When you are booking your wedding venue and suppliers, you want to choose businesses that are known for their excellent customer service so that you know your day will be taken care of! Our Customer Service Awards highlight the businesses that deliver exceptional customer care. They are nominated, shortlisted and judged by their reviews on Guides for Brides. On the 29th of March 2023, we revealed our award winners in a glamorous event at Oxford Town Hall.
Before we reveal the 2023 winners, we want to congratulate each and every winner of our Customer Service Awards this year as well as those who received a highly commended award, a finalist position, or a shortlisted position. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the weddings and events industry, it was heartening to recognise and honour the achievements of these outstanding businesses. We remain inspired by their dedication and hard work in navigating the constantly evolving landscape of the industry and providing exceptional service to their customers.
From the experts
Our Customer Service Awards evening was also a fundraiser for our charity partners, VOW for Girls, and we would like to thank everyone that supported this wonderful charity with their donations during the event. We raised over £1200 which is enough to send 8 girls to school for a year! How wonderful.
Each and every business that was shortlisted or named a finalist has really earned it, and we're so in awe of how hard everyone has worked this past year! So, without further ado, let's announce the winners…
Celebrants
Celebrants have the skills and experience to help couples tailor bespoke ceremonies that reflect their personalities and love for each other. This award identifies the Celebrant with the best customer service in 2022. The winner of this award was Pure Silk Ceremonies.
Want to find out more about Pure Silk Ceremonies?
With very tight scores in this category, there was also a Highly Commended celebrant and this was awarded to Beth Whaley Celebrant and Ceremonies!
Want to find out more about Beth Whaley Celebrant?
Entertainment
Our entertainment businesses add to the fun of the day and have really demonstrated an exceptional standard of customer care. The winner of this category was AJ Pyrotechnics Ltd.
Want to find out more about AJ Pyrotechnics Ltd?
Boutique Wedding Venue
Boutique Wedding venues are often stylish spaces that are brought to life by the customer service provided by the staff at all levels. The winner of this category was Broadoaks Boutique Country House.
Want to find out more about Broadoaks Boutique Country House?
Toastmasters
On a day which is so important to couples it has to go smoothly, Toastmasters are key to making this happen. The Toastmaster with the best customer service in 2022 was Toastmaster Dan.
Want to find out more about Toastmaster Dan?
City Wedding Venue
City venues have to stand out in a crowd and a great way of doing that is with excellent reviews and customer service. The winner of this category was Linden House.
Want to find out more about Linden House?
Stationery
Sometimes the save the dates are the first time that guests hear of the wedding and the wedding stationery sets the tone for the entire day. These finalists are those who have gone above and beyond to ensure that their customers' wedding stationery needs are met with professionalism and care. The winner of this category was On Cloud Nine Stationery!
Want to find out more about On Cloud Nine Stationery?
Florists
All of our florists are exceptional floral designers that love what they do and go above and beyond for their couples. The winner of this category was Ann Laing Flowers.
Want to find out more about Ann Laing Flowers?
Small Hotel Wedding Venue
These venues are perfect for intimate weddings with close friends and family. The winner of this category was The Casa Hotel.
Want to find out more about The Casa Hotel?
Venue Decor & Finishing Touches
Next up we have the businesses that provide Venue Decor & Finishing Touches, these businesses have to have an excellent attention to detail and provide a professional service that truly brings a wedding to life. Our judges found that the business with the best customer service in 2022 was Make It Special Events.
Want to find out more about Make It Special Events?
Transport
On a day where punctuality and professionalism is key, couples raved about our transport finalists! However there can only be one winner and that was Fiat 500 Hire.
Want to find out more about Fiat 500 Hire?
There was also a highly commended business in this category which was The Cotswolds Campervan Company.
Want to find out more about The Cotswolds Campervan Company?
Country Wedding Venue
Countryside venues are set within gorgeous grounds that have couples in awe of their fabulous surroundings of countryside and rolling hills. The winner was Bardney Hall.
Want to find out more about Bardney Hall?
Mother of the Bride
These businesses have delivered exceptional customer service while helping mothers of the bride and groom to find the perfect outfit for their child’s wedding day. Taking home the top prize in this category was Charisma of Fawley!
Want to find out more about Charisma of Fawley?
Stately Homes, Castles and Mansions
The architectural splendor of these venues is matched only by their rich history. From the impressive facades to the intricate details inside, each one is a breathtaking masterpiece that has to be matched with impressive customer service. The winner of this category was Grittleton House.
Want to find out more about Grittleton House?
There was also a highly commended award in this category which went to Thicket Priory.
Want to find out more about Thicket Priory?
Videography
Wedding Videography captures beautiful memories from a special day and in a world full of technology couples have been loving videographers. The videographer with the best customer service in 2022 was Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production!
Want to find out more about Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production?
Wedding Jewellery
Every wedding journey starts with the ring, and there is so much symbolism held in wedding jewellery. The business that won this category was Lover’s Rock!
Want to find out more about Lover’s Rock?
There was also a highly commended winner in this category Rosalyn’s Emporium!
Want to find out more about Rosalyn's Emporium?
Manor Wedding Venue
Manor wedding venues exude elegance and romance, with ceremonies set in lush, manicured gardens and receptions in stunning rooms that captivate the senses. The top honour in this category goes to Southdowns Manor.
Want to find out more about Southdowns Manor?
Cakes and Sweet Treats
No wedding celebration is complete without a delectable cake or tempting treats, and the competition in this category is always fierce. Without further ado, the well-deserved winner is Dolce Lusso Cakes!
Want to find out more about Dolce Lusso?
Marquee Wedding Venue
Our next category was all about venues that have marquees as a space to celebrate weddings. The winner of this category was The Stables Wedding Farm!
Want to find out more about The Stables Wedding Farm?
We did also have a highly commended award in this category. The winner of this award was Deene Park Estate! Congratulations to both businesses.
Want to find out more about Deene Park Estate?
Wedding Planners
The pandemic has made couples appreciate the role of wedding and event planners more than ever before. And now, they're not just looking for someone who can plan a spectacular event, but also provide exceptional customer service. The wedding planner with the best customer service in 2022 was Dale Alexander Events!
Want to find out more about Dale Alexander Events?
Historic Wedding Venue
For couples looking to be surrounded by grandeur and elegance there is nothing better than a historic wedding venue. Full of charm and hidden period features, these venues have gone above and beyond to make their couples days as important as the building the wedding was held in. The winner who had top-notch customer service was Rufford Mill!
Want to find out more about Rufford Mill?
The judges tight scores meant that there is also a highly commended winner in this category which went to Ashridge House.
Want to find out more about Ashridge House?
Music
Couples want a live musician or band that will blow their guests away whether they are playing the ceremony, drinks reception or evening party. The winner was Boujee Music!
Want to find out more about Boujee Music?
Unique Wedding Venue
These venues are all one-of-a-kind and to top it all off they are committed to providing an exceptional level of customer care. The winner was The Matara Centre!
Want to find out more about The Matara Centre?
Beauty, Hair and Make-Up
And now, it's time to unveil the winner in the highly-coveted beauty, hair, and makeup category! We all know how crucial it is to look and feel your best on your wedding day and the wedding party want someone who is knowledgeable, friendly and above all professional when it comes to their hair and make-up. The winner in 2023 was Makeup by Lorna
Want to find out more about Makeup by Lorna?
Marquee & Tipi Hire
The finalists in our marquee & tipi hire category all had notable comments from couples emphasising their phenomenal customer service. However there can only be one winner and this was Forest Edge Tipis!
Want to find out more about Forest Edge Tipis?
Weddings Abroad
Now that travel restrictions have eased couples are back to having weddings overseas. This can add more obstacles so businesses have to ensure their customer service is excellent to ensure couples feel stress-free! The winner of this category was Exclusive Yacht Weddings Cyprus.
Want to find out more about Exclusive Yacht Weddings Cyprus?
Catering
We all know that food is a major highlight of any wedding celebration. And when it comes to choosing the right catering supplier, couples are looking for more than just delicious cuisine - they want an unforgettable culinary experience that's accompanied by exceptional service.The winner of this award was Oxford Fine Dining!
Want to find out more about Oxford Fine Dining?
There was also a highly commended award in this category which goes to Lemon Zest Cuisine Ltd.
Want to find out more about Lemon Zest Cuisine?
Waterside & Coastal Wedding Venue
The venues in this category all offer a setting that features a beautiful lakeside, coastal or riverside setting that their couples adore. The winner was Talhenbont Hall!
Want to find out more about Talhenbont Hall?
Disco’s and DJ’s
Now onto the award for best customer service in the Disco’s and DJ’s Category. These businesses have not only helped their couples dance the night away with their guests, they’ve also demonstrated an exceptional standard of customer care. The winner was The Wedding DJ's!
Want to find out more about The Wedding DJ's?
Menswear
Grooms want to look and feel good on the wedding day too and menswear providers are key to help their customers find the perfect outfit to celebrate their big day in. The winner for 2023 was Luciano’s Suits!
Want to find out more about Luciano's Suits?
Photography
Photographers are committed to producing high-quality and memorable photos that their couples will cherish forever all while providing an excellent service, helping couples and guests feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. The winner was The Jasmine Cottage Studio!
Want to find out more about The Jasmine Cottage Studios?
This category was incredibly close and so there was also a highly commended business which went to Laura Shaw Photography.
Want to find out more about Laura Shaw Photography?
Pubs & Inns
A new category for us this year was the Pub & Inns category, where there were some exceptional venues. There had been an increase in couples exploring these venues, as options for their big day. They provide comfort and an ambience that is perfect for more intimate weddings. The winner of this category was The Crown & Thistle.
Want to find out more about The Crown & Thistle?
Honeymoons
Celebrating and relaxing together as newlyweds is important, especially after the stress of wedding planning! This award identified the honeymoon supplier with the best customer service in 2022, helping couples find their dream destination and itinerary. There was one stand out business in this category and this was Tredwell Travel.
Want to find out more about Tredwell Travel?
Barn Wedding Venue
Barns provide rustic charm and a relaxed environment that proves popular with couples year after year. The barn wedding venue that had the best customer service in 2022 was York Barn at Villa Farm.
Want to find out more about York Barn at Villa Farm?
There was also a highly commended winner in this category which went to The Kingscote Barn.
Want to find out more about The Kingscote Barn?
Bridal Wear
A wedding dress is one of the first things newly engaged brides-to-be dream of when thinking of their wedding day and so when choosing a dream dress the pressure can be on to find the perfect gown. The teams at bridal wear boutiques play a key role in this search and having great customer service is vital. The winner in 2023 was Posy and Pearl Bridal Boutique.
Want to find out more about Posy and Pearl Bridal Boutique?
There was also a highly commended award in this category which goes to Nicole Maes Bridal.
Want to find out more about Nicole Maes Bridal?
Large Wedding Venue
These venues excel at hosting weddings for hundreds of people. With such high guest numbers, a smooth service and excellent customer care is imperative. The winner was Best Western Plus Manor Hotel Meriden!
Want to find out more about Best Western Plus Manor Hotel Meriden?
Our Partners for the Evening:
Lastly, we'd like to give a huge thanks to our sponsors and to Oxford Town Hall for hosting our fabulous awards evening. Our sponsors are:
- Oxford Town Hall - venue
- THAT Event Company - lighting and production
- Elegant Cuisine - catering
- Lauren Cohen - hair and makeup
- Ear Candy Oxford - our band
- Sam & Steve Photography- our photographers
- Freezeframe Photobooths - entertainment
- Richard Parsons - Gloucestershire Magician - entertainment
- Alan Simpson Ink - our caricaturist
- Lucca Studios - our candle calligrapher
Once again, we want to give a huge congratulations to everybody who was involved in our Customer Service Awards of 2023, and we can't wait to see you all again next year!