Getting to Know — The Little Wedding Helper

Interview With: Kirsten Butler

Company Name: The Little Wedding Helper

Location / Coverage: Based in Bristol and cover the South West of England

What does The Little Wedding Helper do?

I provide a venue styling service for couples who want their wedding to look beautiful and unique but who may need a little help with all those details. I help with colour schemes, table décor, linens, lighting, flowers and vintage accessories and furniture. After working closely together on the creative and visual elements of a couple’s wedding, I can then go and dress the venue on the morning of the big day — my most popular and stress free service for couples!

How did The Little Wedding Helper come about and how long has the business been going?

The idea for The Little Wedding Helper came 4 years ago when my best friend was getting married. She wanted her wedding reception to look unique and memorable. The magazines were great in giving ideas so we took a few, turned some upside down and I just came up with some ideas that were more personal and reflected the both of them. This is why it’s important I get to know a couple beforehand and get a feel for who they are and how their celebration will reflect their relationship and journey to now.

Which areas of the country do you cover?

Most of my work covers Bristol, Bath and Somerset, where we are lucky to have some fabulous and different venues from tythe barns to stately homes to the humble village hall! I can help couples who are getting married abroad and want their hotel coordinator to still add those personal and bespoke items. I help source and even pack up a box of decorations with photos and instructions, so the couple can hand it over when they arrive and not feel stressed and anxious as to how it’s going to look. I have travelled further afield in the UK and as long as my travel expenses are met then I’m happy to travel! (Oh and a cup of tea on arrival is always appreciated!)

What services can The Little Wedding Helper offer to engaged couples?

I always offer a free consultation to couples to see if and how I may be able to help, and the hot chocolates are always on me when talking weddings! I offer an ‘on the morning’ styling service at the venue or marquee, as well as a shopping service for couples who want to hang on to those precious weekends and evenings! I can source, order and collect items as well as hire vintage items such as china, birdcages and even furniture, which can create amazing focal points around a venue.

Is it expensive to have a wedding venue stylist and why should a couple consider using one?

My main aim is to help couples think outside the box a little when it comes to styling their weddings. There can be so many rules and traditions surrounding weddings (not forgetting the opinions of family members being added in too!) and this can become overwhelming. I really believe that it doesn’t need to cost ridiculous amounts of money to make a wedding look and feel beautiful and amazing, and can offer a different view and insight that is often appreciated and saves money! A couple should consider using a stylist if they want the reassurance that their reception is being styled with love and attention to detail by someone who has really got to know them. All those details take time to style, and knowing your reception is taken care of can take away any stress or anxiety as to how it’s all going to look. I normally work with my couples over 12 months via emails, Skype, telephone and of course meeting face to face several times. Think of me as an extra bridesmaid, but you don’t need to buy me a dress! Prices start from just £345…

What’s your favourite wedding venue you have styled?

I have really enjoyed styling village halls recently. They are a cost effective way of hiring a venue that really is a blank canvas and is often a special part of where a bride or groom have grown up. Village halls are normally staffed by volunteers, and this adds a really informal and personal feel to an event. Some village halls are able to accommodate a marquee on the side, but most of all, a couple can really use their imagination or have some creative inspiration from me as to how to stamp their personality on their celebrations.

Random question… Bourbon or Custard Cream?

Ooooo, has to be a Bourbon, but both have to be eaten by taking the top off first, then licking the cream off to reveal another little biscuit to enjoy. Not that I’ve ever eaten like that!

Do you have a specific style of wedding that you like to create?

I love creating any wedding where the couple have dared to step outside the box, turned tradition on its head, and added details that really tell a story about their relationship. My personal love of all things vintage means I especially love styling vintage themed receptions, using vintage props such as my little 1920’s bureau, which couples can hire for their guest to sit at to write their wishes. The styling of the tables is important, but don’t forget to add and style other focal points around your venue too — inside and out!

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love being creative, and sometimes cannot believe that others ask me to style and help them create the wedding of their dreams! Anyone involved in weddings will say how it is great being involved in such a happy event and this is true, but sometimes it can be the most stressful experience, and I really love being able to guide a couple (and sometimes their family too!) through their worries and give them a sense of calm and reassurance that everything is under control. The best bit for me is the actual decorating of the venue in the morning and, if I can, seeing the couple’s faces when they walk into the venue and see all their ideas, decorations and details brought together in one amazing look.

What are your top tips for styling a wedding venue?

Hopefully a couple will have chosen a venue because there is something about it that has ‘spoken’ to them, so let the venue décor and age of the venue guide you when thinking about decorations. If you want a blank canvas then a marquee is a great choice. Think about what reflects you as a couple and a theme can help keep you focused. A stylist may have decorated your venue before and be able to guide you on what works and what doesn’t, but a venue visit together always helps get the creative juices flowing.

Where can I find out more about The Little Wedding Helper?

The Little Wedding Helper can be found as @weddinghelperuk on Facebook and Twitter and anyone can link through to these via the website www.littleweddinghelper.co.uk. Please take a peek for lots of photos, tips, ideas and inspiration! Phone: 07726 911951