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

Hampshire wedding network styled shoot showcases diversity and sustainability

Andrea Strong from the Hampshire Wedding Network teamed up with Dom Brenton Photography for a late spring styled shoot at a stately home with stunning grounds. Featuring a same-sex couple, dresses from The Bridal Mill, hair and makeup by Lucy Marie Bridal, and silk flowers from The Floral Hire, the shoot embraced diversity and sustainability. Celebrant Helen Crook led a mock ceremony, the Figaro convertible from Family Tree Wedding Cars added classic charm, and the team enjoyed an al fresco wedding breakfast styled by Event Perfection. The couple then cut their cake from Wildflower Cake Studio amid the beautiful wisteria walk designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Harper Weddings launches live 3D virtual tours of Cain Manor and other exclusive UK venues to simplify wedding planning

Harper Weddings has introduced live virtual tours across its three exclusive-use UK venues, including Cain Manor in Hampshire, making wedding planning easier than ever. Couples can now enjoy immersive 3D Matterport tours guided in real-time by the Harper Weddings team, offering a full walk-through experience from the comfort of home. Ideal for busy professionals, international couples, or those early in their venue search, the feature allows users to explore ceremony spaces, interiors, and overnight accommodation interactively. Visitors can also self-navigate each venue at their own pace via the Harper Weddings website, gaining a detailed sense of layout, atmosphere, and design. Discover more at harperweddingvenues.co.uk/cain-manor.

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

The Cosmetic Skin Clinic expands to Bournemouth and Lymington offering expert non-surgical aesthetic treatments

The Private Clinic Group has expanded The Cosmetic Skin Clinic into new locations, strengthening its non-surgical aesthetics division under one unified brand. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic Bournemouth, formerly River Aesthetics, is just steps from award-winning beaches and is led by renowned doctors Victoria Manning and Charlotte Woodward, specialising in natural-looking, non-surgical enhancements. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic Lymington also offers the same high level of expert care under the same leadership. Both locations allow clients across the region to access trusted treatments, expertise, and five-star service. Find your nearest clinic at theprivateclinic.co.uk.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design wins Sustainable Business of the Year for ethical and handcrafted jewellery

Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design has been awarded Sustainable Business of the Year at a prestigious gala at The Portsmouth Guildhall, recognising the Southsea-based team's long-standing commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. Founder Charlotte Cornelius, with over 25 years of experience and an art school heritage, leads a talented team of designers and goldsmiths dedicated to creating meaningful, bespoke jewellery. She hopes the accolade inspires other small businesses to become changemakers in their industries and communities. With just eight employees, the team demonstrates how integrity and creativity can coexist in luxury design. Discover more about the award-winning team at charlottecornelius.co.uk.

RockReef and PierZip offer adrenaline-filled hen and stag adventures on Bournemouth Pier

Forget the standard night out, Bournemouth's iconic pier is serving up sky-high thrills and unforgettable memories for hens and stags looking to do something a bit... extra. RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction and the famous PierZip are putting Bournemouth firmly on the map for action-packed pre-wedding celebrations. Whether it's a squad of bridesmaids out to bond in style or groomsmen looking to test their nerve, this is the kind of "last fling" that guarantees stories for the big-day speeches. At RockReef, groups can take on 28 themed climbing walls, the daring 'Leap of Faith', and the high ropes course suspended over the activity arena. For the truly bold, the PierZip awaits, the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire.

Adaptogenic Apothecary wins four Wellness From Within Awards for natural health solutions

Adaptogenic Apothecary is delighted to announce an exceptional showing at the Wellness From Within Awards 2025, winning four awards that recognise the brand's dedication to natural, effective, and sustainable health solutions – perfect for health-driven newlyweds. The brand took home Gold in the Brain Health category for Focus, a dual extract Lion's Mane formula offering full-spectrum support for mental clarity, gut health, and immunity. Silver was awarded in the Women's Health category for Harmony, the world's only four-phase menstrual cycle and perimenopause support that adapts with the changing female body. Peace, a calming bedtime drink designed to promote deeper, more restful sleep, received Bronze in the Better Sleep category.

Prop Options launches innovative texture rolling pins for stunning wedding cakes

Cake designers and stylish wedding couples have a new tool to elevate their creations, thanks to Dorset-based Prop Options. The brand has launched The Texture Rolling Pin, a versatile innovation that adds instant, intricate texture to edible mediums such as fondant, sugar paste, and modelling chocolate. Available in 19 carefully crafted designs and two sizes (9" and 12"), the pins are 3D printed using lightweight eco PLA filament, ensuring sharp, embossed patterns and smooth handling. Discover more: propoptions.co.uk

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Solve the mystery with fine dining at Oakley Hall’s ‘Murder Without a Clue’ evening

Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke invites guests to an immersive evening of crime-solving and fine dining with their 'Murder Without a Clue' event. Attendees will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly before enjoying a sumptuous three-course meal. Throughout the evening, a talented cast of characters will guide guests through a classic country house whodunit, encouraging everyone to step into the role of detective. By the time dessert is served, the clues may just lead to the culprit. The event takes place on Saturday 15th November 2025, running from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. Tickets are priced at £75 per person. For those wishing to extend the experience, a residential package is available at £150 per person.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Hale Park and St. Mary’s Church celebrate faith-filled weddings with timeless elegance

While the number of religious weddings declines nationally, Hale Park is proudly reversing the tide. Across the UK, only one in six couples now choose a religious ceremony, with just around 40,000 church weddings each year compared to more than 210,000 non-religious ceremonies. But at Hale Park, the story is different. For every civil ceremony, the venue hosts five faith-filled weddings in the historic St. Mary's Church year after year. Set in beautiful grounds and steeped in history, the Church provides the perfect backdrop for couples who want a meaningful, faith-centred wedding without compromising on elegance. Discover why Hale Park and St. Mary's Church remain a popular choice for those who want faith to come first on their wedding day. Visit haleparkweddings.co.uk or follow @haleparkweddings.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Creatiques launch its very own bridal collection – FLORIE AND GEORGE

For over 33 years, Creatiques Bridal Boutique, based in the heart of Southsea, has been making bridal dreams come true with exceptional service and carefully selected designer gowns. In 2025, they proudly launched their own in-house label: Florie & George. This exquisite collection has been thoughtfully designed for the modern bride, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair. From handcrafted laces to beautifully beaded and embellished gowns, Florie & George is a collection that truly makes a statement — every dress says "wow."

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."