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

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.

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.

County Wedding Events coming to Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Micklefield Hall, Hertforshire, for inspiration on Sunday 6th October 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.

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.

Horwood House reveals the launch of a new range of Mesotherapy treatments

The recently renovated H Spa at the luxurious, four-star Horwood House Hotel, Spa and Estate set on 38 acres of private land in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside is excited to announce the launch of a new range of Mesotherapy treatments. Brand new to HSpa, this state-of-the-art treatment is designed to rejuvenate the skin, and combat wrinkles, acne, pigmentation and so much more. The Mesolux Treatment uses pain-free, zero downtime, non-invasive electric electromagnetic currents to drive the chosen skin treatment solution deep into skin cells, resulting in a refreshed, relaxed complexion with instantly visible results after just one treatment.

County Wedding Events coming to Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate, for inspiration on Sunday 29th September! 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.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Marloe Watch Company offers Daytimer Collection styles perfect for grooms

The Marloe Watch Company based near Henley-on-Thames recently launched a new line of watches in the Daytimer Collection that make ideal gifts for grooms. The Daytimer is a Swiss-made manual watch with date complications, intended for everyday wear. The broad dials and unobtrusive, subtle design are rooted in simplicity, functionality and ergonomics. The Daytimer comes in four editions: the Madainn; the Black Edition; the Gealach and the Tableau, each featuring a considered, minimalist and pared-back 41mm case with a seconds hand and date window positioned at 6 o'clock. The Madainn, Scottish Gaelic for the morning, and the Black Edition are more minimal and monochromatic while the Gealach, Scottish Gaelic for the moon, and the Tableau both employ a more colourful palette.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

County Wedding Events coming to Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events' wedding show at Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 22nd September! 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. When you arrive at Audleys Wood Hotel, you'll be captivated by the ornate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows of this Victorian mansion. This historic venue is set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by seven acres of picturesque private grounds.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 22nd 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.

Holiday Inn Oxford unveils £12million extension block with new bedrooms

The Holiday Inn Oxford has unveiled a £ 12 million extension block including 66 additional bedrooms, new meeting facilities and a locally inspired mural in the courtyard. The extension block features a reception area and check-in desk for full on-site support for guests. The homely new bedrooms feature modern interiors and amenities with calming neutral colours plus warm pops of colour and locally inspired artwork. There is space to relax or work with a comfortable sofa and spacious desk, with many rooms featuring scenic green views. Family and accessible rooms are also available. The new meeting and event room can be adapted for a wide range of business or social occasions with space for 100 guests with the latest audio-visual equipment, full catering and on-site parking.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

Enjoy an Opera Dinner with Belle Voci at The Feathered Nest Inn

The stunning Feathered Nest Inn pub and restaurant in Nether Westcote, has partnered up with The Voice UK's finalists, opera duo Belle Voci for a unique opera dinner on Thursday 5th September. Classical chart-topping duo Emily and Sophie from Belle Voci will perform a mix of light opera, and modern musical theatre classics, while guests enjoy six courses of delectable food with matching wines surrounded by a backdrop of rolling Cotswold Hills. Head Chef Renemar Pinedo has created a special six-course seasonal and locally sourced tasting menu and, with The Feathered Nest Inn boasting one of the largest wine selections in the Cotswolds, naturally, there will be an accompanying carefully chosen wine flight to match while the Belle Voci duo entertain.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.