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

The host with the most - come and meet Toastmaster John

With many years experience in organising and coordinating weddings, golfing, sports and charitable events,Toastmaster John is on hand exhibiting at the Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, and Mercedes-Benz World hosted by County Wedding Events. "Hi I'm John Heasman. Toastmaster John. Do you need that stress buster for your big day? Come and have a chat, it will be your best investment. From welcoming your guests to announcing your first dance. My service is remembered long after my price is forgotten."

Investment deal set to shake up the stag and hen industry

Brighton-based tour operator The Stag Company has announced an exciting investment deal whereby Danish travel company Awesome Adventures Group has secured a significant shareholding in the company. The partnership will facilitate growth for both businesses within the stag and hen market, acting as a springboard for more competitive pricing and product portfolio expansion. The deal positions Awesome Adventures as the go-to ground agent for The Stag Company customers, which means they will be welcomed into resort via an infrastructure of teams in location, thereby elevating the customer experience.

Mother's Day ideas for the mother-of-the-bride

With Mother's Day just around the corner on Sunday 10th March, it's time to celebrate the unsung hero of weddings, the mother of the bride! It's time to shower her with the love and attention she deserves. From spa days to chocolates, meals out to heartfelt notes, there are countless ways to make her day special. Leading hen party company, Fizzbox dives into treating the mother of the bride this Mother's Day. Get ready for heartwarming ideas, laughter and maybe even a happy tear or two!

New data reveals the UK hotspots for wedding bliss

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationary brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Get your caffeine fix at our Signature Wedding Shows

Pop along to any County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show and you'll discover a delicious Beanies sachet in your goody bag. "At Beanies we think life is all about flavour. So we've made a flavour coffee to suit every moment. Because sometimes it's a super Sticky Toffee kinda day. And others it's a cheeky Cherry Chocolate kinda day. You name it, we've got the full-on, all-out flavour to go with it. Every one is full to the brim with the biggest, boldest, most delicious-est tastes you can imagine. And they're sugar free and low in calories too, so it's guilt-free indulgence all the way. Whatever the occasion, we've got the flavour to match. From the moment the jar is popped open and releases the aroma, to the very last sip, we make sure that the experience is full-on and ultimately satisfying."

Memorable magic at Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show

Looking for big-day entertainment? Pop along to County Wedding Events's Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse to see magician Paul Newman in action. "I'm Paul Newman Wedding Magician, I have entertained for all sorts of events, including weddings, across the UK for the last 17 years," shares Paul. "I have performed at birthday parties, Christmas events, and corporate events, and have lots of examples of my work on YouTube. My claim to fame is I have performed for Ant & Dec, and Phillip Scofield! "I can perform lots of different types of magic right the way across the magic spectrum! Because I have performed across the UK for 17 years this means I have volumes of experience so you're guaranteed quality and a fun performance."

Find Natalie Chiverton Photography at two County Wedding Events Shows

Natalie Chiverton Photography is exhibiting at two County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Shows and has some exciting discounts for couples visiting on the day that you're not going to want to miss out on! "For couples planning to secure a photographer there will be a 20% discount across all my photography packages," shares Natalie. "Furthermore, if they confirm their booking within 14 days, they'll receive a £100 luxury wedding album gift voucher applicable towards any size album from Henley Albums. I'll have samples displayed on my table, and I'm eager to showcase the luxury album available.

There's magic in the air at Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show

Derek Oliver, a magician and professional host, will be showcasing his talents at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse in April - and it's something you're not going to want to miss out on! "Hi, I'm Derek and I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Ascot Signature Event. What do I do and why engage me? Well, I take away your big day stresses, leading you and your guests through the biggest day of your lives. I'll elevate your special day with high class magical entertainment and act as your own red carpet contemporary Master of Ceremonies - transforming it into the event you dreamed of.

Tickets are on sale now for The Photography & Video Show

Tickets are on sale now for The Photography & Video Show, the largest event of its kind in the UK and Europe which will be returning in 2024 at the NEC. Taking place between 16 – 19 March, The Photography & Video Show is the destination for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators of all levels, from beginner to advanced amateur, and all the way through to established professional.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Atul Kochhar restaurants

Celebrate Mothering Sunday with Atul Kochhar restaurants in Buckinghamshire where all four properties will offer extra-special Mother's Day menus. Chef Atul Kochhar said, "Mother's Day is another very important day for the hospitality industry and we're always doing our best to offer something which will make mums feel special while bringing the family together for a delicious meal." Riwaz in Beaconsfield will serve a three-course set menu from 12 until 7 pm, priced at £38 per person. Choose from dishes such as chicken shami with spinach raita; lamb seekh kebab with rosemary and chilli mayo and slow-cooked lamb leg with onion kulcha. Additional nibbles and bread will be available while all mums will receive a free Riwaz Signature cocktail to enjoy.

Blake Lively creates a buzz with UK launch of Betty Buzz cans in Majestic

Hollywood actress, Blake Lively today announces the launch of her new 330ml Betty Buzz cans of premium adult soft drinks in the UK, available from Majestic. The Betty Buzz range of Sparkling Lemon Lime, Sparkling Grapefruit, Ginger Beer and Meyer Lemon Sparkling Sodas are all available from 207 Majestic stores and Majestic online in the UK. Betty Buzz is a collection of healthier gourmet sparkling sodas in new stylish tall slim cans. Within just two-and-a-half years, Betty Buzz has grown to become the world's number one premium adult soft drink on Instagram, with the most followers and highest engagement of any brand in this category globally. Made with fresh ingredients, the range is free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours.

Ashmolean Museum celebrates Mother's Day with artistry and craftsmanship

This March, Britain's first public museum, Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, celebrates Mother's Day with a beautiful curated gifting edit which champions artistry, craftsmanship and the natural world. From bespoke tea to Anglo-Saxon-inspired jewellery and ceramic starter kits, the Ashmolean Shop has a wide range of gifts available for all ages, budgets and tastes. The top ten picks from the museum include ceramics by local artist Emma Baldwin. This range of one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces has been inspired by the vivid colours of the artwork Study of a Kingfisher, a watercolour by John Ruskin. All pieces in this range are handmade, meaning each piece is individual and may vary slightly in colour and shape.

Newly launched NimNik Glitter Tattoo Kit ideal for kids at weddings!

Boasting an impressive array of features, with 35 vibrant glitter colours, six fluorescent powders, 204 stencils, three adhesives, five brushes, and 215 rhinestones - the possibilities are limitless and will keep children happy for hours. This comprehensive set ensures that every user can unleash their imagination and bring their temporary tattoo visions to life. This glitter tattoo kit is not limited by age or gender; ideal for kids, girls, teens, men, women, and adults, it's perfect for occasions. The versatility of the kit allows users to explore different applications, such as eye shadow, body painting, DIY crafts, Christmas cards, birthday celebrations, or party decorations. The only limit is your creativity.

As the wedding season approaches, turn to Viners for a gift ideas

If you've been invited to a wedding and need some inspiration for what to give as a gift, we're sure you will find something within the Viners® range that the happy couple will enjoy for years to come. Opting for a cutlery set is a guaranteed hit. A sentimental and thoughtful gift to give your loved ones, a cutlery set will take care of any special dinner parties or occasions hosted by the newlyweds.

Expert insight on upcoming wedding trends in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on upcoming wedding trends in 2024. A beautiful white gown has been the norm for centuries, however, as Georgie explains, 2024 is set to change these traditional bridal tropes: "I think, in 2024, we'll see loads of individuality. Brides will be wearing different designs, colours, necklines with more of a focus on styles that not only make them look and feel good, but won't look like everyone else. I also think they will be very romantic, textured, patterned with touches of colour. Gone are the white dress brides."

Bloom & Wild's exclusive insights into this year’s most anticipated flower trends

Brace yourselves for a vibrant floral revolution as 2024 bids adieu to the serene luxury trends of 2023, welcoming back maximalism with open arms. Bold statement pieces and lively colours are reclaiming their spotlight in the realms of fashion, interiors, and floral arrangements, marking a dynamic shift in the aesthetic landscape. Jo Reason, Director of Brand & Range at Bloom & Wild, predicts a surge in hyper-colour bouquets featuring fuchsia and electric lilac flowers paired with lime yellow foliages.

De Vere Tortworth Court crowned the best hotel wedding venue in the Southwest

De Vere Tortworth Court, located in Gloucestershire, recently won the award for Best Hotel Venue at The Wedding Industry Awards 2024. Polly Savage, wedding manager at De Vere Tortworth Court, said, "It's an honour to win such a prestigious award. It's so rewarding to know that the work that we do behind the scenes and on couple's wedding days doesn't go unmissed. The whole team are passionate about creating the most perfect day for all our couples and we all work tirelessly to make sure this happens. We're looking forward to welcoming our 2024 brides to De Vere Tortworth Court in the new year."

Wedding trends and tablescaping predictions for 2024

We've seen a number of popular wedding trends take centre stage over the past few years, from the soaring popularity of micro weddings to cosy and intimate sweetheart tables for the happy couple. As we step into 2024, the world of weddings is evolving even further, with couples embracing new and exciting trends and reimagining the art of tablescaping. So, what exactly are the latest nuptial trends, and how can brides and grooms emulate them in their own ceremonies and wedding tablescapes? The tableware experts from Burleigh Pottery are here to share their wedding and tablescaping trend predictions for 2024 to give you the inspiration you need ahead of the big day.

Expert reveals wedding planning tips for newly engaged couples

Samantha Gilchrist, the owner of The Gilchrist Collection, has had the pleasure of working with thousands of married-couples-to-be, across 12 venues in total including three US, making her the expert when it comes to wedding planning: "Valentine's Day is an incredibly popular day for proposals, in fact the search for 'Valentine's Day proposal' is currently up 40% globally!" I love working with newly-engaged couples; but I always encourage them not to wait too long, as they may miss out on getting the best venues, photographers or even end up with key guests of honour unable to attend the big day as they have left sending 'save-the-dates' out until the last minute."

Park Fair returns to the Cotswolds bigger and better this year

Park Fair will return to the Cotswolds bigger and better this year on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of June at the Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire. The weekend will welcome The Toy Box by BRIO, Montrose Group Open Kitchen, Yarnton Home & Garden Makes, the Park Fair Food Market and the Potted Goose Pub for the first time. Park Fair will see The Savills Lounge return along with the House of Hair Braid and Style Boutique and Amie Wine Bar. New and returning boutiques include Ma + Lin, AFF & JAM, Little Garden Shop, ODEONIA, Amuse La Bouche, and Lacuna Child. As always, unlimited fairground rides and music all day will keep the whole family entertained - all within the ticket price that are on sale now.