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Guides for Brides’ 30th Birthday Event

Headshot of Isha Lakhani
Isha Lakhani Updated:
23rd of May 2025

On 12th May 2025, Guides for Brides marked a major milestone - our 30th Birthday! We celebrated in style at the stunning Divinity School in the Bodleian Libraries, surrounded by friends old and new. The theme? “Preloved and Pink Encouraged”- a heartfelt nod to sustainability, conscious celebration, and having a bit of fun along the way. The day brought together our incredible industry colleagues, dedicated past and present team members, and passionate business owners we've loved working with over the years.

This unforgettable event was made possible thanks to the support of local businesses who share our values and sponsored the celebration while prioritising sustainable practices. As we reflect on our history and look toward the future of Guides for Brides, our focus is shifting more than ever towards eco-conscious choices in the wedding and events industry.

We were also thrilled to welcome industry expert Becca Pountney, who recorded a live podcast on the day, moving around the room and capturing insights from the inspiring, sustainability-championing business owners in attendance. You can listen to the podcast episode online or your favourite podcast streaming platform.

We've captured all the magic from the day - you can view the full photo gallery from the celebration and see how beautiful a sustainable event can truly be!

In this blog, we're proud to spotlight the incredible venue and suppliers who helped make our birthday party both beautiful and sustainable and we hope it inspires you to think a little greener for your next big event, too. Here's our partners and we'd encourage you to consider using them, or recommending them to your clients, to help make events more sustainable.

Bodleian Libraries

Bodleian Libraries

Choosing the Divinity School at the Bodleian Libraries as our venue was a natural decision not only for its breathtaking, historic beauty but also for its strong sustainability values. As a space that needs no extra embellishment, it allowed us to minimise waste while celebrating in surroundings rich with character and heritage. The Bodleian team works with local, seasonal-focused suppliers, promotes car-free travel, and ensures that every event supports the long-term preservation of Oxford's cultural legacy.

Instagram handle: @bodleianlibraries

The Bodleian Libraries Wedding Venue in Oxfordshire
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Magnificent & historical setting for any wedding
Oxfordshire, Oxford
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Oxford Fine Dining

Oxford Fine Dining

We were proud to partner with Oxford Fine Dining for our celebration, a catering company that shares our commitment to sustainability without compromising on creativity or quality. Their menus focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reducing the environmental footprint while offering delicious, beautifully presented dishes. They actively minimise food waste and operate with a low-impact ethos throughout their service. Their attention to detail and eco-conscious mindset made them the perfect culinary match for our sustainable birthday event.

Instagram handle: @oxfordfinedining

Fine Catering For Every Eventuality
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Oxford Fine Dining

For weddings of exceptional culinary artistry and impeccable service, look no further than Oxford Fine Dining.
Oxfordshire
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THAT Event Company

THAT Event Company

Our production partner, THAT Event Company, went above and beyond to ensure their work left as little environmental impact as possible. Not only do they offset eight times their emissions, they also limit their working radius to cut down on travel-related carbon output. By using energy-efficient equipment and upcycling older gear, they significantly reduce waste while still delivering a high-quality, professional setup. Their proactive approach to sustainability made them an invaluable part of bringing our vision to life responsibly.

Instagram handle: @tec_oxford

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Discover THAT Event Company Oxford and transform your wedding venue into a captivating and enchanting space that reflects your unique style.
Oxfordshire, Oxford
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Flowers by Kirsty

Flowers by Kirsty

Our floral display was a true showstopper not just visually, but ethically too. The florist's commitment to sustainability shone through every detail: from using chicken wire and reusable containers instead of floral foam, to sourcing from local flower and foliage growers whenever the season allows. Behind the scenes, Flowers by Kirsty ensures all green waste is shredded and composted, bouquets are wrapped in compostable paper, and cardboard is responsibly recycled. It was a stunning setup rooted in eco-friendly choices. One of our favourite moments? Seeing our lovely director beaming in front of the beautiful floral backdrop - a perfect image of what conscious celebration can look like.

Instagram handle: @flowersbykirsty

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Flowers by Kirsty

Flowers by Kirsty, an an award-winning florist in Oxfordshire will help you create your dream wedding flowers with a totally personal touch.
Oxfordshire
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Indigo Images

Indigo Images

Our photographer, Indigo Images, didn't just document the day beautifully, they did so with the planet in mind. With a commitment to sustainability, they provide digital galleries only, avoiding USBs and reducing e-waste. Any prints are produced through eco-conscious photo labs using recycled, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly materials. Their thoughtful choices reflect a deeper value: preserving the beauty of the day while protecting the world we live in. It's a philosophy that aligns perfectly with our vision for sustainable celebration and the images speak for themselves.

Instagram handle: @indigo_images

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Indigo Images

Capture the joy and romance of your wedding with Indigo Images, a Hertfordshire-based wedding photographer.
Hertfordshire, Baldock
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Magical Memories Photobooths

Magical Memories Photobooths

Our photo booth supplier brought the fun while keeping sustainability front and centre. Magical Memories Photo Booth setup is designed to minimise waste through digital booths, offering digital-only options that eliminate the need for excess paper and ink. All props used are either recyclable or reusable, and the booth operates with rechargeable batteries and energy-efficient LED lighting. It was a brilliant way to let guests capture memories without creating unnecessary waste - a perfect blend of entertainment and eco-consciousness.

Instagram handle: @magicalmemoriesphotobooths

Magic Mirror by mMagical Memories photobooths in Oxfordshire
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Magical Memories Photobooths

Making Memories Last Forever
Oxfordshire, Oxford
£329 - £665 Entertainment & Photo Booths

Boujee Music

Boujee Music

Our music sponsors brought the energy to the party while keeping their environmental impact low. Boujee Music reduce travel by operating through local hubs, embracing remote work, and encouraging shared or public transport among their team. Their performances are entirely paperless, using digital sheet music and set lists, and all equipment is carefully chosen for its durability and energy efficiency. With low-energy LED lighting across the board, their setup was as sustainable as it was spectacular - proof that great entertainment doesn't have to cost the earth.

Instagram handle: @boujeemusiclive

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Central London, London
£2,000 - £15,000 Discos, DJ's & Live Music

LA Brewery

LA Brewery

Our drinks sponsor brought style and substance to the celebration with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. As a certified B Corp, they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. LA Brewery's glass bottles and packaging are 100% recyclable, and they source ingredients exclusively from trusted, ethical local suppliers. From fine artisan whole leaf teas grown without chemicals to a micro-brewery powered entirely by dark green energy, every detail of their offering was crafted with care for our guests and the planet. Cheers to that!

Instagram handle: @labrewery

LA Brewery sparkling rose

L.A Brewery

Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Suffolk, Suffolk
£POA Caterers & Catering Hire

The Oxford Wine Company

The Oxford Wine Company

For our celebration, The Oxford Wine Company ensured every glass raised supported something bigger. They partner with two exceptional sustainable producers - Boschendal and Fedele - both of whom follow practices rooted in regenerative farming and conservation-focused cultivation. These vineyards are certified for sustainability, labour, and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) standards, with 100% natural and organic methods and over 10 years of certified organic experience. Their thoughtfully selected wines allowed us to toast the future while honouring the planet.

Instagram handle: @theoxfordwinecompany

Alan Simpson Ink

Alan Simpson Ink

Adding a creative and interactive touch to the day, our caricature artist Alan Simpson, found a clever way to entertain guests while keeping sustainability in mind. By offering walkabout iPad caricatures, they avoided the use of plastic and printing, instead providing digital versions that could be shared instantly. For those who opted for physical keepsakes, drawings were thoughtfully packaged in paper envelopes, not plastic. It was a perfect blend of fun, personalisation, and planet-friendly practice.

Instagram handle: @alansimpsonink

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Alan Simpson Ink - Caricatures

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Green Fox Bakery

Green Fox Bakery

Our cake supplier delivered more than just delicious bakes, they brought a whole new meaning to sustainable indulgence. Green Fox Bakery is proudly carbon neutral and runs on 100% renewable energy, with a strong focus on using local, low CO₂, and plant-based ingredients. Nothing goes to waste, thanks to their zero-waste policy that repurposes cake offcuts, and they're working toward a plastic-free packaging goal by 2025. To top it all off, all deliveries are made using an electric vehicle. It was the perfect way to enjoy something sweet, knowing it was made with care for the planet.

Instagram handle: @greenfoxbakery

Beth Ansell Hair and Makeup Artist

Beth Ansell Hair and Makeup Artist

Our hair artist, Beth Ansell, brought the glam to the celebration with an approach rooted in thoughtful sustainability. They invest in high-quality tools built to last, reducing unnecessary waste over time. Their kit features salon-size products from eco-conscious brands, helping to cut down on plastic packaging. Plus, by travelling locally, they kept their carbon footprint low while making sure our hosts looked and felt their best. It's a shining example of how beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Instagram handle: @bethansellmua

Hollywood waves and natural makeup
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Hair and Makeup by Beth

For a flawless bridal look, trust Hair and Makeup by Beth, Oxfordshire's most sought-after wedding hair and makeup artist.
Oxfordshire, Chinnor
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Heidi & Laura Hair and Makeup

Heidi and Laura Hair and Makeup

Our makeup artists, Heidi & Laura, brought not only their talent but a mindful, eco-conscious approach to the event. They're committed to buying ethically, buying less, and carefully selecting cruelty-free and eco-friendly products for their kits. Every brush stroke reflected their belief that beauty should never come at the cost of the planet. Their thoughtful approach helped our hosts shine on the day - inside and out.

Instagram handle: heidilaura_hair_and_makeup_

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Heidi & Laura Hair & Makeup

Discover Heidi & Laura Hair & Makeup for a flawless wedding day transformation from head to toe.
Buckinghamshire, Great Missenden
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Revilo Twist Magic

Revilo Twist Magic

Entertainment at our party wasn't just engaging - it was environmentally responsible, too. Oliver from Revilo Twist goes the extra mile by offering tree planting initiatives as part of their service, turning fun into meaningful impact. He uses eco-friendly playing cards and has embraced digital processes to minimise paper usage wherever possible. It's a brilliant reminder that even the smallest details can contribute to a more sustainable celebration.

Instagram handle: @revilotwistmagic

performing a card trick for a wedding guests
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Revilo Twist Magic

Add an extra touch of wonder to your special day with Revilo Twist Magic, a Northamptonshire-based wedding magician.
Northamptonshire, Northampton
£395 - £1,495 Entertainment & Photo Booths

UK Wedding Association

To round off an already unforgettable evening, we were proud to announce the launch of the UK Wedding Association - a new initiative dedicated to supporting a more sustainable future for the wedding industry. The UK Wedding Association will give businesses the tools to benchmark and showcase their sustainability, helping them stand out to both industry peers and eco-conscious couples. You can find out more over on the website and join us on LinkedIn for updates as we grow this exciting new chapter together.

Headshot of Isha Lakhani
About the author
Isha is a keen event planner with a strong enthusiasm for research, and she has taken her passion for events and decided to make a career out of it. She is currently developing her knowledge through a BA Events Management degree at Oxford Brookes University and her placement year at Guides for Brides. For couples planning their big day, Isha can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the planning process. From finding the perfect wedding venue for your requirements to choosing the right wedding suppliers, to creating a unique and personalised celebration, Isha is the best person to speak to about event logistics, recommendations and trends.

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