We thought we'd reflect on the year by writing about some of the trends we've encountered here at Paladins HQ...
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| 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.
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| Sara and Alasdair, May 2015. Photo: Darren Foard Photography |
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.
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| Virginia and James, February 2015. Photo: Katy Lunsford |
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
