Worried about the wedding gift list situation? Not sure about the etiquette and organisation? Then why not hand over all the details to Prezola? Not only are the brands they work with the most stylish around, but they also offer additional cash and honeymoon contributions for the couple that has it all. I have the utter pleasure of speaking with co-founder of Prezola, Ali this afternoon. Let’s see exactly what this brilliant service offers couples.

 

Hi Ali, could you firstly tell WWW readers a little bit about you?

 

My name is Ali Beaven and I am the Chief Creative Officer and Co- Founder of ‘Prezola’. Prezola is the UK’s leading Independent Online Wedding Gift List Company I founded with my husband Dom in 2010.

 

 

What do you love and dislike about your job?

 

As a former interior designer I love visiting various trade shows and finding new and interesting brands that we can promote on Prezola. I also love working with the rest of the Prezola team – we are really lucky to have built a great culture within the company.

The only slight annoyance I ever have is normally with technology! I am not particularly technical, as that is Dom’s domain, but I know that when it works it’s great but when it doesn’t it is very frustrating!

 

How did you get into the wedding industry?

 

Entering into the wedding industry was a light bulb moment. We originally started out as a general gift list company but quickly realised that trying to be Amazon from our spare bedroom was not going to be scalable! Having developed a love of interiors over many years I quickly realised that the established wedding gift list industry suited both our strengths and that an online platform was what was missing at that time.

 

 

Tell us about your typical working day.

 

Every day is very different! A typical working day consists of meetings with the product team to get an update on our brand partners with regards to site content and buying. I also work very closely with the PR & Marketing team on our upcoming campaigns and photo shoots. I am very much governed by my email in box! There is also juggling a couple of teenage children in there somewhere……

 

 

If you could choose another role in the wedding industry what would it be?

 

I love taking part in photo shoots and have designed a few tablescapes now for various PR and marketing activities. I have always admired the talented florists involved in the shoots and how hard they work. So I think my alternative wedding industry role would either be a florist (would need a lot of training!) or a stylist.

 

What do you aim to achieve for your clients?

 

The best possible service! The aim of Prezola has always been to offer our couples the most choice when compiling their gift list so they can have whatever they like on their list. From traditional Wedgwood and Dartington Crystal to great lifestyle brands such as The White Company and Cox & Cox. We also love to promote quirky and unique boutique brands such as Melody Rose and Holly’s House. We have around 300 brands on site alongside cash funds and honeymoon contributions.

 

How would you describe your style in three words?

 

My personal home style is a ‘pretty eclectic mix’! We have moved house so many times and gathered all manner of object (stuff!) along the way. I love to mix up high street trends with retro second hand finds along with the odd designer piece. A home to me should feel cosy, comfortable and welcoming and not too sparse! I love starting with a pared back room and layering with colourful geometric cushions and throws from Niki Jones, some typographic wall art from Bold & Noble and various candles and candle holders from Nordic House. My favourite pieces of furniture are our 2 huge grey velvet sofas which can fit the whole family including the dog.

 

Image by Sarah-Hannam

 

Could you tell us some information about your packages/prices?

 

Prezola Premier is a free service where couples can add gifts from our 300 brands. For a fee of £39 we offer our Premier Plus Service which allows couples to add cash gifts, charity contributions and honeymoon funds alongside their normal gifts.

 

 

Do you have any tips for couples in selecting their wedding gift list?

 

When deciding on your wedding gift list, it is very important to choose an established company that offers everything you need. Think about the delivery of your gifts. Would you like them delivered as and when purchased or in one convenient delivery? If you are asking for cash, choose a service that looks after your funds and can transfer them at any time to suit you. Money at the wedding venue can get lost!

 

 

Are you seeing any trends for the year ahead?

 

Entertaining is always a popular theme when it comes to gift lists with tableware still our number one best seller. The trend is leading towards a more traditional style, simple and elegant that can then be dressed up or down depending on the type of dinner party! With the Olympics in Rio this year, I think colour is going to make a bit of a comeback to brighten up the neutrals we have been enjoying for a while now. With this in mind watch out for clashing patterns and vibrant colours! An advocate of colour and new to Prezola this year is designer Clarissa Hulse who I have always admired for her use of fabrics and her botanical designs.

 

Can you give us a teaser about what you are working on now?

 

Something that will make a couples wedmin much easier when it comes to their gift list….. a wedding website business called gettingmarried.co.uk!  Watch this space!

 

 

How can we get in touch with you?

 

Take a look at our beautiful website www.prezola.com where you can find lots of useful information, inspiration and of course register your gift list. If you have any questions please contact our fantastic customer service team via email – hello@prezola.com or telephone 01373 865661.

 

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What a brilliant insight and so many gorgeous pieces of home wear. I’m off for a window shop… Thank you Ali xo Lou

 

 

*Prezola is a Whimsical Wonderland Weddings sponsor*