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

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.

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.

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!

Find your big-day bake at Mercedes-Benz World

Irresistible Cakes by Michelle specialises in crafting modern wedding cakes. With more than 14 years of experience in cake crafting and training from the esteemed culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, Michelle is committed to making your dream wedding cake a reality. Join her at the Signature Show at Mercedes-Benz World, where you can experience her unique creativity firsthand, seek answers to all your cake-related queries, and receive a complimentary wedding cake checklist to ensure seamless planning for your special day.

Find out more about Surrey’s licensed wedding venues with County Wedding Events

Find out more about Surrey's licensed wedding venues and have your questions answered by the Ceremonies Team at Surrey County Council's Registration and Nationality Service who are very excited to be exhibiting at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show in April 2024. "Our experienced team of Registrars will be available to discuss your ceremony queries and questions. We'll also be on hand to show you all of the beautiful, licensed venues Surrey has to offer, including our three fantastic Register Offices in Leatherhead, Guildford and Weybridge.

Check out Sight 'n' Sounds' set up at Mercedes-Benz World

The award-winning Sight 'n' Sound is one of the leading mobile discotheques in the Southeast of England, and will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 28th April. "Once again Sight 'n' Sound will be exhibiting our 'white wedding disco' along with our exclusive LOVE letters and uplights," shares owner Harvey. "We will be on hand to explain how we can make your function special and unique, plus answer your questions. We also have a white sparkly LED dancefloor and low-smoke dry ice effect machine."

The Castle Hotel Windsor hires new pastry chef

The talented pastry chef Suhas Lokhande was recently appointed the new pastry chef at The Castle Hotel in Windsor to elevate their exquisite Royal Afternoon Tea offering. The delicate new handmade patisseries and touches added by Suhas have created a truly indulgent experience.The Royal Afternoon Tea includes a delicious variety of freshly made sandwiches; a royal coronation chicken wrap and smoked salmon and dill mousse served on a savoury choux bun. The sweet offerings include a selection of freshly baked scones served with homemade jam; a lemon meringue tartlet with lime and ginger jelly and an indulgent dark chocolate mousse drop with cherry compote and a chocolate biscuit.Further enhancements include a brand new, cartoon-inspired children's menu with an interactive piggy bank surprise and a mango mousse duckling, as well as upgraded vegan and gluten-free options for adults.

Looking for a calm, friendly, down to earth wedding photographer?

Myriame Lawley Photography is an award-winning Surrey-based photographer exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th. Myriame's adds, "Based in Surrey and covering the south of England I am dedicated to delivering you beautiful and timeless memories of your wedding day, so if you think we would be a good match, then pop by my stand at Mercedes- Benz Signature Wedding Show - I would love to meet you, hear your plans and ensure you remember your wedding day! "I shall be offering a £200 discount off any of my three collections if booked on the day, or 10% off any collection if booked within two weeks of the show."

Pop along to the Mercedes-Benz World wedding fair to see HayLee Duo perform live

Looking for mesmerising, emotive and memorable musicians for your wedding day? Meet HayLee Duo and watch them perform live at the Mercedes-Benz Signature Wedding Show, on April 28th hosted by County Wedding Events. HayLee are an elegant, female, acoustic duo who always strive to ensure they deliver beautiful, heartwarming and harmonious music to your wedding tailored to your own personal unique taste. The combination of Hayley's warm and soulful voice along with Lee's harmonies and guitar or piano backing makes this joyful duo a complete must-have on your special day - creating beautiful memories and a day you and your guests will never forget!

Come and meet Sandra and Paul, an instrumental duo on violin and guitar

In the last ten years Sandra & Paul, with the violin and a guitar, have made hundreds of events memorable and will be showcasing their musical repertoire at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th. What makes them stand out is their imaginative, tasteful arrangements and synergic, communicative playing. Their repertoire spans many genres and styles covering songs from every decade from the 1920s till today.Whether you're after an elegant and refined duo at the reception, an upbeat and wild country folk barn dance, or DJ freestyle violin impro, Sandra and Paul are able to enhance and excite your event with music and make it memorable.

Experts share 5 tips on accommodating deaf guests at your wedding

Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially when there are so many decisions to be made and so many things to be considered. Whilst this is your big day, considering your guests can go a long way, especially for those who have disabilities or are hard of hearing. In the UK, one in five adults is deaf, has hearing loss or tinnitus, so the likelihood of having someone who may need additional help when it comes to hearing in attendance is quite likely. Ashish Shah, Audiologist at The Hearing Care Partnership has offered his expert advice on how you can better accommodate your deaf and hard-of-hearing guests.

The Castle Hotel Windsor team exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Experience the enchantment of The Castle Hotel Windsor, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury for a dream wedding or civil partnership. Nestled in the heart of Windsor, the historic venue offers a regal setting fit for royalty, complete with fairy tale ceremonies, elegant receptions, and exquisite dining experiences. Choose from three stunning suites to host any celebration: the grand Windsor Suite, accommodating up to 260 guests; the intimate Sandringham Suite; or the contemporary Balmoral Suite, each offering versatile spaces to suit any bride or groom's vision.

Bucks-based Burnham Beeches Hotel offers gift to future couples

The elegant Buckinghamshire-based Georgian manor house, Burnham Beeches Hotel, offers couples getting married an idyllic and romantic setting in which to celebrate their wedding day. Nestled in the countryside, the renowned hotel offers comfort, charm and seamless service with a choice of stylish bedrooms and function suites along with delicious dining. Guests are welcomed by the impressive Georgian architecture, ten acres of ethereal woodland and manicured lawns and grounds. Two wedding packages, The Sweetheart Package and The Signature Package are on offer, as well as private hire and bespoke additions. Lucky couples who choose to contract their 2024 or 2025 wedding on Burnham Beeches Sweetheart Package before the 1st of April 2024 will receive a complimentary wedding gift.

These daily habits are ruining your wedding ring

If you've been the lucky recipient of a diamond ring or a piece of jewellery, Nilesh Rakholia, jewellery expert and founder of Abelini, has shared exactly how to care for your precious diamonds to ensure they last a lifetime... Nilesh says: "While it can be tempting to wear precious items such as an engagement ring all the time, daily habits such as cooking and cleaning can damage your jewellery. To avoid this, we always recommend removing jewellery before showering or washing up because the soap can cause a film to form, which can leave rings and bracelets looking dull.

Thinking about a bespoke dress? Talk to Eloise Rose at Ascot Racecourse

Bespoke bridalwear designer Eloise Rose, will be exhibiting at Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show hosted by County Wedding Events on 7th April 2024. "I can't wait to meet brides, grooms and their entourages at Ascot Racecourse! I'll be offering mini-consultations on designs for wedding dresses, outfits and accessories, demonstrating how they can have one-of-a-kind outfits, within their budget. On the day they deserve to look their very best!" shares Eloise.