All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Hampshire or Dorset, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Getting married in 2022? Experts reveal the top five wedding cake trends
With full-scale weddings back up and running, having a show-stopping cake is more important than ever. If you're walking down the aisle this year and in the process of finalising your menu, you must ensure that you are up to date with the latest trends so you can choose the perfect wedding cake.
From delicate florals to bright colours and sculptured designs, experts from AYRE Events share the most popular up and coming trends to keep in mind.
Posted: 4 May 2022
Vumbura Plains: The perfect honeymoon destination for adventure seekers
Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains, set in the heart of the Okavango Delta World Heritage Site in Botswana, has reopened after an extensive refurbishment of both the camp's exteriors and interiors.
The refreshed look and feel showcases its sense of place and culture, enhanced by an outstanding menu and courteous hospitality. Vumbura offers holiday-makers a sublime African wilderness journey, prepare to experience arguably the best wildlife encounters in the Delta on your honeymoon.
"With its iconic Delta landscapes and phenomenally diverse habitats, Vumbura is truly a must-visit safari choice, one that unreservedly celebrates the best of Botswana's natural and cultural heritage."
Posted: 4 May 2022
Wedding Wine Guide Q&A with Sarah Knowles part one!
Sarah Knowles MW joined The Wine Society in March 2014 and passed her Masters of Wine qualification in 2015. She is responsible for Champagne, North America and Italy, as well as overseeing the portfolio of sparkling wines and spirits; so, there really is no better person to be advising you and answering all of your wedding questions? Red or white for a meat course? Wine or Champagne for your wedding toast? Read our three part guide over the next three weeks (check back here every Friday) to have these questions answered!
Posted: 3 May 2022
Upcoming showcases for renowned band
The Blue Lion Band are live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters. They offer high energy live music for weddings, festivals, private functions, and corporate events. Their band size is fully customisable from 3 to 14 musicians, making them the perfect fit for any event budget or style. Blue Lion's talented musicians have performed with renowned artists including Ellie Goulding, Kanye West, Mark Knopfler, Tom Jones, George Michael, Gotye, and Alicia Keys. They work to make every event unforgettable, creating and delivering high-energy, fun performances to keep the dance floor jumping. This talented crew will create a set list to suit your musical preferences, from elegant classical music or string pop covers for the ceremony, to jazz during cocktail hour, and dance music to get the crowd going during the reception. If you're planning a destination wedding, Blue Lion Band travels around the world! They are available to perform at events throughout the United Kingdom and for travel to France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more.
Posted: 3 May 2022
The most iconic cars used by celebrities on their wedding day
As a wedding present, David Beckham gifted his 22-year-old son a £380k vintage Jaguar. In light of this, classic car insurance broker Heritage has looked back on the top five most iconic celebrity wedding cars in recent history.
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director at Heritage comments: "Classic cars offer a timeless appeal, and they are a great choice because they offer some fun, flair and nostalgia to the day's celebrations, allowing the happy couple to fuse flamboyance and tradition"
Posted: 29 April 2022
11 of the biggest wedding trends of 2022 - according to a professional wedding planner
2022 is surely going to be the year of the weddings - after many had to postpone their earlier dates due to Covid. And with weddings, comes wedding trends. Illy Goodall, founder of Illy Elizabeth Weddings, is here to tell you all about them.
With 2022 being the biggest wedding season on record, an estimated 2.5 million weddings are set to take place this year, according to The Wedding Report, here's all you need to know on 2022's wedding trends, according to Illy.
Posted: 27 April 2022
Find County Wedding Magazines on YouTube
We're never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration, which is why we've created our very own County Wedding Magazine YouTube channel! You'll find tons of big-day ideas, from venue tours to dream dresses, then take a peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. We're adding more content all the time, so why not hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a thing? Simply head to YouTube and search for 'County Wedding Magazines' now
Posted: 25 April 2022
How to have a wedding that's unique to you
Planning your wedding can seem overwhelming, especially with so many traditions out there that you might feel you need to to include in your big day. But if a traditional approach isn't your kind of thing, adding elements unique to you can make the day feel all the more special.
The occasion is dedicated to you and your partner, so it's the perfect opportunity to infuse your interests as a couple into your celebration. Thinking of which personal touches to include may be tough, so here we're going to discuss some ideas that will assist you in making your special day all about you.
Posted: 25 April 2022
Expert advice on how to clean your engagement ring at home
Wearing your ring every day will take its toll - a build-up of things like oil, debris and cosmetic residue can create a thin layer on your ring making it look dull.
The good news is that there is no reason you can't keep your diamond as vibrant and twinkly as the day you received it- it just takes a little sprucing up every so often.
Jewellery experts at Queensmith have shared their straightforward tips for when you need to clean your ring safely at home.
Posted: 23 April 2022
Written in the Stars: the perfect wedding for your star sign
When it comes to organising your wedding you can be pulled in so many different directions, it's easy to lose sight of how you envisioned your big day. It's common to become overwhelmed and doubt what style of nuptial suits you.
So, instead put it in the hands of fate. Get the stars to light the way and offer some useful suggestions. Are you unsure if you would thrive in an extravagant event or would favour a simpler, intimate ceremony? Well your zodiac placement may be able to offer some guidance. We explore the perfect weddings ideas for each star sign.
Posted: 21 April 2022
Honeywell Biscuit Co's new wedding range
Honeywell Biscuit Co has launched a new range of seasonal and bespoke wedding biscuits - perfect as favours, place settings and gifts for the bridal party! Nestled in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, the bakery is home to more than 2,000 cookie cutters and a team of biscuit artists creating beautifully decorated biscuits for weddings up and down the country. When it comes to flavours and favour designs the team have taken on everything from the traditional to the weird and the wonderful. Various biscuit flavours are available from popular vanilla to gingerbread and all are suitable for vegetarians, vegan biscuits can be organised too.
Posted: 21 April 2022
Ten jewellery superstitions to know before your big day
Certain jewellery worn on your wedding day can bring bad luck to brides and grooms, according to experts. Ethical jewellery experts Ingle & Rhode have gathered some of the most unusual superstitions surrounding accessories that you might not know about. From necklaces to bracelets, lots of jewellery has hidden meanings that are considered lucky or unlucky, depending on what it is and when it is worn. Some jewellery, like rosary beads, are considered good luck, whereas wearing pearls on your wedding day suggests that you will have tears in your marriage.
Posted: 19 April 2022
Prepare for wedding season gifting with Viners
There will be a whopping 350,000 weddings in 2022 due to two years of cancelled and postponed plans. With guests likely to be attending more than one event this year, as well as the happy couple themselves tying the knot and needing a gift list - where do you begin with choosing multiple presents?
Viners is a highly distinguished, trusted and much-loved cutlery brand with over over a century of cutlery manufacturing experience. Here's their gift guide for some much-need wedding gifting inspiration.
Posted: 19 April 2022
Find your wedding jewellery at Ascot Racecourse wedding fair
Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 24th April where you will find inspiration for your big-day rings and wedding jewellery. Berkshire-based Richmetal Jewellery, specialises in handmade contemporary silver and gold jewellery, using traditional and modern techniques.
Designer Rich says, "I use recycled silver and gold and all ethically sourced gemstones from recognised dealers to minimise my carbon footprint and support fair trade. I also make unique one off pieces of jewellery, and remodel or remake from old sentimental items as well as custom and bespoke work.
"Being bespoke means I am able to offer anything from engagement and wedding rings to earrings, pendants, bracelets etc. for special occasions including bridesmaids, best man and mother/mother in law gifts."
Posted: 13 April 2022
Find awe-inspiring magic at our County Wedding Events' fair at Ascot Racecourse
When in comes to choosing your big entertainment, it's important to see them in person to get a feel of the atmosphere they can create - especially with a magic act. At our County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 24th April, visitors can meet Surrey-based magician Charles Downs.
Posted: 13 April 2022
New drinks supplier at Signature Wedding Show's Ascot Racecourse event
Family run business, The Portable Company will be exhibiting at Signature Wedding Show's Ascot Racecourse event on Sunday 24th April 2022. They are getting ready for a busy wedding season ahead and are super-excited to meet you to discuss drinks solutions for your very special day. The Portable Pub company pride themselves on a slick, professional but extremely personable service from event planning all the way through to the actual day.
Posted: 12 April 2022
It’s been a busy time for East London Soul Choir! Meet them at Ascot Racecourse
People have been longing for the return of live music and we're delighted too, as you find your big-day entertainment at our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 24th April, 2022.
East London Soul Choir say, "The weddings booked last year are coming to fruition and we've so enjoyed creating our bespoke vocal arrangements of the couple's favourite songs for a number of beautiful weddings, each unique and personal. We've also been asked to do a surprise performance for a very special proposal... our lips are sealed - sooo romantic! It's been so incredible to get back to live performing again and to have people filling the dance floor to our soulful dance tunes.
Posted: 12 April 2022
Nicola Peltz’s wedding gown inspires brides-to-be
Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for 'square neck wedding dress' exploded 1,556% on the 9th of April, just hours after Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham married at her family's estate in Palm Beach, Florida. A new finding by fabric experts Dalston Mill Fabrics reveals that online interest for 'square neck wedding dress' skyrocketed sixteen times the average volume in the first few hours after the couple tied the knot, an unprecedented spike in the public searching to mirror the bride's elegant custom-made Valentino gown.
Posted: 11 April 2022
Brits think Beckham wedding is OTT
Brits are on the fence about Brooklyn Beckham's £3 million wedding this weekend, with over half suggesting under £10,000 is adequate for a wedding allowance. As Nicola's father Nelson Peltz foots the bill, over four times the amount David and Victoria spent on theirs in 1999, we surveyed 1,000 Brits to ask how much they think is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding day. The research, from event experts Gazeboshop found 23% of Brits cap their wedding budget at £5,000, while the majority of those planning weddings are happy to stretch to £10,000 for their celebration.
Posted: 10 April 2022
Elephant Gin's beautiful personalised gifts that give back
Fresh from winning Taste Master at The Spirits Business' Gin Masters Awards 2021, having been awarded the world's best gin by a panel of independent judges who described the gin as simply "stunning". 2022 sees the lauded brand offer their gin in stylish gifting options with a personalised dedication and miniature bottles which are great as wedding favours. Elephant Gin offers a gift that both tastes great and is one of a kind, 15% of the profit from each bottle also gives back to foundations that work to protect African elephants (they've raised nearly £1m to date)
Posted: 7 April 2022
Check out our wedding venue of the week in Hampshire
The best of homegrown produce awaits in the stylish surroundings of this charming venue. Nestled among the waterways of Hampshire's River Test, the relaxed café, tearoom, rustic barn and intimate Boot Room cater for a whole range of big-day needs. The beautifully restored barn is set in idyllic countryside and although it's not licensed for ceremonies, a blessing can be held before the wedding breakfast. Wooden beams and rustic chandeliers add to the charming, relaxed atmosphere and the large windows help create a light and airy feel. With space for 100 guests for a sit-down meal and 150 for the evening reception, there's a bar, dancefloor and courtyard complete with outside bar, firepit and comfy furniture for your loved ones to relax and unwind.
Posted: 6 April 2022
Find personalised gifts at the County Wedding Events' Ascot Racecourse wedding fair
Surrey-based Personalise 365 has created a new design for the County Wedding Events' Ascot Racecourse wedding fair which will be showcased at the event on Sunday 24th April, 2022. The horse-shaped wedding place name comes in either oak veneer or birch wood for a rustic-themed wedding, or alternatively, the gold, silver or clear acrylic are also great options. All guests' names laser-engraved on to the pieces in beautiful script writing.
Posted: 5 April 2022
Find your big-day baker at the Signature Wedding Show
When attending a County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show you will have the chance to meet with up to 100 suppliers who are all on hand to help plan your big day! As well as hearing live music, an essential before booking a company for your wedding, the same goes for tasting catering options and wedding cake suppliers. At the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 24th April, you will have the chance to meet with talented baker, Katrina Belrain of Stevenage-based Sweet Homemade.
Posted: 5 April 2022
Enjoy live music at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse
There's no better way to choose your wedding entertainment than to hear it live. You can gauge the quality of the performance, the type of music they play and the interaction they have with the crowd. A favourite of ours here at County Wedding Magazines and Events, Berkshire's DJ-V (DJ & Sax) will be exhibiting and playing live at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 24th April and we insist you come along and see them live - you will not be disappointed!
Posted: 5 April 2022
2022’s biggest TikTok wedding trends
We all remember the lockdown TikTok dance routines that everyone copied and shared on the app - also the start of the County Wedding Magazines' teams' obsession with The Weeknd's Blinding Lights track! But did you know, how much the app is actually used to help couples plan their wedding days? The hashtag #WeddingHacks has a whopping 103 million views on TikTok. From ways to keep your wedding stress free, to theme and location inspiration, the app is clearly a source of enlightenment for couples planning their weddings worldwide.
Posted: 4 April 2022
