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
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
In past 12 months
Bodleian Library Weddings
Magnificent & historical setting for any weddingOxford 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
In past 12 months
Oxford Fine Dining
For weddings of exceptional culinary artistry and impeccable service, look no further than Oxford Fine Dining.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
In past 12 months
THAT event company oxford
Discover THAT Event Company Oxford and transform your wedding venue into a captivating and enchanting space that reflects your unique style.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
In past 12 months
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.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
In past 12 months
Indigo Images
Capture the joy and romance of your wedding with Indigo Images, a Hertfordshire-based wedding photographer.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
In past 12 months
Magical Memories Photobooths
Making Memories Last ForeverBoujee 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
In past 12 months
Boujee Music
Live Music That'll Blow Your Wedding Guests Away!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
L.A Brewery
Suffolk couples: discover L.A Brewery, your perfect wedding caterer.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
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
In past 12 months
Alan Simpson Ink - Caricatures
Unique and Fun caricatures for your wedding dayGreen 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
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
In past 12 months
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.Heidi & 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_
In past 12 months
Heidi & Laura Hair & Makeup
Discover Heidi & Laura Hair & Makeup for a flawless wedding day transformation from head to toe.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
In past 12 months
Revilo Twist Magic
Add an extra touch of wonder to your special day with Revilo Twist Magic, a Northamptonshire-based wedding magician. 
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.