Planning a wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming—and that’s exactly what Bridestory set out to fix. Founded in Jakarta in 2013, this happy intersection of technology and tradition connects couples with trusted vendors across the globe. Whether you’re booking a photographer or browsing decor ideas, Bridestory simplifies the process. These 30 facts unpack how the platform evolved from a local idea into a major player in the wedding industry.
Founding and Growth
1. Born in Jakarta (2013)
Bridestory originated in Jakarta, Indonesia, tapping into the booming Southeast Asian wedding market from day one.
2. Founders With Industry Insight
The startup was launched by Kevin Mintaraga, Doni Hanafi, and Etienne Emile—names that would soon be known across the regional wedding space.
3. Inspiration From Experience
Mintaraga’s 2012 wedding and his wife’s career as a wedding planner sparked the concept of Bridestory.
4. Official Launch in April 2014
Within its first launch phase, the platform already featured hundreds of thousands of listings from global vendors.
5. Marketplace Over Magazine
Bridestory deliberately skipped the wedding blog format and went straight for a scalable business model—vendor marketplace.
6. From 80 Vendors to 27,000
In just three years, vendor count jumped from 80 to 27,000, stretching across 65 countries.
7. Seed Funding in 2014
Early support came from Sovereign’s Capital, East Ventures, and Fenox Venture Capital.
8. Series A, Led by Rocket Internet
In 2015, Bridestory secured Series A funding with Rocket Internet at the helm, bolstering its global growth plans.
Business Model and Vendor Services
9. Global Wedding Marketplace
Bridestory offers a curated directory of wedding vendors across numerous countries, all under one digital roof.
10. Over 20 Vendor Categories
Couples can browse through photographers, gown designers, decorators, and dozens more—making the platform richly diverse.
11. Always Free for Couples
Bridestory charges nothing to users planning their weddings—browsing and saving ideas is completely free.
12. Paid Listings for Vendors
Revenue flows from vendor subscriptions, giving professionals visibility and access to high-intent leads.
13. Credit-Based Lead System
Initially, vendors received free credits, each corresponding to one business inquiry or lead.
14. Women-Centric Targeting
Women aged 22–35 represent the primary audience—those most likely to be deep in wedding planning.
15. Bridestory Pro for Vendors
A separate mobile app helps vendors manage inquiries, project timelines, and client communication from their phone.
16. Blog and App Content Hub
Couples aren’t just booking vendors—they’re browsing wedding mood boards, guides, and tips through the platform’s blog and app.
17. Meet Hilda, the Concierge
Bridestory introduced “Hilda,” a virtual wedding assistant offering tailored vendor recommendations through chat.
Acquisition and Expansion
18. Acquired by Tokopedia (2019)
Tokopedia—Indonesia’s e-commerce giant—acquired Bridestory to strengthen its services outside traditional retail.
19. Fully Owned Subsidiary
Bridestory continues operations as a stand-alone business, reporting directly to Tokopedia.
20. Tokopedia’s First Full Acquisition
This was the first acquisition of its kind for Tokopedia, reflecting strategic intent rather than just portfolio expansion.
21. Boosted by Payment Infrastructure
Bridestory now taps into Tokopedia’s backend ecosystem, including 30+ integrated payment channels.
22. Parentstory Acquisition Tied In
Parentstory, a platform focused on children’s activities, was acquired in tandem—extending Bridestory’s ecosystem.
23. Expansion Across Indonesia
With Tokopedia’s support, Bridestory scaled deeper into second- and third-tier Indonesian cities.
24. Founder’s Role at Tokopedia
Post-acquisition, Kevin Mintaraga became Tokopedia’s Vice President, marking a transition from startup founder to corporate leader.
Technology and Features
25. Mobile-First Focus
Recognizing changing behavior, Bridestory pushed mobile apps early, gaining over 60% of its traffic through mobile by 2016.
26. Mood Boards via Inspiration Board
The app includes Pinterest-style boards where users can save and organize wedding themes and products visually.
27. Bridestory Pay for Secure Payments
A built-in payment gateway allows seamless transactions between couples and vendors, reducing payment friction.
28. Instagram Case Study
Bridestory caught Instagram’s attention in 2016, showcasing how it reached 7.5 million Southeast Asian brides in one month.
29. 4 Million Inquiries Annually
The platform processes over 4 million business inquiries each year—showing serious volume from serious users.
30. Active Presence in Singapore and the Philippines
Though Indonesian at heart, Bridestory also maintains strong user bases in nearby countries, cementing its regional footprint.
Bridestory’s Lasting Impression on Modern Weddings
Bridestory has reshaped how couples approach wedding planning, turning a traditionally stressful process into a more structured and inspired experience. From its roots in Jakarta to its integration with Tokopedia’s vast ecosystem, the platform continues to support millions with smart tools, curated vendors, and meaningful inspiration. These 30 facts showcase more than just growth—they reflect a company that understands the emotional and logistical weight of weddings and responds with functionality, scale, and consistent value for both couples and vendors alike.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.