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

Discover Michelin-trained Loic Gratadoux from Frenchman in the Kitchen

Michelin-trained Loic Gratadoux, chef and founder of Frenchman in the Kitchen, has noted a growing demand for his private chef services amongst couples and their families seeking to take the stress out of the days leading up to weddings. He comments, "More and more couples with a love of good food are booking my services for two to three days before their wedding. It's not just the big day they're thinking about, but the exciting – and, let's face it, slightly stressful – days when couples often have family staying with them or nearby. I provide a full-day Personal Chef service, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner as required (as healthy or as indulgent as they like), and I always ensure that everything is kept clean and tidy. Some couples choose to write their menus, some prefer me to provide a sample menu to guide their choices, and some of my more adventurous clients want me to surprise them with the best seasonal produce I can find to create wow gastronomic delights.

Elope in style - expert advice

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months, searches for 'elopement weddings UK' are up +83%, 'elopement wedding packages UK' increased by +85%, and 'intimate weddings UK' have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for intimate weddings. To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like. Why are elopements becoming more popular? Topping the list of factors driving couples towards intimate weddings is the quest to manage expenses. More than a third (32%) of respondents highlighted financial constraints as the primary factor influencing their decision to opt for a smaller celebration.

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

Check out Minstead Lodge in New Forest

Minstead Lodge, a charming country house wedding venue in the heart of the New Forest, is a living testament to history and elegance. Constructed back in 1832, this resplendent building and its gardens still proudly display original features, such as oak panelling and expansive bay windows. The Lodge offers exclusive use of four rooms, each with a unique wedding setting, inviting couples to enter a bygone era of romance and grandeur. The grounds of Minstead Lodge are a picturesque haven featuring lush, tiered gardens, a serene Japanese garden and a tranquil pond. A beautiful array of flowers adds a touch of colour and charm throughout the grounds.

Most popular TikTok wedding car revealed

Gone are the days of a horse-drawn carriage or a Rolls Royce pulling up to the wedding chapel, now it's all about modern cars! Couples across the UK are planning their dream weddings, with a twist. Searches for 'modern wedding cars' have surged by 60% in the last month according to Google Trends, signalling a shift from traditional vintage choices to sleek, contemporary vehicles that add a touch of modern elegance to the special day. ATS Euromaster, the tyre, MOT and vehicle services provider, has analysed TikTok hashtags and trends to reveal the changing popularity of wedding cars, both vintage and modern. Additionally, ATS has estimated rental costs for three-hour periods to help couples choose the perfect car for their special day.

Discover Reilly Cakes new studio

Amanda Reilly at Reilly Cakes is excited to hold consultations and tasting appointments at her new home studio. Here, displaying pictures and cakes will inspire clients to help with the design process. She's always happy to offer advice, especially when couples choose flavours. Showstopper bakes are about how they look and, very importantly, how they taste! All the supplier's cakes are individually made to order using locally sourced ingredients where possible. Amanda is constantly upgrading her flavour list and experimenting with different ingredients. A few favourites at the moment include peach melba with pistachio, white chocolate paired with cherry Bakewell, white chocolate and raspberry plus lemon, as well as elderflower complemented with coffee and orange.

National Art Pass - perfect wedding gift for culture lovers

A National Art Pass is a great way to enjoy time at hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, and the Double Membership makes the perfect wedding gift for any culture lovers! Annual membership is only £88.50* and lets the happy couple enjoy free entry to hundreds of cultural destinations, plus 50% off major exhibitions, and special shop and café discounts. What's more, two cards will be issued for the happy couple!

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Discover Key West Bar & Grill in Bournemouth

Located on the Bournemouth Pier, Key West Bar & Grill offers the only backdrop for licensed ceremonies and wedding receptions with magnificent 270-degree views of Bournemouth Bay, the Isle of Wight and Studland for the perfect backdrop. Tie the knot under the English sun on the outdoor terrace or inside, where panoramic windows provide the perfect backdrop for amazing photo opportunities. The team is dedicated to hosting big days from the moment couples say "I do" until they dance the night away under the enchanting light-up disco ball ceiling, creating a truly unforgettable experience! The bespoke wedding package includes everything needed for perfect weddings.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

Rhe Amore announces a new collection

Rhe Amore is excited to introduce the arrival of the leather wedding and bridesmaid gift accessories collection. The team has carefully designed a selection of wedding day accessories perfect for brides, bridesmaids, maids-of-honour and mother-of-the-brides/grooms. Each item is handmade from soft Italian leather in the Isle of Wight Studio. Prices range from £14 to £45, so a wider range of products fit different budgets. Wedding accessories were one of the company's most requested product categories last year, so they developed a range of practical and stylish products for nuptials or to give as bridesmaid gifts. Most can be personalised, making them extra special. This collection is live on the business's website and is proving popular as the wedding season begins.

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Exchange vows at Smedmore House

Located in the serene Dorset countryside, Smedmore House offers a picturesque setting with sweeping sea views, creating the perfect backdrop for romantic and memorable occasions. The dedicated team is committed to providing a relaxed environment, ensuring weddings are stress-free and enjoyable. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies in one of five elegant rooms inside the house (up to 60 guests), outside the Walled Garden or Avenue (unlimited guests), or anywhere else on the grounds. For marquee weddings, the lawn at the front of the house makes an excellent spot with the backdrop of the Georgian house, hills on one side and the sea on the other.

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

Thank the wedding party with The Happy Blossoms

For the ultimate in floral gifting this spring, give a dried flower bouquet from The Happy Blossoms to thank loved ones who've helped with wedding planning. Each bouquet from this limited-edition collection is wrapped in bespoke luxury pastel paper and is available in three designs. Renowned for its Insta-famous Baked Blossoms and commitment to crafting stunning dried flower arrangements, the company invites customers to experience the magic of springtime in every petal. Handcrafted with love and care in Dorset, by the talented mother-daughter duo Barbara and Lauren, each bouquet is a testament to the beauty of nature and spreading joy through colour and flowers.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.