A Bespoke Design Ltd

Our interview with The Fairytale Wedding Company

2010-03-08T22:42:00.003Z

We were honored to be asked to be featured in this Month's Supplier Spotlight with The Fairytale Wedding Company, here's our interview!

View the Newsletter here: Fairytale March 2010 Newsletter

Posted using ShareThis

Copycat Crimes...

2010-02-05T00:27:00.003Z

I’ve been inspired to blog today about the “Copycat Crimes” following a discussion that evolved with some of my twitter buddies. It appears that quite a few of us have suffered similar issues with other “design” companies and the like copying our work!

Designers, no matter what industry they are in, regularly fall victim to unauthorised copies of their work being created. Every idea and concept they publish or exhibit is open to this... yes, there is the element of “it’s a compliment that your designs are being copied”, but at the same time it’s hard to swallow... it’s a kick in the teeth that your hard work has become someone else’s product!

At A Bespoke Design Ltd, our name speaks for itself... ALL of our creations are bespoke projects, therefore uniquely designed to fulfil the needs and requirements of each individual client. We pride ourselves on gathering our own inspiration and ideas which lead to us creating items in our own particular style. This is the same concept that is applied by so many other leading designers (whether it is bespoke work or Off-the-shelf designs)... is it therefore an inferiority complex that leads the “lesser” designers to copy?

There has been the odd occasion when we have been presented with a sample of another stationery designer’s work and asked if we can recreate it but at a cheaper price! The simple answer to that is... NO! I don’t like my concepts, ideas and designs being copied, so why would I subject someone else to that, even if they are a competitor?

Probably one of my worst experiences of this was last year... I met a “Bride-to-Be” at a Wedding Fayre, we arranged a consultation at which I spent a good hour or so discussing ideas, possibilities and showing her and her “Fiancée” a wide range of my portfolio of past work. We set a budget for me to work to for her Wedding Invitations (which were to be the first of a set of matching items leading up to the stationery required on the day)... I started work on these and sent her a few emails to discuss progress, her thoughts on the concepts I was working on and a variety of other fine detail aspects. Shortly after this I received an email from her explaining that she had found an alternative supplier that had “exactly what she was after” and no longer required my help... A kick in the teeth yes, but at the end of the day “you win some, you lose some” and my costs to that point had been covered by the deposit she had paid... a few weeks and months later it’s out of my mind until... I arrive at a venue ready to set-up my stand at a Wedding Fayre. I spot the same “Bride-to-Be” unloading her car and making her way into the venue... then the same “Bride-to-Be” setting up her own stand... A Stationery Stand!!!!! I’m literally gob-smacked... I begin to feel like a fool... but, she’s on MY patch, in MY area treading on MY toes and worst of all blatantly copying a lot of MY ideas! The rest of my day I’m not on the ball... I absolutely hate confrontation and can’t bring myself to walk anywhere near where her stand is (she was probably unaware that I was even there, she was so wrapped up in herself). My other half and several other supplier friends had a wander past and good look at everything, they were as gob smacked as me! I finally had the courage to email her a while later... funnily enough I never had a response... I often wonder if I will “bump” into her again... I hope not! She acted in an underhand manner... I’m quite happy to openly discuss ideas and possibilities with “my competitors”, we feed each other with tips for suppliers and other ideas, but these are people that are open and honest... if she had initially approached me explaining that she wanted to set-up a business like mine I would have helped, I would have given advice... A Copycat that is obviously unable to come up with anything on her own (I wonder if she’ll put a similar post to this ion her website?!?!)

Can we set an industry standard on this topic? Can we sign up for the “unofficial copy write” of work? Or do we simply leave it to our own standards and expectations?

True “brides-to-be”... if you are planning on making your own wedding stationery, but feel the need to copy work of the professionals, think twice... You may come across hurdles in trying to achieve the same look, feel and quality. If you are open and honest and ask for the help you require, you may be surprised, they may offer you assistance or even design something for you to build yourself (probably at a fee... but you want the best for the biggest day of your life don’t you?!?!?).

Enough of my ramblings... sincerest wishes to all designers who suffer in the same way... victims of copycat crime, let’s unite (LOL)!

We've joined BridalTweet!

2009-12-02T22:47:00.002Z

BridalTweet is an extremely active community, and it can definitely be a little overwhelming at first. So, here are 3 tips for getting started:
1. Ask a Wedding Question and Get Free Advice: http://www.bridaltweet.com/forum
2. Start a Wedding Blog and Inspire Others: http://www.bridaltweet.com/profiles/blog/new
3. Search for the Perfect Wedding Vendor: http://www.bridaltweet.com/profiles/members/advancedSearch

Special Note for Brides: Did you know that you can create your very own BridalTweet group for your wedding party? Once you create this group, you can invite your wedding party to join. Use this group to keep your wedding party in the loop on your excited plans and ideas! http://www.bridaltweet.com/groups/group/new

Join the community & enjoy the benefits!

Parklands Wedding Fayre

2009-10-27T22:00:00.000Z

The last Wedding Fayre for us this season... We're exhibiting at Parklands, Quendon this coming Sunday (1st November) where we will be displaying a wide range of our past work (Save-the-Date Cards, Invitations, Place Settings, Favours, Table Plans & Table Name cards etc...) together with our portfolio's.

We hope to see you there!

Tweeting on Twitter!

2009-10-16T23:15:00.001+01:00

We've registered and now we are officially tweeting (well, only once so far)... come and follow us!
http://twitter.com/abespokedesign

Blake Hall Wedding Fayre

2009-10-11T19:49:00.001+01:00

We met lots of lovely Brides and Grooms to be at the beautifully renovated barn at Blake Hall in Ongar, many of whom have chosen this to be their venue... I can see why, it's stunning! If you are thinking about the possibility of using a barn venue, be sure to add this one to your list for viewing!

Exhibiting at Wedding Fayres is not only a chance to showcase some of our past work and meet potential clients, but it's also a great way of meeting other suppliers to the industry and forming relationships with them. Today, visitors and exhibitors we were entertained by the stunning voice of Simon King who covers classic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Matt Monro etc... We simply couldn't stop the feet tapping and the tempation to step onto the dance floor was overwelming... we managed to restrain ourselves! http://www.simonkingswing.co.uk/
Another supplier we met was Diane Fennell who produces lovely Wedding Boxes, check out her website at http://www.dianejaneweddingboxes.co.uk/ and who could forget Lance James, a real character and owner of the Jewellers Lance James. He has some absolutely stunning rings! http://www.lancejames.co.uk/

Art Deco Save the Date!

2009-10-09T22:58:00.002+01:00

A very simple but striking Art Deco design Save-the-Date Cards in a Silver & Black metallic finish with diamante detail.

Blake Hall Wedding Show

2009-10-09T22:55:00.001+01:00

We're exhibting at Blake Hall Wedding Show this Sunday (11th October 2009)!
Hope to see you there!

The Masquerade Ball - 14th November 2009

2009-10-09T22:00:00.001+01:00

Last few tickets remaining at our Masquerade Ball in aid of the Alzheimer's Society!
http://masqball.blogspot.com
http://www.masqball.co.uk

Stansted Manor - The Wedding Fayre

2009-09-13T21:15:00.004+01:00

We enjoyed another successful fayre for this season with in excess of 70 brides attending (many of whom registered with our company for an e-brochure, which is also available for download from our main Website).

In addition to our stand, we also provided stationery and a centrepiece for the Hotel's display table (with Chair covers and sashes by JMD Wedding & Event services).

Our new portfolios were on display for the first time and attracted a lot of attention from visitors (as well as other exhibitors)... well worth the expense!!!

The Wedding Fayre 13/09/09

2009-09-11T23:59:00.003+01:00

We're exhibiting at Stansted Manor Hotel on Sunday 13th September and will be displaying a wide range of samples of past work together with complete table decor. Our new portfolios have arrived, so be sure to come along and have a look!
We llok forward to seeing you there!

Ellen & Ben

2009-09-07T23:28:00.001+01:00

Ellen & Ben used the services of "The Wedding Partners" for their Wedding at the stunning venue, Barrington Hall
Members of The Wedding Partners used by Ellen & Ben: A Bespoke Design Limited (Stationery); Barrington Hall (Venue); Andy Fountain (Photographer); Pronuptia, Cambridge (Bridal Gown & Men's Formal Suits); Deesigns for Loving (Cake); Pure Tiaras (Tiara & Accessories); Elouise Lingerie (Lingerie); Cambridge Wine (Beverages); Elaje (Hair & Make-Up).
Links to all of the suppliers can be found at www.theweddingpartners.com or follow the links within "The Wedding Partners"

Tracie & Michael - A Passport...

2009-09-06T22:27:00.001+01:00

Tracie & Michael are American, live in Germany, and got married in England!

They wanted to create a "Passport" style Order of Service. We designed a logo (inspired by their favours... a shot glass with a similar motif) that incorporated the Stars & Stripes and Union Jack. The cover was printed in deep blue and silver with the inserts printed in blue on white.

The Newmarket Wedding Show - Sept 2009

2009-09-06T22:13:00.001+01:00

We thoroughlly enjoyed our day at the Show and had the opportunity to meet some lovely couples who will be getting married in the not too distant future.

In addition to our stand display we provided a Table Plan, Table Name Card and Place Settings for The Hong Kong Suite (Floristry by Orangery Flowers).

More information about The Newmarket Wedding Show can be found at http://www.thenewmarketweddingshow.co.uk/

Many of our "The Wedding Partners" colleagues were also exhibiting at the show: Pure Tiaras, Melting Chocolate Moments, Kiss the Frog, Andy Fountain Photography, Our Everlasting Dance, Box of Delights, & Hyde Park Design

Amber & Wayne - Pure Elegance

2009-08-29T23:44:00.002+01:00

Amber & Wayne's Wedding was always destined to be an elegant and stylish day. Their choice of detail for their Wedding Invitations reiterated this. A subtle combination of Dusky Pink, Ivory, Diamantes and Butterflies co-ordinated beautifully.

The Venue, Barrington Hall (Link shown within "The Wedding Partners")

Floristry by The Flower Bar (Link shown within "The Wedding Partners")

Caroline & Nigel - Art Deco & a Chemistry Lesson!

2009-08-15T20:37:00.002+01:00

Feed Me - The Bespoke Dining Experience

2009-08-08T00:06:00.002+01:00

Another avenue of our Company is "Feed Me" the Bespoke Dining experience... this private dinner party was a birthday celebration at The Pito Pavillion at Little Easton Gardens for 12 guests.

The design brief was "Classical Elegance"

http://www.feedme-dining.co.uk/

Sarah & Paul - Beautiful with Butterflies

2009-07-25T20:25:00.001+01:00

Sarah was a fabulous client to work with, very organised with fantastic ideas and a clear picture of her aspirations for their day. We managed to match the colour of the ribbon and print to her bridesmaid dresses and then continued that colour scheme through to the event stationery.

Sarah created her own Place cards, which incorporated a picture of each of the guests, and found some fabulous butterfly stands to hold them. Her trust in our services led her to book us for the venue set-up as she knew that the attention to detail we provide would match her own.

"Thank you for everything you did leading up to and on the Wedding Day. The invites, table plan, room set-up & everything else was amazing, I could not have done it all without you! I've had so many comments and praise for everything you did to say how classy and elegant everything was... You're a star!"

Mr & Mrs Wallis

Save-the-Date in a Parcel

2009-07-21T21:09:00.002+01:00

Brown Packaging Paper & Card, Sepia Images and some Parcel String... to create an unusal Save-the-Date card!

Louise & Andrew - A Grain Barn gets a Makeover!

2009-07-11T19:47:00.006+01:00

It's amazing what you can do with a blank canvas! The make-over for this simple Grain Barn in Little Canfield started with a Marquee Lining, Carpet Flooring, and Pea Lighting. We added Black Baroque panels with empty silver frames to break up the bland walls, which looked especially effective with the uplights highlighting the detail on them.

We placed a Gerbera head in each of the Lamplights which although very simple, assisted us in achieving the dramatic look we were after. The combination of the Pink and Black Sashes worked perfectly, the addition of a bright colour into a dramatic Black & White scheme works really well and lifts the overall appearance. The mirror plates reflected the light from the lamplights.

We continued the use and style of the Louise and Andrew's invitations through to their Order of Service, Table Plan and Guest signature board.

Marquee Lining by BSW, Chair Covers, Sashes & Lamplight hire by JMD Weddings and Events

Annabel & James

2009-06-20T18:37:00.000+01:00

Annabel simply required some Antique styled items to add to the decor she had already planned for her tables. We matched the fonts to those that had been used on her Save-The-Date cards and invitations, and matched the ribbon colours we used to the colour of her bridesmaid dresses (for the order of service) and flowers (for the Menu's & Table Name Cards). The card has a beautiful textured antique colour and design.

An Essex Wedding Magazine - Feature on Carla & Colins Wedding!

2009-06-17T21:43:00.009+01:00

The July/August Edition of An Essex Wedding Magazine features Carla & Colin's Wedding. More information about their Wedding and the items we provided can be found in our Blog Archive for 2008.

The Masquerade Ball - 14th November 2009

2009-06-15T18:48:00.002+01:00

For the second year running we are organising a Masquerade Ball in aid of a local Branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

Last year's event was a huge success and tickets for this year's ball are expected to sell very quickly. For more information about this year's event, and information about last year have a look at our Website & Blog: http://www.masqball.co.uk/ & http://masqball.blogspot.com/

Chair Covers at Anstey Hall

2009-06-06T22:12:00.007+01:00

Today we covered the chairs at Anstey Hall in Cambridge for a Black & White Theme Wedding.
I love this venue! It oozes character... it's intriguing, every time I visit I want to explore it!

E-Brochure now available for Download

2009-05-26T19:55:00.005+01:00

Our E-Brochure is now available for Download from our Website! It contains loads of useful hints and tips together with information about the products and services we offer.

Follow this link to access: http://www.abespokedesign.co.uk/download.asp

Website Re-Launch

2009-05-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

Our Website has been redesigned with new information, images and recommended links!
http://www.abespokedesign.co.uk/

Karen & Steve

2009-04-04T14:47:00.002+01:00

Louise & Andrew - Black & Ivory Invitations

2009-04-04T10:00:00.001+01:00

Louise & Andrew wanted a sophisticated and elegant design for their Wedding Invitations, but also wanted to convey a bit of their bubbly personalities within the content!

The exterior of the invite is striking using the mixture of Black Textures and Finishes & Ivory. Opening the invitation reveals the images and the "fun" before opening again to reveal the formal invitation.

The completed invitations, information inserts & RSVP cards were wrapped in Ivory tissue paper and sent in boxes matching the colour and texture of the main body of the invite.

Rebecca & Jonathan - Hedingham Castle & Smeetham Hall Barn

2009-03-21T22:37:00.000Z

My work with Rebecca & Jonathan started with the design for their Wedding Invitations in August 2008. The final design they chose was simple but effective.

Rebecca & Jonathan's Colour Scheme of Black, Silver and White looked striking within the timber surrounds of Smeetham Hall Barn.

We used Black Baroque Patterned Flock Silk Table Runners (which they fell in love with at another event I organised). Place Cards were tied to the Napkins with Silver Satin Ribbon.

The couple are teacher's which led them to name their tables after schools that they have worked in.

We incorporated a poster image of Hedingham Castle within the Table Plan to maintain some continuity from the Ceremony Venue to Smeetham Hall. Rebecca & Jonathan now have it hanging on their wall as a reminder of their special day and the guests that celebrated with them.

The Venues: Hedingham Castle & Smeetham Hall Barn

Floristry by Tracey Wake of Barns Flowers: http://www.barnsflowers.co.uk/
Rebecca & Jonathan's Wedding Website: http://www.beccaandjon.com/

Nichola & Neil

2009-03-07T15:03:00.000Z

Jessica & Scott - Belvoir Castle

2009-01-10T15:08:00.003Z

Belvoir Castle allowed us to use an image of the Castle and the Crest which enabled us to create a stunning Gold Foiled invitation. These were wrapped in Ivory Tissue Paper and posted in boxes to add to the luxurious feel of the invites. The Crest was used on the Invitation Inserts. The Gold Foil Castle was also used on the Table Name Cards and Table Plan that were also decorated with Gold Ribbon.

Invitations (including RSVP & Information Inserts), Place Cards, Table Plan, Table Name Cards, Order of the Day (Additional Images to follow)

Rachel & John

2008-10-25T22:15:00.002+01:00

Rachel & John simply required a Table Plan to complement the style of the Stationery that had been made by members of Rachel's family.

Carolyn & Paul - Barrington Hall

2008-09-20T22:52:00.001+01:00

Carolyn & Paul were having a Morocan theme Wedding Breakfast which influenced the colour scheme for the stationery they required on the day.
Order of Service, Table Plan, Table Name Cards (Double-Sided - the tables were named after different varieties of Chicken!), Place Cards, Place Settings, Menu's/Order of the Day.

Carla & Colin - Spains Hall

2008-09-13T22:35:00.003+01:00

I first met Carla at The Cambridge Wedding Fayre in 2007 where we discussed her ideas and aspirations for her Wedding at Spains Hall in Finchingfield.

We met soon after this to initiate the design process for her Save-the-date Cards, Invitations and RSVP cards.

The design of these led to the format for stationery she required on the day (Table Plan, Table Name Cards, Place Cards, Favour Boxes and Order of the Day).

Carla & Colin's Wedding is featured in the July/August issue of "An Essex Wedding" Magazine.

Floristry by Tracey Wake http://www.barnsflowers.co.uk/
Photography by http://www.ashworthphotography.co.uk/

Alison & Graham - Manor of Groves

2008-09-05T15:16:00.001+01:00

Floristry by: Tracey Wake www.barnsflowers.co.uk

Laura & Rob - Smeetham Hall Barn

2008-08-25T21:53:00.001+01:00

Invitations, Order of Service, Table Plan (incorporating a stunning sepia floral image), Table Name Cards, Place Cards, Favour Boxes (filled with Laura's homemade Chocolate Fudge!), Place Settings, Table Runners, Top Table Decor, Mirror Plate Hire, Vase Hire & Internal Vase Decor.

Floristry by Tracey Wake http://www.barnsflowers.co.uk/

Katy & Seb - Audley End House

2008-08-16T22:00:00.001+01:00

A Traditional Wedding (English Rose & Scottish Thistle).

We first met with Katy in 2007 to discuss her ideas for her wedding. The Mackenzie Tartan (of her future husband's family) was to play a big part in the colour scheme and decor of the day togther with the incorporation of the English Rose.

Katy loved some fabric hearts that I had designed as Favours (orginally for an Valentines event at a restaurant), we adapted the design, incorpated some detail about the couple and filled the hearts with Lavender.

Each place setting included a Thistle with the Mackenzie Tartan tied in a bow around the Napkin.

The tables were named after different types of thistle and even incorporated an image for final detail.

The Table Plan included an A-Z guest list to enable the 160+ guests to find their table easily.

Alternating the Silver Candelabra and Silver Platters on the tables worked fabulously and led the eye to varying heights as you entered the Marquee.

Floristry by: Tracey Wake http://www.barnsflowers.co.uk/
Photographer: Andy Fountain http://www.andyfountainphotography.co.uk/

Rebecca & Christopher - Spains Hall

2008-08-15T15:20:00.000+01:00

Rececca & Christopher simply required a Table Plan and Table Name Cards to complement their floristry for their Wedding at Spains Hall in Finchingfield.

The Table Plan & Table Name Cards are decorated with Sprigs of Lavender.

Stace Summer Ball - Stansted Manor Hotel

2008-06-27T15:24:00.000+01:00

This corporate event was Stace LLP's presentation evening, and therefore the theme of "Awards" was incorporated. The Table Plan was displayed within a Box Frame which we designed to look like a stage (including the use of lighting and stage curtains).
Floristry by: Tracey Wake www.barnsflowers.co.uk

Sarah & Paul - Parklands

2008-01-19T15:29:00.003Z

Floristry by Tracey Wake www.barnsflowers.co.uk

Lucy & Hamish - The Swan Hotel, Bedford

2007-10-12T15:33:00.000+01:00

Jenny & Matt

2007-09-01T15:35:00.000+01:00

Floristry by Tracey Wake http://www.barnsflowers.co.uk/

Poppy & Charles

2007-08-25T15:37:00.000+01:00

Burns Night Supper - The White Hart, Wimbish

2007-01-27T15:38:00.000Z