17/11/2025
We have read through the recent reviews and want to respond clearly and professionally to the concerns raised.
We appreciate how much passion and pride exists within the South West wedding industry, and we do not take any feedback lightly.
However, several points being shared online stem from misunderstandings or incomplete information, and it is important that we address them openly.
Category Mergers and Communication
This appears to be the area causing the most confusion.
Emails were sent to all affected entrants explaining the necessary category mergers.
We now know that some of these emails were missed or filtered into spam folders.
Unfortunately when we send emails en mass they have been incorrectly flagged as spam, this had also happened with entry and finalists notifications, for some reason these emails are being blocked by spam filters from being delivered, we are looking at a better system that reduces this happening.
While we understand this caused disappointment, the communication was issued and followed our established process.
Mergers are sometimes required to maintain a balanced and fair awards structure. We appreciate that some entrants would have preferred to choose which merged category they moved into; however, this is not always possible.
While we merged certain categories for the finals, they were kept separate on the finalists page to help couples find what they were looking for easily and to ensure clarity for those browsing suppliers.
Judging Process and Perceived Fairness
To clarify:
Yes, judges do know many of the companies.
The South West wedding community is close-knit, and familiarity is normal and unavoidable.
Judges are given clear instructions to put aside any personal or professional connections and score each entry purely on:
•client feedback
• professionalism
• quality of service
• contribution to the industry
• website/social media/other publicly available reviews.
Multiple judges score each category to ensure balanced, consistent outcomes.
Judges congratulating winners on the night can create an impression of bias, but this is not connected to how scoring is carried out. The integrity of the process remains a priority.
Event Style and Atmosphere
Previous feedback indicated the awards evening was overly formal. In response, the format has been more dynamic in recent years, incorporating interactive elements and a lighter tone.
We recognise that preferences differ and will continue to review feedback when planning future events.
Engagement Later in the Evening
It is unfortunate if any winners felt overshadowed by noise or lack of attention later in the evening.
While we encourage respect and attentiveness, the atmosphere is ultimately influenced by guests, and we hope all attendees will continue to support fellow finalists by giving them their moment.
Food and Venue Catering
The catering was provided entirely by the Crowne Plaza.
We will pass all feedback, positive and negative, directly to the venue.
Multiple Entries and Eligibility
Individual businesses may enter the competition. Entries that involve two collaborating businesses or businesses owned by the same person or company can enter different categories, but each must maintain separate accounting records. Reviews should focus only on the work of the individual business, not on the collaboration.
Transparency and Criteria
Judging criteria have always been available on request, but we acknowledge the need to make them more accessible moving forward and will take steps to do so.
Disappointment and Emotional Impact
We understand the emotional investment that goes into running a wedding business and entering an awards process.
However, disappointment with results does not mean the process was biased or unprofessional.
Every finalist should be proud of their achievement, and every winner earned their recognition based on scoring, not personal favour.
The Future of the Awards
We put enormous time, care and resources into running these awards each year.
The level of negativity this year, much of it based on misunderstandings, has been extremely disheartening for the team. Given the hours of unpaid work and the personal financial outlay to keep the awards going, we are now seriously reconsidering whether the awards will continue in 2026.
Final Note
We are grateful to the many finalists and suppliers who have reached out privately with support and appreciation.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the South West Wedding Awards and contributed to celebrating the region’s exceptional talent.
Edited to add.
Comments are turned off purely as Kat is at her full time job and she wants to be able to respond appropriately and clearly.
