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

Lulworth Castle wedding shoot blends castle elegance with art deco flair

This Lulworth Castle wedding shoot was inspired by a whimsical mix of castle elegance and Art Deco flair. Coordinated by photographer Emma Hurley and florist Melissa Rose, the design featured gold-sprayed leaves reflecting chandelier opulence and a neutral mocha colour palette with flowing drapes for a soft, romantic feel. The shoot brought together a select group of recommended suppliers from Lulworth Castle to create a stunning seasonal look, showcasing how historical architecture and contemporary styling can combine beautifully for wedding inspiration. The results are elegant, dreamy, and perfectly on-trend.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Bournemouth pier offers sky-high thrills for hens and stags

Forget the standard night out—Bournemouth's iconic pier is serving up sky-high thrills for hens and stags. RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction offers 28 themed climbing walls, a daring Leap of Faith, and a high ropes course over the arena. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, the PierZip, the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, sends groups soaring 250 metres across the sea from Bournemouth Pier to the beach. Packages include exclusive use, add-on activities, and nearby food & drink at Key West Bar & Restaurant. This is the perfect pre-wedding adventure to create unforgettable memories and stories for the big day.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 19th October, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

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