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

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Wedding planning sorted with The Eventist Group at Mercedes-Benz World

When attending our County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023 couples can seek expert advice from Tapenade and The Walled Garden from The Eventist Group, to help when planning their wedding day. Tapenade, one of the group's original brands, the bespoke event caterer has years' of experience in delivering unique events to exceed all expectations.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Discover The National Museum of the Royal Navy's new wedding offer

With unique historic venues for an unforgettable big day, The National Museum of the Royal Navy is getting ready to refresh its wedding offer. To launch this offer, a special wedding fair is being held at the Grand Magazine at the Explosion Museum in Gosport. The Grand Magazine itself is a part of Priddy's Hard, formerly a Naval Armaments depot. The space offers beautiful vaulted ceilings, Georgian wood flooring, and views across Portsmouth Harbour. Best of all prospective couples can come and see it for themselves at the launch event.

Considering a celebrant-led ceremony? Meet Susie Mitchell

From weddings to baby arrivals, renewing of vows to naming ceremonies a celebrant is able to lead a bespoke service at these special occassions. Berkshire's, Susie Mitchell of Full of Love Ceremonies, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. She says, "I'm Susie, I love helping people create magical moments of love in their lives and can plan a spectacular ceremony for you. My journey to being a celebrant has evolved over forty years, from my love of people and creating unique memories in people's lives celebrating all milestones. My style is true connection; listening to your needs and wants and having that blank canvas to create your happy times and craft your beautiful love story.

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...

Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA

Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.

Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed

Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!

Sweet treats from Surrey baker

Showcasing her latest cake designs at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th, Lisa Broughton has more than twenty years' experience of creating beautiful, elegant, and stylish bespoke wedding cakes. Specialises in high quality luxury wedding cakes with handmade sugar flowers, from initial enquiry through to consultation, design, delivering and setting up your wedding cake Lisa prides herself on giving the highest personal customer service.

Learn more about this outstanding riverside wedding venue

Meet the team of this Thames-side wedding venue, The Mitre, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. Set amongst a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1600s and overlooking the River Thames, The Mitre commands panoramic views over the heart of Hampton Court. The backdrop of the River Thames and the surrounding landscape provide beautiful picture perfect moments. The Mitre is quintessentially English, think classic, romantic and elegant with a feel of town meets countryside. Steeped in history, but with stylish interiors and modern finishes, each room is individually designed with a playful use of colour, and antiques lend soulfulness giving each room its own unique character.

Entertain the little ones with Grumpy Fox Events

Fetcham-based Grumpy Fox Events specialises in boutique, aesthetically pleasing, play sets in neutral and white tones. You can view this delightful collection at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. Owner Kerryn says, "Our set are a perfect addition to your beautiful wedding venue. Keeping your special little guests entertained for hours with no compromise on style, our muted hues can be themed to match and complement the colours you have chosen for your day to create a magical haven for little people."

Win a Boomerang Booth for your wedding!

When attending the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023, couples will have the chance to win a Boomerang Booth for your wedding! The Boomerang Booth is a petite, digital photo booth that takes selfie still photos and Boomerang GIFs which are sent immediately by text message - 100% fun guaranteed. Go see the Boomerang Booth team to fill in a form for a chance to win the brilliant Boomerang Booth at your wedding day. (*T&C apply).

Whet your appetite at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

With catering and drinks exhibitors at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, on April 16th 2023, couples can enjoy tasty samples and hopefully find their big-day supplier. Combining artisan hog roasts with bespoke wedding menus, Spitting Pig provide unique catering options for your big day. From elegant hog roast buffets to handcrafted canapes and gourmet three-course meals, our tailormade wedding menus give you the style of food you want and the standard of service you deserve. Thanks to our vibrant, freshly made food and flawless finishing touches, you and your guests will be treated to unrivalled hog roast catering and a memorable dining experience.

New product launch at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding show

The County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, on April 16th 2023, is an oppotunity for couples to meet with local suppliers and discover new products. Personalise365 specialise in personalised wedding decor, gifts and craft supplies, using a variety of wood and acrylic materials to make its products. A new product, which Helena and the team are very excited about, this new Guest Book Drop Box comes completely personalised for the wedding couple.

Sussex wedding venue exhibiting at Mercedes-Benz World

The Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th, 2023, hosted by County Wedding Events' provides couples with the perfect opportunity to find their wedding day venue. Roll out the red carpet at South Lodge, where you'll be heartily welcomed by 93 acres of gentle West Sussex countryside. The undulating South Downs are the backdrop to the 19th-century Victorian country house, where delicious food, stunning gardens and sumptuous spa will make your wedding day complete.

Are you looking for the best photographer since sliced bread?

Meet Cemanthe, of Kent-based Lemon Feather Photography at our Signature Wedding Show by County Wedding Events at Mercedes-Benz World on 16th April 2023. "Welcome to the most fun you can have in one day!' says Cemanthe. 'I'm an award-winning documentary style wedding photographer, travelling across the UK to capture the big day that is your wedding. My aim is give you photos that remind you of the magic and love you felt on the day for many years to come, plus all the moments in between. I help you feel at ease on the other side of my lens, I will make you laugh and make you drink water. I'll be your right hand woman with spare hairpins, snacks and plasters in my bag.

21st birthday celebrations for Surrey bridal boutique

Walton-on-Thames-based bridal boutique Love Me Do Brides is approaching its 21st birthday! The super-friendly boutique has dedicated 21 years to its beloved bridal industry and boasts approx 300 designer wedding gowns in sizes 8-32. Not only can you pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 16th April 2023, to view a snippet of the collection, but the boutique is also hosting a Spring sale currently.

Venue inspiration at Mercedes-Benz World

Historic Brooklands Museum, a wedding venue unlike any other. Whether you are looking for a small intimate wedding or an extravagant celebration Brooklands Museum caters for it all, including licensed ceremonies on Concorde. Pop along to our stand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 16th April where our friendly team can talk you through all the amazing experiences you can have for your special day. First opening in 1907, Brooklands has been through two World Wars, the Jet Age and beyond. It's a place of great endeavour and ground-breaking achievements, spawning many great pioneers, drivers, aviators and engineers. Couples can take advantage of the many photo opportunities, such as under the wings of the Concorde, with the wedding car on the oldest remaining British motor racing track or next to remarkable motor racing vehicles.

Find your dream wedding dress and receive £100 off!

When visiting the Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World this April, brides-to-be looking for their dream wedding dress can take advantage of this fab offer. Pop along to the Brides Visited stand at collect your £100 voucher when you book an appointment to view the boutique's fabulous collection at its studios in Ashtead, Surrey. The collection boasts an array of top designers such as Enzoani, Sophia Tolli and Romantica of Devon.