Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Lost Vegas Fun Casino Hire Celebrates Twentieth Anniversary and International Tour

Berkshire and Surrey-based Lost Vegas Casino Hire are celebrating their twentieth anniversary. Lost Vegas is a family-run fun casino hire entertainment company providing full-sized casino tables and professional croupiers for corporate events, weddings, themed events, private parties and fundraisers. Over the years, Lost Vegas has become a prominent event industry player with many television set appearances including Downton Abbey, celebrity clients, and brands including Dior, F1, Amazon, Moet and Lotus. Catherine Harrington, co-founder of Lost Vegas, said: "People come to us because they're looking for a fun and exciting experience, not just casino tables. We all thrive on creating a unique interactive experience for our clients and their guests and are renowned for the best 'fun casino' set up in the South East."

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Ashmolean Museum Oxford celebrates Father's Day

This June, Britain's first public museum, Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, celebrates Father's Day with a wonderfully eclectic gifting edit which champions artistry, craftsmanship and the natural world. From Ashmolean coffee to hand-painted Grecian pottery, the Ashmolean Shop has a wide range of gifts available for all ages, budgets and tastes. Highlights include Rampley pocket squares crafted by Rampley & Co. that feature artwork from Ashmolean's collection printed on mulberry silk and Jericho Coffee Traders' Ashmolean Coffee which features notes of stone fruit, raisin, choco, vanilla and cashew, presented in a tin featuring 'View of the High Street, Oxford' by J.M.W Turner.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

TeamSport Indoor Karting to Open its First Shopping Centre Location in High Wycombe

TeamSport, Europe's leading indoor go-karting company, has officially revealed it will be launching its thirty-sixth UK venue this summer, in High Wycombe's Eden Shopping Centre. This will be the company's first UK shopping centre site and is to include a 425m, multi-level track, with state-of-the-art electric karts and a range of other exciting activities, that are yet to be announced. The track has been professionally designed, with two ramps, speedy straights, and thrilling corners giving drivers ample opportunities to feel the thrill of the unrivalled, electric kart acceleration. However, it is not only the hard-core karting and motorsport enthusiasts that will be delighted with the new TeamSport location as Dom Gaynor, CEO of TeamSport explained.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Introducing The Swan at Streatley’s Latest Summer Offering including outdoor cinema screenings

Coppa Club celebrates the start of the summer at their Streatley-on-Thames Clubhouse, The Swan at Streatley. The Swan at Streatley is unveiling its new programme to make the summer memorable with a packed schedule through to September. The new summer pop-up, an al fresco lobster bar, will serve freshly prepared grilled lobster with a glass of sparkling Nyetimber or frozen margarita. Back by popular demand is The Swan's fleet of electric motor boats that glide silently along one of the most picturesque stretches of the river. And in true Coppa style, guests can enhance their stay with a signature picnic hamper filled with quintessentially British classics from the latest Café 'Grab & Go' menu.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Your Story Bridal Boutique hosts Sassi Holford trunk show

Natalie Cameron is the director of Buckinghamshire-based Your Story Bridal Boutique, a luxurious yet relaxed destination for the modern bride set in the heart of picturesque Marlow. On the trending topic of brides choosing sustainable gowns, accessories and more, she tells us: "Everyone in the wedding industry is becoming more conscious about the importance of sustainability and brides will often want to do their bit when choosing their dress. Whilst boutiques themselves, just as individuals, can make small changes in the hope of making a big difference, the sustainability of a dress largely sits with the designer." Natalie continues, "One of our bridal designers whose dresses we stock in the boutique, Sassi Holford, is based in the UK and sustainability is at the heart of the brand's ethos.

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

In full bloom - Claire Ridley lunches at No. Fifty Cheyne in London's Chelsea

Editor Claire Ridley was invited to London's Chelsea-based restaurant No. Fifty Cheyne, a flower-filled setting on the bank of the River Thames. She says, "I was excited to visit this establishment and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot. It's located a stone's throw from the River Thames, with Chelsea Embankment Gardens close by. Not only is it a wonderful choice for a wedding celebration, but it's also the perfect pick for lunch or dinner (their Weekend Roasts are a must-try!) The talented team at No. Fifty Cheyne is currently celebrating The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 throughout May with a special set menu available from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 25th priced at £45 for two courses and £55 for three courses.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Bucks & Oxon local businesses take top spot in 2024 Muddy Stilettos Awards

Now in their 11th year, the hotly contested 2024 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards have been announced with 21 brilliant local indie businesses winning the coveted lifestyle crowns across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Whatever handmade, artisan items couples are after for their big day, with everything from flowers and farm shops to drinks and dining, they can take inspiration from these talented regional suppliers. Sponsored locally by Lightfoot Solicitors and nationally by Tide banking, readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos have been nominating and voting for their favourite independent businesses across 21 different lifestyle categories. Reaching more than 10 million people nationally in eight weeks, more than 515,000 votes and nominations were cast nationwide, making it the most popular Muddy Awards to date.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering for 2024, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Six by Nico announces menu for the launch in Oxford on 20th May

Six by Nico, the innovative restaurant group known for its rotating six-course tasting menus, is delighted to announce the opening menu of the new Oxford location at Westgate opening – "The Chippie". This nostalgic chip shop-inspired menu, an old favourite of the Six by Nico brand, offers a creative twist on this classic British meal and will be running from opening on Monday 20th May to Sunday 30th June. Since its inception in 2017, the Six by Nico team have developed, refined and evolved "The Chippie" experience. It's situated on the roof terrace of Westgate, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the quintessentially British chip shop, which takes inspiration from chef Nico Simeone's family fish shop in Glasgow.