Hooray, we finally have a bit more visibility on wedding rules! In England, they’re planning to lift all wedding restrictions from 21st June – if everything goes to plan of course, but it’s a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s awesome news, it means we can finally resume planning. Everything has been put on hold for too long now… And apart from booking the venue, I haven’t done much so far. I thought it would be a good idea to subscribe to a monthly bridal box for some tips and ideas. If you’re tempted and still hesitating which one to choose, I’ve done a quick comparison of 6 popular boxes here.

With any subscription box, you are always going to receive a few things you don’t like or need. It’s part of the game. This is very subjective and every bride-to-be will have a different opinion. I have been receiving Blushing Bride Box for the last 6 months. Do you want to know what they sent me? Read on to have an overview of what I like and dislike, what I find useful but also what I don’t need.

Items I like… and will definitely use

For the bride: wedding garter, hand cream, “love” ring dish, “love” necklace, engagement ring cleaner, heel stoppers. Ambiance/Decor: “love is in the air” giant balloon, “Mr & Mrs” candle set, fairy lights, confetti balloons. Gifts/DIY: “love” pretty ribbon, wax seal stamp kit, favour boxes, wedding bottle tags. Other accessories: hen party photo frame, “the blushing bride” make-up bag, “our best year yet” 2021 diary, “I do crew” party cups, “advice for the bride” cards.

I probably wouldn’t have bought most of these things and yet I’m determined to find them a purpose on my big day (or before!). I wouldn’t say they are in the “must-have” category, maybe more in the “nice-to-have” category. But surely you wouldn’t let a bridal box decide for you what brand to pick for your essential items anyway.

Items I like… but might not need

For the bride: “bride-to-be” novelty glasses (Elton John would love these). Other accessories: “do not disturb” door hanger, “Mr” & “Mrs” wooden chair signs, cake topper, countdown plaque, wooden “sweet bar” sign, “advice for the newlyweds” cards.

I might attempt some selfies with the pink glasses, just for fun. It’s the type of things that can create happy memories in the future! But most of these items didn’t really rock my boat… I’m still unsure if I should give them away or use them. Time will tell!

Items I dislike and/or won’t need

For the bride: “Bride” & “Mrs” crystal hair slides, diamond pen gift set, “little things to do before the big day” mini notebook, “Mrs” silky sleep mask, “Mrs” earrings. Other accessories: sparkling prosecco bottle bag, “drink if” card game, hen & stag party badges, bride & groom banner, mini notebook for a bridesmaid.

Now we enter the category of items I could do without… I’m not a big drinker, I don’t like too “cliché” accessories and I’m not planning to organise a hen do. But I have no doubt other brides-to-be would find some of these accessories very useful!

I was actually thinking about going through some decluttering recently. It’s easy to accumulate too many things you don’t really need… That’s why I decided to stop my subscription and start buying only things I will definitely use (and re-use). As a result, I will organise some giveaways by summer about several items mentioned in this post. Stay tuned on social media if you’re interested!

Conclusion: Is it worth subscribing to a bridal box?

I will try and keep my answer short:

• If you love the idea of receiving new wedding items every month, you need to be reminded you’re getting a month closer to the big day (with something a bit more exciting that a calendar reminder), and/or you don’t mind accumulating things you might never use – then YES.
• But if you’d rather stay in control of what you’re buying, you know exactly what you want (theme, colours, style, etc) and you hate the idea of accumulating unwanted stuff – then NO.

I subscribed myself as a consolation for not being able to plan my wedding “normally” (thanks COVID). It’s been a fun way to remind me it was going to happen eventually. I received a lot more things I really liked in the end so I have no regrets! There is even something I would have never bought myself but surprised me by how cute it actually looks: the “love” necklace (picture below). So I guess the real question is – Do you spend money with your head or with your heart?

Big Girl x