Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Holiday Inn Winchester has transformed into Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa

Holiday Inn Winchester has transformed into Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa after an extensive eight-month renovation that cost £2 million. Last year, voco Hotels was recognised as the top premium brand and is currently IHG's fastest-growing premium offering, known for delivering a unique and thoughtful hotel experience. Originally established in 2010, this modern hotel is situated on the outskirts of the stunning South Downs National Park and is just a five minute drive from Winchester City Centre. It underwent a £2.5 million upgrade in 2019, followed by another refurbishment in 2024 when it adopted the Voco brand. The Hotel features 131 elegantly designed rooms, including double, twin, accessible, premium, and grand options, along with a suite.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Check out this new wedding venue, Almer Manor in the Dorset countryside

The team behind Abbots Court is thrilled to announce the expansion of its wedding offerings with the launch of Dorset's newest wedding venue, Almer Manor, set to commence hosting weddings from 2025 onwards. Having spearheaded the successful redevelopment of Abbots Court over the past three years, witnessing its transformation from a rustic rural retreat to a breathtaking backdrop for idyllic weddings, the team is eager to replicate this standard of excellence at Almer Manor. As part of the new wedding offering, guests will be treated to an array of picture-perfect offerings. The wedding ceremonies will accommodate up to 100 people, while wedding breakfasts can host up to 120 guests, and evening events can entertain up to 150 attendees. Launching in June 2025, Almer Manor Weddings will captivate guests with its historic charm, featuring the Manor House with its own tennis court and cottage complete with newly refurbished rooms, a kitchen and even a dedicated games room. Couples will have the privilege of exchanging vows amidst the serene beauty of the gardens under the stone pergola or within the neighbouring historic Almer Church.

Discover the team behind Hayley Cowlard Photography

As a passionate wedding supplier, Hayley Cowlard Photography specialises in capturing colourful and candid moments that tell unique love stories. Her focus is on the clients, their partners, and loved ones, as she believes wedding photography should reflect the day's genuine emotions and special connections. With a background in photography and ongoing education in the field, she holds a distinction in Level 4 HNC Photography. She's currently pursuing a Level 5 at South Hampshire College Group. The supplier brings a wealth of experience from various artistic disciplines, including film and fashion. Additionally, she volunteers her photography skills for multiple causes and charities. Her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is evident through her collaborations with organisations such as Southampton Pride, where she serves as a photographer for Pride events.

Ashdown Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Ashdown Park, East Sussex for inspiration on Sunday 13th April, 2025! 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. Surrounded by the Ashdown Forest, which according to the famous children's author, A. A. Milne, is the woodland that inspired his Winnie The Pooh stories, the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club offers the heights of luxury in the heart of East Sussex.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Kimbridge Barn in Romsey hits record-breaking figures

Kimbridge Barn in Romsey has concluded another eventful summer, marking its sixth full year in business with record-breaking figures! The venue, which held the title of Best Wedding Venue in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, has concluded its sixth summer of unique events. Kris Anderson has been the General Manager since the venue's opening in 2018 and has overseen its growth. She comments, "It's been amazing to see how far we've come in six years, especially considering the challenges we faced during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Now, we're the only venue in the region offering such a unique blend of events. Since 2018, we have hosted more than 250 weddings and served over 10,000 luxury afternoon teas. Our average annual footfall in our first year was approximately 30,000, compared to this year's estimated annual footfall of 75,000."

The Ivy Collection opens in Bournemouth, Dorset

Bournemouth welcomes a dazzling new addition to its dining scene, as The Ivy Collection opens its 42nd restaurant in the heart of the seaside town. The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie promises to bring its signature blend of high-quality food, exceptional service, and an all-day dining experience that locals and visitors alike will cherish. Located by Bournemouth Square, just a stone's throw from the town's  iconic golden sands, The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie will offer something special every day of the week. From early morning breakfasts to late-night cocktails, the restaurant will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for up to 208 guests. For those seeking the British sun, it features an outside terrace for 50 guests, making it the perfect spot for everything from special occasions to festive events.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.

Quality Over Quantity: The Surge of Micro Weddings

The modern couple are ditching large lavish weddings and choosing a more intimate affair. A micro wedding is a wedding that has less than 50 guests and focuses more on the meaningfulness of the day rather than the spectacle. Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co, unpacks the surge of this trend and why more couples are leaning towards smaller events.

De Vere Horsley Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at De Vere Horsley Estate, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 16th March 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. A secret chapel, beautifully tiled cloisters, and a lakeside 19th-century mansion; De Vere Horsley Estate near Guildford creates an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding day.

How to avoid overspending on your wedding budget

It is a special time for you and your partner, planning the perfect event to celebrate your love with friends and family. However, it can often become stressful as people try to fit such a big event into their budgets. With the average wedding for 2025 coming to a total of £20,822, getting everything from drinks to décor can be a chore. Lake District Country Hotels, providers of wedding venues in the Lake District, pair with James Beckett, financial coach and founder of MoneyStocker.com, to help you budget your way to your big day.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.