Studio Sorores

09/12/2024

It’s no secret, I love to throw a party and am always delighted to host gatherings with my loved ones. This year I thought I’d share a few of my own tips, advice and insights into how to host a festive celebration of your own. ✨

Perhaps you do things differently? The coming together of families and friends is always an artful balance of catering for all requirements and making allowances, or even blending cultures and traditions. Making sure those in your care are comfortable, relaxed, and having a wonderful time is the most important element of “getting it right”.

Perhaps you serve supper later or you don’t bother with lighting the Christmas pudding (what? Are you mad?). It could be that you insist on playing charades or that everyone gathers round for a homemade quiz (yes, games are essential in our house)… however you celebrate, or even if you don’t, I thought I’d finish on an important note.

Those of us who get to choose, who get to fuss over little details, who get to roll their eyes at bad jokes or simply take time away on a holiday… remember that there are those that won’t, that can’t, that don’t.

I’m not going to feel guilty about my cheese board dedication or my current addiction to Boden AW24 festive fashion, but I am giving up some of my time to help others again this year. If you can do something, like giving a monetary donation or a taking up volunteering role, with a cause that is close to your heart - then please do. Magical memories can still be made, with love and gratitude. Pay it forward. ♥️

Just one rule though… no tinsel. 👀🎄

Jessie xx

06/12/2024

And so we have it, colour of the year is “Mocha Mousse” 🤎

Back in Nov 23 I reported here that brown was having a major design moment, and I’m delighted a more earthy, soft and natural colour has been chosen by the design powers that be for 2025.

Natural tones are here to stay, and you can read my article on biophilic event design in our online journal 🔗 studiosorores.com

Going to see a lot of cream, n**e and whites paired with this soft brown hue for weddings, pulling in dusky pinks and champagne tones.

Though also lots of darker chocolate tones, richer terracotta and fresh green too. Earthy colours that you find outside, paired with patterns and textures to bring visual interest and more subtle details.

I also think mauve will pair with it beautifully. Or even a very soft pale lemon yellow.

Can you tell I’m in into it?!

What do you think?

27/11/2024

🌿 New article on the blog today about how to throw a party in The Cotswolds.

You may have read our recent post “Is The Cotswolds the new Hamptons for Weddings?” but here at Studio Sorores HQ we have noticed a huge upwards trend for private party planning and styling enquiries...

I was born in The Cotswolds, my family goes back generations locally, I went to boarding school here, I left to study at University before my first career job in London, and returned in 2010 when I set up my own business planning and designing weddings and events locally. We now operate worldwide at incredible destinations, but our local area still has a very special place in our hearts. We know every hotel, venue, vendor and specialist creative business there is to know - but our speciality is absolutely at private homes in the region.

🔗 in stories or visit www.studiosorores.com and check out all of our recent journal entries.

Seems like everyone is on substack these days but I’m holding out on my own platform. Which reminds me! Make sure you sign up to our newsletter this month as we have a special discount and a personal bit of news to announce. 🥰

05/11/2024

It’s officially evening dinner party season! 💫🍾

I’m currently watching the new Jilly Cooper series “Rivals” on and last night was watching the NYE party episode (filmed near our Cotswolds studio at which you can hire for weddings and private parties too by the way!) where guests wore black tie and danced until the sun came up - which is truly impressive in an English Winter!

Other than musing about how Rupert Campbell-Black really *should* have been blonde (Jilly’s Rutshire Chronicles were very much my bed time reading at boarding school!) and how much fun party planning in the 80s would have been… it has reminded me how fun it is to throw a proper evening dinner party at home. Dress up, styling, full menu and wine pairings. Camel to ride in on optional. 😉🐫

I have been wondering if I should write a little guide on how to host one successfully on the journal? Or maybe a proper download? What would you like to see in it?

P.s. I also finished latest novel “Wives Like Us” and am convinced only us local Cotswolds residents will know that so many of the characters are real people (or based on them!). Scarily accurate. Missing a butler called Ian in my life, clearly. ♥️

Images by for at

04/11/2024

And just like that… I turned 40! 🤩

The last few years have been an absolute rollercoaster, moving to a new home in a different part of the Cotswolds, getting engaged in the skies above Mont Blanc, officially tying the knot at the family home, celebrating with everyone I love (though sadly some who didn’t make it) in Marrakech, and continuing to build this business built out of passion I started back in 2010 - when I was just 26 years old, before my first born arrived two years later.

I am fully embracing my 40s with open arms. I am so grateful to my friends and family for all the love, gifts, experiences and celebrations I’ve been treated with over the last week. From a big surprise birthday at home to a week of ocean swimming and dancing on tables in Greece. I’ll share more of that later with a full review of our experience too! A mix of relaxation, reflection, and reminiscing on the good times before I return to every day life.

Today back under the grey skies of the UK I will make tea, put the fire on, and get back to nurturing my business baby with a very full inbox and long to do list! Creating parties for people has been my constant for most of my adult life, and I can’t wait to grow what we are doing into something even more exciting!

Cheers everyone. Another year around the sun. 💫

Jessie
Xx

Images taken from my last birthday of my 30’s by at - how time flies! ♥️

22/10/2024

Dreaming of sunshine days, roses and glorious gardens🌹

This is my last week of being 39 (!) and it’s already been a gorgeous few weeks of seeing friends and family.

My sisters joined me for lunch at in Nailsworth and I was gifted the most beautiful Mme. Alfred Carriere climbing rose from which was perfect planting time!

I then had a surprise party thrown with neighbours, friends and loved ones where I danced around the kitchen in a sparkly dress and laughed so much all night. Slightly sore heads all round the next day!

More to come this week and then off to Greece with the gang, can’t wait. ♥️

It may be October but we are busy working on plans for Spring and Summer 2025 weddings and parties now, and taking bookings into 2026 too. Hard to think about garden drinks receptions and al fresco dining and the rain pours and the log fires send cracking scents into our homes… but that’s exactly what we are doing!

Hope you are all having a lovely start to the week. 🥰

📷 by for

18/10/2024

A day of dreaming up designs and planning milestone events for 2025/26 💫

Did you know that .england (near us in The Cotswolds) host some amazing events throughout the year? Next week they have one with who has published a new book on design and architecture called “An English Vision” - one of the best designers of traditional buildings and country houses in the world.

I absolutely adore designing, curating and bringing together creatives to celebrate in spaces that have been so carefully considered - bringing fresh life and the art of togetherness into private homes and hotels, where the interiors provide the canvas on which we paint events.

It truly is a joy and a privilege! 💫

17/10/2024

Let’s be serious for a moment, we need to talk about wedding planner commission. 👀

I don’t mean the overall % charged to clients openly as a fee for full service planning and design. I am talking about hidden financial rewards from suppliers or vendors, given in return for referrals to couples planning their big day.

I have decided to lift the veil on this in our industry because I know that far too many planners are doing this completely behind closed doors, without their clients knowing, and holding small businesses to ransom by not putting forward those that won’t agree to it.

Why is it a problem?

It isn’t always. If a planner charges a lower set fee and this is how they operate their business with full client disclosure, it’s ethical.

The issue is when suppliers are asked to hide referral fees within quotes, or when original quotes are being marked up by planners without consent so that a couple will not only be paying a commission on the overall event spend (typically 15-20%) for their planner fee, but then another similar % on each vendor cost. They are paying twice. Without knowing about it.

It happens ALL THE TIME.

The only option a supplier has is to turn down the job, or to absorb the cost - which will impact their profits, or means they can offer less value in products delivered at higher prices. They can always list a referral fee openly and honestly in their quote so a client will see it - but I have heard plenty tell me this will lose them the job, for obvious reasons.

It’s a shady AF practice and it’s something that’s been bothering me for a while now.

Whilst these planners may have a lower retainer/set fee or % charged direct to clients, they are often just as or more expensive than others who are open and transparent with charging their worth. They win and earn dishonestly.

I think we should be recommending suppliers based on merit, talent, suitability, quality and experience. I’d never dream of asking a small independent business to line my pockets at the expense of my clients. I’ve built this business on trust and loyalty for nearly 15 years - it’s absolutely at the heart of our company ethos.

What do you think?! 🤔

17/10/2024

14/10/2024

I know Spring and Summer garden parties feel so far away as we sit here warming our toes by open fires or snuggling up with warm cups of tea but now really is the time to push forward with your plans for milestone celebrations and weddings for 2025.

We often see a rush of new engagements in the 3 month between bonfire night and Valentine’s Day, which means new enquiries and clients coming on board with team Studio Sorores. As a boutique event planning and design agency we have limited availability every year and only take on a set number of larger weddings each season - so if you are wondering if you might need some support, procrastinating on getting started with finding a venue or struggling with styling, then I would definitely get ahead of the rush and book in a consultation to get the ball rolling!

🔗 www.studiosorores.com/book-a-consultation

We use this session to talk through your current timeline, overall vision, and expectations for the event itself but also what you need from an expert planner. This helps us to tailor a bespoke offering for you that ultimately beings fun and joy back to the planning process!

We’ve noticed a pattern of clients becoming more last minute with their requests and whilst we can always jump in to help at any stage, availability for us and our most trusted suppliers does reduce throughout the year. Give yourself more time and more options, if you can!

02/10/2024

It’s at this time of year we not only look at more cosy autumnal and winter events in the UK or closer European destinations, but also at warmer locations abroad that offer something completely different.

From Marrakech to the Maldives, we love the challenge of creating special celebrations in far away and beautiful spaces - drawing on the setting and nature to design something spectacular and working closely with our global contacts with local knowledge to support the team on site, as well as bespoke concierge services offered to guests who will be travelling for the occasion.

Every year presents a new and exciting vision for those who love to use their imaginations! 🌎✨

Images by for in Morocco. 🇲🇦

26/09/2024

I’ve always maintained that while aesthetics are important for parties and weddings in particular, event design should ultimately create a space focused on guest experience, bringing atmosphere and allowing for easy flow from start to finish.

We have always drawn inspiration from our clients, but nature, fashion and interiors are almost always at the heart of Studio Sorores event designs. We often harness biophilia within the overall scheme so that we can create a restorative space that subconsciously connects guests on a deeper level.

Think about it… where do you feel most content? Happiest? Relaxed? You may well picture beautiful scenery, sounds of the ocean or birdsong, country gardens with trickling fountains, sand between your toes, the scent of flowers, the glow of a candle. A multi sensory hit of joy.

By consciously using natural elements in event and wedding design, we re-connect guests with what makes them most happy.

Genuinely we think over the years we’ve built success, become known for our signature style, and garnered a following due to our meticulous attention to detail and ability to create spaces that *feel* as good as they look.

Images by for a wedding in the UK.

21/09/2024

Far too often I see the drinks reception or “cocktail hour” given the wrong attention level when planning and hosting a wedding.

Why? 👇

❌ Mistake #1 is one that’s too long or too short. Guests want time to catch up a little and hang out before being seated for dinner where it’s more difficult to mingle, and before they hit a dance floor. A super quick drinks n’ canapés sesh can really impact the natural energy of the day following your ceremony. On the other hand one that drags too long leaving people over drinking, hungry or needing a sit down - or worse, unsure of what happens next without a lovely flow of events. You want time for some couple photos, but time to see everyone you love too!

❌ Mistake #2 is to not have a nice variety of canapés and drinks flowing. Guests shouldn’t be looking around for their next cold glass of fizz, and the same bite sized snack shouldn’t keep being offered over and over. It’s such a small thing, but makes a big difference. It’s all about great service and menu selection! And a free bar, always.

❌ Mistake #3 is over cooking it all by throwing random entertainment and “fun” into the mix. It’s so distracting and can leave guests not knowing where to look or what to do next, impacting that flow again. For sure have live music throughout, but TRULY guests really do want time to relax, soak up the atmosphere, speak to friends and family, and just enjoy the setting, amazing food and delicious drinks. I really think absolutely loads of “entertainment” or immersive experiences will be the next wedding trend to disappear. Am I alone in that?

✅ My advice is to keep it chic, keep it simple. 1.5-2 hours is perfect. Don’t skimp on canapés and have a fun variety + ALL bite sized, have a free bar and use seasonal/regional flavours, invest in great service staff, provide some seating and places to rest glasses/grans, don’t forget the music, don’t have too many formal portrait photos for your photographer to take, AND have a rain plan!

Any I’ve missed?! 🤔

Images taken by for a destination wedding in Provence, France. 🇫🇷

16/09/2024

“This Might Be the Prettiest English Garden Wedding (Ever!)” 🥰

That was the headline of the published feature for this wedding that we created at Barnsley House in the Cotswolds almost ten years ago now - absolutely a showcase of timeless elegance and classic style.

Today we are heading back to this gorgeous venue just a short drive from our studio, to see it’s transformation under super stylish boutique hotel brand who have a collection of amazing properties in some of the loveliest parts of England.

We will share previews when we can, and very much hoping to host some special celebrations for clients there again soon! 🤩

Images by
As seen in & many more!

10/09/2024

Fresh off the market bridal shower theme! 👩‍🌾

We designed this farmers wife bachelorette lunch party and commissioned the cutest sugar cookie favours for guests from

We had a selection of cookie designs including country girl dungarees with the brides initials, bunches of lavender, vegetables, chickens, and mini market stalls with fresh produce. Not only the cutest decor but also the sweetest gift for our goodie bags (of course those were reusable rattan basket bags good enough for a real farm shop stroll!).

Every little detail considered… personalised menus and game booklets, personalised wooden pens to keep, mini bunches of flowers to take home, DIY flower crown making and a countryside aesthetic dress code (+ themed cocktails of course!).

Would you throw a chic themed or beautifully designed dinner or lunch instead of/as well as a more traditional hen party night out on the town?

06/09/2024

We’ve been a bit quiet on here recently as we focus on the Summer season, travel for weddings and site visits, deliver new client proposals, research vendors, create design concepts, and work on new launches (more on that soon!).

We’ve been from Cornwall to Italy and next up we will be travelling to Scotland! Can’t wait. With hen parties and bridal showers before then, and big birthdays to follow… our next international destination next month is Greece. 💙

A big shout out to all the event industry crew, wedding creatives and talent that deliver celebrations every week all over the world. You guys are just brilliant!

📷 of taken by at in Marrakech

14/08/2024

The joy and art of tablescaping, is all in the details ✨

Sourcing and curating beautiful linens, tableware, flowers, vases, candles, stationery and other beautiful objects on a table for an event or simply a dinner party at home is an amazing way to express your artistry and encourage more celebration and connection with friends and family over a delicious meal.

Combining a love of people, food and beauty. 💛

Is it a real skill to be able to do it?

Yes and no.

There are no rules. You can throw together a mixture of materials and colours, have fun and explore your own style.

For us as professional event designers we always try and weave in a story and design the entire party or wedding from invitation through to dance floor in a cohesive way that flows with your guest experience.

So while the tables will look beautiful, the very first impression of your invitation, the scent as you enter a space, the lighting, the music and the entertainment will all combine to create a magical atmosphere that you can only *feel* in real life. So whilst our portfolio and look book is full of amazing inspiration, it’s the reviews of clients and guests that warm our hearts the most!

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12/08/2024

The rise of the bridal shower trend is one that gives me great joy - sure there is a time and place for a wild bachelorette (or hen do here in the UK), but I am *here* for the grown up, classy, inclusive and down right beautiful day time and beautifully styled celebrations for brides too. Tablescaping dreams are made for girly get togethers!

For this one we had a cute country farm inspired theme for a bride getting married to her farmer fiance here in the Cotswolds. Each of the brides “farm girls” had their own keepsake raffia bag with recycled wooden personalised pencils, bespoke cute game booklets, DIY floral crown kits, delightful farm produce themed sugar cookies and fresh bunches of flowers to take home.

We created the illustrated farm themed menus which featured seasonal and local produce all served to our very own farm girls over a long luncheon with cocktails and champagne in a private dining toom. Rustic chic personified!

Hen dress code: floral midi dresses, dungarees and frilly blouses, mary janes and cute boots! 👩‍🌾 🐓

Colour scheme & aesthetic: ditsy florals, dusty pale tones and pastels, baby blues with peach, textured tableware, hand illustrations and crafty details 🌾

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Design, styling and other props by