Guides For Brides Awards 2023

We all know and appreciate the value of proudly holding a title that tells the world how good you are. Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards has an additional benefit in that it introduces the best in a broad number of categories to others who may see the advantages of working with them. Jessica Jex, a member of the marketing team at Guides for Brides, shares the event

On 29 March, the seventh annual edition of this key initiative took place at Oxford Town Hall. Wedding businesses of all sectors and sizes came together to celebrate – from cake makers to bridal boutiques and venue groups – and 200 guests were treated to an evening of delicious food, networking and, of course, prize giving.

Nikita Thorne, Guides for Brides’ Head of Strategy and Host for the evening said: “We are honoured to be able to recognise and reward these businesses who have shown exceptional customer care throughout 2022, one of the busiest years for weddings we’ve ever seen.”

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the industry, it is inspiring to see the dedication and hard work that each person in each business puts into supporting their couples while navigating the constantly-evolving landscape of the industry.

Who is eligible to win?

The Customer Service Awards are open to all businesses that are members of Guides for Brides. They are free to enter and businesses are shortlisted based on the reviews that have been left for them on the platform during 2022.

The winners are selected by an independent panel of industry experts who score each business on both the quality and quantity of reviews from couples throughout the year. The size of the business and the number of weddings that they have undertaken are considered to give small businesses the same chance as larger companies. The Guides for Brides team has no involvement in the selection process of the winners and the judges complete the process independently.

This year’s judges

• Jonny Bann: Head of Sales at Various Eateries PLC

• Nina Beer: Founder of Occasion Queens

• Siobhan Craven-Robins: Siobhan Craven-Robins Weddings and National Association of Wedding Professionals

• Michelle Miles: Founder of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance and Owner of Fusion Events and Weddings

• Cath Poucher: Sales, Events and Marketing Manager at Oxford Town Hall, the beautiful host venue of this year’s awards ceremony

• LaToya Patel: CEO and Co-Founder of SW Events as well as the Co-Owner of The Asian Wedding Club

• Becca Poutney: Speaker, Blogger, Marketing Expert and host of podcast, Wedding Pros Who Are Ready To Grow

• Rebecca Waldron: Owner of White Rose Ceremonies and a past winner

• James Walton: Director at THAT Event Company who has years of experience in audio, lighting and the production of weddings and events

Each year, the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards relies on the incredible support of key partners to make the event happen. The beautiful Oxford Town Hall was this year’s host venue; THAT Event Company supplied lighting and AV for the evening’s event while Elegant Cuisine provided a wonderful three-course meal for the finalists to enjoy.

Throughout the evening Sam and Steve Photography took the pictures, Ear Candy Oxford provided live music, Alan Simpson was on hand to draw caricatures and Lucca Studios performed amazing candle scribing so everyone had a personalised memento to take home! There was also entertainment from Richard Parsons who performed close-up magic. Prior to the event, Lauren Cohen MUA helped some of the Guides for Brides team to look their best for the awards ceremony.

Alison Hargreaves, Founder and Director of Guides for Brides summed up the evening saying: “Customer service is something that will always be highly regarded by wedding clients no matter if they are the couple, their family or wedding guests. It is for that reason we feel it is important to highlight the businesses that are doing an exceptional job. There was a fantastic atmosphere at the event and many attendees commented on the fabulous spirit of celebration shared by all who attended”.

The winner of the bridalwear retailer category was Posy & Pearl Bridal Boutique, Cirencester, whose Donna Mccahill collected the trophy. One bride commented: “ to say the experience was magical would be an understatement”

Charitable focus

As a company that celebrates love, Guides for Brides is proud to continue to support VOW for Girls, a growing global movement that partners with wedding professionals, couples and individuals to end the international child marriage crisis.

VOW for Girls has a focus on reaching girls most at risk of becoming child brides, which happens to a staggering 12 million girls each year. This is a global problem that spans cultures, religions and countries.

The Customer Service Awards raised awareness and over £1,200 for this excellent charity from donations and a raffle on the night. This sum is enough to cover the cost for eight girls to attend school for one year including all the supplies they will need and transportation.

Meet The 2023 Winners

Celebrants Pure Silk Ceremonies

Entertainment AJ Pyrotechnics

Boutique Wedding Venue Broadoaks Boutique Country

Hotel

Toastmasters Toastmaster Dan

City Wedding Venue Linden House

Stationery On Cloud Nine

Florist Ann Laing Flowers

Small Hotel The Casa Hotel

Venue Decor & Finishing Touches Make it Special Events

Transport Fiat 500 Hire

Country Wedding Venue Bardney Hall

Mother of the Bride Charisma of Fawley

Stately Homes, Castles & Mansions Grittleton House

Videography Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production

Jewellers Lover’s Rock

Manor Wedding Venue Southdowns Manor

Cakes & Sweet Treats Dolce Lusso Cakes

Marquee Wedding Venue The Stables Wedding Farm

Planners Dale Alexander Events

Historic Wedding Venue Rufford Mill

Music Boujee Music

Unique Wedding Venue The Matara Centre

Beauty, Hair & Makeup Makeup by Lorna

Catering Oxford Fine Dining

Waterside & Coastal Talhenbont Hall

Discos & DJs The Wedding DJs

Menswear Luciano’s Suits

Photography The Jasmine Cottage Studio

Pubs & Inns The Crown & Thistle

Honeymoons Tredwell Travel

Barn Wedding Venue York Barn at Villa Farm

Bridalwear retailer Posy & Pearl Bridal Boutique

Large Wedding Venue Best Western Plus Manor Hotel Meriden

Marquee & Tipi Hire Forest Edge Tipis

Weddings Abroad Exclusive Yacht Weddings Cyprus

Highly Commended Businesses 2023

Celebrants Beth Whaley Celebrant & Ceremonies

Transport The Cotswold Campervan Company

Stately Homes, Castles & Mansions Thicket Priory

Jewellers Rosalyn’s Emporium

Marquee Wedding Venue Deene Park Estate

Historic Wedding Venue Ashridge House

Caterers Lemon Zest Cuisine

Photographers Laura Shaw Photography

Barn Wedding Venue The Kingscote Barn

Bridalwear retailer Nicole Maes Bridal Ltd

More information about the winners and highly commended businesses can be found at https:// guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-ideas/customer-serviceawards-winners-2023