rights in the Bridebook Platform.

10.4 A “Similar Offering” means the provision of online wedding planning tools, wedding supplier directories, or confusingly similar services to Bridebook, internationally or in the UK.

11. Supplier Content

11.1 All Supplier Content will be considered non-confidential and non-proprietary.

11.2 You retain all of your ownership rights in the Supplier Content, but by uploading or creating Supplier Content on the Bridebook Platform, you grant us a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable licence for us to use the Supplier Content and all material embodied therein for any purposes including but not limited to:

(a) reproducing, distributing, modifying, publishing, translating, creating derivative works from, displaying and performing Your Content (in whole or part) and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media or technology in connection with the Services provided through the Bridebook Platform or to enable us to promote or develop our business;
(b) providing the Supplier Content to third parties including other users of the Bridebook Platform, our partners, advertisers and/or our sponsors to use the Supplier Content for their purposes;
(c) auditing/accounting purposes or as may be required by law;
(d) measuring and improving the Bridebook Platform and our related products and services; and
(e) in a form in which the Supplier Content is combined with data from other Couples or Wedding Suppliers, whether for own purposes or to provide services and data to third parties

11.3 In relation to the Supplier Content you:

(a) warrant that you are fully authorised and entitled to submit the Supplier Content to the Bridebook Platform, in respect of all rights in the work concerned, including ownership, copyright, moral rights, the rights of people, names, trademarks, designs or works of art depicted in the Supplier Content, and that no further permissions or conditions are required in order for us to use the Supplier Content including, for example, from any individual that may identified in any photograph that you upload;
(b) warrant that, where the Supplier Content consists of photographs, you have full permission to enter and reproduce the image of any person(s) featured in the photograph (if applicable). If a photograph Supplier Content contains an image of a minor (person under the age of 18) then you hereby confirm that you have obtained the consent of the minors’ parent or legal guardian;
(c) waive any moral rights that you may have in the Supplier Content
(d) warrant that the Supplier Content does not infringe the rights (including intellectual property rights) of any third party; and
(e) warrant that the Supplier Content is not unlawful, threatening, defamatory obscene, indecent, offensive pornographic, abusive, liable to incite racial hatred, discriminatory, menacing, scandalous, inflammatory, blasphemous, in breach of confidence or in breach of privacy and will not result in any civil or criminal claim being brought against us by a third party in any jurisdiction.

11.4 We reserve the right to:

(a) disclose your identity to any third party who is claiming that the Supplier Content constitutes a violation of their rights (including intellectual property rights); and
(b) remove any Supplier Content, at our sole discretion, without the need to give reasons.

12. Intellectual property rights

12.1 All intellectual property rights in and to the Bridebook Platform and Platform Content are owned by and reserved to us or our licensors. All such rights are reserved exclusively to us and our licensors and save as expressly set out in the Terms, nothing in these Terms will serve to transfer from us to you any of our intellectual property rights or those of our licensors.

12.2 The Platform Content include all of our trademarks (whether registered or unregistered), graphics, logos, designs, page headers and button icons used and displayed on the Bridebook Platform. You are not permitted to use any of the foregoing nor any similar or confusing versions in any way without our prior written consent.

12.3 In the event you print off, copy or store pages from the Bridebook Platform (only as permitted by these Terms), you must ensure that any copyright, trade mark or other intellectual property right notices contained in the original content are reproduced.

12.4 We take the misappropriation of our intellectual property rights by any user or other third party seriously and will take steps to enforce our legal rights in the event we reasonably deem any such misappropriation has occurred through your use of the Services or otherwise on the Bridebook Platform.

13. Disclaimer of warranties

13.1 We make the Bridebook Platform available to you on an “as is” basis, for your information only and subject to the restrictions and limitations set out the in the Terms.

13.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, in respect of the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content and Services we disclaim, exclude and limit all warranties, of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranty:

(a) of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement;
(b) that the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or Services will meet your requirements;
(c) that you will receive any minimum number of enquiries or bookings from Couples;
(d) that any errors in the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or Services will be corrected;
(e) that your use of the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or Services will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free; or
(f) that the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or Services will be free from bugs or viruses trojans, worms, logic bombs or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful; or
(g) that the results obtained from use of the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or Services will be accurate or reliable.

14. data

14.1 We will use any personal data you provide to us:

(a) to provide the Bridebook Platform or the Services;
(b) for the wider purposes set out in our Privacy Policy.

14.2 We will process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, the terms of which are incorporated into these Terms.

14.3 Where we provide personal data to each other relating to Couples, the below shall apply:

(a) For the purpose of these Terms:
- (I) “Agreed Purpose”: Bridebook and the Wedding Supplier will share personal data for the purpose of Bridebook placing reservations with the Wedding Supplier, as its agent (where agreed); creating reports for analytics, business intelligence and business reporting; fraud prevention; responding to law enforcement requests; facilitating business asset transactions (which may extend to any mergers, acquisitions or asset sales); and otherwise complying with our obligations under this Agreement, our privacy policy and applicable laws;
- (II) “Data Protection Legislation”: means all applicable data protection and privacy legislation and regulatory requirements in force from time to time which apply to you and/or us relating to the use of personal data, including (a) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) including the recitals (“GDPR”) and any equivalent or implementing legislation; (b) the Data Protection Act 2018; (c) the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive 2002/58/EC (as updated by Directive 2009/136/EC); and (d) the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2426) as amended, in each case including the guidance and codes of practice issued by the relevant data protection or supervisory authority and applicable to a party, and in each case as may be amended or superseded from time to time;
- (III) “data controller”, “data processor”, “data subject”, “personal data” and “processing”: shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Data Protection Legislation
- (IV) “Permitted Recipients” Bridebook and the Wedding Supplier, the employees of each, any third parties engaged to perform obligations in connection with these Terms;
- (V) “Shared Personal Data”; the personal data to be shared between Bridebook and the Supplier including the first name, surname, e-mail address and other contact details of Couples.
(b) For the purposes of this clause 14, the data controller that is sharing Shared Personal Data with the other data controller shall be referred to as the “Sender” and the Controller receiving the Shared Personal Data (as defined below) shall be the “Recipient”.
(c) The Sender will disclose the Shared Personal Data to the Recipient to process strictly for the Agreed Purposes.
(d) The Parties acknowledge that the Sender is a data controller of the Shared Personal Data it discloses to the Recipient, and that the Recipient will process the Shared Personal Data as a separate and independent data controller strictly for the Permitted Purpose. In no event will the Parties process the Shared Personal Data as joint controllers.
(e) We shall both be individually and separately responsible for complying with the obligations that apply to each of each of us as an independent data controller under Data Protection Legislation. In particular (and without limitation):
- (I) the Sender shall be responsible for complying with all necessary transparency and lawfulness requirements under Data Protection Legislation in order to disclose the Shared Personal Data to the Recipient to process for the Permitted Purpose; and
- (II) the Recipient shall be separately and independently responsible for complying with Data Protection Legislation in respect of its processing of Shared Personal Data it receives from the Sender.
(f) The Recipient shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect the Shared Personal Data from accidental or unlawful destruction and loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to the Shared Personal Data (a “Security Incident“).
(g) The Recipient may, at its election, appoint third party processors to process Shared Personal Data for the Agreed Purpose, provided that such processors:
- (I) agree in writing to process Shared Personal Data in accordance with the Recipient ‘s documented instructions;
- (II) implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect the Shared Personal Data against a Security Incident; and
- (III) otherwise provide sufficient guarantees that they will process the Shared Personal Data in a manner that will meet the requirements of Data Protection Legislation.
(h) In the event that either we or you receive any correspondence, enquiry or complaint from a data subject, regulator or other third party (“Correspondence“) related to the disclosure of the Shared Personal Data by the Sender to the Recipient for the Agreed Purpose or processing of Shared Personal Data by the other, it shall promptly inform the other giving full details of the same, and we shall both cooperate reasonably and in good faith in order to respond to the Correspondence in accordance with any requirements under Data Protection Legislation.
(i) The Recipient shall not process any Shared Personal Data (nor permit any Shared Personal Data to be processed) in a territory outside of the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area (“EEA“) unless it has taken such measures as are necessary to ensure the transfer is in compliance with Data Protection Legislation.

14.4 In addition to personal data, Wedding Suppliers will also have access to such anonymised analytics as we make available from time to time relating to preferences, demand and average budgets of Couples. Access to such anonymised analytics will cease immediately upon the termination or suspension of your account in accordance with clause 18.

15. limitation of liability

15.1 Nothing in the Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury arising from our negligence, or our fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

15.2 We are not responsible for, and will not be liable to you, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable, arising under or in connection with the Terms for any indirect, consequential or special loss or damage, even foreseeable, or for any loss of profits, loss of sales or revenues, loss of business or agreements, loss of goodwill, loss of reputation, loss of use or corruption of software,

15.3 Further, we are not responsible for, and will not be liable to you for any loss or damage, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable, arising under or in connection with:

(a) the use or inability to use the Bridebook Platform;
(b) the accuracy or completeness of the Supplier Material uploaded by you;
(c) for any use of the Bridebook Platform by you which is not in accordance with the Terms; or
(d) viruses, trojans, worms, logic bombs, distributed denial-of-service attack or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful to your assets due to your use of the Bridebook Platform.

15.4 Subject to clause 15.1, our aggregate liability to you for all claims howsoever arising out of or in connection with the Terms and/or use of the Bridebook Platform (whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise) in any twelve month period be limited to the greater of the sum of £100 or the fees paid to us under any separate agreement that we may enter into with you in accordance with clause 5.2 in the same twelve month period.

16. Viruses and hacking

16.1 You must not misuse the Bridebook Platform by knowingly introducing viruses, trojans, worms, logic bombs or other material which is malicious or technologically harmful. You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Bridebook Platform, the server(s) on which the Bridebook Platform is stored or any server, computer or database connected to the Bridebook Platform. You must not attack the Bridebook Platform via a denial-of-service attack or a distributed denial-of service attack.

16.2 By breaching clause 16.1, you may be committing a criminal offence. We will report any such breach to the relevant law enforcement authorities and we will co-operate with those authorities by disclosing your identity to them. In the event of such a breach, your right to use our website will cease immediately.

17. Linking to or from the Bridebook Platform

17.1 Links on the Bridebook Platform to third party websites are provided solely for your convenience and should not be interpreted as approval by us of those linked websites or information that you may obtain from them. We have not reviewed any such third party websites and we do not control or take any responsibility for their content or availability. We do not endorse or make any representations about any such third party websites or any material found thereon or any results that may be obtained from your use of the same. If you decide to access any such third party website, you do so entirely at your own risk.

17.2 You may link to the homepage of the Bridebook Platform only, provided you do so in a way that is fair and legal and does not damage our reputation or take advantage of it and, on condition that you do not replicate the home page of the Bridebook Platform. In linking to the Bridebook Platform you must not:

(a) create a frame or any other browser or border environment around the Bridebook Platform;
(b) imply any endorsement, association or approval by us other than with written consent, or misrepresent your relationship with us;
(c) use any logos or trade marks displayed on the Bridebook Platform without our express written permission; or
(d) link from a website that is not owned by you.

17.3 You need our permission to link to certain parts or pages of the Bridebook Platform. You may link to other pages of the Bridebook Platform only with our prior written consent and subject always to the same conditions as set out in this clause 17.

17.4 We can withdraw permission to link to the Bridebook Platform. We reserve the right to withdraw linking permission without notice.

17.5 If you wish to make any use of the Platform Content on the Bridebook Platform other than that set out in these Terms, please address your request to [email protected].

18. Termination

18.1 Without limiting any of our other rights, we may terminate these Terms and your use of the Bridebook Platform, or suspend your use of the Bridebook Platform, immediately by written notice to you if:

(a) we consider that you have committed a breach of these Terms;
(b) we consider that any Supplier Content is or may be false;
(c) we reasonably determine that you are not the authentic owner of (or are not properly authorised by the owner of) a Wedding Supplier business;
(d) we consider there is any other risk to the security or integrity of the Bridebook Platform, Platform Content or the Services;
(e) we believe there has been unauthorised access to the Bridebook Platform;
(f) we, at our sole discretion, decide to withdraw the Bridebook Platform (whether in whole or in part); or
(g) we have a legal or regulatory obligation imposed on us, which impacts our ability to provide the Bridebook Platform.

18.2 We may terminate these Terms and your use of the Bridebook Platform, or suspend your use of the Bridebook Platform for any reason at our sole discretion, provided that we have given you thirty (30) days’ written notice by email or via an electronic communication within the Bridebook Platform

18.3 We may discontinue licensing any of the Platform Content at any time in our sole discretion.

18.4 You can terminate these Terms by ceasing to use the Bridebook Platform, deleting your account and (if you have downloaded it) deleting or uninstalling our App from your device.

18.5 On termination of the Terms by you or us for any reason:

(a) all rights granted to you under these Terms cease;
(b) we may remove all of your Supplier Content from the Bridebook Platform or delete your account without any liability of any kind to you for such actions;
(c) you must cease all activities authorised by these Terms; and
(d) (if you have downloaded it) you must delete or remove our App from your device.

18.6 Termination of the Terms for any reason shall not affect the rights and obligations of you and us which have accrued due prior to the date of termination or expiration, including the right to claim damages as a result of a breach of this Terms. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to pursue all of our legal remedies in the event of a termination.

18.7 All provisions of the Terms which by their nature should survive termination of the Terms shall survive such termination, including but not limited to the following paragraphs: Intellectual Property Rights, Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability. Your defence and indemnification obligation shall survive termination of the Terms.

19. Complaints

19.1 If you have any complaint, regarding your use of the Bridebook Platform, please let us know so we can try to resolve it. Please note that any complaints relating to Couples must be directed to the relevant Couple directly.

19.2 Please contact us using one of the following options:

(a) Via the Bridebook Platform.
(b) By email: [email protected].
(c) By post to: Bridebook Limited, 8th Floor, 45 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LQ.

20. Notices

20.1 You shall give any notice under the Terms to us at [email protected] we may give notice to you under the Terms by emailing the latest email address provided by you or by sending you a message via the Bridebook Platform and any such email or message shall be deemed effective at the time at which we send it.

21. General

21.1 Assignment and transfer

(a) We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations under the Terms to another entity but will always notify you by email or by posting a message on the Bridebook Platform if this happens.
(b) You may only assign or transfer your rights or your obligations under the Terms to another person if we agree in writing

21.2 Waiver. If we do not insist that you perform any of your obligations under the Terms, or if we do not enforce our rights against you, or if we delay in doing so, that will not mean that we have waived our rights against you or that you do not have to comply with those obligations. If we do waive any rights, we will only do so in writing, and that will not mean that we will automatically waive any right related to any later default by you.

21.3 Severance. If any provision or part-provision of these Terms is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause 20.3 shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of these Terms

21.4 Third party rights. Noting in these Terms is intended to confer a benefit on or to be enforceable by any person who is not a party to the Terms (whether under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 or otherwise).

21.5 No partnership or agency. Nothing in the Terms shall be construed as constituting or evidencing any partnership, contract of employment or joint venture of any kind between you and us. Neither party shall have authority to make any representation for or act as agent for or in the name or on behalf of another party in any way.

21.6 Force majeure. Neither you nor we are responsible to the other if you or we fail to comply with any part of these Terms, as a result of events beyond your or our reasonable control, (each a “Force Majeure Event“), provided that: (i) the party affected gives prompt notice in writing to the other party of such Force Majeure Event; and (ii) uses all reasonable endeavours to continue to perform its obligations under the Terms. If the Force Majeure Event continues for more than one month, the party not subject to the Force Majeure Event may terminate the Terms by notice in writing to the other party.

21.7 Entire Agreement. The Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us and supersede and extinguish all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between us and you, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of the Terms.

21.8 Governing law and jurisdiction. The Terms (and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it and any claim or dispute in relation to its formation) shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law. You and we each irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts over any claim or matter arising out of, under or in connection with the Terms (and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it and any claim or dispute in relation to its formation).

Venue Showcase: The Petersham Hotel

The Petersham Hotel boasts magnificent views of the River Thames and surrounding meadows. This historic hotel provides the most wonderful backdrop for an intimate wedding.

We talked to Terence Filipe-O’Neill, the Events Manager at The Petersham Hotel, to find out more about this stunning venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the wedding planning industry for 8 years at The Petersham Hotel. I live with my husband and dog Chica.

What drew you to the wedding world?

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 29 years I take great pleasure in meeting couples and making their dreams come true.

An archway that is part of the building serves as a place for the ceremony.

What do you think makes The Petersham Hotel unique?

The location perched overlooking The River Thames. We also have a Portland Staircase perfect for wedding photos.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

We meet in person at The Petersham over a coffee or a glass of bubbles and they will also be invited for a menu tasting where I meet and greet them.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Being surrounded by your close family and friends to celebrate your love.

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What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Involve your significant other in the planning.

What do you love about Bridebook?

The dedicated team behind the scenes helping venues maximise their return.

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Petersham Hotel?

We had a Phantom of The Opera style wedding and the couple sang their vows.

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Why should a couple book The Petersham Hotel?

The Petersham has got a resounding reputation and every care is taken to guide the couples from enquiry stage through to the big day and beyond with an experienced team.

What’s the best photo spot at The Petersham Hotel?

On the Terrace overlooking The River Thames and the meadows.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The location and spectacular views.

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How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Communication is made easier and more accessible by digital means.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

To be confident knowing that our wedding venue has their best interest at heart.

A huge thank you to Terence for answering our questions. Check out The Petersham Hotel on Bridebook!

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Looking for more venues in Surrey? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Ashmolean Museum

Set amongst the cityscape of Oxford’s dreaming spires, the Ashmolean Museum is a magnificent venue for your wedding, civil partnership or celebration.

A wedding venue like no other. Founded in 1683 the Ashmolean is the oldest public Museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licenced which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I love everything about weddings, and I am currently planning my own special day, so I can empathise with couples in a very real way. I realised my passion for event and wedding planning very early on when I helped four of my older siblings plan their weddings. Coming from an Asian cultural background I grew up surrounded by the excitement and buzz of large family gatherings and weddings, involving a series of celebratory events that can sometimes stretch out for a period of two weeks before the actual wedding day!

Weddings are such incredible events, from the moment we first connect with couples, to when they make their vows and onto the reception – there is just nothing like them.

What an emotional rollercoaster this past year has been! I have had to postpone our wedding date three times now and I know first-hand how overwhelming this feels. Not only have couples had to navigate through the financial implications on paid deposits, they’ve had all their enjoyment curtailed by all the stops and starts with (re)arranging. It also became very clear that couples were not only having to process their own emotions but were also having to manage questions and disappointment from families and friends.

In my spare time, I love to travel and read up on the latest archaeological discoveries! I studied Archaeology so any chance I get to visit and immerse myself into different cultures, I just have to grab it! I am a big foodie and I love experimenting with our in-house chefs on how we can push the boundaries to create an exceptional new culinary experience.

What drew you to the wedding world?

My role at the Ashmolean combines two of my passions; history and delivering incredible bespoke events to each couple. When I moved back to the UK from Israel and had the opportunity to return to the museum it was a dream come true. I was in awe of the weddings hosted at the Ashmolean so when there was an opening in the team I jumped at the chance. To me there is something absolutely enchanting about getting married in a city like Oxford, so steeped in tradition, and there is something even more magical about getting married amongst half a million years of human history.

No two couples are the same and so none of the Ashmolean’s weddings are the same either. The team and I pride ourselves in carefully curating each wedding so it is a truly unique reflection of each couple. My favourite part of being a wedding event manager is getting to know the couple and finding elements from our enriching and stunning art and archaeology collections that can be incorporated to personalise their day. The team and I strive to carefully tailor each wedding so that guests feel every element is a reflection of the couple’s love story, from the galleries we use through to the catering that reflects their backgrounds, flavours and favourite dishes from their childhood.

What do you think makes The Ashmolean Museum unique?

The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licensed which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.

What sets us above and beyond other venues is our exceptional attention to the guests’ experience. Our friendly and professional team of wedding event assistants have been trained to deliver the highest quality of customer service, so wedding guests feel special and well looked-after by our team during their time with us. The team are also knowledgeable about our world-class collections and are able to entertain guests on the incredible objects and pieces of art around them. They are great at revealing the sensational and fun or quirky facts not mentioned on the labels!

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in a couple’s life. As the dedicated wedding manager, I work with the couple and their family to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable. I support them through the emotions they feel during the process and offer them my professional experience and practical guidance to help plan their special day.

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

The Ashmolean boasts a team of passionate and experienced event and wedding managers. They are dedicated to playing their part in making your wedding or celebration truly memorable.

We have regular meetings with our couples so we know what makes them tick; this is vital so we can ensure that weddings go smoothly. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to listen to what couples envision for their day. It is only through listening that we are able to pick up on a common thread or theme and get to the heart of the emotion and aesthetics they are trying to portray for their day. Once we have that we can suggest creative ideas and themes that incorporate this beautifully.

My favourite part is getting to know the couple and their unique love story and weaving in galleries and collections that are relevant to their story. With a treasure trove of the most beautiful old master paintings and ancient objects we are spoiled with choice. For example, we had one couple where the groom had a Scottish background and the bride a Coptic Egyptian background. To make the day unique to them we incorporated a blessing ceremony in the Egyptian galleries followed by a bagpiper leading guests from the ceremony gallery, all the way up to the wedding breakfast via the museum’s impressive cascading staircase! We also worked closely with the couple to offer a tantalising menu that reflected the couple’s favourite Scottish and Egyptian dishes. In the past we have offered ‘night at the museum’ tours, taking guests to view collections from areas of the world the couple had travelled to.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Chemistry. Chemistry between the couple of course, but also between the guests and all the different suppliers. There are so many moving parts that need to be on point on your special day and having suppliers that have great rapport with one another makes everything work smoothly.

Over the years we have developed relationships with trusted suppliers to support events at the museum. This means we can offer our clients a curated list of suppliers and creatives who share our values and meet our high standards. Their familiarity with our event spaces means they can work with your ideas and bring them to life in the museum.

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What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashmolean Museum?

We had a couple where the groom’s family were from Germany and the bride’s were from Japan. Both families flew in for the occasion and arrived in the city of Oxford for the week of the wedding. As this was the first time many of the extended families had met, we thought what better way to introduce their guests to one another and ‘break the ice,’ than to host an informal rehearsal dinner in our rooftop dining room. We treated the group to a fun and engaging ‘night at the museum’ tour, incorporating highlights from our Germanic and Japanese collections. Later that week for the actual wedding day, both couples incorporated traditional wedding customs from both sides including having a Japanese tea ceremony in the museum’s very own Japanese tea house.

Why should a couple book Ashmolean Museum?

The Ashmolean has been telling stories since 1683 and we want you to add yours to our collection. We understand that every wedding is different which is why our expert team are on hand to tailor your day. An experienced team supported by an exclusive catering partner and handpicked suppliers will bring your dream celebration to life. Whether you decide to make a grand entrance, have an intimate exchange of vows in the presence of a few loved ones, dine like royalty or party the night away, the Ashmolean offers the most magnificent backdrop to your occasion.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Stay true and authentic to who you both are and trust your instinct! Just because something looks incredible and is currently in vogue doesn’t mean it is right for you. Each couple is different and what may suit one will not be appropriate for another. So, as much as someone tries to convince you that you ‘need’ a particular wedding item, theme, dress, flowers etc., remember to check in with yourself on whether that actually is your taste and a reflection of you. In a world of Instagram, Pinterest boards and wedding blogs, it is easy to get carried away with following the latest trend and before you know it, your wedding starts to look like someone else’s day. Social media platforms and blogs can be great to get a feel for what you resonate with and it’s fantastic to find wedding suppliers that match your tastes. It is also very easy to fall down an endless rabbit hole and lose a sense of what is most important about your special day. Which is the both of you, who you are and celebrating your love and commitment to one another, in a fashion that is true to your union.

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What’s the best photo spot at Ashmolean Museum?

The Forecourt – The imposing façade will not fail to impress your guests as they arrive at the museum. The iconic portico and neo classical architecture offer a fantastic opportunity for photographs. It’s also a great space for a welcome drinks reception on a summer evening and is one of the few historic venues in Oxford to permit biodegradable confetti outside. All under the watchful eye of the Greek god Apollo, who perches on the centre of the pediment of the entrance. It is only fitting that wedding guests are welcomed beneath a statue of Apollo as the western tradition of having a wedding band placed on the left hand ring finger came from the Romans, who inherited it from the ancient Greeks. This finger was referred to as Apollo’s finger as he was associated with marriage. The Greeks believed there was a vein that ran from this finger straight to the heart.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our ability to adapt. We were one of the first venues in the UK to be COVID-secure and offer hybrid weddings. Not only offering live streaming but embracing the challenges presented by social restrictions, looking at creative ways to work with suppliers and couples on how to re-imagine their wedding whilst keeping it special and memorable, within the guidelines.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

It is a very innovative and exciting time to be an event professional and we love to be the first to incorporate new technologies to enhance our clients’ experience. At the Ashmolean we know how important your wedding is and understand that for many reasons some guests may not be able to be with you on the day. Now everyone can take part. We can help you to share this special time with your friends and family, wherever they are in the world. Our discrete and professional live streaming service is the perfect way to include all your loved ones and to ensure that they don’t miss a moment. They can join in the excitement and emotion as if they were with you in the room. The final bonus is that couples get a copy of the stream to keep forever; a wonderful way to save the memory of your perfect day! We have the experience, so leave it to us to arrange it with our technology partner.

Hybrid weddings are definitely here to stay! We have worked with our couples to consider how they can enhance the experience of their guests who are tuning into the live stream so they feel involved in the day. Our caterers can even arrange to send virtual guests a wedding meal, bottle of fizz or slice of wedding cake to enjoy during the ceremony to enhance their interaction with the couple and attending wedding guests, even sharing messages and photos with the couple live during the reception.

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What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Keep the faith. The recent announcements on the easing of lockdown measures are very encouraging. As a bride-to-be I have experienced the stress, random panic attacks and the worry that important family members won’t be able to take part in the day, but I am hopeful that normality is coming back very soon.

It is very easy to get swept away with all the wedding planning and trying to make your wedding day reflect a certain vision you have always had. But it is important to remember that just because you always thought you wanted a certain type of wedding years ago, once you strip all of that back, the only thing that really matters is that you get to express your love and enduring commitment to the one you love.

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What do you love about Bridebook?

Bridebook have been fantastic to us – they named us as one of Britain’s top venues which gave a welcome boost to the team. Their account management has been second to none. Kane, who is our main contact, has been very supportive during this period.

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Final Comments

If you want to experience the magic that the Ashmolean has to offer, we would love to hear from you. We will also be hosting future virtual wedding fairs, where our most trusted and hand-picked wedding suppliers will be giving you their top tips when planning a wedding. Our first one was a huge success; you can watch the highlight video here.

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Looking for more venues in Oxfordshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Ashridge House

Searching for a dream wedding venue? Look no further! Take advantage of what this stunning historic venue has to offer, from beautiful views to a magnificent sweeping staircase.

We talked to Natalie, the Events Marketing Manager at Ashridge House, to find out more about this magical venue.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a mum to two boys (my main job!), I have worked in the wedding business for five years and in my free time I like to be creative and bake brownies. I have started writing a children’s book, and am going to try and illustrate it when the story is finished. If it’s terrible I will put it in a drawer and never show anyone!

What drew you to the wedding world?

It happened by accident! I was working in the events industry with corporate clients and when I joined the Ashridge House team, weddings are a key part of the Ashridge DNA. The whole team loves the wedding industry and it is easy to see why, it’s wonderful to work with our lovely couples and create a bespoke day filled with forever memories. It truly is an honour to be part of such a special moment at the beginning of our couples married life.

What do you think makes Ashridge House unique?

Ashridge House is very special, the site dates back to 1283 and Ashridge was a former royal residence to King Henry VIII and home to his daughter Princess Elizabeth. However what makes Ashridge House truly special is the dedicated team here and our ethos to welcome our couples and make them feel comfortable so they feel Ashridge House is their home away from home. The beautiful gardens and grounds at Ashridge House are the jewel of the estate and gives our couples a sense of serenity (we have 190 acres of private gardens for our couples to explore!), and no matter what the season, the grounds always look spectacular thanks to our dedicated gardens team. We have a fantastic food and beverage team who work closely with our couples to ensure they have the perfect wedding breakfast with their family and loved ones to enjoy, the team here also love a challenge and will find a solution for any requests. Every wedding is different and the team here love to be as creative as possible to deliver the most beautiful and bespoke day for our couples.

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

After the initial show arounds, we invite our couples to visit Ashridge House to meet their wedding coordinator and start planning their day. Couples will also meet their suppliers onsite and have their menu tasting here so ideally they will have visited Ashridge House many times before their big day, and will feel at home and relaxed before their wedding day.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

When everyone is smiling and your couple are lost in the moment together.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Try and make the planning fun and part of your wedding journey, get your girlfriends involved and make your planning days a celebration, and enjoy some fizz afterwards!

What do you love about Bridebook?

I love their personal service, J’uanita has helped Ashridge House navigate through these challenging times and is a font of all knowledge!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashridge House?

Every wedding is memorable and each couple becomes part of our history and DNA. We had a beautiful Russian ballerina bride and she arranged for ballet dancers to perform on the staircase in the Grand Hall during the ceremony, that was magical and breath-taking!

Why should a couple book Ashridge House?

The weddings and events team at Ashridge House go above and beyond to help our couples achieve the wedding of their dreams. We work together with our couples and build trust so that on the day, they can relax and enjoy one of the most important days of their life.

What’s the best photo spot at Ashridge House?

That’s a difficult question as all the grounds are lovely, I love Laburnum Walk, Rhododendron Walk and The Rosary!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

I am really proud of the events team and how they have adapted over the last 12 months, for example we now have personalised virtual showarounds and are hosting a virtual wedding showcase on Sunday 21st March 2021. The team have adapted and pivoted in response to the ever changing times.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Technology has been vital to the weddings industry especially over the pandemic, we have been able to stay in touch with all our couples over Zoom and reassure them we are still here and will help them move their date if needed.

Natalie featured second left with the Events Team at Ashridge House

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Share moments of joy. And even in the hard times, try and find reasons to laugh together. Love wins always!

A huge thank you to Natalie for answering our questions. Check out Ashridge House on Bridebook! They have an exciting Virtual Wedding Fair coming up soon click ‘here‘ to find out more.

Looking for more venues in Hertfordshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here. Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Bridebook is proud to announce their partnership with Papier, one of the leading wedding stationery brands in the UK

Let’s talk wedding stationery – the perfect way to set the tone of your special day, get creative and, most importantly, let your loved ones know that your wedding is soon approaching!

Bridebook is excited to announce we have partnered with Papier, one of the leading wedding stationery brands in the industry, to help our couples design their perfect stationery.

Papier is unique as they collaborate with talented artists and illustrators to bring our couples all the designs they will need for their big (or little) day – from save the dates & invitations to menus, guest books, thank you cards & more.

Sophie Agar, Brand Director at Papier comments, “At Papier, we believe that stationery is a very special part of your wedding story. We’re so excited to be working with Bridebook to share our collections with you all.”

Wedding stationery can be personalised at Papier and is expertly printed on sustainably sourced paper in England. Choose from different paper thicknesses, finishes such as gold or silver foiling, and order samples to see how your designs look and feel. Papier’s friendly experts are on hand to help with any questions.

Browse Papier’s wedding stationery options:

Save the Dates

Set the tone for your wedding with Papier’s save the dates. Illustrated, foiled and photo designs can be paired with matching invitations and are available with or without envelopes. Prefer to send a digital save the date? Papier can help with that too.

Wedding Invitations

Calligraphy, floral, classic, modern – Papier has invitations to suit every couple’s style. All sets come with optional matching info cards, RSVP cards, pre-addressed RSVP envelopes & you can also get all your guests’ addresses printed on the envelopes to save you valuable time!

On the Day Designs

Add the finishing touches with orders of service, table plans, guest books, menus and place names. They’ll tie the details of your day together and give your guests little keepsakes to hold onto after the event.

Happy Planning!

Ready to order your wedding stationery for your big day? Send your request to Papier ‘Wedding stationery‘

If you’d like more advice on wedding stationery, below are some useful articles:

Venue Showcase: Saltcote Place

Thinking about the wedding of your dreams? This magical venue has far reaching views, formal gardens, and exclusive use.

We talked to Paul, the Owner at Saltcote Place, to find out more about this unique venue.

Tell us about yourself!

We have over 10 years experience of planning both exceptional and intimate Celebrations. Weddings are an indulgent hobby we really enjoy. We choose to host enough Celebrations to keep the building well maintained and not so many that it loses the magic. We never do back to back and rarely do a wedding a week preferring to enjoy the engagement with our couples. It takes on average 18 months from initial enquiry to the big day, this gives us all time to enjoy pizzas and a few glasses of wine as we get to know each other as well as the inlaws and outlaws. The end result we often hear is “it’s like getting married at our mates place” that’s the objective, as a result we have made some wonderful friendships. In our private lives have other interests in property, commerce and software.

What drew you to the wedding world?

It’s amazing that anyone can have this much fun at your own home.

What do you think makes Saltcote Place unique?

It’s personal, we don’t pay sales people to be nice to our Guests, we take that pleasure ourselves.

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Pizza, Pasta, meals out and the occasional glass of wine. It’s not a conference or a works party – a Wedding is a Celebration of two families seeing the ones they love step out on a magical journey. We make sure in-laws and out-laws also come and see the venue so they feel as comfortable as the couple. This approach ensures everyone feels comfortable, these feelings end up with all of the guests knowing they are not attending a faceless hotel, the owners are engaged and it’s personal with nothing too much trouble. This personal approach is reflected in our TripAdvisor reviews where we have been Number 1 in the UK, No3 in the World and Number 1 locally for 11 years.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Respect, great communications, a detailed plan that’s shared and understood by all parties including suppliers with regard to setup and exit times.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Relax – if you write down your plan in a shared space it will be perfect.

What do you love about Bridebook?

We recommend all of our couples use the app to simplify the planning process.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Leez Priory?

A Princess from Ghana, the cultural differences, the colours and music and two wonderful families focussed on a magical celebration. Another equally magical celebration involved Aunty Vera who corralled the bridesmaids for a few days before the big day using prosecco and music to get the party started, from the after party brunch the day after and a few days staying locally made these Weddings memorable for the best possible reasons.

Why should a couple book Saltcote Place?

Bespoke Celebrations without a package in sight. Packages belong to the post office.

What’s the best photo spot at Saltcote Place?

At the end of the garden you can see the curve of the earth and see for about 30 unobstructed miles.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The friendships we have as a result of Weddings.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Collaboration tools ensure there is only one Hymn sheet lead by the Couple guided by a partner and involving all suppliers.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Never lose sight of what brought you together, be prepared to be flexible and to roll over if needed. We have rolled one couple over since 2018 and hope to see them get married in 2021. We have not increased their price.

A huge thank you to Paul for answering our questions. Check out Saltcote Place on Bridebook!

Looking for more venues in East Sussex? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

Venue Showcase: Thief Hall

Thief Hall is your perfect blank canvas wedding barn venue in North Yorkshire. Put your own unique stamp on your wedding day by choosing your caterers, entertainment, additional décor and anything you like with absolutely no restrictions.

You gain access to the venue the day before your wedding celebration from 10 am until the day after, offering you both the chance to relax with family, guests, and friends, making your three day wedding ceremony truly magical!

Jessica, the manager at Thief Hall, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this stunning wedding venue.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My husband and I renovated Thief Hall in 2007 and opened in 2009, we have two children, Clara and James and just love family holidays together.

What drew you to the wedding world?

We started Thief Hall with 4 holiday cottages and it just evolved from a marquee venue to barn now sleeping up to 60 guests.

What do you think makes Thief Hall unique?

The views outshine most places in the UK and our supporting staff with no rules ethos makes you and your guests feel so comfortable.

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

We are here 24/7 for all of our couples.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Making the whole weekend so special and about the couple 100%.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Thief Hall?

We had an amazing woodland wedding with Lucy and Matt including a marreeokee.

Why should a couple book Thief Hall?

No rules, no finish times, no noise restrictions and yet 100% support over your three days.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Organise your timeline before booking your church or registrars

What’s the best photo spot at Thief Hall?

There are so many from woodlands to road and sunsets to beat most

What part of your business are you most proud of?

How we strive to improve and grow

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Virtual viewings and weddings fairs are really working for us

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Remember why you are getting married, love will win!!

What do you love about Bridebook?

The continued support, our account manager Kane is super!

A huge thank you to Jessica for answering our questions. Check out Theif Hall on Bridebook!

Looking for more venues in North Yorkshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]

How can I plan my wedding during lockdown? 8 things you can do to ensure you have the smoothest wedding planning experience.

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life, tears of joy won’t stop streaming, and you can’t stop gazing at your newly bejeweled finger. But once this initial excitement begins to wear off, a sudden rush of “what now!?” begins to kick in. Don’t worry – Bridebook are here to help.

Wedding planning can be daunting even at the best of times, and the current government restrictions to curb the spread of Coronavirus may have you feeling you can’t get started with your planning. At Bridebook, we’d like to help you navigate this stressful time by discussing 8 things that you CAN do right now to ensure the smoothest wedding planning experience.

1. Designate a wedding planning day

Couple sitting in living room with laptop

It is time to get organised! Making decisions early is the best way to ensure the smoothest wedding planning process. Dedicating one day a week can be the perfect way to ensure that tasks get ticked off and other priorities (like Netflixin’ your favourite show!) do not get in the way.

Knowing where to begin with planning your big day can be overwhelming. Our personalised Wedding Planning Checklist is here to help guide you through the entire planning process. Based on your wedding date, your bespoke Checklist will let you know when to complete each task including pricing guides and suggestions along the way.

2. Reflection

It’s important to sit down with your partner and think about what you both want from your wedding. Will it be a small and intimate occasion or an extravagant party with hundreds of guests? Make sure you reflect and think hard about what is most important to the both of you, as a couple.

Start researching and looking for inspiration. You can then add any picture or ideas, from perfect playlists, to funny speech ideas to your Bridebook Scrapbook.

3. Budget

Once you have reflected on the kind of wedding you both want, you need to decide how much you are willing and able to spend. Let Bridebook do the hard work for you! With data from over 500,000 weddings, our super powerful Wedding Budget Tool helps you keep track right from the beginning. Simply enter your total budget and we will tell you how much you should spend on every expense from start to finish.

4. Guest List

Making decisions on your guest list can be a complicated process, from deciding who to invite, to keeping note of guest information along the way.

Bridebook’s Wedding Guest List Tool allows you to easily keep track of your invites, RSVPs and total attending guests. Your Guest List is split into two – one for you and one for your partner – but you can also create as many custom lists as you like! For example, ‘work friends’ or ‘childhood friends’. Your Guest List is ready to help you track all the nitty gritty details: you can track plus ones, dietary requirements, addresses and more.

5. Booking Your Venue

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important tasks on your checklist, and one which may seem near impossible in the midst of a global pandemic. However, thanks to the power of technology and innovative wedding venue teams, this is completely possible!

Bridebook has thousands of exceptional wedding venues with many of them offering virtual tours and show rounds. Get comfortable, open a bottle of wine and explore the delights of stunning venues across the country from your very own living room. When you enquire with venues, make sure to ask if they can offer a virtual show round – some are even using Facetime! We’d also advise you to keep an eye out for venues listing 360 tours.

6. Booking Suppliers

Again, this is something super fun which you can enjoy within the comfort of your own home. Keep reaching out to suppliers, as many are offering virtual services such as delivering tasting samples or pre-recorded videos – whilst unconventional, this can absolutely become a fun night-in with your partner.

Invite your friends and family to a Zoom call where you watch a number of wedding bands until you find your perfect match. How about ordering in some sample cake boxes for taste testing with your partner? Or even get creative and create your ideal wedding make-up, by following different tutorials available online.

7. The Little Things

Make the most of these dark cold months by getting on top of all the small tasks which will make your wedding wonderful. There are so many little things that you will need for your big day and now is the time to start a list. This might be thinking about gifts for your bridesmaids and page boys or wedding favours for guests. You could even get into some DIY and make some crafts yourself such as name cards, signs or photo boards for the day itself.

8. Enjoy your Engagement!

Weddings are incredibly special. It is important to enjoy this experience, together. Take some well deserved time off before you are rushed back to the speed of ‘normality’. Go for long walks, cook some delicious food, read a few books and most of all embrace having the love of your life by your side!

Looking for some more wedding planning tips? Check out our other wedding articles below.

How to plan your wedding remotely

Post-quarantine wedding trends

Why having a weekday wedding can be the best decision you make

Top tips for having a 15 person wedding (or ceremini)

Amazing deals and discounts for couples

Happy Planning!

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An Intimate Covid Elopement in Bristol

Brides walking down aisle with bouquets, smiling after ceremony

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Clare and Natalie were still able to plan the wedding of their dreams. Their special day was a romantic elopement at Berwick Lodge in Bristol, a year after their engagement:

“We always dreamed that our wedding day would be intimate and cosy… Covid gave us a great excuse to achieve that by eloping!”

Clare & Natalie: A Covid Elopement at Berwick Lodge

Brides outside wooden doors of Berwick Lodge, looking at each other smiling, holding hands.

Brides smiling, sitting at table toasting with champagne.

While the couple eloped just a year after their engagement, they met for the first time many years before:

“Clare was actually the one to propose, even though we’d openly chatted about it. THe day started with a mystery trip out, during which we visited various places we’d lived together… With the final stop being outside the school gates where we’d first met!”

Image of ceremony room. Pillars down aisle with ivy wrapped around, a white aisle and table at the end with two chairs

Brides outside large old building, smiling at each other with their bouquets in hand

Brides outside looking at each other, each holding white umbrellas high above their heads

Clare and Natalie started their remote wedding planning journey by searching for a venue. Since they knew exactly what they were looking for, it wasn’t long before they found the perfect place to elope:

“We wanted a venue with plenty of character, beautiful gardens and scrummy food… A quick search on Google for “elopement weddings” during lockdown found us this gem of a place!

“The simplicity of eloping was so appealing to us and the elopement package at Berwick Lodge included everything we wanted, making it stress-free!”

Bride doing up the buttons at the back of lace blush dress of other bride

Image of wedding shoes. Two white high heels

Finding dresses to suit the natural, elegant style they were after didn’t mean breaking the bank either. Instead of going bespoke, Clare and Natalie hit the highstreet — and ended up looking absolutely fantastic!

“We always knew we weren’t going to go for traditional white wedding dresses so hitting the high street was perfect for us. As it turns out, we were spoilt for choice so we would definitely recommend doing the same to others!”

Brides holding hands, walking down aisle holding bouquets of white flowers

Celebrant and brides standing outside. Celebrant smiling, holding clear umbrella over the happy couple

Brides walking into garden, backs of lace dresses showing

Holding beautiful bouquets of white flowers picked from Berwick Lodge‘s very own gardens, the newly married couple walked out with beaming smiles.

Brides holding hands in garden, mid dance

Clare and Natalie were thrilled with Berwick Lodge, which “provided such a beautiful backdrop for [their] photographs.” They gave special thanks to their hair and makeup artist, Maria Lucas MUA, and their photographer, Christy Blanch Photography: “We absolutely love the photos by Christy! We’re so pleased with them – they’re amazing!”

Image focused on brides, holding each other's hips and touching foreheads, with a long country road going off in the distance

So what advice do Clare and Natalie have for couples planning a wedding during a pandemic?

“Remind yourselves that it’s all about just the two of you. We found it easiest to focus solely on us and to choose the things that were important to us. Local suppliers were great as it was easy and quicker to make decisions.”

There’s one more thing Clare and Natalie would recommend to any couples in the South West (pandemic or no pandemic!):

“One big tip – choose an elopement package at Berwick Lodge!”

Brides smiling, holding hands in front of large stack of logs

Black and white picture of brides smiling, holding bouquets inside house, in front of a closed wooden door

Brides surrounded by tall, colourful flowers in a garden, touching foreheads and looking at each other

Brides holding hands facing each other outside quaint white and red-brick lodge

Clare and Natalie’s Suppliers

Venue: Berwick Lodge
Photographer: Christy Blanch Photography
Dress: The Highstreet (!)
Hair and Makeup: Maria Lucas MUA

Incredible Black-owned Wedding Suppliers to Support

From photographers to caterers, to wedding dress designers, the UK is lucky enough to be home to some of the most gifted Black wedding suppliers in the world. The creativity and passion of these artisans and experts are sure to make your day one that you will treasure forever.

At Bridebook we are creating long term action strategies, both internal and external to improve inclusion and diversity within our industry but we know there is a long, long way to go. This list is just our starting off point, which we will be constantly and consistently adding to. In the meantime, we couldn’t recommend the Noire Wedding Edit by Ofe of Studio Oudizo more, for inspiration and an incredibly detailed list of suppliers.

Photographers:

Marni V Photography: @marni_v_photography

If you’re after relaxed, informal wedding photography that is going to be as creative, quirky and fun as you are, then keep reading! Marni is all about authentic moments; tears of joy, stolen kisses, crazy dancefloor moves and everything in between. She’ll be wherever the action is, getting to know the people you love, so she never misses a moment. If you want a photographer that will feel more like an extra guest then she’s got you covered.

Leesha Williams Photo + Film: @leeshawilliamsphotoandfilm

Leesha specialises in emotive and creative wedding photography for quirky couples in love. Her photography style definitely reflects her love for all things artsy and romantic, as well as being incredibly detail-oriented. Leesha sees the beauty not only in the big moments but the little things too, that really tell the story of your special day!

Joséphine Elvis photography: @joelevis_photo

Joséphine’s love for photography stems from her love of connecting with people and showcasing their genuine emotion. Both of these are key elements of candid wedding photography, and they’re the reason she specialises in laid back wedding photography for fun and creative couples. That means that there’ll be no awkward moments or cheesy poses – she’ll be snapping all the crucial little moments of connection and emotion, and she’ll do it as part of the flow of the day.

Treats and Tipples:

Bubble Bar Caravan: @bubblebar_caravan

Bubble Bar Caravan is a unique and beautifully converted caravan bar, perfect for intimate weddings. They serve a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from IPA’s, Lager and Ciders on draught to bespoke Gin & Tonics, Prosecco and cocktails. They pride themselves on their friendly, energetic service that you and your guests are sure to love, as well as being an incredible backdrop for photos.

The Little Cake Garden: @littlecakegarden

The Little Cake Garden specialises in creating bespoke wedding cakes and other sweet treats. They create some of the most stunning and whimsical cakes we’ve ever seen, as well as incredible dessert tables. Being hopeless romantics, they deliver designs that truly capture and reflect your desires. They are dedicated to quality and tailor-made creations, with all of their products made from scratch, using only the very highest quality ingredients.

Indulgent Sugar Plum: @ms_sugar_plum

The Indulgent Sugar Plum is a concept bakery & lifestyle store that produces luxurious handcrafted cakes and confectionery. They are not afraid to cross boundaries and have even been featured on Channel 4’s ‘Extreme Cake Makers! From the first moment you receive your cake, until the moment you eat it – they aim for their goods to ‘inspire your conversations’. Through the creation process the draw on inspiration from your visuals, colour scheme & themes to create a cake that’s uniquely for you and your partner.

M+H Cakes: @mandhcake

With over 13 years of baking experience, M+H Cakes are delicious and handmade with love from their kitchen in London from start to finish. Their attention to detail is second to none, and they’ll ensure that you get your dream wedding cake. Each cake is bespoke, handmade and a true work of art.

Wedding Fashion:

Naomi Deru Bridal: @naomiderubridal

Naomi Deru Bridal creates dresses for the contemporary bride with a modern take on style and silhouettes. Every single piece bearing the Naomi Deru Bridal label is handcrafted from scratch in Kent, with every gown being impeccably tailored, perfectly executed and with beautiful detail. Naomi makes sure that each dress is a carefully thought through collaboration with the bride, making sure the bride’s unique style and personality is reflected.

Kahmune: @kahmune

Kahmune’s aim was to redefine the word ‘nude’ and they have certainly succeeded. Just as ‘nude’ plasters are not a one size fits all, neither are shoes! Brides and bridesmaids should be able to find shoes that blend seamlessly with their skin tone, and Kahmune has delivered on their promise, blending style and comfort, with flats and heels in 10 beautiful skin shades.

Floristry:

Queen of Hearts Floral Design: @queenofheartsfloraldesign

Queen of Hearts Floral Design is a London based luxury floral studio in the heart of North London. Founder Bilen Zeremariam has been an Interior Designer for the past twelve years and brings forth an extensive knowledge in colour, texture, shape and interior styling. Bilen decided to pursue her passion for flowers after creating her own wedding arrangements, which led her to learn the art of floristry. Today, Bilen takes pride in creating opulent, memorable and dramatic floral displays that transform weddings & events in London, throughout the UK and abroad.

Hazel Gardiner: @hazelgardinerdesign

Hazel is a passionate floral artist and designer with a varied and rich background in the creative arts. Her style is free with an enriching take on colour, form and texture. After a childhood surrounded by nature in south-east England, Hazel has had a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, which is a clear inspiration in her work. Training at world-class florist McQueens, Hazel continually translates the world, taking inspiration from art, fashion and architecture. Her work is a love letter to nature with creative choices and combinations creating her fresh and unexpected designs.

Post-Quarantine Wedding Trends

After weeks of being inside, forced apart from our nearest and dearest, weddings seem like a lifetime away. And yet, the day will come when life will be full of loved ones, laughter and celebration once more. We can expect some significant effects on weddings to come later this year and into 2021.

The 2021 wedding season will not be without its challenges. With 64% of 2020 weddings expected to be pushed-back, 2021 is set to be a busy one. Couples will have to make quick decisions on dates, to get first dibs on the date they want. Guests can expect many more clashes, and midweek weddings than ever, making things a little more challenging. On the bright side, we’ll have a way to use up all of those saved holiday days…

Post-coronavirus, we can expect that weddings will be bigger, bolder, and even more full of meaning. Everyone is longing for the days of confetti, cake, and bubbly, and we have the scoop on the trends you can expect to see post-lockdown.

Digital Guests:

One thing that has come from this period of change and online socialising is the normalisation of online meeting services, such as zoom. Travel restrictions may persist for some time, and we expect two-thirds of weddings post-lockdown to have at least some guests attending virtually. For elderly relatives, as well as friends and family living in far-flung destinations, digital access will be a great way for them to still be able to attend these special moments, even if just remotely.

Courageous Fashion Choices:

After what feels like months of wearing the same pair of leggings and jumpers, everyone will be jumping at the chance to dress up and look their best. We can expect adventurous guest fashion, with brighter, more fashion-forward dresses and bolder jewellery choices.

It won’t just be guests making bold statements; we are seeing a 50% increase in the popularity of statement veils (probably thanks to Mrs. Bieber). We can expect to see many more brides making this trend their own, embroidering their veils with meaningful quotes or even initials. Alongside an increase in statement veils, we are also seeing a rise in catwalk-inspired statement sleeves and pearl-embellished dresses, seen at the likes of Dior and Chanel.

Classic Blue was announced as the Pantone colour of the year, so expect a great revival in the something blue, something borrowed tradition, featuring this beautiful shade. Think blue in newly trending hair barrettes, jewelry and even the bases of high heels!

Post-credit-crunch, boho brides were on the rise, and this trend is set to explode once more. Many 2021 brides will be going for the ethereal look, with wearable florals, and bridal crowns taking center stage.

Creative Wedding Decor:

If you thought wedding creativity had reached its peak, just you wait. With more time than ever to d think about wedding details, we can expect a move away from some more traditional elements to more creative and modern takes on decor. Some creative couples will be changing up the traditional seating charts, instead painting table lists on flower-filled glass boxes. Floral hoops have also been growing in popularity, with growing in popularity by 80% this year, alongside hanging floral decorations and flower-filled aisles.

Post quarantine, there will be a revival of the Do-it-yourself Bride and Groom. Around three-quarters of weddings will include some DIY elements, as couples cut costs where they can (and have more time on their hands!), with DIY-couples saving a combined £20million. We are looking forward to personalised table settings, wedding favours, and decor, such as photo displays.

Wedding Food Trends:

With so many couples caring more than ever about sustainability and the environment, it is no wonder that there has been a shift to a focus on menu seasonality, as well as plastic and waste reduction. With many couples aiming to create as little environmental impact as possible, the increase in zero-plastic and reduced-waste weddings could save more than 15,000 tonnes of wedding waste from ending up in landfills (that’s 100 blue whales!). From invitations made of recycled paper, vegan menus and leftover composting, we can safely assume that the sustainable wedding trend is here to stay and will explode in 2021. We imagine many couples will be donating leftover flowers to local hospitals and hospices, which hopefully will be a trend that will stick.

As for the sweet stuff, we predict a shift away from the traditional and pricy wedding cakes that often remain uneaten, to more exciting offerings. Unique grab and go dessert displays, such as doughnut walls will come into their own (there are almost 100,000 posts under the hashtag #donutwall on Instagram!).

Weddings are all about individuality and celebrating who the couple truly is. We are expecting food and drink that pay homage to the backgrounds of the couple, whether that is custom messages in fortune cookies or cocktails made with a type of Slovakian cherry liquor. More and more couples will be selecting super-personal menus, such as family favourite desserts, or cocktails named after people and places that mean something to the couple and their families.

Party Central:

After the storm of COVID, when weddings begin again, they are set to go on till the early hours. Where there is partying, there is midnight feasting. Guests can expect to be sustained with anything from sweet treat grazing tables, to late-night pasta pots to keep them dancing the night away.

Missing happy hour has become a national tragedy, and it’s coming back in a big way – think serve-yourself prosecco taps, experimental cocktails, and boozy popsicles like frozen rose, mimosas, and mojitos making their way onto a dancefloor near you.

It’s only natural that with happy hour, comes confidence in dance ability. Learning a Tiktok dance became a quarantine right of passage, and newly married couples will be eager to show off their new fancy footwork. Be prepared for some seriously questionable, but hilarious first dances.

Registry Remix:

Many couples feel that this period has put things into perspective, as well as made many questioning what gifts they can live without. Cutlery and crystal bowls are a nice memento, but lots of couples are forgoing the regular registry list, asking for experiences, not things. More will be asking for starter funds for a new home, a pet, or for their honeymoons. Charity registries will also become the norm, with more and more couples wanting to donate to a cause they feel passionate about.

Here are some more wedding related articles you’ll love:

Still looking for that ideal wedding venue? Have a browse at Bridebook’s vast wedding venue directory to find the perfect wedding venue near you:

16 Green Wedding Ideas To Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly

We love weddings. Like, really love them. (Can you tell?) But even we have to admit that they can be pretty wasteful affairs. Planning a sustainable wedding might sound daunting, but we promise it’s not as tricky as you might expect – so have a think about whether or not you can find a place for something green (and something borrowed!) alongside your something blue. Here are our top tips to get you started.

Bride walking in field wearing re-use wedding dress

Resell your wedding dress or suit

Of all the items of clothing you own, we bet that whatever you wear on your wedding day will have the most sentimental value. But if you can bear to part with it, consider selling it on or handing it down to someone else. It’s an easy way to make a little cash back while reducing your wedding’s impact.

Want 10% off when you sell your wedding dress? Head over to Stillwhite, the world’s largest second-hand wedding dress marketplace.

Opt for online invitations

Your wedding stationery is one aspect of your wedding you just can’t cut. At the end of the day, your guests need to know where to go! But there are loads of eco-friendly alternatives that don’t end up with piles of wasted paper. For example, there’s no reason that e-invites can’t be just as gorgeous as traditional stationery! Why not email your guests a link to a personalised video of you and your other half or set up an awesome wedding website?

Orsett Hall Hotel and Restaurant wedding venue

Choose a venue close to home

Having an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t necessarily mean getting married on a farm or in a field! Travel can be one of the most significant contributors to a wedding’s carbon footprint so if you want to go green, try to pick a venue that’s within easy reach of you and your guests. You might want to think about choosing somewhere that’s accessible by public transport too.

Organise a wedding coach for your guests

If lots of your guests are coming to your venue from the same place, you could organise a wedding coach to take them all there and back in one go. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone turns up on time too!

Set up carpooling

Encourage your guests to travel together where possible and help them sort out carpooling arrangements. Ask your guests to let you know if they’ll have a free spot in their car when they RSVP, then match them up with another guest in need of a lift. It’ll likely save your guests a little on fuel costs too!

Buy any clothing second-hand

Remember, it’s not just you and your other half who will be buying an outfit for the wedding. Everyone in the wedding party from the best man to the flower girl will most likely be wearing something special. A great way to be a little greener – and to save a few pennies! – is to opt for pre-loved items from a vintage boutique or charity shop. Another alternative is to explore hiring any dresses or suits needed for the wedding party. After all, they’ll probably only wear them once!

Avoid single-use items

Like your wedding invitations, little details like place cards and table numbers can quickly end up meaning mountains of paper, card and plastic left over after your big day. One easy option is to look for recyclable or biodegradable materials when choosing your designs. If you have a little more cash to spare, another idea we love is doubling up your place cards with your wedding favours so that your guests have a keepsake to take away with them, rather than something to be thrown away.

But our favourite idea? Edible place cards. Order cookies with your guests’ names written on them in icing. We can guarantee there’ll be nothing left at the end of your big day!

Make conscious jewellery choices

We know, we know – it’s hardly the most romantic thing to think about, but it’s important to be conscious of the impact your wedding and engagement rings can have on the planet and its people. Diamonds and other gems are often sourced unsustainably and unethically, as are many precious metals. To avoid participating in a potentially problematic trade, make sure to look for conflict-free materials, investigate vintage or recycled options or look into lab-grown options.

Celebrate by candlelight

Your electricity bill might be the last thing on your mind on your wedding day – and rightly so, in our opinion! – but considering energy-saving strategies is an easy way to make your big day a little more sustainable. Try turning off unnecessary lights and lighting your venue with candles instead. On top of being eco-friendly, it’ll create a gorgeous, romantic atmosphere! Just make sure you check that your venue’s happy with open flames.

Make up artist putting sustainable make up on bride to be on wedding day

Use sustainable makeup

Why not switch out some of your products for cruelty-free, zero-waste or locally produced alternatives? We’d never recommend trying something new for the first time on your wedding day so this is definitely one you’ll want to plan ahead. If you’re having your makeup done professionally, ask your makeup artist whether they use any sustainable products or quiz any makeup-loving friends on their cruelty-free recommendations.

Stay seasonal

Flowers play a big role in almost every wedding and aren’t something we’d ever recommend skipping out on! But they can have an undeniable impact on your wedding’s carbon footprint, whether that’s because of how they’re disposed of or how they’re imported. Our top tip is to prioritise flowers that are a) local and b) seasonal where possible. It’s a often fab way to save some pennies too as your flowers have less far to travel.

Vegetable and cheese tower served on table

Go veggie (or vegan!)

Whether you go completely vegan or just opt to reduce the number of meat dishes on offer, exploring eco-friendly options for your catering is an easy way to go green. And don’t worry – it’s not 2003! Going veggie doesn’t mean limiting yourself to mediocre mushroom risottos and sad stuffed peppers. Nowadays, there are loads of caterers offering fabulous vegan and veggie options. If you do still want to serve meat, try to prioritise local and organic produce where possible to decrease your wedding’s environmental impact.

Avoid flower foam

An easy eco win is to check if your florist uses flower foam in their designs. This foam is much like single-use plastic and can be harmful to humans and animals through prolonged contact, especially if it seeps into water supplies. Our advice would be to avoid flower foam where possible and look for eco-friendly alternatives.

Buy biodegradable

Buying decorations made out of biodegradable materials is an easy way to lower the environmental impact of your wedding. This is especially important when it comes to wedding staples like confetti, as well as balloons and lanterns.

Confetti is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to the environmental impact of weddings. Fortunately, there’s loads of biodegradable options out there, as well as more traditional eco-friendly options like rose petals or rice. For extra green points, you could even gather flowers from your own garden (or a friend’s) and dry the petals yourself.

And, as much as we love them, balloons and lanterns are potentially very harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If you do want a lantern display, be careful to look for biodegradable materials and be careful of where you release them.

Amazing wedding decoration hired out in barn wedding venue

Hire what you can

Not only are wedding decorations often un-environmental, they’re also expensive! Why not hire your decorations? You can be sure they’ll be reused time and time again while also saving some cash yourself. Plus, hiring your decorations often means being able to afford higher quality pieces, adding a little luxury to your day!

People celebrating at wedding party with biodegradable confetti in the air

Go for gifts that keep giving!

While we always love a wedding favour, they’re not at all a necessity! Being invited to your wedding is gift enough for your guests! So why not think about making a charity donation with the money you save? If you really do want to buy favours, you could explore options that let your guests make a positive impact on the environment themselves. For example, you might gift them with a packet of seeds to grow their own flowers.

There you have it – some amazing green wedding ideas for a gorgeous, environmentally-friendly wedding!

15 Wedding Decoration Ideas

Whether you’re newly engaged or only a few weeks from your big day, we’re sure you’re imagining what your big day will look like. And that means thinking about decorations! Now, there are thousands of wedding decoration ideas to choose from that transform your venue into a real show-stopper. Here’s fifteen of our favourites to get you started.

Wedding fairy lights and ceiling drapes decorations that have transformed beautiful barn wedding venue

1. Fairylights

Everyone loves fairylights – and for good reason! They’re an easy way to add a little atmosphere to your big day. Your venue will look even more enchanting, lit up with twinkling fairylights in jam jars or along the walls. You could even string them through trees to create an enchanted forest feel.

2. Floral Arches

Whether you go for a more rustic arch that’s full of greenery and wildflowers or an elaborate floral sculpture which is overflowing with fresh blossoms, flower arches make for a fantastic focal point at your wedding ceremony or reception. In our opinion, more is more when it comes to flowers!

Pink flowers wedding chair decorations on white chairs for stunning beach wedding outdoors

3. Chair Decorations

It’s easy to overlook but we promise, giving a little thought to how you’ll decorate your chairs makes a big difference to the overall look and feel of your ceremony. As they say, the devil’s in the details! Whether you’re stuck with ugly plastic seating or you’ve brought in some gorgeous antique chairs, adding ribbons, fabric or flowers is a great way to take your wedding decorations to the next level.

4. Photo Walls

While you and your partner are at the centre of your wedding, it’s also about your two families coming together. Pay tribute to your loved ones with a gallery wall displaying photographs of your nearest and dearest. You could even give your guests polaroid cameras and add to the wall during your reception!

Candles wedding decorations as centrepiece of wedding table

5. Candles

Candles are a classic way to add a little atmosphere to any wedding ceremony or reception, no matter what your chosen style or theme. The options are endless, from tealights and votives to pillar and taper candles. Whether you use them as table centerpieces or dot them around your venue, your guests will be enchanted. And if you choose fragranced candles, they’ll even add a signature scent to your wedding!

6. Mirror Decals

Why not put a twist on traditional wedding signs by opting for mirror decals instead? They’re fast becoming one of the most popular wedding decoration trends, with gorgeous calligraphy popping up on ornate framed mirrors across the country. And everyone loves a mirror selfie – so they make for great photo ops too!

Wedding chalkboard sign next to wedding aisle at outdoor wedding

7. Chalkboards

Take a leaf out of your favourite coffee shop’s book and add a chalkboard to your wedding venue. Chalkboards are a super easy, DIY wedding decoration idea – and they’re functional too! You can use them to welcome your guests, direct them to their seats or display your menu.

8. Giant Letters

These have been popping up at weddings more and more over the last few years – and they’re definitely here to stay! Whether you keep things simple with you and your partner’s initials or spell out a special message, giant letters are a fab way to personalise your big day. If you’re going for a more modern wedding, tarnished metal and exposed bulbs will give your decorations an industrial feel, while those of you having rustic barn weddings might want to consider distressed wood instead. You can even position the letters so that they define different areas – for example, separating the dance floor from a quieter area.

9. Table Lamps

An easy way to add atmosphere to any room? Turn off the overhead lights. Opting for the soft, diffused light of table lamps instead will instantly take your wedding venue to the next level. We especially love table lamps for intimate weddings – their warm glow creates a gorgeously cosy feel.

10. Bespoke Table Plans

Yes, they’re a necessity – but that doesn’t mean your table plan has to be strictly functional! After all, all your guests will stop and look at it – so get creative and make it part of your wedding decorations. If you’ve opted for bespoke wedding stationery, why not see if your designer will make you a table plan that ties in with it? Or roll your sleeves up and get DIYing!

11. Ceiling Drapes

Instantly transform any venue with ceiling drapes. Whatever your wedding colours, you’ll be able to find a fabric to match. For a formal wedding, you might want to go for an elegant brilliant white, while soft linens are perfect for a more relaxed, rustic vibe. Or opt for brightly coloured fabrics to create a joyful atmosphere and lift your guests’ spirits!

12. Flower Walls

Flowers are a must at any wedding – so why not take things one step further with a whole flower wall? Focus on flowers that tie in with your wedding colours to keep things cohesive and create a fab focal point for your venue. Your guests will be completely wowed by the extravagant display – and it’s a fantastic spot for photographs too!

Wooden wedding sign outdoors showing wedding guests where wedding is

13. Signage

We’re sure you’ll need at least one sign at your wedding (even if it’s just for the loos!) so why not spend a little time making them decorations that tie in with your wedding theme? You’ll need a few practical signs to let people know where to go – try mixing in some extra signs printed with cute sayings and funny expressions to keep things fun!

14. Neon Signs

A quick scroll through Instagram is proof enough that neon signs are here to stay! Whether you dot lots of smaller ones around your venue or place one statement piece in a key location, there are countless ways to incorporate neon signs into your wedding decorations.

15. Coloured Glassware

To take your tablescapes to the next level, consider coloured glassware. You can find coloured glassware to suit all wedding styles and themes, from glamourous vintage pieces to sleek modern designs.You could even choose glassware in your wedding colours to tie everything together.

There you go – fifteen fabulous wedding decoration ideas to transform your wedding venue. So what are you waiting for? Hit the shops or get DIYing and make your wedding venue a showstopper!

Where should couples look for wedding photographers?

What can help couples make a decision between different wedding photographers?

What should couples avoid when booking a wedding photographer?

How can couples make sure they get every shot they want?

How can camera-shy couples feel more comfortable being photographed?

Do you have any other top tips for couples looking for a wedding photographer?

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From June 21st:

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Obligatory:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

What drew you to the wedding world?

What do you think makes Elusive Locations unique?

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Elusive Locations?

Why should a couple book Elusive Locations?

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

What’s the best photo spot at Elusive Locations?

What part of your business are you most proud of?

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

What do you love about Bridebook?

Happy Planning!

1. Keep up to date with latest government restrictions

2. Make contingency plans for guests coming from abroad

3. Check your honeymoon destination

4. Keep your guests feeling safe

5. Talk to your venue about their safety measures

6. Download the Bridebook app

7. Have fun!

What is next for weddings?

1. About us

2. Our contract with you

3. Revisions to the terms

4. Registering to use the Bridebook Platform

5. The Bridebook Platform, Bridebook Services and Rankings

6. Wedding services

7. Licence to use the Bridebook Platform

8. Accessing the Bridebook Platform

9. Restrictions on use of the bridebook platform and platform content

10. The Bridebook Platform is for use by Couples and Wedding Suppliers only

11. Supplier Content

12. Intellectual property rights

13. Disclaimer of warranties

14. data

15. limitation of liability

16. Viruses and hacking

17. Linking to or from the Bridebook Platform

18. Termination

19. Complaints

20. Notices

21. General

Tell us about yourself!

What drew you to the wedding world?

What do you think makes The Petersham Hotel unique?

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

What do you love about Bridebook?

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Petersham Hotel?

Why should a couple book The Petersham Hotel?

What’s the best photo spot at The Petersham Hotel?

What part of your business are you most proud of?

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

A huge thank you to Terence for answering our questions. Check out The Petersham Hotel on Bridebook!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

What drew you to the wedding world?

What do you think makes The Ashmolean Museum unique?

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashmolean Museum?

Why should a couple book Ashmolean Museum?

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

What’s the best photo spot at Ashmolean Museum?

What part of your business are you most proud of?

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?