As always, it’s hard to believe that another year is drawing to an end and it’s an exciting time planning for the year ahead whilst reflecting on the past 12 months.

There was a lot of doom and gloom in the wedding industry about 2013 as there was a feeling that superstitious couples would avoid marrying this year. After talking to many different suppliers, (who’ve been around a lot longer than us!) it appears that there may be some substance to their unease, however as we are relatively new to the industry we have not felt any real impact and have fortunately seen Pink Confetti continue to grow in 2013.

In fact it’s been a cracking year!!

The UK Wedding Show

It got off to a great start in January when at the Midlands UK Wedding Show we were awarded the accolade of Outstanding Exhibitor!  We were a little excited as this was our 3rd year exhibiting at this show and we’d always harboured a secret desire to win!

IMG_0556

As always, it was a very successful show for us and the award was just the icing on our cake – however the cherry on top was that the show provided a springboard for our television debut!!

We were approached by a production team working with the UK Wedding Show as they were launching an associated TV Programme and were interested in Pink Confetti and in particular the relationship we have with talented local designer Nicola Anne.  It was an amazing, and very possibly a once in a lifetime, experience! Next stop Hollywood? I don’t think so – Our TV debut aired on Sky Showcase channel late last January and we’re still waiting for the call!!

The Wedding Singer 

Shortly after this (and not connected at all – our next adventure required people with real talent!) we were approached by the Leicestershire Amateur Operatic Society to sponsor their production of ‘The Wedding Singer’ being staged in June at the fabulous Curve Theatre in Leicester.  We jumped at the chance to take a different approach to promote Pink Confetti whilst supporting local talent.

Unfortunately, despite our new found fame they didn’t ask us to join the cast, however, it was very exciting seeing our name appear on all the advertising and we’ll forever recall the squeal that echoed around Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester when Michelle saw our name appear on their interactive advertisement!

TheWeddingSingerNEWER

The show coincided with our 3rd Birthday (where did those years go!!) and having seen some of the rehearsal footage we knew that it was going to be amazing however we were blown away by their professionalism, talent and the quality of the show’s production.  The show ran for a week to packed houses and we were really proud to be associated with such a fabulous creation and fantastic team who we were fortunate to join for a celebratory drink (or two!) after the show!

IMG_0772

National Wedding Show

Following the glorious summer we once again went along to exhibit at the National Wedding Show at the NEC.  This was our second year so we were a little more prepared this time!  However, the crowds at this huge event still took us by surprise.  We had an amazing three days and met lots of wonderful people, coming back on a real high – if not a tad exhausted!

Following the show we received a call from Show Review UK to tell us that from over 200 stands we were one of 20 ‘Best Selected Exhibitors’! This acknowledgement and the feedback we received from visitors to our stand really boosted our confidence in attending these big shows and so we may be looking at possibly both March & October next year (really must invest in some comfortable shoes!)

Show Review cert (2)

Awards! 

Last year we were delighted when we were nominated by one of our brides as Best Bridal Retailer in The Wedding Industry Awards and over the moon when we made it onto the East Midlands Regional Shortlist.  This year we were again nominated and have been totally overwhelmed by the response from our brides in voting for us.  These awards are based on the number of votes and comments received and we are ecstatic to once more reach the Regional Finals.  Everything is crossed now for the end of the month when the Regional Winner will be announced!

TWIA RF 14

Hot on the heels of these awards we also found out that we had been nominated in the Wedding Ideas Awards as best bridal retailer.  This is a national competition and once again the response we have received has been amazing.  As with The Wedding Industry Awards the finalists in this category will be announced later this month.

wedding-ideas-awards-2014-vote-for-us-180x215_zps3bfb0268

We are so excited to be nominated for these awards and even if we don’t make it further in either competition we are so happy and encouraged by the votes & wonderful feedback we receive.

World Domination :o)

During 2013 we also saw Pink Confetti extend its reach across the globe!  In 2012 we became multinational with European brides from Paris, Switzerland and Dublin finding their perfect dress in our little boutique in Broughton Astley(!), however this year we are truly global with brides from New Zealand and Malawi!  Just have Asia & America to conquer now!!

Countdown to Christmas

With only 43 sleeps until Christmas(!) our last few weeks will be very busy!  We are thrilled to be working with Reach Photography & Shell Edwards Make-Up Artistry on a fashion shoot next month, which will be something that little bit different and we are looking forward to sharing these images early next year.

Also to create space for new gowns and accessories we are having a Designer Dress & Accessory Sale throughout December.  This is a great opportunity to grab a bargain with ex sample dresses from £100 and accessories from only £5.00.

THANK YOU!

Looking back on 2013 there are lots of high spots and it’s we are really pleased with what we have accomplished however our main achievement, this year as any other, is the relationships we build with our beautiful brides, their families and friends.  Over the last three years we have met many wonderful people, both in the boutique and at numerous wedding fairs, and developed long and lasting friendships.  That without doubt is our greatest success.

So what will 2014 bring?  

We are already planning for the UK Wedding Show at the Ricoh Arena 18th & 19th January – thrilled to be back there for the 4th year! We have some new and exciting ideas for our stand – after all we have a lot to live up to!

Our new collections will be in stock early in 2014 and we are very much looking forward to extending our selection of gowns and accessories – may be even introducing a new label or two!

More Finishing Touches evenings will be announced in the New Year! For brides who are unsure about their bridal hair or make-up these are great events to get ideas directly from the experts.

Then there’s the National Wedding Show and local wedding fairs that are already being booked up for next year.  As always you can keep up to date with all these events via our Facebook Events Page.

Merry Christmas!

43 sleeps

Well, I think we’ll be needing our Christmas break (we will be closed from 24th December until 1st January) to build up our stamina for another busy and exciting year!

So from us all at Pink Confetti may we be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.