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

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.

Love is in the Air: Wedding Fragrances with Yankee Candle and WoodWick

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's the little details that make the biggest impact; from scent to style, every element helps tell the story of your day. No matter how you choose to incorporate fragrance into your wedding, a beautifully chosen candle can create a sensory signature that stays with you and your guests forever. We asked Taylor Perlis, Yankee Candle Fragrance Evaluator to share how best to use candles to create a beautiful, memorable atmosphere on your special day.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.