About us

Guides for Brides was founded in 1995 by Alison Hargreaves, who, while planning her own wedding, found it challenging to source reliable suppliers through word of mouth alone. She launched the first local wedding planning guide to help couples connect with trusted wedding venues and suppliers. Over time, this small project grew into a leading resource for wedding planning, supporting both couples and wedding businesses across the UK.

Over the past 25+ years, Guides for Brides has expanded significantly, producing nine regional guides across the South East, South West, and even the North and Midlands. We developed a comprehensive online platform featuring a wedding directory, blog, and online planning tools to help couples organize their big day effortlessly. Our events, such as wedding fairs in the Thames Valley, further cemented our reputation in the wedding industry.

In 2017, we launched Beyond Weddings, a sister site focused on the luxury market, which helped us grow internationally. In 2020, we launched the Pride Guide, designed to support LGBTQIA+ couples by connecting them with wedding businesses that celebrate all love. Throughout the pandemic, our team supported both couples and wedding suppliers with regular live updates on changes in wedding policies and guidelines.

In 2021, we launched Guides for Brides – The Wedding Podcast, offering couples expert planning advice, featuring industry specialists, and available on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Today, Guides for Brides is an internationally recognized leader in the wedding industry, partnering with major events like The National Wedding Show and gaining media recognition in publications such as Vogue and OK! Magazine.

We remain committed to helping couples and wedding businesses thrive, offering trusted, cost-effective solutions with professionalism and care.