Supplier Showcase: Wonderful Muslim Wedding Specialists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Planning!!

 

Alice & James’ DIY Festival Themed Farm Wedding

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

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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

Photo © Alice Johnstone

The Venue

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Decor

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Catering

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Cake

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The Activities

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

Alice’s Advice

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

Photo © Lee Allison Wedding Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

Alice and James’ Suppliers

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

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Happy Planning!

Beth and David’s Magical Disney Barn Wedding

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

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Venue

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Decor

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Accessories

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Cake

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

The Music

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

Photo © Rob Moore Photography

Beth’s Advice

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

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

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

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

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

    Photo © Rob Moore Photography

Beth and David’s Suppliers

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

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Happy Planning!

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

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

The Inspiration & Wedding Planning

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

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

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Venue

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Decor

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Dress, Accessories & Bridal Bouquet

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

The Cake

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Music

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

The Activities

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

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

Photo © The Humble Photography Co.

Rebecca and Tom’s Suppliers

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

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Happy Planning!

Alternative Wedding Ideas for Modern Couples

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

Alternative venue

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

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

Alternative catering

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

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

Non-traditional wedding ceremony features

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

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

From our Bridebook couples…

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

Alternative entertainment and activities

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

Photo © Bart Kerswell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

From our Bridebook couples…

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

Alternative wedding fashion

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

Photo © Magpie-Eye Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Alternative wedding themes

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

Photo © Zane Corlett Photography | See their Bridebook profile

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

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Happy Planning!

Mastering the “Bridal Chop”: TikTok Hairstyle Trend Uncovered

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

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

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

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

Colette Johnson | CJ Beauty & Co

Photo © CJ Beauty & Co | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Eileen Nugent | Eileen Nugent Hair & Makeup

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Eva Pisanu | Foreva Hair

Photo © Foreva Hair | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Hayley Laws | Freelance Hair & Makeup Artist

Photo © Hayley Laws | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Kate Fletcher | Flashkate Bridal Hair & Make Up

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Laura Anne | The Bridal Stylists: Wedding Hair & Makeup

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Laura Glanville | Wishbone & Comb Bridal Hair & Makeup

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Melissa Clare | Melissa Clare Makeup & Hair

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Olga Taylor | Barnet and Boatrace

Photo © Barnet and Boatrace | See their Bridebook profile

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

Vicki Lord | Vicki Lord Hair Wedding Hairdresser

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

What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?

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

Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?

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

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

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Happy Planning!

Supplier Showcase: Brilliant Female-Owned Wedding Businesses

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

Mercedes | 4YaParty Weddings and Events

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

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

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

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

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

Gemma | The Isla Gladstone Conservatory

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

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

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

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

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

Stacey | The Venue Experts

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

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

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

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

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

Natalie | Velvet Moon Ceremonies

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

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

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

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

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

Jemma | Charlesworth Classics Ltd

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

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

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

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

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

Nyssa | Edinburgh School of Food & Wine

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

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

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

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

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

Lily | Lily Kerbey Musician

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah | The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company

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

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

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

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

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

Emily | Emily’s Moments Photography

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

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

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

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

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

Jade | Hushabye Films

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

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

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

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

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

Harriet | Harriet Alice Fox Designs

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

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

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

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

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

H | Lawley Fine Jewellers

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

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

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

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

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

Amy | Beewildblooms

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

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

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

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

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

Becky | Lavelle Bridal Couture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Planning!

Top Tips For Your Destination Wedding

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

1. Choose the right location

Photo © The Art of Now | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

2. Give your guests plenty of notice and information

Photo © Papier | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

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

3. Hire a specialist local wedding planner

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

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

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

4. Choose the right wedding dress and attire

Photo © HEMYCA | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

5. Plan group and honeymoon activities

Photo © FICO by Betty | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

6. Don’t forget the legal details

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

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

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

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

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

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Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Cost? The 2023 UK Average

Want to know how much the average wedding costs this year? Introducing our UK Wedding Report 2023: our annual wedding industry study revealing year-on-year changes. This year, we surveyed almost 4,000 married and engaged couples, representing a mix of regions and demographics, to find out what couples like you are spending on. Time to start planning your own wedding budget

Average Cost of a Wedding in the UK

2022 was the year of the Corona Comeback. The lifting of pandemic restrictions saw the highest wedding spend ever! Average wedding spend grew by 15% to an all-time high, rising by £2,500 year-on-year to £19,184 (£24,069 including the ring and honeymoon). It goes to show that couples are prioritising their marriage, and not letting the economic climate impact their wedding spending.

Average Wedding Costs by Supplier Category

Average wedding spend increased in almost every category between 2021 and 2022. The most significant increase was in venue cost (£7,944 average, an increase of 20% vs 2021). We’ve put together a wedding cost breakdown below! These are the average supplier costs for UK weddings:

  • Average cost of a wedding venue – £7,944
  • Average cost of catering – £5,103 (with an average of 88 guests)
  • Average cost of a photographer – £1,357
  • Average cost of a videographer – £1,354
  • Average cost of hair and makeup – £657
  • Average cost of a florist – £1,114
  • Average cost of a wedding cake – £376
  • Average cost of a wedding dress – £1,424

If you’re looking to save money on your suppliers, savvy wedding planning is a must! Our top tip is to enquire to several suppliers to do more price comparisons.

Total Wedding Costs by Region

Couples spent nearly £10K (or 50%) more to marry in London (£29,085) compared to the national average (£19,184). That’s even more than marrying outside the UK, where the average cost is £25,525. Yorkshire and the Humber is the region with the lowest cost (£16,103), making it the most budget-friendly option. So, if you’re looking to save money, the location of your wedding matters!

Photo © Babb Photo | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Day of the Week

Weekend weddings are the most expensive, with Saturday weddings costing £20,141 on average. Tuesday is the least costly option (costing £16,804 on average). So, if you’re on a budget and looking for a cheaper alternative, consider a midweek wedding. This can make a huge difference!

  • Monday – £17,327
  • Tuesday – £16,804
  • Wednesday – £17,505
  • Thursday – £17,898
  • Friday – £18,401
  • Saturday – £20,141
  • Sunday – £19,715
Photo © Harry Richards Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Month of the Year

Wedding costs tend to be higher in the from June through September, with June weddings costing the most (£21,287). Costs are lowest in the winter, with February being the cheapest month to get married (£15,826), which is ideal if you’re trying to save on your wedding spending.

  • January – £16,179
  • February – £15,826
  • March – £19,200
  • April – £18,733
  • May – £18,174
  • June – £21,287
  • July – £20,369
  • August – £19,403
  • September – £20,620
  • October – £18,913
  • November – £17,270
  • December – £17,659
Photo © Marta Demartini Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Total Wedding Costs by Guest Count

It probably comes as no surprise that wedding spending is heavily influenced by the number of guests attending. The more guests you invite, the more your wedding will cost. Catering accounts for just over 1/5 of this. So, if you’re looking to cut costs, consider having fewer guests to feed!

  • 50 or fewer guests – £12,757
  • 51-100 guests – £18,757
  • 101-150 guests – £23,308
  • 151 or more guests – £29,709
Photo © Queen Bea Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Top Wedding Spending Splurges

We found that couples are most likely to splurge on their honeymoon, followed by the wedding dress, venue and photographer. With beach honeymoons remaining the most popular honeymoon style (47% of couples married in 2022 chose a beach honeymoon), this is hardly surprising. The honeymoon splurge is heavily linked to the post-pandemic wedding boom and the fact that travel is back on the map. 2/3 of couples married in 2022 planned a honeymoon abroad, which represents a significant jump from 2021, when only 1/4 planned to go abroad.

Photo © Alexandria Hall Photography | See their Bridebook profile

So, if you’re hoping to have a wedding in 2023, you’re looking at an average spend of £19,184, up £2,500 year-on-year. The average cost may be more or less depending on the region, day of the week, month of the year, and any optional splurges (for example, on a honeymoon overseas). For a more thorough category-by-category breakdown of the cost of UK wedding suppliers, check out our article on the ultimate wedding budget breakdown. And for a budget breakdown that’s tailored for you, look no further than Bridebook’s one-of-a-kind personalised wedding budget planner.

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Happy Planning!

Supplier Showcase: Top LGBTQ+ Wedding Experts

In recent years, more and more wedding suppliers have stepped up to be inclusive and welcoming to all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. But finding the perfect LGBTQ+ wedding supplier can be challenging. That’s why we’ve shortlisted our top LGBTQ+ wedding experts – suppliers who are going the extra mile to make sure all couples feel celebrated and supported on their special day. From venues and photographers to florists and cakemakers, these suppliers offer a range of options to fit every couple’s style and vision.

Chapel House Estate

Photo © Tony Pullen Photography

Chapel House Estate is designed with love-filled celebrations in mind. With an orchard and rustic indoor barn for licenced ceremonies, plus a purpose-built barn, on-site accommodation and restaurant, it’s a dreamy venue for every couple. And every couple is treated with respect from the beginning. All communication is about “partners” until couples share their pronouns, and couples can enjoy a truly individual-led approach (check out their cultural and diversity statement to learn more). 

Laura Bareham Photography 

Photo © Laura Bareham Photography

Laura Bareham Photography is proudly queer-owned and always inclusive. She offers emotive storytelling for free-spirited couples who want to break free of expectation and tradition. In her own words: “Being queer myself, I understand how important it is to work with wedding suppliers that you feel safe and comfortable with. I’m deeply committed to and passionate about inclusivity, and this is visible in all areas of the service I provide.” Laura takes part in regular training, webinars, accreditations to further her LGBTQ+ wedding expertise. She also takes care around wording and terminology, and puts great focus on making sure couples feeling safe and comfortable.

Berwick Lodge

Photo © Berwick Lodge

Berwick Lodge is a privately owned and independently managed boutique wedding venue, set on the outskirts of Bristol within 18 acres of beautiful gardens. They’re proud to be a gay and lesbian friendly wedding venue with extensive experience in LGBTQ+ wedding ceremonies and receptions. Their dedicated team will work with you to create a truly unique wedding day, that you can personalise and tailor to you. Great food, great service, and a warm and friendly atmosphere. If you want something more low-key and intimate, they offer a stress-free elopement package as well.

Bake To The Future

Photo © Florence Berry Photography

Bake To The Future  is an award-winning cake company based in Ashford, Kent. They specialise in cakes with personality, geeky and alternative designs to truly reflect each couple’s uniqueness! Their founder and baker, Lou, is a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself. In her own words: “I ensure that everything I put out is inclusive, and spend a lot of time speaking to my couples at their consultations and hearing their stories. I don’t specifically use ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ wording, as I’m very mindful that not every wedding even has a bride.”

Broadoaks Country House

Photo © Broadoaks Country House

Broadoaks Country House Broadoaks is an award-winning, exclusive-use Lake District wedding venue set in seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with views across to Windermere. It’s the ideal fairy tale venue – voted one of the most romantic wedding venues in the UK by the AA. For the past few years now, they’ve been the no. 1 gay venue in Cumbria for both weddings and civil partnerships, with an experienced team who have organised, catered and delivered some truly memorable wedding days. Plus, they’re gay-owned – which they say makes a huge difference, as they understand how difficult the journey has been to get this far.

Queen Bea Photography

Photo © Queen Bea Photography

Queen Bea Photography specialises in relaxed, natural and fun wedding photography for easygoing couples. The founder and owner, Genevieve, is open to the fact that she identifies as LGBTQ+, and has gone through the wedding process herself. In her own words: “I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community, so being inclusive is very important to me. I also know exactly what obstacles queer couples can go through when planning their wedding as I’ve been there myself (my wife and I have been married for five years).” There’s a specific page on her website devoted to LGBTQ+ weddings, and her portfolio showcases a wide variety of different couples. Genevieve has also taken the Wedding Business School’s LGBTQ+ Awareness Course, to further her LGBTQ+ wedding expertise.

Crown Hall Farm

Photo © Crown Hall Farm

A unique LGBTQ+ friendly lakeside wedding venue set within three acres of stunning grounds, Crown Hall Farm is perfect for same-sex couples looking to tie the knot. The supportive event team will work with you every step of the way to make your big day as individual as you are. You can completely customise your wedding, making it personal to you as a couple, and don’t have to keep to tradition. The venue itself boats a characterful boat house, 20ft cocktail bar boat and luxury marquee with tiled floor, plus climate control and panoramic views.

Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique

Photo © Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique

Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique is home to designer wedding gowns, occasion wear and accessories. They’re proud to be fully LGBTQ+ welcoming. Most notable is their Diverse Collection – a carefully curated range featuring a wide selection of wedding outfits for those couples who are seeking something other than the traditional. From jumpsuits and playsuits, to overskirts and differently coloured dresses, there’s something for everyone. In the words of owner Cassandra: “We believe in loving without limits. It’s all about finding the wedding attire that makes you feel your best.” The boutique also provides LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies with opportunities to connect, and works alongside LGTBQ+ charities and community groups. They’re committed to meaningful, year-round action. 

Hedsor House

Photo © Hedsor House

Hedsor House is an idyllic location for weddings and civil ceremonies. It’s an award-winning luxury country house wedding venue, set within 100 acres of historic parkland and Grade II listed gardens in Buckinghamshire, 45 minutes from London. It’s reputation as one of the most impressive wedding venues in the country comes as no surprise, and it was voted by Brides Magazine as the no. 1 wedding venue in Buckinghamshire. Most importantly, it prides itself on being a completely open, welcoming and inclusive venue. Any couple who wishes to celebrate and mark their love is welcome at Hedsor. Their talented wedding team are experienced in organising same-sex wedding celebrations, and will be with you every step of the way to bring your ideas to life.

4YaParty Weddings and Events

Photo © 4YaParty Weddings & Events

4YaParty Weddings and Events specialises in rustic and eco-friendly weddings. They can supply a complete venue styling service, as well as wonderful sweet treats and props. They’re proud to be members of the Gay Wedding Directory, and to have diversity and inclusivity at its core. In the words of owner Mercedes: “At 4YaParty Weddings & Events, diversity and inclusivity aren’t just important, but are one of the main foundations that our small business is grown on. Being bi-sexual myself, I understand too well the importance of feeling safe and being seen. I make sure all couples feel safe by asking and using their correct pronouns, not making assumptions and ensuring that my love and support for the LGBTQ+ community is loud and clear so that they don’t feel the need to ask here. I have taken an LGBTQ+ awareness course and proudly display this badge on my website and socials and am very open about my own sexuality.”

Kings Place

Photo © Kings Place

Kings Place is a modern waterside venue with picturesque views of Regents Canal – the perfect backdrop for an urban LGTBQ+ wedding. The Battlebridge Room is fully licensed for wedding ceremonies and boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking Regent’s Canal, plus an exclusive, private covered terrace. From organising bespoke entertainment, food, decoration, and everything in between, the flexibility of Kings Place’s spaces and dedicated team means you can have every detail tailored to you. One of their most recent weddings was a same-sex air travel-themed Jew-ish Wedding, featuring everything from the most beautiful bespoke Chuppah to being walked down the aisle with bag pipes and finishing their day with a surprise drag act for everyone to enjoy.

Proud Fox Ceremonies By Martin Fox-Roberts

Photo © Boy Oh Boy Photography

Proud Fox Ceremonies By Martin Fox-Roberts specialises in crafting bespoke and personal wedding ceremonies that truly reflect each couple’s uniqueness. A celebrant-led wedding means couples have the freedom to choose the style, time, length and location of their ceremony, and to then personalise it with whatever vows, poems, speeches, rituals or theme they might like. Martin provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ couples by having a Safe Space Statement, being aware of the language used in things like consultations and forms, and displaying images of LGBTQ+ couples. In his own words, “being visible as an openly gay person” also means that Martin knows how to serve the community as a member of that community, and ensures that everything he does is meaningful and impactful. 

Parklands Quendon Hall

Photo © Parklands Quendon Hall

Parklands Quendon Hall is the perfect fairy tale wedding venue for same-sex couples to marry in and celebrate their special day. Their same-sex marriages and civil ceremonies are completely customisable, so you can choose the readings and music to best reflect your personalities and relationship. The venue itself is set in beautifully landscaped gardens and natural deer park, while their exclusive-use Georgian manor house can accommodate anywhere from 40 to 140 guests. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and grandeur, with a relaxed, inclusive, and welcoming feel.

The Bloom Room

Photo © The Bloom Room

The Bloom Room prides itself on being completely couple-led, whether you’re after bohemian, wild blooms, or something more manicured and precise. Founder Lottie is openly LGBTQ+ herself. She believes that working on individual, personal celebrations of love is what makes us truly happy. In her own words: “We are a truly inclusive business. We have supplied flowers to LGBTQ+ couples in the past and have future weddings for LGBTQ+ couples to look forward to. We use inclusive language on our website, in emails and in person and don’t assume gender or the flowers anyone would like for their wedding. Everyone should be free to celebrate their love how they want and we should as suppliers support and encourage that no matter what!”

Siobhan Davies Studios

Photo © Siobhan Davies Studios

Nestled just beyond London’s South Bank, Siobhan Davies Studios provides the perfect venue for an LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception in South London. Housed in a converted Victorian school, the contemporary arts space creates a unique balance between old and new design that makes it a fun and versatile space to suit your unique style and vision. The studios hold a wedding and civil partnership licence so can provide a beautiful location for your ceremony and reception. They cater for all weddings and are proud to be a gay-friendly wedding venue and provide a warm and welcoming space for same-sex marriages.

Atelier Weddings

Photo © Atelier Weddings

Atelier Weddings offers a brilliant range of customisable planning services, from full-service to partial to on-the-day. For LGBTQ+ couples in particular, they provide resources and referrals to LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers, as well as information and guidance on potential legal and financial challenges. Founder Kelly understands that each couple is unique and deserves a bespoke celebration that reflects their individual style and personality. In her own words: “At our business, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We understand that LGBTQ+ couples may face unique concerns and challenges while planning their wedding, and we take steps to address and overcome these challenges.” 

The Mill Barns

Photo © The Mill Barns

The Mill Barns is a purpose-built barn wedding venue like no other, featuring exclusive use of three magnificent oak-framed wedding barns, luxury onsite accommodation, mesmerising water features, and eight acres of mature landscaped gardens. But it’s not just a grand and impressive venue. There is endless opportunity for personalisation, which we know is so important especially to LGBTQ+ couples. The lovely events team will facilitate and encourage all your wedding ideas and plans, both in person and via their wedding planner. There is also a completely flexible same-sex wedding day schedule, which will accommodate every couple’s requirements. So if you want to structure your day slightly differently to meet both of your needs, there are various bespoke schedule options.

Elderflower & Fern

Photo © Elderflower & Fern

Elderflower & Fern provides bespoke floral preservation services for wedding bouquets, so you can transform your gorgeous blooms into sentimental works of art. Founder Lorna is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community as a bisexual woman, and has helped preserve wedding bouquets from both LGBTQ+ and straight couples! Inclusivity is central to her ethos: “I make sure all of my language on my website and through the booking process, as well as on social media, is inclusive towards not just ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ couples but all couples.”

The Monastery Manchester

Photo © The Monastery Manchester

The Monastery Manchester proudly celebrates love of all genders and colours, and has always welcomed LGBTQ+ weddings. Featuring unique and inspiring Grade II listed buildings, it provides a breathtaking historic backdrop for your special day. It’s 10 minutes from the city centre – great for guests visiting Manchester and well placed if you want to carry on the party in the Gay Village. Plus, every booking goes towards supporting local community projects, including The African Rainbow Family, who support LGBTQ+ people of African and BAME heritage seeking asylum in the UK.

Yasmina Nadine Photography

Photo © Yasmina Nadine Photography

Yasmina Nadine Photography specialises in documentary wedding photography with a focus on storytelling that’s candid and unobtrusive. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Yasmina explains: “I am actively and visibly supportive in all aspects of my life, not just for the purposes of gaining work.” She uses inclusive language on forms and emails, always asks for pronouns, and is visibly inclusive on her website and social media.

Tower Hill Barns

Photo © Tower Hill Barns

Tower Hill Barns is an inclusive wedding venue set amongst idyllic grounds in North Wales, with rustic barn vibes that offer a unique, fresh and fun atmosphere for your special day. They facilitate and celebrate same-sex marriages and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as celebrant led or humanist ceremonies. From walking down the aisle together, to swapping the usual readings for something unique, to getting ready in the same dressing room, they’ve got you covered. You can also count on them to help you showcase your LGBTQ+ pride on your wedding day in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways (think rainbow kicks and multi-coloured smoke bombs).

Linda Keys

Photo © Linda Keys

Linda Keys is a warm, inclusive celebrant who loves to work with all kinds of beautiful couples. She promises to deliver a ceremony that is truly personal and joyful, helping your select whichever readings and music you like and craft vows that are unique and meaningful to you and your partner. She is also a true LGBTQ+ wedding expert. In her own words: “I have built my business and created all my resources with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. Anybody I work with should feel completely represented, accepted, celebrated, and seen. This has never been something I have had to introduce, as it is fundamental to my values and has been since my childhood.  We have a whole module within our celebrant training which covers inclusive practice and diversity awareness.”

The Wellbeing Farm

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm

The Wellbeing Farm isn’t just a fun, unique and sustainable farm-based wedding venue, but also one committed to diversity and inclusion. They’re proud to be featured on the same-sex wedding guide, offering a safe environment for same-sex couples to get married in, along with having a very supporting team. They also hold a “PRIDE” themed wedding fair every year, specifically with LGBTQ+ couples in mind. These fairs always involve collaboration with LGBTQ+ suppliers, to ensure the experience is as fun, safe and open to LGBTQ+ couples as possible.

AJ Feather Photography

Photo © AJ Feather Photography

AJ Feather Photography loves to tell beautiful stories through thoughtful and authentic imagery, and believes that each wedding is unique to you. In the words of founder and owner Arienne: “I want everyone to feel comfortable when using my photography business. No one should feel shy to tell me who they are or how they want to be identified as. Love is love. I have spent a lot of time educating myself and doing online courses to leave how to make people feel more inclusive. I introduce myself as she/her to everyone so no one is left out and I even have a badge on my work bag so people can see I am inclusive. I love everyone and I want everyone to feel themself around me.”

There you have our top LGBTQ+ wedding expert suppliers for couples who want to celebrate their love in a safe and accepting environment. Whether you’re looking for a grand and formal affair or a more intimate and relaxed celebration, there’s a supplier out there that’s perfect for you.

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Happy Planning!

Best Themed Weddings of 2022

We’re wrapping up our 2022 Wedding Photography Awards with our final category: themed weddings. From the decorations to the food, to the music and the activities, enjoy our selection of the best unique and creative themed weddings of the year, where couples are free to truly express their personalities and share their interests with their guests.

OVERALL WINNER: Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

Photo © Tom Cullen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “May the force be with them! Meela and Maciek tied the knot at The Secret Garden in Kent. They had an incredible day and rocked their couple shots in the autumn sunshine. Their details really reflected their personalities, with a lightsaber bouquet, Nordic gnomes and a visit from Marduk their gorgeous Elf Hound!

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is what the best themed weddings are all about – celebrating your love for your partner alongside your shared interests. This image is full of personality and individuality, as well as artistry. We particularly love the clever use of props to structure the composition, with the vertical lighsaber perfectly dividing the shot of the couple’s profiles. And the Darth Vader mask is something else – a bold, striking choice!

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

AJTImages | Alex Taylor

Photo © AJTImages | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple loved Beauty and the Beast and wanted to incorporate it into their photos.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo truly captures that Disney magic with its artistic use of lighting! We love how perfectly it creates that iconic dance scene.

Bolla Bello Photography | Bolanle Bello 

Photo © Bolla Bello Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride’s dad surprised the couple with a Chewbacca mask as he was asked to give his opening speech. The couple are movie heads and were pleasantly surprised and joyful to see the dad embrace their love for movies on their special day.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The Chewbacca mask transforms an otherwise classic wedding speech photo into something truly unique and special, not to mention funny!

Dave Edward Photography | Dave Edward

Photo © Dave Edward Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A movie-themed wedding and this was the couple’s take on The Hangover”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: A playful, candid image, which speaks for itself! We love to see the groomsmen having so much fun posing and playing out their roles.

Jennifer West Photography | Jennifer West

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend-long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and unique and colourful. A vibrant themed wedding, full of love, joy and celebration.

John Mason Photography | John Mason

Photo © John Mason Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was a football-themed family wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a brilliant action shot of an alternative wedding. We love to see the bride’s determined look as she prepares the football, while her dad blows the whistle.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I love bouncy castles at weddings, and Anna and Joe’s big bouncy slide was no exception! The theme of their wedding was “Cake Fest” and the whole day was about fun and joy.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We think “Cake Fest” should be the theme of every wedding! We love the energy and sense of exhilaration here, and the bright party colours.

Michelle Charnock Photographer | Michelle Charnock 

Photo © Michelle Charnock Photographer | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I adored this wedding party. The couple were so free spirited and full of love for each other and their families. They’re probably one of the coolest couples I’ve ever captured and I think this captures a lot of what they’re about.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a vibrant and energetic shot! We love the pops or orange and eclectic, retro theme, which perfectly matches the couple’s fun, alternative pose.

Peter Rollings Photography | Peter Rollings 

Photo © Peter Rollings Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Chris and Claire are avid VW campers, and wanted to theme this throughout their day. This was the perfect summer wedding, with this image reflecting their love of their Volkswagen Jammin.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the perspective and dynamism of this photo, with the Volkswagen head on in motion, and the couple embracing in the front window.

S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark

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

The story behind this photo: “Jules and Garry wanted to feel like they were in a regency drama for their wedding photos. During their wedding at Auchen Castle in the Scottish Borders, we took advantage of moody skies and dramatic lighting to make their dreams come true.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the composition of this photo, with the swing and riverside setting. The moody sepia hues add a timelessness in keeping with the theme.

The Bearded Man Photography | Paul Stevenson 

Photo © The Bearded Man Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A Cornish festival wedding at Kudva, a remote campsite on the coast.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such the couple having so much fun with their wedding, from the bride’s pink hair against the pink smoke bomb, to the groom’s sunglasses and glittery gold trousers. Their playful personalities really shine through!

Twigs Branch Photography | Paul & Suzi Wilkinson 

Photo © Twigs Branch Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A cinema style elopement, at The Electric Cinema in Birmingham.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the glamour and drama of this photo – perfect for the cinema style theme. The dazzling off-centre spotlight from behind, and the couple’s clasped hands across the aisle, beautifully show off the chic art deco setting.

There you have our favourite themed wedding photos of 2022! That brings our Wedding Photographer Awards series to an end. If you missed any of the other categories, or fancy taking another look at one of your favourites, be sure to check out the rest of the series. They’re not only a great source of inspo, but also the ideal way to find your dream photographer!

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Happy Planning!

Photographer ‘Platinum’ Best of Bridebook Winners 2023

The Best of Bridebook 2023 winners have been announced! This list showcases UK photographers with the most 5-star reviews from 2022. Take a look at this talented bunch:

Platinum Winners 2023

 

“The UK’s greatest wedding businesses have been chosen! We are so proud of the 450+ winners, especially after a difficult few years for the industry. We are excited to recommend the best wedding services. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners”. – Hamish Shephard, CEO & Founder, Bridebook.

Best LGBTQ+ Photos of 2022

We’re celebrating diversity and inclusion with our best of LGBTQ+ wedding photos, hand-selected for our Wedding Photography Awards. From the fun and colourful, to the unique and unusual, it’s all about recognising and accepting love and joy in all its forms.

OVERALL WINNER: Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher 

Photo © Flisher Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted to do a smoke bomb shot with pride flag colours with their wedding party in front of Harlaxton Manor to celebrate Harlaxton manors first gay wedding.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is a true celebration of the best of LGBTQ+, made all the more special because of the venue’s history. We love the composition, with the grooms in the centre, and their loved ones standing to either side, all of them laughing and showing their support. The smoke bombs in pride colours are spectacular, and give this image a fun, playful tone while also sending an important message of pride and togetherness.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

AJ Feather Photography | Arienne Jonas

Photo © AJ Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Jon and Matt laughed so much together, they had me in tears. We went for a walk along the water and I laughed so much.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid, uplifting image, set against a beautiful natural backdrop. The couple’s smiles and laughter are infectious!

A W Photography | Andy Wilkinson 

Photo © A W Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I had initially wanted to take a silhouette shot then develop this with the use of a smoke grenade. As I asked the couple to walk towards me I noticed the sunlight coming through the adjacent trees and quickly turned off the OCF to allow the sun’s rays to catch the smoke, creating this image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical shot. We love the effect of the sun’s rays catching the smoke amidst the trees as the couple embrace.

Bart Kerswell Photography | Bart Kerswell 

Photo © Bart Kerswell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Nina and Jo didn’t fancy a first dance, so decided on an egg and spoon race. What a amazing idea, even I had a go.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what the best of LGBTQ+ is all about – celebrating your special day in a way that’s unique and personal to you, and having fun doing so.

Big Day Weddings | David Green

Photo © Big Day Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A fantastic gay wedding day at The Gherkin in London.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The sweeping staircase and monochrome tones create a dramatic and striking image. We love the perspective looking up at the smiling brides.

Chloe Palmer Photography | Chloe Palmer

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Two beautiful brides signing their wedding register at Highcliffe Castle”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a classic but beautifully shot photo – we love its simplicity and clean, white palette. The look the brides share is what makes it so special.

LB Photography | Leanne Brookes 

Photo © LB Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “It was 5 minutes before the cake-cut and it had just started to rain, so I quickly grabbed Jamie and Jordan for an extra special photo in the archway of The Arnold House”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: The illuminated umbrella and balloons create a fun, celebratory image. We love how the balloons frame the couple as they gaze into each other’s eyes.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Tasha and Becky were so wonderful on their wedding day as they knew I loved rainbows so they gave me a small rainbow keyring to say thank you for their photos. Their whole day was about rainbows from a rainbow flag exit, to fans, to socks. This photo holds a special place in my heart, for both the rainbows and how wonderful they were.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and colorful photo – we absolutely love the rainbow fans! It perfectly captures the brides’ personalities and joy.

Magpie-Eye Photography | Jenny Ellen 

Photo © Magpie-Eye Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “David and Nathan were finally married in July of 2022…in a heatwave…in a velvet dress! Thankfully the aircon was fully functional and Nathan stole the show in their Billy Porter inspired gown.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A photo which truly celebrates diversity and individuality. Seeing Nathan make his grand entrance in his incredible gown is beautiful to see.

Marta Ilardo Photography | Marta Ilardo 

Photo © Marta Ilardo Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A wedding is a beautiful celebration of love, of your commitment to each other. It’s wonderful to have witnesses, people who share your joy. But it’s also great to want to make it very personal and intimate. Poppy and Marcela chose to combine the two. They officially got married in a town hall and then exchanged their vows and rings in a quiet Soho corner. And I was there to unobtrusively capture it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The simplicity of the grey brick background puts all the focus on the couple and their beautiful love. A lovely intimate moment, sensitively captured.

Nik Bryant Photography | Nik Bryant 

Photo © Nik Bryant Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Matt and Darryl at the iconic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Having the wonderfully talented Neil Ridley with me meant we could light and create this superb image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The use of differently coloured panels of light behind the couple makes for an unusual and striking image. A very creative composition.

Steve Ayres Photography | Steve Ayres 

Photo © Steve Ayres Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A Peaky Blinder’s style wedding at The Royal Pavilion in Brighton”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see alternative weddings that reflect the couple’s unique personalities and interests. The ‘PRIDE’ letters behind the couple add some extra magic.

There you have our top picks for the best LGTBQ+ wedding photos of 2022! Stay tuned for the grand finale of this blog series, with our favourite themed weddings of the year.

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Happy Planning!

The Best Winter Wedding Guest Outfits

Winter weddings can be such a magical and dreamy experience. But choosing the right winter wedding outfit can be challenging as well. As a wedding guest, you want to look balance formality and style, while also staying warm and comfortable amidst cooler temperatures. To help inspire you, we’ve put together our top tips and tricks for the best winter wedding guest outfits, so you can look and feel your best this season, whatever your style or budget, and whatever the weather!

1. Dresses

Dresses with billowing sleeves, higher necklines, and longer hems are ideal choices for a winter wedding. Opt for a thicker, heavier fabric, like wool or velvet, to keep you warm. You can choose from a variety of sensible styles, from a flowing maxi dress to a form-fitting cocktail dress. The trick is to make a statement with bold prints and luxe embellishments like beading or lace detailing.

2. Suits

You can’t go wrong with a stylish suit at a winter wedding. For warmth and comfort, choose a suit made from a heavier fabric, like wool or corduroy. For a more casual look, consider a pair of dress trousers or skirt with a button-up shirt, with either a sweater or blazer. If you’re on a budget, consider renting a suit – it’s not only a cost-effective option, but also more sustainable.

3. Colours

Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear warm colours in rich, jewel-like hues. Think wine and champagne tones, emerald green, ruby red, burgundy and navy blue.

4. Accessories

From scarves and shawls, to hats and gloves, winter accessories will keep you warm, while also adding a pop of colour and glamour to your outfit. Add some extra sparkle to your look with eye-catching jewellery, like a statement-necklace, earrings or a brooch.

5. Outerwear

A winter wedding always calls for a warm outer layer. For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider a classic wool coat or pea coat, which will keep you warm and complement any dress or suit underneath. For a more budget-friendly option, consider an elegant faux fur jacket. They come in a variety of styles and colours, and can be found at a fraction of the cost of a real fur jacket.

6. Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are a must for a winter wedding, whether that’s heeled boots, ankle boots or loafers. Make sure they’re comfortable enough to dance in, and will keep your feet warm and dry. If you’re on a budget, consider buying a pair of shoes in a neutral colour, like black or brown, so you can wear them with multiple outfits and on more than one occasion.

Now you’ll be properly prepped for all those winter weddings pencilled into your calendar. Whatever the weather throws at you, you’ll have a guest outfit that’s both sensible and stylish.

Supplier Showcase: Veganuary Edition

Sustainable and ethical weddings are on the rise. Back in the day, very few venues and suppliers would cater for such requirements, or when they did, would do so with little creativity (cue sad stuffed mushroom and limp lettuce leaf). But now, there’s a demand amongst today’s couples for more locally sourced, ethical menus, as well as vegan and cruelty-free wedding choices. And so, celebrate the month of Veganuary, we’re showcasing our favourite vegan venues and suppliers.

1. The Wellbeing Farm

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

The Wellbeing Farm is one of our favourite sustainable wedding venues…period. It offers a fun, unique farm-based barn experience, is the first B Corp certified venue in the UK, and has just become members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (which you can’t enter if you haven’t got sufficient vegan and other dietary credentials). Their general ethos is around wellbeing, and minimising stress for its couples. And ensuring every single one of your guests has a creative and tasty meal – whether they’re vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free – is a huge part of that. Their innovative Head Chef sources natural, local produce to create vegetarian and vegan menus that are big in both quality and taste, and even went on a course specialising in vegan desserts (so no more lonely fresh fruit salads!). A lot of venues may offer a single vegan option, but this vegan-friendly venue prides itself on offering a range – a range of starters, a range of mains, a range of desserts. So you’ll be spoilt for choice! For the meat lovers out there, they use Meatless Farm and Beyond Burger as meal substitutes, so you’ll hardly notice the difference.

2. Wilderness Weddings

Photo © Wilderness Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Stylish and sustainable, relaxed and boho, there’s so much to love about Wilderness Weddings. Set in a protected nature reserve, it features woodlands, giant tipi tents, and a lakeside boathouse. Their seven accredited caterers provide a wealth of dining options, catering for all tastes and budgets. For vegetarians and vegans in particular, choose Scott Anderson catering, who pride themselves on designing bespoke menus around each couple’s requirements. Look no further for creative canapés, scrumptious sharing wedding breakfasts, and exquisite evening platters!

3. Lettice Events

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Lettice Events is one of the country’s leading names in luxury catering, known for its innovative and creative food design, cutting-edge presentation and stylish service. Their team of talented chefs can cater to specific dietary restrictions, including a completely vegan menu. From vegan cream cheese and smoked carrot ribbons on light rye wafers, to roast pumpkin skewers, you and your guests are sure to be delighted. With pre-event tastings available, you can effortlessly sample different flavours and select your favourite dishes ahead of your big day.

4. The Hogless Roast

Photo © The Hogless Roast | See their Bridebook profile

Two veggies unable to stomach another bean burger, Matt and Ross, a.k.a. The Hogless Roast, have reimagined the traditional hog roast for a new generation, whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption. Their smoky BBQ vegan burgers use the best plant protein out there – lathered in apple sauce, topped with homemade stuffing, and loaded into a toasted vegan brioche bun. They’re packed with protein and fibre, gluten-free, and, most importantly, keep pigs off plates! Plus, they only use eco-friendly packaging, and are members of the NCASS.

We’ve taken the best plant based protein out there, infused it with smoky BBQ flavours, lathered it in apple sauce, topped it with homemade stuffing and packed it into a toasted vegan brioche bun. Then we’ve thrown in some naughty vegan crackling for good measure!

5. Bee Vegan Bakery

Photo © Bee Vegan Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

For bespoke wedding cakes made vegan, look no further than Bee Vegan Bakery – whether you’re vegan yourself, want a more inclusive option for all of your guests, or have allergies or dietary requirements. There are also plenty of other sweet and savoury vegan treats available, from meatless carrot ‘bacon’ and almond ‘feta’ canapés, and bitesize vegan pastries.

6. Bakehouse Revolution

Photo ©Bakehouse Revolution | See their Bridebook profile

From cute cupcake favours to magnificent multi-tiered showstoppers, Bakehouse Revolution works with you to personally design, bake and create stunning wedding cakes for your special day. Everything is 100% vegan, and will leave a smile on everyone’s faces, whether vegan or not.

7. Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist

Photo ©Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist | See their Bridebook profile

Tanya Westley is a vegan wedding hair & makeup specialist based in Oxfordshire. Her kit consists of a carefully curated list of cruelty-free, vegan products, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Cover FX, Face Atelier and Illamasqua, to Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Moroccan Oil, Living Proof and more.

8. Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician

Photo ©Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician | See their Bridebook profile

Becx Beauty offers a bespoke makeup service for your special day, to ensure you look incredible while everyone looks on in awe. She is fully qualified, insured and accredited by BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), and also Barbicide certified. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free. As a makeup artist, she has built up a strong reputation and portfolio, becoming one of the most sought after vegan and cruelty-Free MUA in the North East.

9. Lauren Marie Studio

Photo © Lauren Marie Studio | See their Bridebook profile

Lauren Marie Studio creates hand-painted, bespoke, eco-friendly wedding stationery that tells your own unique love story, with lots of detail. She is passionate about providing conscious and sustainable stationery, and uses a gorgeous range of eco-friendly papers, sourcing ethical, vegan-friendly materials wherever possible in her exquisite designs.

10. Vegan Wedding Photography

Photo © Vegan Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a vegan, and keen to choose a wedding photographer whose personal values and lifestyle align with your own, be sure to check out Vegan Wedding Photography. Denis is passionate about the environment, nature and sustainability and follows a vegan lifestyle.

Whether you’re a vegan yourself, want to create a more inclusive wedding for your guests, or simply want to reduce the impact of your wedding, the vegan-friendly venues and suppliers above are a great place to start . If any caught your eye, be sure to check out their Bridebook profiles!

2023 Wedding Fashion Trends

From simple, timeless looks and plain fabrics, to chic, colourful styles with luxe embellishments, this year’s weddings are sure to be full of fashion inspiration and ideas. To get a better understanding of the latest trends and must-have looks this wedding season, we reached out to some of the top dressmakers in the industry to get their expert insights and predictions.

1. Simple styles + extra detailing

Photo © A Bridal Story | See their Bridebook profile

The simple look is in this year – from the style to the fabric. “We’re seeing lots of simple designs made from luxurious mikado, satin or crepe,” comments Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story. “Less is more is definitely going to be a key bridal trend.” Elizabeth from Elizabeth Kate Bridal is also noticing more “plain wedding dresses and plain fabrics such as mikado and satin.”

At the same time, bridal fashion is featuring plenty of luxe accessories and detailing. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd is seeing a trend towards simple gowns accessorised. “For example, lots of our brides love to add bows to their satin gowns.” According to our dressmakers, the most popular fashion element this year is bows, followed by pearls, then feathers, and finally beads. Zera Rowell from Aime Moi Encore says they are “seeing a demand for simpler designs where extra details can be featured such as big bows and lots of pearls, flowers and head pieces. Flower appliques and colour are also very popular!”

2. Colour, colour, colour

Photo © Heartfelt Vintage | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding dresses with colour are also en vogue. Over half of the dressmakers we spoke to are seeing wedding dresses in alternative colours to the traditional bridal white. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage says they are ‘seeing a huge uplift in the number of requests for colourful dresses’. Donna from DM Bridal Accessories also emphasises seeing ‘dresses with colour’.

As for bridesmaids’ dresses, the most popular colours this year are champagne, earthy tones, and greens (both emerald and sage). Dusty rose, blush pink, dusty blue and navy blue are also trending, particularly as we move into the season of late winter/early spring.

3. Statement dresses + luxe embellishments

Photo © Couture & Tiaras Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

At the other end from simple styles, many of our dressmakers are seeing dramatic statement dresses. Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story comments that “big and bold designs are also trending with dramatic skirts, necklines and sleeve’, while Margo Brittain from Margo Chamberlain Millinery is seeing “puff sleeves, long trains, maximalist styles, and large flower corsages.”

Princess skirts, long or floating trains, long veils, even capes, are in high demand. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage attributes this to the popularity of Netflix’s Bridgerton: “The Bridgerton-inspired trends keep on coming!” Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd speaks of an “abundance of uber-chic inspo in the 2023 wedding dress trends, from dramatic ball gowns to colorful wedding gowns to luxe embellishments like bows, feathers, ruffles, gloves, capes, scooped and strapless necklines, high-low hemline ball gowns with over-the-top tiered skirts, decadent fabrics and beads, lingerie-inspired slip wedding dresses.” She also adds that “in 2023 we’ll be seeing more statement veils with 3D elements, sparkles, flowers, prints and pops of colour. Fashion is stepping away from plain tulle and making the veil its own masterpiece and something that is able to express the bride’s style and personality.”

4. Long gloves/long sleeves

Photo © Aime Moi Encore | See their Bridebook profile

Continuing the Bridgerton theme, the trend towards long, elegant gloves is making a comeback in 2023: our dressmakers unanimously report long gloves, from long tulle gloves to long opera gloves. Amy Money from Amy Money Millinery also comments on the trend of long sleeves, and even detachable sleeves for greater versatility and flexibility throughout the day.

5. Splits/slits

Photo © The White Room | See their Bridebook profile

“Split dresses are very on trend”, Zoey Jayaweera from The White Room of Minchinhampton reports. Duduzile Sibanda from Couture & Tiaras Bridal agrees: “We are selling a lot of dresses with a slit.” Split wedding dresses are gaining in popularity over the years because they offer a modern and elegant look, while also being comfortable to dance and move around in. Not to mention that a slit can show off a pair of beautiful shoes!

6. Detachable skirts/multi dresses

Photo © Fross Wedding Collections Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

Many of our dressmakers are seeing a demand for detachable skirts or separate overskirts, as brides increasingly look for versatility and flexibility when it comes to choosing their wedding dress. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd notes seeing “brides wanting two gowns, daytime and evening looks, or gowns with detachable skirts to create two looks in one!”

For bridesmaids, multi dresses (a.k.a. convertible dresses or infinity dresses) are all the rage. These dresses can be worn in different ways, so bridesmaids can choose the most flattering style for their body type and taste. They can also be worn again and again long after the wedding, making them both practical and cost-effective. Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd lists a range of flexible styles for bridesmaids: “mismatching bridesmaids dresses, cowl neck bridesmaids dresses, velvet bridesmaids dresses, convertible bridesmaids dresses.”

7. More individuality/non-traditional dress

Photo © Dressarte Paris | See their Bridebook profile

More and more brides are opting to break the mould and wear a non-traditional wedding dress that more truly reflects their own personal style and preferences. Lisa Carrington from Lisa Carrington Couture summarises this trend: “More and more brides are turning to individuality – bespoke instead of mass-produced. I feel trends heading more to personal tastes and not what everyone else is doing, so possibly more quirky and adventurous details will come through.” Nathalie Neuilly from Dressarte Paris agrees: “[There is] great interest towards non-traditional wedding outfits and colours (like black and green in particular)”.

8. Sustainable options

Photo © Love It Again Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Sustainability is increasingly become a key concern for today’s couples, according to many of our dressmakers. Eve Mannion from Love It Again Bridal has observed that “more couples are becoming eco-conscious about their wedding choices”. Wendy Hook from Vintage Adornments agrees that the eco fashion trend continues to grow with more and more brides opting for sustainable choices when it comes to choosing a dress: “There’s a real move towards more sustainable choices for both cost and environmental reasons. Vintage and nostalgic themes are also having a real influence after the years of the pandemic and then the fuel and economic crises – couples are keen to harken back to happier times and evoke that in their wedding styling.” Popular sustainable options include choosing a dress made from organic, natural or recycled materials; renting a wedding dress; or opting for a vintage or second-hand dress.

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or simply a fashion-savvy wedding guest, these styles, colours and fabrics are sure to make a statement at any wedding this year. You’ve now got all the inspiration and ideas you need to start putting together your own unique look!

Best Pets Wedding Photos of 2022

Calling all animal lovers! Enjoy our hand-picked selection of the best pet photos for our Wedding Photography Awards. Pets bring so much comfort and joy to a wedding. They’re a great source of fun and entertainment, and can add such a personal touch.

OVERALL WINNER: The Studio Without Walls | Adrian Neal 

Photo © The Studio Without Walls | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Hungry dog at a wedding reception…loved its bow tie!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a beautifully captured, funny and memorable photo! We adore the little dog’s cheeky expression as it eyes up the platters, and the way it stands to the side, front legs held up, like it’s one of the human guests. The purple bow tie adds to the comical effect and gives this photo real personality. We love the brightness of this shot too, with the vibrant saturated colours standing out against the black background.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

Ajie Jones Photography | Adrian Williams-Jones 

Photo © Ajie Jones Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The speeches went on too long for Toto.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This little dog’s sleepy expression is so adorable! We love the way it rests its chin on the table, and looks directly at the camera.

Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | Alexa Poppe 

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Liz loves goats! So when she found out that the venue had their very own goats we decided to meet them. The goat was not fussed about us so much and had an obsession with Liz’s beautiful colourful bouquet!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo really made us smile – the goat’s cheekiness, the colourful flowers, the bride’s laughter. Everything about it is uplifting and joyful.

Andy Sidders Photography | Andy Sidders 

Photo © Andy Sidders Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Maia and Matt petting ‘Porka Radcliffe’ and ‘Uswine Bolt’ after some amazing pig racing at Maia and Matt’s wedding at Stowe House.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A super fun and unique take on the pets at weddings theme! We love the perspective from the ground up, with the couple crouching at the pig’s level.

Boryczewski Photography Zee | Zdzislaw Boryczewski 

Photo © Boryczewski Photography Zee | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Just before the ceremony the groom gave some love to his dog. But the dog’s look!!!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely heart-warming image, with an unusual composition. The connection between the groom and his little fur baby is beautiful to see.

Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher

Photo © Flisher Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Kirsty is a dog trainer and it was important to the couple to have their dogs be a part of their wedding at the beautiful Stubton Hall.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and light-hearted image. We love the composition and colours, with the three gorgeous dogs taking centre stage.

Harry Richards Photography | Harry Richards 

Photo © Harry Richards Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride took her pet horse for a walk.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful, timeless image which captures a real feeling of freedom and wildness. The black and white palette adds a sense of refinement and elegance.

James Ireland Photography Ltd | James Ireland 

Photo © James Ireland Photography Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This Dalmatian sat and waited so patiently at the front of the queue for the wedding breakfast.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a fun yet sophisticated image, with a striking composition. We love how the black and white palette picks out the Dalmatian’s spots.

John Hope Photography | John Hope

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This couple’s dog latched onto the energy of the couple gesturing everyone to the dancefloor after their first dance. He clearly wasn’t going to be left out!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see this dog joining in the dancing like one of the human guests. There is a wonderful energy and vibrancy to this photo.

Luke Hardy Photography | Luke Hardy 

Photo © Luke Hardy Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Rosie was only staying for the church ceremony but she just had to be a part of some of the photos. She’s so happy that mummy and daddy are now married.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A charming, candid shot of the couple walking with their adorable dog! We love the subdued, wintry tones in contrast with the pops of festive red.

Sam Chipman Photography | Sam Chipman 

Photo © Sam Chipman Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Lauren and John always wanted their trusty doggo, Gryff, to be a big part of their wedding day. And he definitely played his part and stole the show.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We agree that Gryff stole the show here! We love the way he’s smiling at the camera, held between the couple, who are themselves smiling at each other.

White Thistle Wedding Photography | Simon Fox

Photo © White Thistle Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Usually the wedding couple have special requests for family or friends they want me to make sure I get a photo of. However, for Andy and Vicky, their priority was their dog Freyja.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such vibrant and joyful image, full of character and personality! We love the bright colours, the confetti, and the dog’s happy smile.

There you have our favourite photos of pets at weddings this year! Next in this series is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, with the best of LGBTQ+.

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Happy Planning!

Best Kids Wedding Photos of 2022

Browse our favourite kids wedding photos for this year’s Wedding Photography Awards. Children often aren’t aware of the camera, so photos can capture their genuine reactions and emotions, not to mention those fun and silly moments that adults might overthink.

OVERALL WINNER: Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams 

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I loved the way it looked like the boys were trying to trick the barman into thinking they were older than they were.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is such a beautifully captured and heart-warming kids’ shot. We love the composition, with the two boys standing on stools behind the bar in their smart suits, their backs to us, trying to look grown-up and sophisticated. The barman’s knowing expression adds to the effect. The lighting adds a mature touch, at odds with the presence of the children, which makes the scene all the more humorous and memorable.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

Bolla Bello Photography | Bolanle Bello

Photo © Bolla Bello Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was supposed to be a posed group shot of the couple and the groom’s sister and family. The kids ran left and right throughout and I decided to make it fun. I asked them to run toward me instead and that’s how we got the shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the feeling of fun and freedom in this unposed shot. There is a real sense of energy and excitement captured in the kids’ playful running.

Elwood Photography | Tim Elwood 

Photo ©Elwood Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The flower girl sucking it up at Lee and Leah’s wedding at Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle.

Why we shortlisted this photo: The flower girl’s intense, almost challenging, expression is very striking. We love the way she looks directly at the camera, completed unfazed.

Grace Nicole Photography | Grace Evans 

Photo © Grace Nicole Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “All of the children were desperate to visit the sheep in the field opposite the venue, so they all gathered to look through the gate and I captured them all peering through at the same time.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely candid moment, beautifully captured. We love to see the children’s natural curiosity as they peer over the fence.

James Merrick Photography | James Merrick 

Photo © James Merrick Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Waiting patiently for his cue, Obie was beaming as he prepared to walk down the aisle with the rings.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the artful composition of this photo, with the young boy in focus in the centre, perfectly framed by the couple’s joined hands in the foreground. His solemn pride as he stands patiently with his hands held up is beautiful to see.

Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | Katy Brothers 

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “During the downtime, before the speeches but when the little ones had finished dessert they all took to the floor to play with the balloon decorations which had been positioned around the room. Once they had gathered them up, the older kids had wrestled them from the youngsters and were beating each other with them. I love this photo, of the youngest flower girl trying her best to convince the young bridesmaids to give her back her balloon. Children at weddings always have their own dramas that if you stop to watch for, create beautiful, emotionally candids.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The quiet intensity of the youngest flower girl’s expression is beautifully captured. We also love the storytelling behind this photo.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

Photo © Lemon Feather Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “These two were so cute and as soon I walked into the room to shoot bridal prep, they warmed to the camera and wanted to show me everything in all the rooms in the suite!

Why we shortlisted this photo: An adorable shot, full of playfulness! The composition is very effective, with just the girls’ faces peeping over the edge of the bath.

Lewis Horsley Wedding Photography | Lewis Horsley 

Photo © Lewis Horsley Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Was meant to capture their beautiful dresses from behind, but this cheeky one did not want to play ball.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The cheeky expression of this bridesmaid is priceless! It transforms an otherwise classically formal photo into a uniquely playful snapshot.

LB Photography | Leanne Brookes 

Photo © LB Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s little boy wanted to be as close as possible to his parents and while the couple were exchanging rings he was watching…picking away!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a funny and brilliantly captured shot. It’s candid moments like this that make photos of kids at weddings so special.

Paul Swift Photography | Paul Swift 

Photo © Paul Swift Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s son ran off with a (very large) piece of cake.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and playfulness of this photo. The boy’s cheeky side-long glance as he prepares to take a bite of cake is wonderful to see.

Tobiah Tayo Photography | Tobiah Tayo 

Photo © Tobiah Tayo Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The flower girls were so excited to see a real life bride and wear her veil.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet photo, with lovely warm lighting. We love the expressions on each of the bridesmaids’ faces, and the way the bride is smiling with them.

Winnington and Coe | Ben Winnington & Elle Coe 

Photo © Winnington and Coe | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Gorgeous niece and flower girl seeing her auntie getting ready.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful photo capturing a beautiful moment. We love the perspective here, with the focus on the little girl’s reaction, and the bride’s back to us.

There you have our best kids at weddings photos of the year! For even more bundles of joy and cuteness, stay tuned for the next article in this series: pets at weddings.

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Best Candid Shots of 2022

Take a peek at our favourite candid shots for our Wedding Photography Awards – those natural, true-to-life moments which can’t be recreated, and which capture the real spirit of the big day.

OVERALL WINNER: Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | Lisa & Neil 

Best Candid Shots of 2022
Photo © Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Lucy and Aiden arrived post ceremony to their reception aboard a steam train and its gorgeous carriages. Their infectious excitement failed to reach one guest who was concentrating on her mobile phone footage!”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a wonderful shot – candid at its best! Both the couple’s reactions (the bride halfway standing, the groom lifting his hand in a wave), and the guest’s unprompted phone action, are completely natural and of the moment. We love the contrast between the couple’s laughing faces and the guest’s serious concentration as she takes her own snap, apparently unaware of their grand arrival. The use of the train window as a framing device is also very effective – it gives the image a unique and interesting perspective.

Absolutephotouk | Howard Treeby 

Photo © Absolutephotouk | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “There were lots of antlers on the walls and the shot made the bridesmaid look like a deer! (The reflections caught the other end of the room too).”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid yet artistic bridal prep shot. We love the bridesmaid’s natural laughter, and the perfect timing of capturing the antlers to frame her head.

Atken Photography | Shane Atken 

Photo © Atken Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The moment when a space hopper race ended before it had really even started! I remember the bride starting well but after around three jumps the hopper bounced backwards ending with the bride lying on the grass like a starfish!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a brilliantly captured, light-hearted moment. We love to see the bride’s playfulness, and her unashamed starfish-style collapse onto the grass.

Eyeshine Photography | Daniel Jones & Laura Johnson

Photo © Eyeshine Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “A gust of wind caught the bride’s veil as she arrived at the church with her mum.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the way the bride’s veil billows around her like a cloud that can’t be controlled. Her and her mum’s genuine laughter is beautiful to see.

Jervis Wedding Photography | Paul Jervis

Photo © Jervis Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “It was a terrible day and an outdoor wedding in October with no Plan B. They did bring clear ponchos. There was a lot of laughter.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the rainy day black and white palette and the happy laughter. This is what weddings are all about – having fun with your loved ones, laughing off the less-than-perfect moments, and joyfully embracing the moment.

John Hope Photography | John Hope 

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This might be my favourite ever speeches photo. I wish I could remember what was said but whatever it was, it hit the spot big time! Belly laughs from the deepest depths!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what speech moments are all about – full of the kind of throw-you-head-back laughter that can never be posed or prepared for.

John Mason Photography | John Mason 

Photo © John Mason Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Well you chose him to be best man. Taken an Minstrel Court.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: Best man’s speeches are meant to be cringe, and this one is perfectly captured. We love the crazy look on the best man’s face, the groom’s obvious embarrassment as he covers his hands over his eyes, and the bride’s laughter.

John Price Photography | John Price 

Photo © John Price Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride wanted something silly and different for her bridal preparations. This is just one of the silly ones where I got the bride in the bath and the bridesmaid on the side. Such fun!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun, relaxed vibe of this candid shot, and the bride’s non-serious approach to her bridal preparations. It’s an image full of joy and laughter.

There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.

Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | Katy Brothers

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Kerry and Ian married on Bournemouth Pier to be close to the ocean. Ian’s family had relocated to Spain when he was young and he had spent much of his childhood there and Kerry had also always been a beach baby. The cake, which was made by a friend from work, was covered in churros and looked amazing! The moment was completely spontaneous and really speaks to the kind of fun-loving relationship they have – moments later Ian got his own back by returning the favor and a lot of laughs were had at this wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and spontaneity of this moment, especially the expressions on both the couple’s faces. We also love to see such a unique choice of cake!

Nel van Huyssteen Photography | Nel van Huyssteen

Photo © Nel van Huyssteen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I captured this image on the wedding day of Frederick and Georgina in Brickendon Hertfordshire. They had a marquee wedding at home on the 28th of August 2021. This image was captured during bridal prep when one of Georgina’s bridesmaids was having her hair done, sitting in front of a large table mirror, singing out loud very dramatically. It perfectly sums up all the drama and energy of Georgina’s wedding morning.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The bridesmaid’s expression here is priceless. We love the perspective of looking from behind her head into the mirror to see exactly what she can see.

Sarah Legge Photography | Sarah Legge 

Photo © Sarah Legge Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was a magical moment when a butterfly landed on my beautiful bride and I was lucky enough to capture it.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A different kind of candid shot, perfectly captured. We love its stillness and beauty, as the bride turns slightly to look over her shoulder to spot the butterfly.

S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark 

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

The story behind this photo: “Victor and Jenny wanted a photo with their best man – but then Jenny’s friend’s son did something super cute off camera. Jenny’s bright smile just captured her happiness on her wedding day.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the men’s posed faces, and the bride’s completely candid and expressive reaction to her friend’s son off camera.

There you have our best candid shots of 2022! For more candid (and super cute) moments, check out our next article in this series: kids at weddings.

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Happy Planning!

Married Couples’ Top Tips: Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

We know wedding planning can be stressful at times. Finding the perfect photographer is no exception. Where to even start? It’s an important decision, after all, as they’re the person responsible for capturing your special day. That’s why we reached out to our recently married couples, and asked them to share their top tips for snapping up your dream wedding photographer. Read on to learn for their best advice – they’re now fully fledged wedding experts in their own right, having gone through all the planning you’re now going through!

1. Research on social media

Photo © Captured By Crissi | See their Bridebook profile

“Ask your venue if they have any recommended suppliers, or see who has tagged your venue on Insta to find who has shot there recently. Start following the ones whose styles you like on Instagram early.” – Danielle & Oliver

“Research research research! Find what style of photography you like and think about how comfortable you and your partner are in front of a camera. Check out the photographer’s social media to see how they work.” – Katie & Andrew

“When I was first planning the wedding, I started following applicable hashtags, like #suffolkwedding and #ukwedding and #ukweddingphotographer. I started keeping a list on my phone of the ones I liked. As I had time, I looked at more of their posts, work, and how they interacted, as well as at what other people said about them.” – Liz & David

“Always check out their Instagram first to ensure the style of their photographs fits what you’re looking for. You can even ask them to send your more via email.” – Simran & Jonathon

2. Think about their style

Photo ©Lauren Henson Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Make sure the photographer does the type of photos you are looking for (whether it’s all natural, or posed, or a certain way they edit), and the way you want to receive your photos (whether all on a memory stick, a photo album etc.” – Ashleigh & William

“Look at what styles you love and see what you like when choosing. Everyone is different so knowing the style you love will help reduce the list!” – Claire & Alistair

”Be aware that photographers have a signature style – read filter – some will apply a darker sepia tone across the board and others will pop the colours to give a bright look. You are unlikely to get a mixture of both! Decide what’s most important to capture and what you’ll use most. Some photographers will do a lot of posed shots but you can go for a documentary style photographer to capture unscripted moments and random joy” – Lucy & Tom

“Speak to them about their style and make sure it matches yours! We wanted a lot of candid photos and found the perfect photographer for that – Lauren Henson Photography.” – Phoebe & TJ

3. Check out their portfolio

Photo © Joab Smith Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Request a full gallery of photos to see how the photographer’s style looks across the whole day. We loved ours, Joab Smith Photography.” – Cait & Alex

“Have a look at their previous work and MAKE SURE they photograph the way you like. Each photographer has their own style so have a look at other weddings they have done and 100% make sure you let them know exactly what you want on the day.” – Georgina & Jack

“Check out their portfolio and compare finishes. A lot can look similar until you look closely at the style of finish – choose one you like. Some over do it and you lose yourselves, some don’t go far enough and the photos can look basic. Look for the sparkle. Sarah Carter Photography takes a lot of time and effort to polish every photo and it really shows.” – Isabella & Arnie

“Look at their portfolios and have an initial chat, to see that their work and personality match you both as a couple. They’re an important part of your wedding day.” – Shannon & Mason

4. Consider your photographer’s personality

Photo © Nick Brightman Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Find someone you connect with. We used Captured By Crissi.” – Anne & Bruce

“It’s so important to meet your photographer face to face. Your photographer needs to be some someone you like and get on with. They are with you for most of your day and often help out with things when you’re stressed and getting ready! We used Nick Brightman Photography – he was a wedding ninja! He blended in like one of our guests and took real photos of the day rather than posed for photos.” – Katie & Andrew

“I LOVED my wedding photographers – Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography! Lisa and Neil were my faves by far so we scheduled an intro Zoom and right off the bat I liked them – most of all because they made my now-husband laugh and feel comfortable. That was so important because he was not a big fan of being photographed. So make sure you and your partner have a good rapport with whoever you choose! It will matter when you’re having a magical/stressful day!” – Liz & David

“Make sure you are comfortable with them, their verbal communication and style.” – Lucy & Tom

5. Consider an engagement shoot

Photo © Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Having a pre-wedding/belated engagement shoot really helped us get used to being in front of the camera.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Take up the offer of an engagement shoot if you can. It’s not really about the engagement; it’s about working out which shots work, getting you used to the photographer, and getting angles right – you can then feedback to the photographer what you do and don’t like so they know for the big day.” – Lucy & Tom

6. Know who and what you want your photographer to capture

Photo ©Danny Jack Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Find someone who will put you at ease in front of the camera and capture all of the little moments throughout the day that you might otherwise miss. It makes it more like a story of your day that you can relive over and over, rather than just endless formal portraits (unless that is what you want). We feel incredibly lucky that we had such an amazing photographer to work with – Danny Jack Photography.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Give the photographer the images and names of the important guests at the wedding to photograph.” – Simran & Jonathon

7. Consider what you’re willing to spend

Photo ©Sarah Carter Photography | See their Bridebook profile

“Invest a good amount of your budget in your photographer – you get what you pay for, and for us it was one of the most important things.” – Derrian & Bryce

“Remember your day goes really quickly but your photos last forever, so don’t skimp on your photographer – they are worth their weight in gold!” – Katie & Andrew

“Don’t pay ridiculous prices for something that you can get just as good for half the price. We had a budget-friendly photographer for half the price of what we were originally quoted.” – Laura & Lee

“It’s not all about cost! We found a great photographer who was just starting out on her own but had photographed weddings for years with someone else – we got a great deal!” – Lucy & Tom

There you have the best advice and tips for finding your perfect wedding photographer! If any of those mentioned caught your eye, why not reach out to them on their Bridebook profile?