A wedding stylist who loves to create
thoughtful, bespoke celebrations.
About
Meet Kirsten Butler
The Little Wedding Helper
It all started when my best friend was losing her sh*t over her wedding planning!
Armed with a bottle of wine, I sat down with her one evening to start exploring all the visual and creative elements of the wedding, putting myself in the shoes of a guest and thinking about the flow of the event. She was struggling to visualise how it would all look so I simply suggested we walked through it together. Sometimes having an extra person with a visual mind can really help. We soon came up with a to-do list of how to decorate the venue, and an action plan of how to achieve it all in time for the big day. I became my best friend's Little Wedding Helper, without even realising it!
When I started out there were wedding planners but no wedding stylists, so I like to think of myself as one of the OG stylists in the UK! My strength lies in my ability to visualise how the wedding will look as a whole, seamlessly pulling together the details and decorations to create a harmonious look that beautifully encapsulates your style and personalities. I’m also a calm, reassuring presence on your wedding day – someone you can completely trust to set up your wedding location exactly as you’ve planned it.
Since that first wedding in 2006, I’ve gone on to style hundreds of weddings across Bristol, the South West and the UK. Initially I ran The Little Wedding Helper alongside my job as a primary school teacher (which is where I nurtured my love of crafting and glitter) but year-round bookings meant I became a full-time wedding stylist in 2013.
My wedding styling work has been recognised with regional and national awards. After winning the national award for best venue stylist in 2013, I was invited to be a judge in the venue stylist and special touches categories for The Wedding Industry Awards. Regionally, I’ve won the Best Stylist category at the Bristol & Somerset Wedding awards four years in a row!
When it comes to weddings, I feel there’s a lot of pressure and expectations on couples from multiple sources – parents, budgets, traditions, social media. I’m here to show you that it’s OK to think outside the box and do something different, and that you don’t need to follow what others do. I love working with creative, curious couples who want their wedding to be full of the things that are important to them, entwining their personalities throughout and adding some soul to the celebrations. Being sustainable and environmentally aware is very important to me, as is offering a truly inclusive service for all couples, including LGBTQ+.
During my time as a wedding stylist I’ve had the privilege to work at some simply stunning venues. From the blank canvases of places such as Paintworks, marquees and tipis to venues such as Pauntley Court, Coombe Lodge, Kingscote Barn, Elmore Court and the Great Tythe Barn, every location offers the potential for creativity. I love using props, wedding decorations and accessories – plus a sprinkle of Little Wedding Helper inspiration – to bring together the perfect setting for your celebrations.
Some things that spark joy for me: a rummage around a car boot sale finding hidden treasures and pre-loved pieces. A weekend brunch with friends, usually accompanied by a mocktail or two. A wander down Bristol’s Gloucester Road for a look around its independent businesses and charity shops. An episode or two of Mad Men – I love the fashion, decor and ‘60s style.
The Little Wedding Helper is based in the lovely West Country city of Bristol but I work as a wedding stylist all over the South West and the UK. I’d love to talk about your wedding and how we can work together.