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John Maddaford handing out awards at Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards

John Maddaford


Head of Sales & Operations at Guides for Brides

About John

John has been a member of the Guides for Brides team for nearly 20 years, he has worked with many of his clients for years and has gotten to know them really well. He began working for the company while engaged to his now wife, Helen, and always comments about how helpful it was to work here while they were planning their wedding.

John’s Role at Guides for Brides

John is our Head of Sales & Operations at Guides for Brides. In this role, he leads our team of account managers, supports our team to build great relationships with clients and refines our sales strategy. He works with wedding businesses across all categories on Guides for Brides and supports businesses nationally with specialist focus in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Not only does John manage our sales team, within his operational role, he organises our events too! From wedding fairs, to networking events and our annual customer service awards, John leads the effort and planning to make every event we put on a success. You can often find him in attendance at those events too, chatting away to suppliers and greeting couples as they walk through the door.

John’s Experience and Background

John has over 20 years of experience in sales and operational roles. He has a natural ability to build effective relationships and has known many of the businesses represented on Guides for Brides since they were formed. 

One of John’s favourite parts of his job is the coordination of our events. He was heavily involved in the formation for our wedding fairs and annual awards, and continues to strive to make them even better as the years go on.

In his spare time, John is able to continue the development of his organisation skills thanks to his involvement in his children’s sports teams. John organises the fixtures for his son's football team (and all over 11 boys teams). This involves coordinating with the wider league, other teams, and the coaches to schedule games that work for everyone's schedules. He makes sure that the team is well-informed of upcoming fixtures and any changes to the schedule. 

What is your favourite thing to read about on Guides for Brides?

I love reading the reviews that have been left for my clients. I know how hard they all work and how much passion goes into their businesses. It’s wonderful to see them getting such positive feedback from their clients. The best bit, of course, is seeing those reviews help these businesses be recognised in our annual Customer Service Awards!

What wedding trends are you liking at the moment?

I am really liking the movement couples are making towards having more sustainable wedding days and choosing businesses that have good eco-credentials. I think it’s so important that the industry continues making strides in this area and it is great to see people consciously making these choices for the better of the planet.

What is your biggest tip for couples planning their weddings right now?

If you have found a supplier that you really want for your wedding, book them as soon as possible. The very best of the wedding industry get snapped up very quickly (especially for summer Saturdays!) and if you liked the look of their work, their reviews and their social media, it’s likely that other couples did too. So secure your first choices as soon as you can!

How to contact John

You can email John at john@guidesforbrides.co.uk or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Attend Events Organised by John


Crazy Bear Wedding Fair January 2024

Star Fair

The Crazy Bear Hotel, Oxfordshire, Stadhampton
7th of January 2024
We are back at the fabulous Crazy Bear, Stadhampton on Sunday 7th January. Come along between 11am - 3pm and have a show around the venue and meet some amazing suppliers. Pre register today!
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at The Swan at Streatley

Star Fair

The Swan at Streatley, Berkshire, Streatley-on-Thames
14th of January 2024
Join us at the stunning Swan at Streatley on 14th January between 11am - 3pm. This is a great opportunity to visit this riverside wedding venue & meet suppliers from Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire.
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at Minster Mill January 2024

Star Fair

Minster Mill, Oxfordshire, Minster Lovell
21st of January 2024
Guides for Brides are excited to be back with our wedding fair at Minster Mill, near Witney, Oxfordshire on Sunday 21st January 2024 between 11am - 3pm. Join us to take a look around this stunning venue and meet lots of fabulous suppliers.
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at Voco Oxford Thames January 2024

Star Fair

vocoâ„¢ Oxford Thames, Oxfordshire, Oxford
28th of January 2024
Guides for Brides return to the Voco Oxford Thames with our Wedding Fair on Sunday 28th January 2024. Come and take a look around this gorgeous riverside venue and meet some fabulous suppliers from 11am - 3pm. Pre register to save time on the day.
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at The Great House at Sonning

Star Fair

The Great House at Sonning, Berkshire, Sonning-On-Thames
4th of February 2024
We are looking forward to our first Wedding Fair at the beautiful Great House at Sonning on Sunday 4th February 2023. Join us from 11am - 3pm to take a tour of the venue and meet some fabulous supplier's. Pre register to save time on the day.
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at Milton Hill House February 2024

Star Fair

Milton Hill House, Oxfordshire, Abingdon
11th of February 2024
We are pleased to be returning to Milton Hill House with our Wedding Fair on Sunday 11th February 2024. Come along between 11 am - 3pm to take a look around this beautiful venue , located close to Didcot, Abingdon and Wantage. Pre register today!
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at Danesfield House February 2024

Star Fair

Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Buckinghamshire, Marlow
18th of February 2024
Guides for Brides are delighted to be back with our wedding fair at the stunning Danesfield House on Sunday 18th February 2024, 11am - 3pm. Come and take a look around this spectacular venue and meet lots of fabulous suppliers. Pre register today!
Guides for Brides Wedding Fair at Horwood House February 2024

Star Fair

Horwood House Hotel, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes
25th of February 2024
Guides for Brides are delighted to be hosting our first wedding fair at the beautiful Horwood House on Sunday 25th February, 11am - 3pm. Come and take a look around this spectacular venue and meet lots of fabulous suppliers. Pre register today!