Cookie Policy
December 10, 2025
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how By Formal Invitation ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using your browser settings.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how their site is being used.
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
To enable certain functions of our website
To provide analytics and understand how you use our website
To store your preferences
To enable advertisements delivery and measure their effectiveness
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the website cannot function properly without them.
Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Session Cookie | Manages your session state, authentication, and security features including CSRF protection | 2 hours |
Cookie Consent | Records your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
2. Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.
Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
bfi_shortlist | Stores your wedding venue shortlist selections so you can easily compare venues | 1 year |
bfi_viewed_venues | Remembers which venue cards you have viewed to improve your browsing experience | 1 year |
3. Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website and services.
Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users for session tracking | 24 hours |
_gat | Google Analytics | Used to throttle request rate | 1 minute |
Fathom cookies | Fathom Analytics | Privacy-focused analytics to understand website usage without tracking personal data | Session |
Clarity cookies | Microsoft Clarity | Session recording and heatmaps to understand user behaviour and improve website usability | 1 year |
_vts | By Formal Invitation | Tracks visitor sessions to help us understand how users find our website | 1 year |
4. Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user.
Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Used by Facebook to deliver advertisements and measure their effectiveness | 90 days |
_fbc | Meta (Facebook) | Stores the Facebook click identifier for conversion tracking | Session |
Google Ads cookies | Used for conversion tracking and to serve personalised advertisements | Variable |
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control the dissemination of these cookies. You should check the third-party websites for more information about these cookies and how to manage them:
Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to:
Block all cookies
Accept all cookies
Alert you when a cookie is being set
Delete cookies when you close your browser
Please note that if you choose to block or delete cookies, some features of our website may not function properly.
How to Manage Cookies in Popular Browsers
Your Rights Under UK Law
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), you have the right to:
Be informed about how we use cookies
Give or withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
Access information about the cookies we use
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, our operations, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information on our cookie practices.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:
By Formal Invitation
Email: hello@byformalinvitation.co.uk
Last updated: December 2024