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

Creatiques Bridal Boutique unveils Florie & George, a bold new in-house bridal collection for 2025

For more than 33 years, Creatiques Bridal Boutique has been a trusted destination for brides-to-be. In 2025, the Southsea boutique unveiled its in-house label Florie & George, a collection that blends classic romance with modern flair. Each gown is named after a flower and designed to reflect its unique beauty, from soft, romantic silhouettes to bold, alternative statements. Featuring handcrafted lace, intricate beading, exposed boning and unexpected colour, the collection offers something truly distinctive for modern brides seeking individuality, elegance and unforgettable design.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

The Goldman Group celebrates timeless craftsmanship with bespoke wedding and engagement rings since 1982

Since 1982, The Goldman Group has been celebrated for timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding service. Specialising in wedding and engagement rings, the team understands these pieces are enduring symbols of love and devotion. Customers are guided through selecting a classic design or creating a bespoke masterpiece crafted in the brand's acclaimed workshop. Thoughtfully sourced gold jewellery and gemstones, often from respected British manufacturers, ensure both quality and value. Complemented by personalised engravings, antique and second-hand jewellery, and pre-owned luxury watches, every visit offers a meaningful and memorable jewellery experience.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

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.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Creatiques Bridal Boutique launches Florie & George collection for 2025

Southsea-based Creatiques Bridal Boutique, a wedding destination for over 33 years, has launched its in-house label Florie & George for 2025. The collection blends classic romance with modern flair, with each gown named after a flower and infused with exquisite detail. Florie features tulle, Chantilly lace, and floral embellishments; Lily offers Hollywood glamour with a dramatic ballgown; Violet introduces soft violet tones and delicate pleating; Dahlia is a black lace alternative gown with hand-beaded detailing. From handcrafted lace to showstopping embellishments, Florie & George offers bold and beautiful gowns for brides seeking elegance and individuality. Discover more at creatiques.co.uk.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

The Goldman Group creates timeless wedding and engagement jewellery with bespoke craftsmanship

Established in 1982, The Goldman Group is renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship in gold jewellery and gemstones. Specialising in wedding and engagement rings, the team works closely with customers to design or select pieces that reflect each couple's unique journey. Personalised engravings ensure rings become cherished heirlooms, while a curated collection of second-hand and antique jewellery, as well as pre-owned luxury watches, adds further allure. By sourcing from esteemed British manufacturers wherever possible, The Goldman Group combines quality, beauty, and value in every visit. Explore more at goldmanjewellers.com.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

The Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth offers stunning wedding venues with bespoke dining

Opened on Queen Victoria's coronation day in 1838, The Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth offers stunning seaside wedding venues. The Kings Hall Suite accommodates up to 150 guests with a spacious dance floor and elegant staircase, while the Bayview Suite provides intimate ceremonies for 60 loved ones with views across gardens and Bournemouth Bay. The Secret Garden is perfect for up to 100 guests, featuring a private gazebo and landscaped surroundings. Couples benefit from expert guidance from an in-house wedding coordinator and can tailor menus from elegant canapés to indulgent evening buffets, creating the perfect culinary experience for their big day.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

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.