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

Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa Unveils New Gin-inspired Overnight Spa Break

Newbury's Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa announces the launch of the exciting new Spring Into Gin overnight spa break from £129.50 per person which invites guests to indulge in a rejuvenating spa retreat complete with botanical-inspired treatment choices, amidst the serene Berkshire countryside. The Spring Into Gin package is available from now until May 31st 2024. Guests embarking on the Spring Into Gin experience will be treated to a delightful journey of relaxation and revitalisation. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed with their choice of a refreshing gin and tonic, setting the tone for a truly tranquil getaway to follow.

Meet Jess, the founder of The Soirée Planner at Mercedes-Benz World

Meet Jess, the founder of The Soirée Planner, lover of sunsets, matcha lattes and dreamy floral décor at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April 2024. Serving London, Essex and surrounding areas, The Soirée Planner provides event coordination and a range of wedding décor styling services to suit every couple. DON'T MISS OUT! Take advantage of The Soirée Planner's exclusive, one-time offer: 20% off all packages! Secure your date by 31st July 2024 with code CWSP20.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

Meet the bridal hair experts at Ascot Racecourse

Wanting a new hairstyle for the big day? Need some advice on how to revamp your beauty routine? Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April and chat to the experts from The Hair Advice Centre. "Welcome to our luxury bridal beauty haven, where dreams become reality and every bride shines with radiance on her special day," shares owner and bridal hair expert Louise Wood. "At The Hair Advice Centre, we understand the importance of flawless hair and make-up for your wedding day, which is why we offer a one-stop venue for all your bridal beauty needs."

Pilots of the Purple Twilight will light up your wedding day

The Pilots of the Purple Twilight offer unique aerial pyrotechnic spectaculars for special events. The highly experienced display pilots will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, to discuss how this can make a unique addition to your special day. Displays are tailored to your event whether it's large or small. Providing displays for weddings, parties and corporate events at a wide variety of locations, if the conditions are suitable the pilots can even land to meet and greet your guests. The aircraft have been specially modified for pyrotechnic displays and have been certified by the relevant aviation regulators.

Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list

Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition equals a winning recipe for an amazing time for your pre-wedding get together! How does a side of shuffleboard or darts with your cocktails sound? Whether you're looking for a daytime plan or something to keep you partying into the early hours, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are great options. Both have resident DJs banging out the tunes, and both offer fab bottomless brunch packages if an afternoon booze session is more what you're after. They're also perfectly designed for the most amazing insta-worthy pics

Award-winning photographer exhibiting at Ascot Racecourse

Sussex-based professional documentary style photographer, Chloe Jessup Photography, is exhibiting with County Wedding Events at its Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April. Chloe has just been awarded a winner's rosette from the UK Wedding Photography Awards for the three pictured images. Also, couples can make the most of the current special offer: for any bookings before the end of April 2024 (regardless of when the wedding is) they will get a 15% discount from the Poppy and Rose packages

Liston Court Gardens to host Marlow Spring Festival this Easter

Marlow's new look Liston Court Gardens will be hosting the Marlow Spring Festival this Easter weekend. Taking place from 11 am until 4 pm on Saturday 30th March, the free-to-attend, one-day seasonal eggstravaganza will feature an artisan Easter gift market, live music, crafting, face painting, an Easter egg hunt and even the opportunity to meet the Easter bunny. Featuring more than ten boutique stalls from local producers, there will be artisan chocolatiers and gifts galore, with offers that will be sure to put a spring in visitor's steps. Family entertainment will be in full flow, with a regular programme of live music from distinguished guitarist, Steph Willis, and talented duo Soulcem, who'll be filling the air with some melodious classics.

Dont have a mare...have a moment with The Rare Mare Photobooth

The Rare Mare Photobooth is a family run business that specialises in bringing fun and quirkiness to your event. Buckinghamshire-based The Rare Mare Photobooth is a quirky 1970s horsebox photobooth that is a showstopper at events. Alongside the booth, the company also has a beautiful matching ice cream bike, create a stunning sweet atmosphere for your guests.The ice cream bike will be making an appearance to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th 2024.

For every occasion, non alcoholic sparkling wine from the Veneto hills, Italy.

Bella is an Italian alcohol free drink, crafted to charm the most exigent and curious palates all over the world. What's more, the brand is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World where you can sample the range. Made by a family winery half-a-century old, with exquisite local grapes from Northern Italy, it appeals to a unique community of lifestylers always looking for new amazing tasting experiences. A new way to share conviviality while embracing sobriety.

Meet the team from Burhill Golf Club at Mercedes-Benz World in April

Burhill is steeped in history, with a stunning Georgian Mansion that offers views over the golf course and River Mole. Tucked away in beautiful quiet woodlands Burhill is one of Surrey's most enchanting locations for your big day. The team will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, to answer couples queries on tying the knot at this gorgeous venue perfect for civil ceremonies, partnerships and wedding receptions.

Revealed the UK’s best venues with woodlands to achieve dreamy cottage-core weddings

A recent study revealed the UK's highest-rated venues for woodland-themed weddings, with Creeksea Place being named the best. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analysed user-generated review data to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated woodlands venues by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Creeksea Place is the most highly rated woodland in the nation. Located in Essex, the manor house, which includes picturesque woodland, has been rated five stars over 220 times giving it a perfect score of ten out of ten.

The new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection

Find an oasis this spring with the new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection, Under the Desert Sun. The new collection will brighten the home with fragrances that exude memories of warmer days, including four refreshingly light and bright fragrances including, Desert Blooms, Aloe & Agave, Sweet Vanilla & Horchata, and Stargazing. Inspired by the unique beauty of the desert, the new collection has been designed to help escape the ordinary and satisfy wanderlust, immersing the home in sun-drenched scents. The Under The Desert Sun collection features exotic fragrances such as aguaro cactus, aloe and blue lotus, as well as soothing lavender and eucalyptus.

Browns Kitchen Events will be exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Browns Kitchen Events will be exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge on April 28th. Based close to Dorking in the Surrey Hills, the company is in the perfect location to do what they do best in the Surrey area having helped create and deliver many stunning weddings in the county over the years. Owner, Lee Brown says, "We offer not only professional and innovative catering but also guide you through your Wedding day step by step, giving you advice and direction where required, ensuring a smooth and memorable day.

Surrey's Love Me Do Brides has some exciting news it wants to shout about

Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World regular, Love Me Do Brides, has certainly been busy since our last event in October - the company now has its own wedding TV Show! Called Wedding Mayhem, it launched just three months ago and has already won an award for it! "We've just had Arg from TOWIE in this week to talk about his wedding band," shares owner Sharon. "It was mad! He was lovely and helped launch our rebrand!

Meet The Oyster Society at our events and try a delicious oyster!

Oysters are the perfect addition to elevate your wedding reception with luxury! Catering to weddings and events across the UK, The Oyster Society, is a premium mobile event caterer from London, offering exclusive services with expert oyster shuckers and Champagne walkers. "Our hostesses will roam during your wedding reception, serving freshly shucked oysters and Champagne directly to you, ensuring the freshest and most luxurious experience possible," - the team at The Oyster Society

Three spicy but sophisticated hen party ideas

Throwing a hen party that will please all attendees can be tricky. Striking a balance between risque and tame activities can be one of the most controversial challenges you'll face when planning. In fact, some of the more crude hen party gimmicks came out in the top 10 most hated parts of a hen party in this report. However, you can create a hen party that strikes the perfect balance between spice and sophistication, ensuring a night to remember for both the bride and her friends. Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared three amazing themes for the perfect spicy but sophisticated hen party:

Check out The Vintage Games Company at Mercedes-Benz World

Surrey's The Vintage Games Company will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th and will have a range of vintage games on display. "We are passionate about beautiful vintage and antique games, and the magic they can bring to you and your guests. We believe that although some of our games have plenty of history, they all have an exciting future being enjoyed at your events, parties and weddings. Nothing beats the childlike joy of playing with these antique and vintage beauties!" shares owner Amelia. "Come and find us at the wedding show to have a go with some of our games, and post your enquiry in our traditional red post box!"

Celebrant-led ceremonies are the big trend for 2024

Did you know, you have choices about who holds your wedding ceremony? With celebrant led ceremonies becoming a must-have for many couples, we spoke to independent wedding celebrant Suzi from Celebrations by Suzi. What is a celebrant led ceremony and why should we consider one? Well, if you're imagining a tailormade, memorable and celebratory ceremony, with personal vows and promises that speak to your hopes for the future - and perhaps a symbolic ritual or two - then a celebrant led ceremony is for you! As your chosen wedding celebrant, I quite literally make it my business to ensure your wedding day ceremony is truly one of a kind and reflects you and your story perfectly. And you can pretty much do it anytime, anywhere.