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20 years of Guides for Brides

Planning a Wedding

20 Years of Guides for Brides - Our History

Rory Lemmon
Rory Lemmon Updated:
25th of April 2023

1995:

  • First wedding directory produced in Oxfordshire - 2000 copies printed in black and white.
  • First wedding fair with 40 brides attending.

1997:

  • Three wedding directories now being produced.
  • Two part time staff employed.

1998:

  • Four wedding directories now being produced.
  • Website domain name first registered.

1999 - 2005:

  • Seven wedding directories are being published by 2005.
  • guidesforbrides.co.uk goes from strength to strength.
  • The business employs 10 people.
  • The Pink Guide was launched for same sex couples.

2006:

  • A series of networking events were held in the South of England to educate businesses about the gay wedding market.

2007:

  • Major re-design of the website.

2009:

  • Guides for Brides Wedding Directory App was created, which was one of the first ever launched.
  • The Pink Guide was merged with guidesforbrides.co.uk.

2010:

  • Nine wedding directories now being produced.
  • 12 members of staff are now employed.

2012:

  • Our very successful free Wedding Planner App is launched.
  • Sponsorship of TWIA and Wedding Ideas Awards began.

2014:

  • 16 staff now employed.
  • Our own 5* Customer Service awards were launched.
  • Venus Oxfordshire Business Awards 'Business of the Year', finalist for 'Digital and new media' and Venus National 'Business of the Year' finalist.

2015:

  • New logo and re-design of the website.
  • We held the first ever UK Wedding Conference in February.

Guides for Brides have been identified over the last few years as a company capable of strong growth following the implementation of changes to our brand and marketing.    

Rory Lemmon
About the author
Rory Lemmon
With a BA in Journalism from the University of Winchester, Rory is an experienced writer and researcher. Keeping on top of wedding trends and traditions, Rory ensures all the content on Guides for Brides and its sister sites are up to date and relevant for couples and businesses alike.
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