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

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.

This new cleaning trend is ruining your engagement ring!

The newest trend to clean engagement rings with a coffee steamer, whilst entertaining to watch, is a sure-fire way to ruin your precious ring! We have to be very careful about our jewels and must not forget that it is four simple prongs that hold in our sparkling beauties. To educate us as to why this hack should get the sack is Neil Dutta, managing director of the engagement ring specialists, Angelic Diamonds

B Calm Introduces a Personalised Body and Face Care Set

Born from Becky's personal journey of healing, B Calm offers beautifully designed, organic products to support modern women in finding daily balance and calm. In May 2025 they will proudly unveils their latest innovation – the Personalised Body + Face Care Set. Designed to empower individuals to create a unique self-care ritual, this customisable trio features a hydrating mist, nourishing carrier oil, and pure essential oil blend to support radiant skin and holistic well-being.

New Study Reveals the Best Places in England to Get Married

With wedding season fast approaching, the wedding experts at F.Hinds have analysed hundreds of the best wedding venues that England has to offer, to uncover where nearly-weds should be adding to their shortlist this summer. The study considered several factors such as popularity, reviews and weather predictions and awarded bonus points for how "Instagrammable" the aesthetic is. The systematic scoring system has revealed the "best of the best" English wedding venues for couples planning a wedding in 2025.

Historic Charm Meets Modern Luxury at Milton Abbey

Milton Abbey stands out as one of the most stunning wedding venues in Dorset, perfectly nestled in the enchanting Delcombe Valley. This picturesque setting, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds designed by the renowned Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, is conveniently located just a short drive from Blandford and Dorchester. Couples will find everything needed for their special day here, from the impressive 14th-Century Abbey church to the exclusive use of the elegant State Rooms for receptions and evening celebrations. The venue also boasts an exceptional catering team, ready to whip up bespoke dishes that reflect each couple's unique tastes. Plus, with a dedicated Wedding Coordinator available to guide them through the planning process, every detail can be tailored to create a truly memorable experience.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

Introducing Almer Manor: Dorset’s Newest Luxury Wedding Venue Launching in 2025

Milton Abbey stands out as one of the most stunning wedding venues in Dorset, perfectly nestled in the enchanting Delcombe Valley. This picturesque setting, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds designed by the renowned Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, is conveniently located just a short drive from Blandford and Dorchester. Couples will find everything needed for their special day here, from the impressive 14th-Century Abbey church to the exclusive use of the elegant State Rooms for receptions and evening celebrations. The venue also boasts an exceptional catering team, ready to whip up bespoke dishes that reflect each couple's unique tastes. Plus, with a dedicated Wedding Coordinator available to guide them through the planning process, every detail can be tailored to create a truly memorable experience.

Celebrate Love with Coastal Elegance and Charm

Approached via a unique causeway entrance, Hayling Island Sailing Club sits on a peninsula of golden sand at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. The clubhouse, dining room, bars and balconies offer unrivalled views over the harbour and South Downs. Along with its very own private sandy beach, the club provides a memorable backdrop for weddings. Why not arrive in style by boat and make a grand entrance along the floating bridge pontoon? At the foot of the A3, Chichester Harbour is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Less than two hours from central London by train and down the road from Southampton airport, access by road, rail or air couldn't be easier. Whether for small ceremonies or large receptions and celebrations on the beach with drinks on the private balcony, the experienced team will guide couples through every step and promise nothing less than perfection. Choose from a variety of canapés, food, and drinks menu packages. For bespoke menus, the catering team will happily accommodate every need.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

The Gathering Barn offers magnificent views and easily accessible rural isolation

In a stunning location on the South Wiltshire Downs, The Gathering Barn offers magnificent views and easily accessible, rural isolation. Meanwhile, the ancient brick and flint barns boast high-end, modern facilities while retaining their idyllic rustic charm. The barns are linked around a pretty south facing courtyard, great for relaxing and games. Here, you can delight in wide-reaching views, gardens, fields, parkland and epic industrial barns providing a backdrop for endless photographic opportunities. Exclusive Thursday morning to Sunday afternoon hire is available. This four-day celebration allows you to enjoy two large barns aiding a seamless transition between ceremony, meal and party. They team here is all about total flexibility so, you're permitted to choose your own suppliers including caterers.

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.