Suited & Booted! Supplier Showcase: Sensational Formal Hire

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I’m recovering after an excellent night at the Brides Up North Tweet Up North East yesterday evening – more on this later – but before we move on a  massive thank you to the wonderful North East wedding industry for coming out in force and making it so special.  You are absolute stars!

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More from the Limelight Hire Photobooth shortly…

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After the success of last night’s event, and a super inspiring meeting this morning about a future very special project for the Brides Up North brand, I feel ready to take on the World! (See, I haven’t just been sleeping off a hangover!). 

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It’s onwards and upwards today as we meet another star, Brides Up North Featured Supplier John of Sensational Formal Hire, to get those grooms suited and booted. 

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When did Sensational Formal Hire open?

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We opened in June 2009. I have a varied, colourful background that has always been based on excellent people skills. I have worked for transport companies, oil companies, ran social clubs and been a full time Union Official. I have at times managed up to 75 petrol tanker drivers and done things others would not believe. My wife at Elegance Bridal Studio, Barnsley had planted the seed around five years ago, however until 2009 I had visions of Mr Grace and "I’m Free" and did not fancy the opportunity.

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What lines of menswear do you stock?

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I stock Cameron Ross Menswear and Highlandwear which are the hire products and I sell suits by Torre and Lloyd Atree & Smith. The shoes I sell are by Loake, however they are sold to order at a Barnsley price. Cameron Ross are the market leaders in hirewear and cannot be beaten on quality in my opinion. The suits I sell are good quality, value for money and start from £140.

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Accessories wise, I stock waistcoats, ruches, ties, dickie’s, cumberbunds and cufflinks. I pride myself on being able to offer any colour ruche to compliment the bride’s colour theme. I also do a great line in Groom, Best Man, Father of the Bride and so on matching cufflinks and socks, which my customers enjoy at a discounted rate.

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We hear that won an award recently?

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Yes I did, it was a great honour bestowed upon me and I am now officially the best at what I do. I won the Best Wedding Menswear Supplier Award for the North East and the whole of England at this year’s Wedding Industry Awards. However, my feet are firmly on the ground and I know I have only set the standard.  I do intend to raise it though. As the award was based on customer feedback, what my customers had to say was not only invaluable to the judges, but more importantly invaluable to me. There were some great comments, I did not realise the difference I make to peoples’ weddings. All feedback has been evaluated appropriately and has been acted upon.

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Where are you based?  What if a member of the wedding party lives elsewhere?

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I am based in Barnsley, which surprisingly is in the centre of the country. I am in a town centre location 50 yards from the Transport Interchange. If members of the wedding party live in other areas they too can be supplied using Cameron Ross’ Roaming Wearer service. I have supplied customers who have sent their details from Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Ireland, Dubai, Hong Kong and Spain. I have supplied suits for weddings in Poland, Malta and Cyprus.

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What about the price?

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As I deal in quality and excellent customer service, I am not the cheapest. However, why chance your photographs being ruined for the sake of an extra £10 per suit? Prices are based upon a customer’s individual requirements and tailored to their needs.

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Do we need an appointment?

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Yes, I work by appointment only. This is due to there only being me here and more importantly the customer then has my undivided attention during their initial two hour appointment. I offer appointments Tuesday to Saturday until 8pm and Sundays if the need arises. As most of my customers work, evenings and Saturdays do get booked quickly.

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What can brides and grooms who come to visit your showroom expect?

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They can expect to receive the friendliest and warmest Northern welcome available. They will be invited to sit down and then be offered refreshment (also Northern style). Everything will be explained, I shall be attentive to their needs and offer honest and expert advice. I offer a stress free and no nonsense approach that cannot be matched.  Enjoying themselves is all part of the experience.

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The feedback I receive is that I am a breath of fresh air within the Industry and I don’t just get the one time customer, my grooms all return time and time again to hire suits for other social occasions such as a day at the races, so that they can again enjoy my famous “Sensational Service”.  Sensational Formal Hire is only three years old in June and the amount of recommendations I receive from my customers proves that I genuinely care that my customers look their best on their big day.

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Are any styles particularly popular?

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Some outfits, styles and colours look better on some than others. I would not suggest a 4 foot 6, 15 stone man to order a tailcoat outfit and I would not put someone in something if it did not suit them or look right. I do not have a particular type of customer, most are honest, straightforward, uncomplicated northerners, who appreciate the service that I strive to provide.  In conclusion, my favourite look is what will look best on the groom and all groom’s are different.  Navy and Silver are fashionable at the moment, as is any form of Grey.

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Are you married?

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Yes I am married, we got married in Cyprus in June 2006 and there was a heat wave! I was married in a pair of linen trousers, a cotton shirt and a silk waistcoat with matching ruche. When I do it again (we are to renew our vows in 2016) I shall wear sun factor 75 and the biggest hat I can find! Seriously though, the most lightweight trousers available, another 100% cotton shirt and whatever else my wife wants me to put on.

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How can wedding blog readers get in touch with you?

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Via my website www.sensationalformalhire.co.uk or by email to sensational.formalhire@btconnect.com

and on 01226 321 117.  You can also find us on Facebook.

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Sensational Formal Hire

Sensational Formal Hire is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

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