I Do and Updos

Live Wedding Illustration Explained: Favours Guests Keep ft. Illustration by Kiwi | I Do & UpdosAre wedding favours still worth it? And what actually happens when you book a live wedding illustrator? Pop the kettle on, we're getting into it. 🎨We're back at The Fish in Broadway for Episode 2 of Season 5, and this week we're joined by Frankie and Kirsty from Illustration by Kiwi. They're a married duo who capture your guests in beautifully detailed live illustrations on your wedding day. Frankie draws, Kirsty works the room, and together they make a favour your guests will never leave behind.We kick off with our nuptial news: a 2026 YouGov survey found that only 33% of Brits think wedding favours are worth keeping, and 1 in 3 favours get left at the venue! From sugared almonds to the scratch card era (we've all been there), we chat about why favours are changing and what couples are doing instead.✨ In this episode we chat about:🎨 How many guests can a live illustrator draw?Frankie's sweet spot is 8 to 10 guests an hour, with SO much detail packed into every one.👀 How to choose the right live illustration styleEvery artist is different, so start with the style YOU love, then narrow it down by budget and guest numbers. It's going to be hanging in your living room, after all!📸 Do your guests need to pose?Nope! Kirsty grabs a quick photo and Frankie does the rest, right down to the tiny details on your outfit.⏰ How many hours of coverage do you need?Why from just before the ceremony through to the evening party is the sweet spot (fresh faces, no red wine down anyone's top).💷 Which package should you book?Their honest advice: if you're unsure, go for the smaller package. It's always easier to add on than to overspend.🏳️‍🌈 Advice for LGBTQ+ couples planning their weddingAs newlyweds themselves, Frankie and Kirsty share what to look for in your wedding suppliers, from respecting your pronouns and inclusive contracts to spotting tokenism. Plus why the wedding industry still has a way to go, and the directories championing inclusive suppliers.🖼️ Couple portraits, ceremony illustrations and group drawingsFrom a portrait of the two of you to a live drawing of your ceremony and a big group illustration of everyone (ponies from the petting zoo included!).🏰 What your venue needs to knowA table, two chairs and a spot near the bar. Plus why lighting and weather matter more than you'd think.👭 What's it like working with your wife?"I said I'd never work with my partner"... and here they are!🐱 And the sweet story behind the name Kiwi.🎧 Grab a cuppa and settle in. If you're looking for a wedding favour your guests will actually keep, this one's for you.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome back to The Fish00:41 Nuptial news: are wedding favours worth keeping?02:48 Meet Frankie and Kirsty from Illustration by Kiwi04:01 How many guests can a live illustrator draw?06:15 How to choose the right illustration style09:44 Why your illustrator's personality matters12:01 How many hours of coverage do you need?13:29 Can you personalise live illustrations?15:24 Do guests need to pose?16:23 How live illustration works on the day18:40 Choosing the right package20:53 Advice for LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding28:14 LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding directories30:34 Most memorable illustrations32:45 Couple portraits and live ceremony illustrations35:18 Group illustrations38:02 What your venue needs to provide40:12 Lighting and weather42:03 What's it like working with your wife?43:11 Season 5 bouquet question: draw on the day or send as thank yous?48:23 Why Kiwi?49:40 Where to find Illustration by Kiwi💬 YOUR TURNWedding favours: keep them or ditch them? Tell us in the comments 👇And don't forget to follow, subscribe and share I Do & Updos with your newly engaged bestie. 💍✨Find Frankie and Kirsty: Illustration by Kiwi on Instagram @illustrationbykiwiRecorded at: The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, CotswoldsSeason 5 bouquet by: @carrienewnamscottfloraldesign This episode is supported by: Wedquaters https://wedquarters.com https://wedquarters.com #LiveWeddingIllustration #WeddingFavours #WeddingPodcastHey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

Just got engaged and have no idea where to start with wedding planning? You're in the right place. 💍We're BACK for Season 5 of I Do & Updos and we're officially on tour! This season we're coming to you from a treehouse at The Fish Hotel in Broadway, in the heart of the Cotswolds. Some of you might have got engaged here, had a cheeky weekend away or even a mini moon (Laura honeymooned here, so cue the nostalgia).Kicking off the season with us is wedding planner and coordinator Hollie from Hollie B Events, who works with couples across the UK, Europe and beyond. She's calm in the chaos, carries a builder's case to weddings and is basically every couple's number one hype girl.We're answering YOUR questions about wedding planning, from setting a wedding budget to choosing the right suppliers, plus the behind the scenes wedding day mishaps you never hear about.✨ In this episode we chat about:📅 The most popular months to get married in the UKAugust took the top spot in 2025, with September close behind at 12% of weddings. We chat about seasonal venue pricing, why weekday weddings are booming and why autumn and winter weddings deserve way more love (hello candles, black tie and venues already decked out for Christmas).💍 What to do first after getting engagedHollie's number one tip? Enjoy being engaged! Then sit down together and have an honest conversation about what you actually want. A £50k wedding or a £15k wedding and six months travelling? Get on the same page first.💷 How to work out your wedding budgetFiguring out your priorities, what you can save each month and asking family the genius question: "Do you want to invest in us?" Plus one bride's clever saving hack: every time she buys something for herself, she matches it in the wedding pot.🚩 How to choose the right wedding suppliers (and spot the red flags)Trust your gut, never let anyone scare you into booking and PLEASE read your contracts. Check names, dates and the year, and write the month out in words so nobody mixes up the 7th of August with the 8th of July.🏰 Wedding planner vs in-house venue coordinator: what's the difference?The question every newly engaged couple asks. Hollie explains why the venue team looks after the venue, while your planner or on the day coordinator looks after YOU, from supplier communication and timelines to managing family politics.😱 Wedding day mishapsA caterer refusing to deal with guest allergies, an espresso martini down the back of a wedding dress (soda water is your best friend) and a groom-built stage the brass band refused to stand on.⏰ How to keep your wedding morning on scheduleBuild in buffers, don't try to cram everything in and keep your sparkler photo to your wedding party rather than all 120 guests.👜 What's in a wedding planner's emergency kit?Scissors, safety pins, ribbon, hairspray, a makeup touch up kit and a portable drinks cooler for a secret post-ceremony fizz moment. You'll want to copy this list for your own wedding day survival kit, especially for DIY and dry hire weddings.💐 The Season 5 bouquet tossDry hire or venue wedding? Hollie shares her dream glasshouse wedding and a stately home wedding that turned into a full Oktoberfest halfway through the evening.🎧 Grab a cuppa and settle in. Whether you're newly engaged or deep in planning, this one's packed with real wedding planning advice from someone who does it every single weekend.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to Season 5: on tour at The Fish, Cotswolds01:36 Nuptial news: the most popular wedding months in the UK04:00 Weekday weddings and autumn and winter weddings06:21 Meet Hollie from Hollie B Events07:00 What to do first after getting engaged10:18 How to set a wedding budget15:30 How to choose the right wedding suppliers19:20 Wedding planner vs venue coordinator22:58 Biggest wedding day mishaps26:02 Our most memorable weddings30:03 How to keep a wedding day on schedule33:21 What's in a wedding planner's bum bag37:46 The one thing every couple should know38:08 Season 5 bouquet toss: dry hire vs venue weddings42:07 Where to find Hollie💬 YOUR TURNDry hire or venue wedding? Tell us in the comments 👇And don't forget to follow, subscribe and share I Do & Updos with your newly engaged bestie. 💍✨Find Hollie: Hollie B Events @holliebevents https://www.holliebevents.com/Recorded at: The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Cotswolds https://farncombeestate.co.uk/Season 5 bouquet by: Carrie Newnam Scott floral designs https://www.carrienewnamscott.com/This episode is supported by: Wedquaters https://wedquarters.com Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

Is the biggest shake-up to wedding law in almost 200 years about to change the way we get married?In this episode of I Do & Updos, we’re diving into one of the biggest conversations currently happening in the UK wedding industry: wedding law reform.Because let's be honest… wedding law probably isn't something most couples think about when they're planning their dream day. You’re thinking about the dress, the venue, the flowers, the photographer, the hair, the food and whether Great Aunt Susan is actually going to RSVP.But behind all of that is a set of wedding laws that are, in many ways, rooted in the 19th century.And now, that could be about to change.The Government launched a consultation in July 2026 setting out proposals to reform weddings law in England and Wales, following the Law Commission's recommendations for a simpler and more flexible system.✨ So, what could actually change?In this episode, we're breaking down what the proposed reforms could mean for real couples planning real weddings.We're chatting about:💍 Could you legally get married almost anywhere?The proposed reforms would move away from the current system, which is heavily focused on approved buildings, towards one focused on the officiant responsible for the ceremony. This could open up a much wider range of locations, subject to rules around safety, dignity and suitability.🌿 Dreaming of an outdoor wedding?Think gardens, beaches, forests, private land and other locations that currently can't host a legally binding ceremony in the way couples might want.🥂 Could your wedding ceremony finally look and feel like YOUR wedding?The reforms aim to give couples greater choice and flexibility around their ceremony while maintaining safeguards around the legal process.🎤 What about celebrants?One of the biggest proposed changes is the move towards regulating the person conducting the ceremony rather than simply the building. That could have huge implications for celebrants, venues and the wider wedding industry.❤️ What about humanist weddings?The proposals include legal recognition for humanist marriages in England and Wales — something that could be a major change for couples who want a non-religious ceremony that is also legally binding.🕌 What about religious ceremonies?The reforms also aim to address the current position where some religious ceremonies may not themselves provide legal recognition, with proposals intended to make the system clearer and more inclusive.👀 But here's the important bit…These are proposals -they're not the law yet.The Government is currently consulting on the reforms, so there is still an opportunity for couples, wedding professionals and the wider public to have their say.And that's exactly why we think this conversation matters.Because if you're getting married in 2027, 2028, 2029 or beyond, the wedding you're planning could take place under a very different legal framework.So we're asking:If the law changes… what do you think it should look like?🎧 Grab a cuppa, settle in and join us for a proper chat about the future of weddings.Because wedding law might sound boring…but it could completely change the way we get married.💬 HAVE YOUR SAYThe Government consultation is an opportunity for people to share their views on the proposed reforms.So after listening, we want to know:What do YOU think?Head to our socials and tell us what you'd change about wedding law.👇 Comment your dream legal wedding location below.And don't forget to follow, subscribe and share I Do & Updos with your engaged bestie.Because the future of weddings could be about to get very interesting. 💍✨This episode discusses proposed changes to weddings law in England and Wales. The proposals are subject to consultation and may change before any legislation is introduced.ANSWER THE CONSULTATION HERE:https://consult.justice.gov.uk/family-justice/reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

We're taking a short season break, but there was no way we could leave you without revisiting some of our absolute favourite Wedding Whispers from Seasons 3 & 4! 💍✨From hilarious wedding-day disasters, unforgettable guest moments and family drama, and everything in between, we're sharing the stories that had us laughing, crying, and saying, "Did that really happen?!"Whether you're newly engaged, deep in wedding planning, counting down to your big day, or simply obsessed with all things weddings, this episode is packed with the real-life moments that make weddings so memorable.🎙️ Catch up on some of the best wedding stories from the podcast while we prepare for an exciting new season!📢 DON'T FORGET — WE NEED YOUR STORIES!Have a wedding confession, planning disaster, funny bridal party moment, family drama, honeymoon mishap, or heartwarming memory to share?💌 Email us at [email protected]📱 DM us on Instagram or TikTokYour story could be featured in an upcoming episode of I Do & Up Dos!Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

As the season starts to draw to a close,we're ending it the way we love best-by hearing directly from you, our listeners.In this special Q&A episode, we're answering your questions on everything from our top wedding day tips and advice to the random, fun questions you've always wanted answered. You asked, and we delivered!Join us as we share expert wedding planning insights, behind-the-scenes stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're planning your big day or simply love all things weddings, this listener-led episode has something for everyone.Thank you for being part of the journey this season, we couldn't do it without you.Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

Wedding DJ Tips, Alternative Wedding Music & Sound Limiters with Cara from Rave the DateIn this week's episode, we're joined by Cara from Rave the Date, the music obsessive, wedding DJ, and self-confessed "glitterball in human form" who is bringing eclectic tunes and unforgettable party vibes to dancefloors across the UK.Whether you're planning your wedding, searching for the perfect wedding DJ, or wondering how to incorporate your unique music tastes into your celebration, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider knowledge.Cara shares her experience as a modern wedding DJ, discussing everything from venue sound limiters and how they can impact your evening entertainment, to helping couples move beyond traditional wedding playlists and create a soundtrack that truly reflects who they are.We also explore:- How to choose the right wedding DJ for your big day- Understanding venue sound limiters and avoiding common issues- Ways to incorporate alternative, indie, rock, punk, and eclectic music into your wedding reception- Balancing guest requests with your personal music tastes- Creating a packed dancefloor without relying on the same old wedding songs- Why music plays such a crucial role in setting the atmosphere for your wedding celebration- Cara's top advice for couples planning their wedding entertainmentIf you're looking for inspiration for your wedding playlist, considering alternative wedding music, or simply love hearing from passionate wedding suppliers, this episode is not to be missed.Listen NowTune in for an honest and entertaining conversation about wedding music, wedding entertainment trends, and how to create a wedding party your guests will remember long after the last song has played.RAVE THE DATE: https://www.ravethedatedj.com/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

This week's episode is blooming with wedding inspiration! 🌸✨We're diving into the beautiful world of fresh wedding florals with Lou from Connie Lou's Blooms, chatting about everything couples need to know when planning their dream wedding flowers.From creating unforgettable statement floral archways and choosing the perfect colour palette for your wedding theme, to matching bouquet sizes with different dress styles and silhouettes, we cover all the floral details that can elevate your wedding day. 💐We also answer some of the most common questions couples ask when planning their wedding flowers, share expert tips for getting the most from your floral budget, and discuss how to create a look that feels timeless, personal, and truly unforgettable.And of course, we couldn't finish without tackling one of the most important wedding-day topics of all... wedding day snacks! 🍓🥐If you're newly engaged, planning your wedding, searching for wedding flower inspiration, or looking for expert wedding advice, this episode is packed with ideas to help bring your vision to life.Tag your fiancé, save this post for later, and share it with a friend who's currently planning their big day! 💍✨Connie lous blooms: https://www.connielousblooms.co.uk/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

This week on the show, we welcomed back one of our previous sponsors, Kara Mia Venue Styling, to talk all things wedding venue styling and bespoke wedding design.From stunning fabric draping and elegant venue transformations to custom wedding menus, personalised signage, and on-the-day stationery, we explored how the right styling can elevate your wedding and create an unforgettable guest experience.Whether you're newly engaged, planning your dream wedding, or looking for inspiration to bring your wedding vision to life, this episode is packed with expert advice, styling trends, and practical tips from a leading wedding venue stylist.We discuss:✨ Bespoke wedding venue styling✨ Wedding décor trends✨ Luxury fabric draping✨ Custom wedding stationery✨ Personalised wedding details✨ Creating a cohesive wedding aesthetic✨ How styling can transform your wedding venueIf you're searching for wedding planning inspiration, venue styling ideas, or expert guidance from trusted wedding suppliers, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🎧 Listen now and discover how thoughtful wedding styling can turn your venue into the wedding you've always imagined.KARA MIA VENUE STYLING- https://kara-mia.com/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

A new week means a brand-new episode, and this one is a must-listen for every engaged couple dreaming of a destination wedding! 🌴💍✈️Whether you're planning an intimate beachfront ceremony, a luxurious European celebration, or a multi-day wedding weekend abroad, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you plan your dream wedding with confidence.We're thrilled to welcome the incredible Designed by Desilva, widely known for creating unforgettable destination wedding experiences around the world. From choosing the perfect location and managing guest travel to navigating logistics and creating a seamless celebration, she's sharing the insider tips every destination bride and groom need to know.If you're recently engaged, planning a luxury wedding, or considering saying "I do" in a stunning destination, this episode is for you. Save it, share it with your fiancé, and send it to a friend who is planning their wedding!🎧 Tune in now and start turning your destination wedding dreams into reality.Designed by Desilva : https://designedbydesilva.com/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/

Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress with Brides View Founder Lydia NeathIf you're searching for the perfect wedding dress, this episode is for you.This week, we welcomed Lydia Neath, founder of Brides View, to the podcast at Mickleton Hills Farm for an honest, inspiring conversation about modern bridal fashion, body confidence, and finding a wedding dress that feels authentically you.Brides View was created with a mission to transform the bridal shopping experience. Lydia recognised that too many brides felt pressured by outdated traditions, unrealistic expectations, and limited options. Her approach focuses on inclusivity, body positivity, female empowerment, and helping every bride feel confident, celebrated, and seen throughout their wedding journey.In This Episode, We Discuss:💖How to find a wedding dress that reflects your personality and style💖Why inclusivity and representation matter in bridal fashion💖Building confidence during the wedding dress shopping process💖Letting go of traditional bridal pressures and expectations💖Creating a bridal experience that feels exciting, empowering, and memorableWhether you're just starting your search for the perfect gown or already deep into wedding planning and Pinterest inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable advice, practical tips, and empowering insights for modern brides.Listen NowTune in to discover how to find a wedding dress you'll love wearing, build confidence throughout your bridal journey, and embrace a wedding day look that feels completely and unapologetically you.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your fiancé, bridal bestie, or anyone currently planning their big day.BRIDES VIEW: https://bridesview.co.uk/Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by VS Voices and VisualsWebsites - https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.ukSamuel Legge Photography:https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/Season 5 was filmed at The Fancombe Estatehttps://farncombeestate.co.uk/