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

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Celebrate your big day with award-winning English wine from Hattingley

Celebrate that special day by raising a glass of Hattingley's finest English sparkling wine. The team offers wedding packages tailored to fit every occasion, complete with bespoke options that add a personal touch to the big day. Whether it's cosy gatherings or grand celebrations, there's a package that suits every need, ranging from the Modest Bash to the Not So Modest and the Bloody Big Bash. Lovebirds can enjoy a complimentary tour of the Hampshire winery, where they can sample an impressive portfolio of award-winning still and sparkling wines. Plus, there are delightful perks like bottle engraving and complimentary shipping on qualifying purchases, making it worthwhile to go directly to Hattingley Valley Winery. Founded in 2008 by Simon Robinson, the winery is a family-owned gem in rural Hampshire. What began as a farm diversification project has blossomed into one of the UK's standout wineries, boasting more than 180 awards and 16 trophies.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.

Plan your dream wedding aboard HMS Warrior

Step aboard HMS Warrior for weddings surrounded by breathtaking views of Portsmouth Harbour. This iconic Victorian warship offers a setting unlike any other, where history meets romance on the water. Exchange vows on the restored deck with panoramic harbour views, then celebrate with sunset-lit photos on the Upper Deck. As the evening unfolds, move to the elegant Officer's Half Deck for truly memorable receptions. The experienced team works closely with couples and top-tier suppliers to perfect every detail, from floral arrangements to bespoke catering. Licensed for civil ceremonies and available year-round, HMS Warrior provides a spectacular backdrop for weddings of all sizes. Book a viewing today and start planning the perfect waterfront wedding.

Solent Hotel and Spa unveils stunning new wellness facilities after major renovation

Ideally situated between Portsmouth and Southampton, the Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham, part of Daniel Thwaites group, has recently revealed the stunning transformation of its award-winning wellness space following an impressive six-figure renovation. The refurbishment features a brand-new pool area along with a salt sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and storm shower. The design draws inspiration from the hotel's coastal surroundings, incorporating calming blues and lush greenery that evoke a sense of tranquillity. In partnership with renowned French skincare brand Caudalie and the award-winning team at TEMPLESPA, the Solent Hotel and Spa has curated a treatment menu designed to provide the body with the tender love and care it truly deserves.

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.

Unique wedding trends 2025: Film photography surges 50%

Three in five couples plan to incorporate unique elements into their wedding, and with the world of choice at the end of our fingertips, inspiration is flying in from all angles. But which of the net's most loved delights have seen the most significant interest surges since last summer? To find out, the team at Aura Print scoured social media platforms to discover what's been hot, and gathered Pinterest and Google Trends data to reveal their most adored trends that have shot up since last summer.

Say ‘I do’ with a sea view at Key West Bar & Grill

Located on Bournemouth Pier, Key West Bar & Grill offers the only backdrop for licensed ceremonies and wedding receptions with a magnificent 270-degree view of Bournemouth Bay, the Isle of Wight and Studland. 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. The bespoke wedding package is tailor-made for 60 guests with the option to increase to 140 guests for ceremonies and receptions, plus even more for evening celebrations. Enquire today to create forgettable memories in the South's most unique and iconic location!

Happily ever after - making plans for the future

As nearlyweds, you may not be thinking about what happens beyond the end of your natural lives together - that's not the exciting bit - Katharine Bundell, a barrister at 4PB shares advice in this article that could make your loved ones' lives a lot easier if anything happens to you. Death and taxes remain fairly inevitable. On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Kimbridge Barn recognised among the best wedding venues in the UK

Kimbridge Barn near Romsey has been awarded the Wedding Events Team of the Year title for the Central South region at the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards held in London. Recognised as the gold standard in the wedding sector, the awards celebrate excellence across all aspects of planning and delivery. Winners and finalists are chosen based on glowing client feedback from couples and rigorous judging by a panel of industry experts. Kris Anderson, Operations Manager at Kimbridge Barn, has overseen the venue's growth in popularity since opening in 2018. He says, "While we didn't take home the national title, being recognised as a finalist in such a prestigious competition is an incredible achievement for our team.

Why the bar at your wedding shouldn’t be an afterthought

In the grand orchestration of a wedding, couples often obsess over floral arrangements, lighting design and detailed seating charts. The dress, the photographer, the five-course dinner - each element is painstakingly curated. And yet, one of the most powerful forces behind a wedding's success is consistently left until the eleventh hour: the bar! Let's be honest, it's not often you hear a couple say: "First things first, let's lock in a great bar team." But maybe they should. "You can spend months working on the seating plan or deciding the perfect shade of napkin, but if the bar's giving bored function-room energy, it can all quickly lose its magic," says Luke Shelton-Sharp, co-founder of room two, the London-based cocktail studio and event planner.

The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings. Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.

Hen Party Treats- Big Day Cakes

To begin planning your hen party you need to set a budget first so you can make sure you'll still have enough money to spend on your actual wedding. Once that's decided you need to choose a theme and factor in the cost of the decorations and other things you may buy. You'll also have to create a guest list consisting of only your closest friends before moving onto picking the date, location and some activities to do. In need of some inspiration for what to do at your hen party? There is a variety of options to choose that will fit your fancy venturing from whether you want to do something adventurous like rock climbing or canyoning or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day calming down and doing something relaxing such as having a spa day or afternoon tea.

How Much Should You Really Gift At Weddings In 2025?

Many people are unsure of how much money to give when they attend a wedding, statistics showed Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' soared by a whopping 5,000% in April of 2025 alone and 11% of guests go into debt just to attend a wedding, with the average spend hitting £451. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes, has broken down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

Elmers Court offers timeless elegance for unforgettable weddings

Nestled within 23 acres of stunning grounds, this 19th-century manor house beautifully preserves its original charm, offering a magical backdrop for special occasions and breathtaking photography opportunities throughout the year. The Ballroom is the heart of Elmers Court is one of three rooms licensed for civil ceremonies. Featuring a soaring sculpted ceiling, grand fireplace, and dancefloor, it accommodates up to 100 guests for wedding breakfasts and 180 guests for evening celebrations. It connects to the Music Bar, creating a lively atmosphere for the evenings. The Waterford Room is ideal for civil ceremonies with up to 100 guests. Overlooking the Queen Mary lawn and the Solent, this space exudes grandeur with classic décor. For intimate weddings, the Glenville Room offers a cosy setting for up to 50 guests. With its sizable fireplace and charming character, it requires little additional decoration. During warmer months, the Veranda offers an outdoor ceremony space with stunning views, providing a picturesque setting for vows.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

Elevate your big day with Grainmarket’s sophisticated wedding alpacas

Couples can elevate their wedding day with Grainmarket Wedding Alpacas, where sophistication meets charm. This dedicated team provides beautifully groomed, friendly alpacas to help make special days truly unforgettable. The alpacas add a unique touch of elegance, offering enchanting photo opportunities and a memorable experience for guests. Whether as part of the reception, a feature in photos, or a delightful surprise for loved ones, these gentle animals bring joy and distinction to any celebration. Contact the team today to discuss wedding plans, check availability, and let them create a bespoke package tailored to individual needs.

New Babymoon Package offers peaceful escape in the heart of the New Forest

Arriving in Spring 2025, the Babymoon Package at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in the New Forest promises an idyllic retreat for expectant parents, offering the ultimate blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. This thoughtfully designed experience allows couples to relish quality time together and savour those precious moments before their little one arrives. From the moment they enter their room, guests are welcomed by an exclusive Babymoon Box. Inside, they'll find a curated selection of luxurious self-care products, including natural items from GAIA Skincare. The Mother GAIA Tummy Balm and Body Oil are specially crafted to nourish and protect skin during and after pregnancy, promoting healing and skin regeneration.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs:

New Bridal Collection Donates £50 Per Dress to Local Animal Charity

At Chameleon Bride, the team believes that love, fashion and compassion go hand in hand. That's why they are proud to introduce The Sanctuary Collection – an exclusive in-house bridal label designed with both heart and purpose. This carefully curated collection embodies timeless elegance, offering brides exquisite gowns while also making a meaningful impact. With every dress sold, the team donates £50 to a local animal welfare charity, creating a sanctuary not just for brides but for animals in need. Each quarter, the the team selects a new charity partner to support. This season, they're excited to collaborate with Every Paw Matters, a local organisation providing food, foster homes and veterinary care for animals in crisis.