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

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery wins award

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery offers a truly unique wedding ceremony venue in the heart of Dorset and was awarded Bronze Wedding Venue of the Year in the Dorset Tourism Awards 2023/2024. The setting could not be more striking and is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. The Victorian Hall's high ceilings adorned with intricate designs, stained-glass rose windows, and Roman mosaic flooring will help create memorable weddings. The venue's wedding package includes the support of the events team, who will be on hand leading up to and on the day of weddings to help make dreams a reality.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Discover Hannah Rose Flowers in Andover

Based in the heart of the Test Valley, Hannah Rose Flowers began its floral journey in 2015 through a lifelong love of flowers. The owner, Hannah Rose, found her passion while helping her grandparents with their small cut flower business from an early age. She now specialises in weddings and events using high-quality blooms. With years of experience under her belt, Hannah offers country-style arrangements while often taking inspiration from the changing seasons and beautiful Hampshire countryside. For those looking for British flowers, she can source stunning locally grown florals just a few miles from her workshop. She also grows a few of her summer blooms and offers a range of items, such as milk churns and votives, that are available to hire.

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Exchange vows at Westgate Hall in Southampton

This waterfront treasure is sure to fit the bill for those with a classic, historic, and vintage style on their wedding wish list. With vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, the recently restored Westgate Hall is a ceremony venue with a difference. Tucked away within the Medieval walls of Southampton, the 15th-century timber-framed building has a magical atmosphere. Dressed with roses tumbling from the beams, the first-floor ceremony room can accommodate up to 74 seated guests for the "I do". Post-vows, the ancient walls overlooking the water are a popular spot for standout photos. Did you know? Westgate Hall was once situated in St Michael's Square, the town's fish market and cloth hall.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Check out Corbins Florist in Brockenhurst

Corbins Florist is situated in the heart of Brockenhurst, where ponies, donkeys and cows roam freely amongst shops and businesses. Those who have visited know it's a busy shop full of flowers, plants, beautiful scents, lots of chatter, creativity and a friendly atmosphere. Owner Sarah Wilkins has worked in the industry since she was 15 years old. While gaining experience in various florist shops in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, she decided to gain the (ICSF) Level 4 Higher Diploma Floristry and the Certificate in Education to teach floristry. Once completed, she taught floristry at Oaklands College in St Albans as well as Bournemouth & Poole College for more than 10 years.

New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades

Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.

New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season

Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.

Exchange vows at God’s House Tower in Southampton

Say "I do" in one of Southampton's most iconic and captivating monuments! Nestled in the heart of Southampton's picturesque Old Town is the stunning multi-purpose venue: God's House Tower (GHT).  Set within the city's Medieval defensive walls, GHT offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, and after an extensive refurbishment is now enjoying its present-day incarnation as a cutting-edge arts, heritage and event space. With its captivating interior and charming historic surroundings, this 700-year-old Grade I ancient monument houses a variety of settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions, for intimate to grand celebrations.  The Crawford Room is the oldest corner of the building, featuring an ancient wooden beamed roof with dramatic views overlooking the Old Town.

7 top tips for including your pooch in your wedding

Considering including your pooch at your wedding? Here are 7 top tips from Petpals. With 57% of UK households boasting a furry friend, it is no wonder many couples dream of having their beloved dog join them on their special day. In fact, a whopping eight in 10 Brits say they would want their four-legged companion to be part of their wedding festivities. But before you entrust your pooch with the role of ring bearer, it is essential to be well prepared to ensure that your big day is nothing short of paw-some for both you and your pup. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the UK's longest-established pet-care franchise, shares some top tips on how to seamlessly incorporate your canine companion into your wedding day.

How to avoid guests over indulging on alcoholic drinks on the big day

One in six (16 per cent) wedding guests admit to driving home the morning after a wedding, when they could still be over the alcohol limit, reveals new research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance. In a bid to remind drivers about the risks of getting behind the wheel after celebratory drinking, a car was crashed into a three-metre-high wedding cake outside Blenheim Palace2, one of the UK's most instagramable wedding venues.

With one in five (20 per cent) guests saying they have been driven home by someone they thought was over the drink drive limit, the morning after celebrating nuptials, the smashed wedding cake highlights the risks involved with driving the morning after.

6 Star Wars cocktails for the ultimate Star Wars hen do

Calling all brides-to-be and their intergalactic squadrons! Prepare to elevate your hen party to new heights as leading hen party company Fizzbox teams up with magical tavern, The Cauldron, to concoct a range of Star Wars cocktails, perfect for celebrating the bride's journey to the galaxy of marriage! Set your blasters to fun as The Cauldron's mixologists transport you to a galaxy far, far away with their selection of otherworldly drinks inspired by the iconic saga. From Darth Vader-inspired concoctions to drinks that will have you feeling like you're partying on the Millennium Falcon, there's something to delight every Jedi bride and her entourage.

The most popular wedding cars of 2024 and how much they will cost

As we head into the Spring/Summer wedding season, many couples will be tying up the last elements of their weddings before the big day. Often left to the last minute is transport, with many couples wanting to arrive and leave their wedding venues in style. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts decided to investigate which cars are the most popular when it comes to wedding hire, and also how much hiring one will set you back. To work out the most popular wedding car of 2024, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has analysed Google search volumes, Google search trends and TikTok data including the number of posts per model, monthly searches and the YoY search trend.

Wedding homeware from Addison Ross

The heart and soul of British luxury Addison Ross, is a family owned British brand started in 1978; from a small business, it has now grown into a global sensation with a vast offering including an exquisite range of luxury homeware essentials that create the ideal wedding tablescape or wedding gift. A recent collaboration with India Hicks, saw the launch of a beautiful new photo frame collection, which India (King Charles' Goddaughter) used for her own wedding photos. These wonderful frames can also be used to create special moments at weddings including framing seating charts or cocktail menus!

Book florist Willow and Sage for your wedding day

The team at Willow and Sage are passionate about providing amazing flowers for every wedding; there's no one-size-fits-all approach in their design process. A lower budget should not mean lower care or less thoughtfulness from a florist. They thrive on crafting beautiful floral designs regardless of the price, whether it's an extravagant celebration, an intimate ceremony, a micro-wedding or an elopement. The friendly team of creatives love nothing more than designing pieces for unique people and will do all they can to make visions come to life. Owner Elinor Delargy spent her early professional years working with polo ponies and felt incredibly lucky to have found a second enduring passion later in her working life.

Young Brits looking to get hitched face saving for 30 Months

Young couples are faced with saving for over 30 months to reach their wedding savings goals, according to new research from Nationwide that charts what Brits are saving for in 2024.One in six young people are currently putting money away for their dream wedding. On average, these love birds are aiming to save £17,000 in preparation for their wedding – although the costs will likely be higher as many will also benefit from contributions from family and friends. Based on average monthly individual savings of £282, it would take a typical couple saving a combined £564 around 31 months to reach their target.*