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

Find your wedding musicians at Mercedes-Benz World

If you're still on the hunt for your wedding entertainment pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October where you can see Charlotte May Vocals perform. Charlotte can't wait to meet you! As your wedding singer, she'll add the perfect musical touch to your special day, creating unforgettable memories with live music tailored just for you. Visit her at the Wedding Show to say hello and discover an exclusive discount available only at the show.

Enjoy the Awesome Autumn package at Donnington Valley in Berkshire

With colder months drawing in, there's no better place to retreat to than a cosy UK-based spa-cation. Imagine lounging in warming saunas and steam rooms, kicking back in bubbling vitality pools, and indulging in targeted treatments. At Donnington Valley hotel nestled in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, the Awesome Autumn package has been unveiled. Welcoming guests to their comfortable, stylish room on arrival will be a Germaine de Capuccini Skincare spa gift. From here, visitors are encouraged to visit the spa where they can indulge in the finest facilities and try one of the face and body treatments on offer on the extensive spa menu (treatments cost extra).

Simply Luxury Escapes can help with your honeymoon!

At Simply Luxury Escapes, we specialize in curating bespoke honeymoons featuring destinations worldwide. Each couple receives the personal attention of a dedicated coordinator who guides them through every step of their journey, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Plus, we offer a best price guarantee! Since 2008, we have been creating unforgettable honeymoons and destination weddings. Our expertise is reflected in the happiness of hundreds of couples, as seen in their glowing 5-star reviews. As the winner of the 'Best Travel Company for Luxury Holidays' at The British Travel Awards and recognized by the St. Lucian Tourist Board for our exceptional honeymoon services, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to perfection.

Visit us at the show to discover why Simply Luxury Escapes is the perfect choice for a unique and personalized honeymoon experience. Plus, don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper, Afternoon Tea at The Shard, and a £100 John Lewis voucher!

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

Alma Makes joins County Wedding Events for the first time

We're excited to announce that Alma Makes will be joining the upcoming County Wedding Events team for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show! Alma Makes specialises in bespoke flower preservation and personalised memorial keepsakes in Surrey; transforming cherished memories into timeless pieces of art, preserving the beauty of wedding bouquets, memorial flowers, and pet tributes in resin. "We're also pleased to invite you to visit us at the upcoming County Wedding Events' show," shares Alma. "We'll be showcasing our latest creations and offering special promotions exclusively for event attendees.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Meet Maki's Cakes at Mercedes-Benz World for the first time

Maki's Cakes is excited to be showcasing its work for the first time at the upcoming, County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz Wedding on Sunday 13th October! Meet the designer, Makiko Searle and explore its bespoke wedding cakes, custom designs and delicious treats, all crafted with precision and creativity. "We look forward to seeing you at the show!" says award-winning cake designer Makiko.

The lowdown from formalwear expert Stephen Bishop Suiting

Regular show favourite Stephen Bishop from Woking-based formal menswear store Stephen Bishop Suiting shares his top advice for choosing your big-day attire. What's more, Stephen will be on hand, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, on 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on 13th October - here he can answer all of your wedding day questions and will have a huge selection of his suits and coordinating accessories on display. Established in 2013, Stephen Bishop Suiting opened specifically to offer men a higher-end, one-stop-shop for formal wear, specifically with weddings in mind. I'm a multi-award-winning formal wear specialist with more than 30 years of experience.

Showstopping cars from Ultimate Classic Car Hire

Tony Allen began turning his teenage passion for collecting classic motor vehicles to good use by lending his cars for friends' weddings. Then, way back in 1990, as the collection grew, he established his classic car hire business: Ultimate Classic Car Hire. The company, and some of its fleet will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, 2024. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially into one of the most impressive in the South East of England. Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, now offers a remarkable selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars.

Wedding flower inspiration from floral designer Dawn Jennings

Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to meet floral designer Dawn Jennings who will be exhibiting at the event. "Myself and the team are all qualified and professional florists and pride ourselves in being outstanding creatives and visual storytellers - always making dazzling fresh floral designs that are individually unique as every one of our couples!

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Woodstock tops Muddy Stilettos reader vote of Best Places to Live in Oxfordshire

Award-winning luxury lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos announces the winners of its Best Places To Live series in association with global property consultancy Knight Frank with Woodstock topping the list in Oxfordshire. Muddy Stilettos asked its readers to vote for the best local village, town or city to call home in 2024 using its Top 260 Places to Live guide. In a regional vote across 29 counties, Woodstock topped the poll of 10 potential candidates in Oxfordshire. From towns to villages and hamlets, each of the initial 260 locations were independently researched and picked by the in-the-know Muddy Editorial team, and then more than 27,500 readers went on to vote. Woodstock is a great place to host a wedding, a fine Georgian town with a distinctive Royal heritage.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Crowne Plaza Marlow offers the Lakeside and Marlow wedding packages

Recently fully refurbished, the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Marlow Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of the Thames Valley close to High Wycombe and Maidenhead. The hotel is nestled in five acres of landscaped grounds and is home to a private lake. It also boasts the AA Rosette Awarded Glaze Restaurant, the Quad Wellness & Spa with a 19-metre heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, Life Fitness gym, sauna, steam room, and range of pampering spa treatment rooms to ensure a relaxing stay. This modern British and authentic Indian wedding venue enjoys the photographic backdrop of the popular Marlow area. Civil ceremonies take place in the stylish Winterlake Suite, with stunning views of the lake and lawns, capable of hosting up to 400 guests.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

PoB Hotels latest brand ambassador George Clarke encourages guests to live an inspired life

The latest brand ambassador for PoB Hotels, the architect, designer and presenter George Clarke encourages guests to live an inspired life. Whether travellers are marvelling at nature's beauty, carving out moments for wellness and tranquility, embracing the simple pleasures of a delicious meal, or simply relishing the present moment, there's no better place to do this than one of Britain's most magical hotels with properties in Devon, Berkshire, Oxfordshire as well as nationwide. PoB Hotels is proud to announce its latest brand ambassador: national treasure George Clarke. Through his ambassadorship with PoB Hotels, George will be celebrating all things modern design and architecture.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

County Wedding Events coming to Burnham Beeches Hotel, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Burnham Beeches Hotel, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 29th September 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.