In 1995, Guides for Brides was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to help couples plan their weddings with trusted, local suppliers. What began as a black-and-white printed directory designed, collated, and stapled at home has grown into a pioneering, award-winning business, recognised both nationally and internationally. Here's a look at how far we’ve come over the past three decades.
1995: First Guide, First Fair
We launched our first wedding directory in Oxfordshire, printing 2,000 copies from home. That same year, we hosted our first wedding fair, attended by 40 couples – a modest beginning with big ambitions.
1997: We Have a Team!
As demand grew, so did our operations. We were producing three directories by now and had welcomed two part-time staff into our growing business.
1998: We Have a Website!
By 1998, we had expanded to four directories, and with a forward-thinking approach, we registered our first website domain name – stepping into the digital age.
2001: We Have an Office
Outgrowing our space, we moved into the offices we've called home ever since. Despite global uncertainty post-9/11, destination weddings surged – and so did our business.
2005: ThePinkGuide.co.uk Launched
We launched The Pink Guide, pioneering support for the gay wedding market and later taking a roadshow to educate businesses. By now, we were producing seven directories and had a team of 10 people.
2007: New Look Website
We introduced a major website redesign, just as the global recession began – a challenging time that demanded resilience and innovation.
2009: We Have an App
We launched one of the first wedding directory apps – a groundbreaking move in mobile accessibility. By 2012, we released our second version. Meanwhile, The Pink Guide merged into our main site as same-sex weddings became mainstream.
2014: We Have Awards!
That year, we were honoured as Oxfordshire Business of the Year at the Venus Awards and were finalists in several national and digital categories. Most importantly, we launched our own 5 Customer Service Awards, setting new standards in the industry. Our team had grown to 16.
2015: We Have a Conference
We hosted the UK’s first-ever Wedding Conference at The Belfry and rebranded with a new logo and website redesign – marking a bold new chapter.
2017: Launch into Luxury
We expanded into the luxury wedding market with Beyond Weddings, began international speaking, collaborated with tourism boards, and joined the Goldman Sachs 10KSB programme. From "Weddings for Less" to "Champagne Weddings", we continued to support all corners of the market, including a revitalised Pride Guide.
2020: Covid Changes Everything
With lockdowns in place, our office closed and we shifted entirely online. We played a key role in the industry's survival, contributing to the UK Wedding Taskforce, launching Trusted Trace, and supporting government pilots like Wedding Safe. We were recognised as a GBEA Awards Pivot finalist, thanks to our live updates and tireless commitment to helping couples and businesses navigate the pandemic.
2022: Law Changes
Though law reform stalled, some pandemic-driven changes endured - including the legalisation of outdoor wedding ceremonies.
2025: Where Are We Now?
Today, our directories are stronger than ever, supported by AI that helps, not hinders. We’ve been honoured with a Goldman Sachs award, our Big Day Agency has a waiting list, and we’re now recognised globally as wedding industry experts.
And Where Are We Going?
We're looking to the future with purpose. Sustainability is at the heart of upcoming showcase events, and we continue to build on the relationships formed during Covid through the UK Wedding Association.