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This morning I’m diving headfirst into yet more planning for our fabulous Brides Up North Christmas Party – today it’s all about fine tuning the details with some amazing suppliers who are helping out to make the soiree extra special.

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If you missed the original announcement, our Christmas Party (Sparkle & Sequins on Tuesday 11th December 2012 at the stunning Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire) is open to wedding industry friends and readers alike but is now completely full up. Entry is strictly by invitation only but if you had issues getting on our guest list – it filled within 48 hours! – please drop me a line julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk and I will see what this Christmas fairy can do for you.

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It’s not long now – have your sparkle and sequins at the ready!

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Speaking of sparkle and sequins, whilst I get on with the planning, I’ll leave you to meet the lovely Anna of Brides Up North Featured Supplier Sweetheart Vintage Designs.  If you are in the market for some wedding day accessories, then Anna’s gorgeous jewellery box of an online shop should be the first stop.  Twinkle!

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Treasured Comb

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“My ethos is to provide good value, choice, high-quality and affordable products in beautiful packaging. I handpick and hand make the items I sell and you can be assured of a personal and flexible service.”

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Why did you decide to launch Sweetheart Vintage and what is your background?

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Before I launched Sweetheart Vintage I was a make-up artist, mainly focussing on weddings. I really enjoyed the build-up and excitement of each wedding day and being involved with the bride’s appearance, which for many brides is a key aspect of the day. After starting a family, the working hours became more difficult as it was heavily based around evenings and weekends so I decided to launch my business in bridal hair accessories and jewellery. I have always had a love of vintage jewellery and this allows me to stay in the industry I love, use my creativity and be still involved with each bride’s look whilst having more flexible working hours. I also have a strong commercial background as I have worked in marketing and business for the past 12 years for a global organisation which is really useful experience in the everyday running of my business.

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Are all your products designed and handmade by you? 

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Many of my items are handmade but I try to retain a mixture of products so that there is a range of price points for customers – for example my  Treasured hair comb is £22. I am very particular about the quality of products I stock. For all my handmade items, I spend a lot of time researching components for designs and putting new designs together before I launch them. My items are a mixture of original vintage and vintage-inspired, again to give brides choice and to fit a range of budgets, and tastes.

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Can you do bespoke or special designs for individual brides?

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Yes, my customisation service is extremely popular with brides. It allows customers to adapt products that they see on my website or create something completely new. My customisation service is low-cost and I still allows brides to return custom products as I feel it is only fair to allow return of products that have not been seen or tried on in person. I do charge a small cancellation fee for return of some custom products that are very time consuming to make but for most items there isn’t any charge.

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“I just wanted to say thank you for all your help with the bracelet, and also how absolutely lovely the products are that I ordered. The simple pearl necklace will look lovely with my vintage lace wedding dress, and the bracelet will complement it perfectly. I’m amazed at the workmanship that has gone into the hair comb and can’t wait to wear it as an alternative to the usual tiara on my wedding day. “

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Bespoke headpiece

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What are the benefits of buying online?

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Buying online from Sweetheart Vintage enables brides to have a lot more choice and also to find much more competitively priced products whilst still having a flexible and personal service.

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Image courtesy of Foley Photography

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Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price?

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I aim to keep my prices as competitive as possible. My combs start from £22 and my headbands start from £55. My customisation service is very competitive and I have customised my products from as little as £5. Depending on the type of customisation, sometimes there is no charge.

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Crystal Rose Comb £42, Anita Earrings £29

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Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?

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The 10% discount code for Brides Up North readers is BUN12 and is valid until 31^st December 2012. There is no minimum order and the code can only be used in our online store.

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What can Brides Up North expect when they use your service?

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Brides can expect a personal, friendly and flexible service. I pride myself of providing high-quality products at affordable prices with plenty of choice. Wherever possible I try my best to meet any tight timescales.

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What is your current favourite piece that you have designed and why?

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My Vintage Glamour Headband is one of my favourite pieces. It is popular with brides and recently I customised this one for a bride by dotting it with Swarovski pearls at no extra charge. Many brides are put off purchasing headbands after trying on uncomfortable ones but I am always reassuring brides that all my headbands are really comfortable and do not pinch at all.

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Vintage Glamour Headband £82

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Is there a particular style of jewellery or bridal accessory that has been immediately popular with your bridal customers? 

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My combs are always very popular and the Enchanted Comb has proven to be a hit. At the price of £40 its very reasonable for a handmade comb. It is very simple yet elegant with a vintage feel.

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Enchanted Comb

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Do you design and stock pieces that would be appropriate for Bridesmaids? 

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Many of my customers purchase combs as gifts for their bridesmaids and all my items come gift boxed. I also provide free gift notes at the customer’s request. Many brides purchase different styles of combs for each bridesmaid and I really love the fact that people don’t feel restricted to make all their bridesmaids look the same. Giving each bridesmaid a different piece allows you to give them something personal to them and also to suit their hair type and style.

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Gift boxed product with a gift note

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What about the Mother of The Bride?

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My handmade bracelets and earrings have been very popular for the Mother of the Bride as well as bridesmaids. Original vintage bracelets and earrings have also been popular for Mother of the Bride gifts.

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Handmade Swarovski Bracelet £35

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How are your products packaged?  Do they make good gifts?

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My products make perfect gifts as they all come individually boxed and free gift notes can be requested. Recently I have sold a bracelet that was used as part of a proposal, Valentine’s gifts and gifts for Mother’s Day. I provide luxury gift wrap at £3.00 per item and recently received this feedback from a happy bride

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“Just a wee note to express my sincere thank you for the beautiful package I received. First of all the pins are stunning, so elegant and superb quality, but second of all, I am absolutely stunned at how beautifully the two gift wrapped ones came. They are amazing and will be so special to give to the girls on the morning of the wedding! I will be recommending you to everyone I know from now on!”

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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ find out more?

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To view all my products and buy online visit www.sweetheartvintage.co.uk or to contact me please email anna@sweetheartvintage.co.uk or call 07806 946534

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 provided by Sweetheart Vintage

Sweetheart Vintage is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier and this is a sponsored post

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

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