A LOOK BACK AT 2015

Thank you so much to everyone who helped 2015 be our most successful year yet. It's such a privilege to play a part in everybody's special day - we've never lost sight of this, and every wedding we go to is as important as the last.


We thought we'd reflect on the year by writing about some of the trends we've encountered here at Paladins HQ...

Emma and Gary, July 2015. Photo: Nick Wild Photography

WHEN PEOPLE BOOKED

The 'when should I book?' question is one we're always asked, and it's always difficult to answer - although we gave it our best attempt, here.

The picture from 2015, was that most people booked on average 10 months before their wedding, although sometimes it was less, and often more.

The most last-minute booking was just 4 weeks before - we had a few examples like this where people booked only a month before the big day. The booking made most in advance was three years before.

Most popular month for bookings is November, which leads us onto...

OUR BUSIEST MONTH

Far and away the most popular month to get married is still August. Presumably this is couples looking to take advantage of nicer weather (although August is normally one of the wettest months) and the school holidays which makes it easier for guests to attend. We had weddings every single weekend in August, and one week we had cars out every single day.

The next busiest months were July and September, while the quietest month was (unsurprisingly) January.

Sara and Alasdair, May 2015. Photo: Darren Foard Photography

OUR BUSIEST DAY

Saturday was the most popular day as you'd expect. Although we had more Saturday weddings than ever, proportionally it lost ground to other days; Sundays were popular (particularly on bank holiday weekends), and Thursday weddings were also popular.

OUR MOST POPULAR CAR

Our most popular car was our Bentley, which was at around half of the weddings we attended this year. Our open top Morris Minor was also incredibly popular, going to around 30% of the weddings we were invited to. Our Jaguar XJ8 was also very popular as a bridesmaids' car.

THE MOST POPULAR TOWNS

We went to weddings all over Sussex and Kent. Some were around the corner from our Buxted base, and some were as far away as Canterbury. Eastbourne was the most popular town this year, closely followed by Hastings and then Tunbridge Wells.

WHO DOES THE LEGWORK?

Traditionally the groom's parents would organise wedding transport, but more recently the bride- and groom-to-be would take care of everything. In 2015, 55% of the weddings we went to were actually organised by the bride, and 35% by the groom. The other 10% of weddings are organised by someone else on behalf of the happy couple.

Virginia and James, February 2015. Photo: Katy Lunsford

SOME OF THE LOVELY THINGS YOU'VE SAID THIS YEAR...

We received so many lovely comments from happy couples. Thanks so much for taking the time to get in touch - your feedback is such a huge motivator to us. Please see our website for all the testimonials we've received, and see just a handful below...

"We would just like to say a huge thank you to all for doing such a great job for us last Saturday on our wedding day in Lewes & Waldron. Moggie looked absolutely stunning and I know my Dad was over the moon to ride in a Morris minor again after owning one many years ago. Keith was so calm and friendly which eased the nerves on the way down to Lewes. 

"So many people commented on the beautiful colour and condition and she looks an absolute stunner in the photos we took on Firle Beacon. "Thank you again and we would have absolutely no problem recommending you (In fact my friends mum took a business card and ironically her other daughter got engaged on Sunday so expect a call!)" 

Hannah and Joe 15th August 2015, Lewes

"Thank you so much for our wedding day. We really feel that we couldn't have chosen better cars! My dad and I loved our journey in the Morris Minor - especially that the weather was nice enough so we could arrive with the top down! My mum and bridesmaid also loved their car too.

"The price for both cars was really good value for money and worth every penny. The groom and I were also extremely grateful that you offered to stay until after our ceremony so that we could have a ride in the car - this is something which we didn't expect to happen. We love the photos of us in the field standing next to the car. The service we received before the wedding and on the wedding day was excellent. I would recommend you highly! Thanks again!"

Hannah and Dale, 1st August 2015, Ticehurst

"Just a quick email to say a huge thank you to you. You went out of your way to tailor our needs and made it possible for me to see my grandparents who sadly couldn't make it on the day. We have some fab pictures with them. The car was stunning and the journey to the venue was enjoyable with my parents. The service over ran and Keith waited so me and Kevin could have photos in the Bentley. Once again thank you from the bottom of our hearts" 

Katie and Kevin, Eastbourne, 27th July 2015

10 REASONS TO GO TO THE SUSSEX BRIDAL BOOT FAIR

We will be exhibiting at the Sussex Bridal Boot Fair on Sunday, 25th October from 10.30am to 2.30pm. It will be at the East Dean and Friston Village Hall near Eastbourne and is shaping up to be a truly unique wedding fair. Here's why...

1. Table Top Sale

This fair will be an Aladdin's Cave of pre-loved wedding items, and Cancer Research will also be there selling items including wedding dresses. If you can't make it to the fair, then Cancer Research in Eastbourne is a great place to visit as they have a Bridal section, and of course your money goes to charity.

2. DIY Workshops at the 'Creation Station'

Get involved in DIY Workshops as experts in their field offer their help and advice so that you can make the most out of your wedding:

10.45-11.30 Flower Demo by Joanna from Vines Flowers
11.45-12.30 ‘Basic Piping Techniques’ by Katie from Mini Manley Bakery
12.45-1.30 ‘Calligraphy for Beginners’ by Sophie from Sophie Says
1.45-2.30 ‘Getting creative with Balloons’ by Katie Dear from Floaty Balloons

3. Hand-Picked Suppliers

This is a boutique-style wedding fair. You won't be accosted by a baying mob of suppliers, and it will be a nice, relaxed laid-back affair with more than just rows of stands.

4. Mini Beauty Treatments

Whether you want to look good on the day, or learn how to look your best at your wedding, Carrie Higgs will be on hand offering expert advice and mini beauty treatments to those attending.

5. Interactive Exhibitors

Not only will there be plenty of suppliers, but they'll be demonstrating their products, their services and their expertise. It will be a real hands-on fair, and you'll get a great taste of what the exhibitors have to offer.

6. It's Free!

It's free to park, it's free entry and if you're one of the first 100 through the door, you get a free bridal goody bag. Did I mention it's free?!

7. Music and Entertainment

You'll be able to enjoy music and entertainment from several artists. The atmosphere will be great, and they'll be happy to talk if you want to hire them for your special day.

8. Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Don't forget, the East Dean and Friston Hall is actually a wedding venue, and a beautiful one at that. Not only do you get to see lots of hand-picked suppliers, you can have a look around and see if it's the right place for you.

9. Cafe

If you're peckish, you can grab a bite to eat from the Cafe at the Village Hall, or just pick up a drink while you wait for one of the wedding workshops at the Creation Station.

10. Paladins Raffle

We'll be exhibiting at the fair with our 1953 Bentley, and also will be hosting our Bridal Boot Fair Raffle where you could be in with the chance of winning discounts on wedding car hire, champagne, chocolates, a free bridesmaids car and more! Plus it's free to enter.

The Sussex Bridal Bootfair is on Sunday, 25th October from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the East Dean and Friston Village Hall, Village Green Lane, Off Gilberts Drive, Eastbourne, BN20 0DJ. 

For more information, visit www.alldressedupweddings.co.uk. To register and be in with the chance of winning a bottle of champagne and 10% off All Dressed Up's services, email 'SBBF' to info@alldressedupweddings.co.uk

AUTUMN/WINTER 2015 WEDDING FAIRS

As the peak of the wedding season passes, and as the nights draw in, we start to think about the wedding fairs coming up later in the year. Wedding fairs are a great way to meet wedding suppliers, ask them about the service they provide and in some cases sample some of the products they offer (cake!).

Here are the wedding fairs that we will be attending over the Autumn and Winter season, with more to be confirmed soon. We'll post full details for each fair on our Facebook page in the weeks running up to each fair.

VINTAGE & UNIQUE WEDDING FAIR AT SCOTNEY CASTLE
26th-27th September 2015

This is the first of the two-day wedding fairs we're attending, and is at the National Trust's wonderful Scotney Castle in Kent. This is a great venue, and the fair, organised by Creative Brides, is a nice, laid-back affair with hand-picked suppliers.

We'll be there with our gazebo with leaflets and photos of our cars so that you can browse without feeling hassled or preyed upon.

It's likely that our Moggies will be attending, although please see our Facebook page closer to the time for full details. Make sure you pre-register!

MOUNTAINS OPEN DAY
27th September 2015

We're preferred suppliers at Mountains which is a fantastic venue near Tonbridge. We'll be attending with one of our cars, and will have plenty of offers on hand even if you don't book on the day.

BUXTED PARK OPEN DAY
4th October 2015

We're also preferred suppliers at Buxted Park Hotel, too. This is a great venue with versatile rooms for weddings of all sizes. We're only around the corner so will be there with a couple of our cars, plus we'll be there to answer any questions you have.

BRIGHTON AMEX STADIUM WEDDING FAIR
11th October 2015


This is the biggest wedding fair in the area with some 150 suppliers expected to be attending. It's a great opportunity to fill up your bag with dozens of leaflets from suppliers, plus enjoy the professionally produced fashion show. Entry is £2, but includes a bridal goodie bag and free parking. Full details...

CHRIST'S HOSPITAL
18th October 2015

This is a truly spectacular venue, and is often compared to Hogworts. As well as the venue, you can see dozens of suppliers plus a bridal fashion show. Entry is free, and you get a complimentary goodie bag with plenty of offers and inspiration. Full details on Empirical Events' website here.

EAST SUSSEX NATIONAL AND HICKSTEAD HOTEL18th October 2015

This is a busy day for us, as we're also at East Sussex National near Uckfield, and the Hickstead Hotel near Burgess Hill. Both fairs are free of charge and give you a great opportunity to see these venues, both of which we are preferred suppliers to.

SUSSEX BRIDAL BOOT FAIR, EAST DEAN
25th October 2015

This fair is going to be unmissable. It will be really unique in that it will offer table top sales, DIY workshops, music and entertainment and demonstrations. It will also be free entry, and we will be there with our 1953 Bentley. We're really looking forward to doing something different with our stand - make sure you visit their website for more information!

EASTBOURNE WEDDING SPECTACULAR
9th-10th January 2016

This is a new fair for us. It spans two days and is set in Eastbourne's Winter Gardens. There are plenty of venues who exhibit here, so it truly does have everything under one roof, and we will be there for both days with our Bentley and plenty of special offers that you can take away. More details...

THE PROBLEM WITH PROMS

Our last post responded to the frequently asked question of when is best to book a car for your wedding. Another question we are often asked is if we hire cars for proms. The short answer is unfortunately 'no', but read on for our longer answer, plus a few tips if you are looking for transport for a prom.

DO YOU HIRE YOUR CARS FOR PROMS?

Sorry, but we only focus on weddings and are unable to offer cars for proms or special occasions.

WHY DO YOU NOT HIRE CARS FOR PROMS?

There are three reasons.

The first reason is that since 2009, to offer car hire for proms we'd need a different license. We'd need to be registered with the local council and be licensed in a similar way to taxis. We are insured for weddings, but would also need additional insurance for proms and special events.

All of this would be at our expense, and in all likelihood the cost would be passed onto all customers as we'd need the license, insurance and additional vehicle and driver checks regardless of whether we get any business through proms or not.

The second reason is that we focus on weddings, and feel that if we started hiring for other events, our expertise becomes spread too thinly. We don't want to be a jack of all trades, master of none.

The final reason is that we're a little precious about our cars! We'd hate for someone to throw up in one of our cars the day before somebody's wedding, and we'd hate to see our original upholstery damaged by someone who might not appreciate the importance of our cars.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE?

Make sure you check that any company you enquire with that they have an appropriate operators license and 'hire and reward' insurance.

Although the law is clear, a lot of companies will still chance doing prom hire despite not being legally entitled to; around half, according to Promaholics. The police will often stop check limos at proms, and these companies will have their cars impounded at the roadside if they are not toeing the line of the law.

It is easy to check that a company is trustworthy via the National Limousine and Chauffeur Association website.

WEDDING CAR HIRE AVAILABILITY

One of the questions we're asked most is 'when is the best time to book?'. This is a really difficult question to answer because no wedding is the same, and nor is the way people go about planning them.

We don't pressure people into booking by telling scare stories about turning people away, but every supplier has to sometimes say 'sorry, we're fully booked'.

WHAT IS 'AVAILABILITY'?

A car is available until somebody pays their £100 deposit to secure it for their wedding.

Before you reserve, you are more than welcome to enquire about pricing and availability with absolutely no obligation. Cars are offered on a first-come first-served basis - if you want, we can pencil you in for a week-or-so, which means if we get any more enquiries for that same date, then you get first refusal and it gives you the opportunity to decide without feeling pressured.

BUSIEST DAYS

The day you are getting married on should probably influence how early you should probably consider booking. The busiest day, as you'd expect, is Saturday. Thursday and Friday weddings are also becoming increasingly popular as people look to save money, particularly on venue hire.

BUSIEST MONTHS

August is our busiest month, with March, April and May also being popular, particularly with the plentiful bank holidays at this time of year and the appeal of a spring wedding. Increasingly, autumn and winter are becoming more popular, but are still your best bet in terms of availability.

HOW EARLY DO PEOPLE BOOK?

Most people book a year in advance, but we have had people book as late as a month before, and as early as three years before. The busier the month, the earlier people tend to book.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?

If you are open minded about what car you want, then you can be more flexible with when you book as there will be more alternatives out there. If you have your heart set on a particular car, though, then it would only take one other booking on your wedding date for that car to be unavailable. The deposit to reserve is £100, with no further payment until a month before the wedding, so £100 for the peace of mind that you can cross transport off your to-do list is a small price to pay.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LATE AVAILABILITY?

We do, and we can offer great deals on late availability. If you are getting married on any of these dates, then please get in touch:

Saturday, 13th June 2015
Saturday, 4th July 2015
Saturday, 29th August 2015

NEW WEDDING FAIRS WE'RE ATTENDING

You can read a bit about the other wedding fairs that we're attending on this post here, but we're delighted to announce a few extra ones that are coming up soon.

ST. MARY IN THE CASTLE, HASTINGS
15th March, 11am-3pm

This is a new venue for us to exhibit at. Described as the most beautiful venue in Hastings, this imposing building is absolutely spectacular. The event is being organised by Empirical Events and is free entry with dozens of suppliers exhibiting.

More information: Empirical Events

MOUNTAINS COUNTRY HOUSE, KENT
12th April, 11am-3pm

We're preferred suppliers to this beautiful country house in Hildenborough, Kent, which offers a state-of-the-art marquee with levelled floor, integrated toilets, heating and more. For smaller weddings, the house itself also has space for up to 120 reception guests.

It's a nice, relaxed wedding fair with hand picked suppliers in a beautiful setting. It's also free of charge and gives you a great opportunity to come and see the venue for yourself.

More information: Mountains Country House

THE COUNTY GROUND, HOVE
26th April, 11am-3pm

This is a great venue whether you are a cricket fan or not, and Empirical Events will be hosting a wedding fair here with plenty of exhibitors in attendance. We will be there with several of our cars, special offers even if you don't book on the day and it will be a great chance to see many other suppliers too.

More information: Empirical Events

THE VINTAGE AND UNIQUE WEDDING FAIR, CHAFFORD PARK
10-11th May, 11am-3pm

Another new venue for us, Chafford Park is set in 300 acres of countryside between Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead. The fair  is free entry and if you pre-register, you will receive a VIP bridal bag.

In addition to over 30 suppliers, there will be entertainment and a huge tipi tent courtesy of Beautiful World Tents. Like most of Creative Brides' wedding fairs, this will be a nice, laid-back, casual affair with no-hard sell, a good chance to top up on inspiration and learn more about the suppliers attending.

More information: Creative Brides Events

2015 WEDDING FAIRS IN SUSSEX AND KENT

Wedding fairs are an excellent help in planning for your wedding. Whether you're just window shopping for inspiration as a newly engaged couple, or finalising plans by meeting suppliers in the run up to the big day, they're one of the best chances you will get to see so many suppliers together under one roof.

We feel wedding fairs are a great opportunity for people to view our cars, meet our drivers and get any information on our service. We're never pushy, and always have special offers available, even if you don't book on the day.

Here are the wedding fairs that we are confirmed to be attending this year, and a little about each one:

THE TRIANGLE, BURGESS HILL
25th January, 11am-3pm

This is a well attended wedding fair with plenty of suppliers, all under one roof - including our cars. Lots of venues also attend this fair, so it's a good place to start if you're planning for your wedding. The fair is organised by AB Special Events, and - like all their fairs - is free entry with free parking. The first 200 brides get a goody bag, too. Our Bentley and Open Top Morris Minor will be attending, and you're more than welcome to sit in them to see what they're like.

More information: AB Events' Wedding Fair at The Triangle

UCKFIELD CIVIC CENTRE, UCKFIELD
21st February, 11am-2.30pm

This is a modest fair but has a great mix of suppliers and is helpfully right in the centre of Uckfield. It's free entry, and is right next to Uckfield's main car park which is also free. We'll be there with at least one of our cars.

More information: Uckfield Civic Centre

BUXTED PARK HOTEL, NEAR UCKFIELD
22nd February, 12pm-4pm

This is a hugely popular venue, and with good reason. It is a historic country house in beautiful parkland and the service here is exceptional. We're delighted to be preferred suppliers, and will be attending this fair with at least a couple of our cars. The fair is a great opportunity to see some quality local suppliers, the hotel and to meet their expert wedding planners.

More information: Buxted Park Hotel Wedding Fayre

SPA HOTEL, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
1st March, 11am-3pm

This hotel is absolutely glorious, and one of the most highly-regarded wedding venues in Kent. You can enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles as you view dozens of suppliers' stands and have the opportunity to meet their professional wedding coordinators. There will also be prizes to be won, including to the London Wedding Show at The ExCeL.

More information: Spa Hotel Wedding Fayre

BRIGHTON & HOVE AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON
29th March, 10.30am-3.30pm

This is the biggest wedding show on the South Coast and is attended by something like 130 wedding suppliers. The parking is free, and with £2 entry you get a goody bag and show programme with a supplier directory inside. There are also professional catwalk shows showing off not only wedding dresses but suits for groom, dresses for bridesmaids, mother of the bride and more! This is an outstanding venue with the fair spanning three floors while also showing off wedding facilities which include 8 luxury rooms suitable for different size weddings.

More information: Stylish Events' Brighton Amex Wedding Fair