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

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Enjoy a Maycation at The Vineyard with their Art of Relaxation Spa Package

Book a Maycation at The Vineyard in Berkshire, an enchanting hotel where wine enthusiasts and art lovers can indulge in an unforgettable retreat. Boasting one of the largest private art collections in the UK, curated with masterpieces from luminaries like Ronald Searle and sculptures by acclaimed artists such as Michael Thacker and Henry Moore, The Vineyard offers an immersive journey through the realms of art and relaxation. Guests can Indulge in the Art of Relaxation Spa Escape, a bespoke staycation that includes a glass of exquisite All Angels English sparkling wine on arrival, a 60-minute treatment in the private spa and a quintessentially British afternoon tea.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Find out more about Marisska Couture Bespoke and Couture Tailoring

As a personal stylist, my passion for design runs deep. Growing up surrounded by beautiful dresses made by my grandmother and my father's exquisite cabinet design, creativity has always been the driving force behind my work. For me, fabric isn't just material; it's a canvas brimming with potential. I draw endless inspiration from the rich palette of colors and textures they offer. At Marisska Couture Bespoke and Couture Tailoring, we don't just make garments; we're crafting unforgettable experiences. From our initial consultation to the final fitting, each step of our process is tailored to you, ensuring that your unique vision comes to life with meticulous attention to detail.

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

Prop Hire Bucks offers exclusive Wedding Styling Service for three lucky couples

Prop Hire Bucks is searching for three couples marrying in 2024 to receive their full expert styling service for just £199. Driven by a commitment to promote sustainability in the wedding industry, Prop Hire Bucks introduces this new opportunity with a focus on blending luxury and affordability while prioritising eco-friendly choices. "We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to three couples and embark on this journey of making wedding dreams come true!" said Rosie, founder of Prop Hire Bucks. "Our mission is to showcase that luxury styling can be both affordable and environmentally responsible. If we can reduce the demand for single-use items even marginally across the industry, then we will feel we have achieved something!"

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Meet the De Vere Horsley Estate wedding team

De Vere Horsley Estate, located in East Horsley, Surrey, is a picture-perfect setting for nuptials. Celebrate your wedding day with family and friends in total privacy as you are the Royal Household of your very own 'castle' for the day. Exclusive hire of the Towers gives you this 19th-century ancestral home to the Lovelace family, with your very own lake, croquet lawn, cloisters and ornamental chapel... perfect for the photo album! Your guests can relax at the end of your special day in one of the venue's fabulous Towers Mansion House bedrooms. The best room in the house is already reserved for you, with another four Junior Suites, three Family Rooms and 20 Deluxe Double rooms available to be reserved by your guests.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

County Wedding Events coming to That Amazing Place, Harlow, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at That Amazing Place, in Harlow, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 14th April 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Cricklade & Spa offers a selection of wedding packages

Cricklade & Spa, an exquisite country house in Wiltshire, was built at the turn of the last century. It has been tastefully restored and carefully extended, marrying period features with modern touches. There are 45 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, a newly refurbished luxury spa with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room plus treatment rooms, a gym and a beauty room perfect for wedding day preparations. The wedding packages include free wedding tasting for the engaged couple six weeks before their special day and complimentary bedrooms for the night of the wedding (with the number being dependent on the package).

Are you still looking for a photographer who loves colour and print-worthy moments as much as you do?

"I'm Cemanthe, a documentary photographer who loves weddings. I specialise in telling the story of the day, through photography. That's something that all photographers do and say, and so they should as that's the way it's done in the industry. However, for me it's more than that... I leave a piece of my soul with each of my couples and I pour my emotion and joy into their editing. So shooting and editing your wedding is my happy place, and I love both equally as much," shares Cemanthe.

Chat to videography specialist Wedding Film Guy at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Wayne O'Connor, from Wedding Film Guy, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April, and is on hand to answer all of your wedding videography questions. "Hey! I'm Wayne, a UK-based professional wedding videographer. I specialise in crafting cinematic wedding films that capture every moment of your special day. With numerous five-star reviews, I've also won an award this year and was a finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards - I'm dedicated to creating your dream wedding video.

Renowned bridal hairstylist at County Wedding Events' Mercedes-Benz World Signature Show

Amanda Flory Bridal was established with a vision to deliver a premium hair service to the contemporary bride. The team will be at County Wedding Event's Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April to talk through your dream bridal look. "Our focus lies in making your special day flow. Ensuring your relaxation, and above all, enhancing your natural beauty to make you feel confident, radiant, in fact the best version of yourself possible on your big day," shares Amanda. Amanda brings more than 20 years' expertise in hairdressing, having worked alongside some of the finest artists from all over the world. A bridal specialist who enjoys creating soft boho waves, hair up, as well being an expert with curly hair.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

Henley Festival reveals sensation line-up for this summer

Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast has announced a sensational line-up for 2024, featuring five magical summer nights full of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments. From Wednesday 10th July to Sunday 14th July, headliners will include Nicole Scherzinger, Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nigel Kennedy, Sam Ryder and more. Westcoast, a Berkshire-based technology company distributing some of the world's leading tech brands, are delighted to continue its long association with the festival and support RISE, their charitable programme. The UK's only black-tie music and arts festival set on the river in Henley-on-Thames invites festival-goers to enjoy a world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, as well as gourmet dining, dancing and jaw-dropping fireworks.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Wedding décor suppliers By Emerald Events, excited to be showcasing at Mercedes-Benz World

Husband and wife team behind By Emerald Events, Tom and Steph, will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April to talk about all-things venue styling. The company's new Surrey-based showroom is the perfect place for you to pop along and turn your vision into a reality. "We understand how important every aspect of your special day is. We cover all your wedding essentials, from chair cover, sashes, centrepieces to backdrops, LED letters, sweet carts and much more. As a new wedding and events company, we are offering large discounts to help build our portfolio. Come and take advantage of everything we have to offer and let's create unforgettable memories together."