So many Brides Up North who contact me via the blog are on the look out for creative styling details to make their big day stand out from the crowd (and I’d love to hear from you too). So, to the rescue!
One Brides Up North Featured Supplier who specialises in props and accessories of the quirky, vintage kind is the lovely Eliza and her team at China Blossom Hire, based in the North West. Today she’s here to let you know how she can help to make your wedding day unique. Let’s say hello…
… and once we have, make sure to stop by the China Blossom Hire website to see just what they can do.
Eliza says: As with a lot of brides to be, I started planning my own vintage wedding and discovered that I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price nearby and so started collecting pieces of china when I saw them. After many positive comments on our big day, I decided to make my own china available to brides, but then I saw a gap in the local market for prop hire as well and the business has bloomed from there.
What can you supply and why is it special?
We believe that our large and unique range of china, along with our affordable packages, make us a great choice for any engaged couple. Whether it’s an intimate tea party for 20 or a larger gathering of 120 place settings, we will always endeavour to match any specific requirements such as all pastel trios or specific teapots on particular tables. If required, teaspoons, cake forks and table cloths can also be provided to add that extra vintage touch. We have a range of silverware which can be used to create unique centrepieces by itself or with other china pieces.
Tell us about your prop hire service?
We believe that we have one of the best, if not the best, range of wedding props in the North West. The rise of themes such as Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Steampunk and Carnival require a large array of different props and we are confident that we can supply even the most quirky of vintage props should they be required.
We think our props have become so popular because we make and adapt a lot of our own vintage style items such as our vintage chalkboard bicycles and photo walls. We also have a novel approach of how we use props such as photo display suitcases and vintage dessert dressing tables with a personalised menu or message on the mirror for guests to read. From gramophones, picnic baskets and milk churns to giant lit letters, vintage style drink dispensers and vintage typing stations, we always find that couples are amazed by the sheer diversity of our stock.
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are currently based in Churchtown, Southport where we have a 1930’s summerhouse which we thought was a fitting environment in which to invite couples to discuss their plans (over tea and cake of course)!
We currently will travel to locations up to 150 miles from Southport or thereabouts, so this takes in Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, parts of North Wales, Staffordshire and West Yorkshire.
Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price?
Our individual hire prices range from a matter of pence to £125 for our photo tent. However, due to such high demand, we have had to introduce a minimum hire charge of £50 for any order. We do have a variety of packages available for larger hires including china hire from £55 for 50 people and funfair games packages from £275. We believe it is crucial to have a range of price points so that our china and props are available to the majority of couples on any budget. A full list of our prices can be found on our website under the hire charge page, but also on each individual gallery photographs as our stock has expanded so rapidly that we were running out of space!
Why should Brides Up North choose to work with China Blossom Hire?
Uniqueness – we pride ourselves on our unique and quirky hire items such as our vintage photo tent and candy tables using Victorian glass, suitcases and mini chalkboard heart labels. As well as our products, we believe that the attention to detail we provide is second to none. We often look at the overall theme that a couple is interested in during their free consultation and then link in any personal/family heirlooms which they may wish to use as it’s not about us, it’s all about their big day being special.
We also provide a unique service of personalising messages on our chalkboards or mirrors in a variety of styles. Our customer reviews on Facebook and our website prove that we promise and provide the highest level of service possible.
Why do you think the trend for a vintage wedding endures?
We believe that the trend for all things ‘vintage’ has become so popular as a result of several factors. Obviously, television programmes such as Downton Abbey and The Great British Bake Off have played their part in romanticising past trends, but also, austerity has played it’s part with couples looking for a more reasonable and personal alternative.
Brides have in turn become keen to make their wedding fresh and chic, others want it to be more unique or organic. We don’t believe that this is a fad as ‘vintage’ has come to mean a whole variety of styles from Retro, English Country Garden to Art Deco and Rustic to name just a few. Even those who want a more modern approach are managing to merge in ‘vintage’ elements by having a black and white or chic Parisian theme. The current trend for colour and traditional entertainment has sparked a blossoming of all things ‘Carnival’ which is great for British weddings.
So the trend continues…
Who would be your dream client and why?
That’s easy, anyone from Downton Abbey! Like half the nation, I am hooked. Can you imagine a Downton bride next to one of vintage chalkboard bicycles or behind a photo wall? How fabulous!
Anything else that you’d like to share with our readers?
We are seeing an increasing number of brides and grooms requesting vintage fairground games and oversized lit items such as hearts and initials, so keep a lookout on our website for our latest prop trends and remember to email us if you have an idea as we love developing unique props for a couple’s unique day!
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you or find out more?
If brides prefer a more relaxed approach, we can be contacted via Facebook at China Blossom, or by email at eliza@chinablossomhire.co.uk.
You can visit our website at www.chinablossomhire.co.uk.
We have both landline and mobile phone numbers accessible for clients on 01704 809191 and 07922038455 respectively. We would always suggest that couples visit our showroom and view any china and props before they commit themselves to anything. We are here to make planning a wedding an exciting and personal journey which leads up to to the incredible event that is their special day.
.
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2014 supplied by China Blossom Hire
China Blossom Hire is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier and this is a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
