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

HOTEL DU VIN AND PLANETA WINES BRING MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED BBQS TO WINCHESTER

Hotel du Vin has partnered with acclaimed Sicilian winery Planeta to host a series of Mediterranean-inspired outdoor dining events at its properties this summer. Taking place at 11 Hotel du Vin locations throughout July, August and September, including Hotel du Vin Winchester, located at Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9EF on Friday 31st July and Friday 28th August. Wood, Fire & Vine invites diners to enjoy fantastic foods, expertly paired wines and a relaxed alfresco dining experience within the surroundings of the brand's courtyards and terraces. Celebrating the spirit of Mediterranean outdoor dining, the experience begins with a glass of sparkling Planeta wine before guests tuck into a generous menu of Franco-Sicilian-inspired sharing dishes cooked over the coals by Hotel du Vin's chefs.

Franco Manca serves up Strawberries & Cream Tiramisu for Wimbledon

With Wimbledon well underway, Franco Manca, with branches in Wales, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, is bringing a taste of centre court to its menus with a limited-edition Strawberries & Cream Tiramisu, inspired by the Championships' most iconic flavour pairing. Available until the 12th of July 2026, this delicious seasonal dessert offers a fresh take on the Italian classic, layering juicy strawberries with a light, creamy tiramisu base for a simple, summery finish. The popular dish is available as a stand-alone option across all Franco Manca restaurants nationwide, making it an easy way to tap into the Wimbledon spirit – with no ticket required.

ALDI reveals scent-sational summer home fragrances

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your home (or wedding this summer) without the designer price tag? Aldi has unveiled its latest Hotel Collection home fragrance range, with prices starting from just £3.99. Available in stores from June, the collection sees the return of customer favourites including the Premium Hotel Collection candles in Bergamot & Vanilla, alongside new summer-inspired scents such as Waffle Cone Sundae, Tropical Hibiscus, Lemon and Neroli and Sea Salt & White Sails. The range also includes reed diffusers and classic fragrances such as Cardinal Red, Liquid Luxe and Intense Passion, allowing shoppers to layer scent throughout the home.

WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL PUB & BAR AWARDS 2026 ANNOUNCED

The winners of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 were recently announced, with establishments in Wales, Oxfordshire and beyond. In total, 94 County Winners were announced, as well as Highly Commended venues for each area. Regional Wiinners were announced for every region across the UK. Pub Group of the Year went to Caledonian Heritable, and Bar Group of the Year was won by German bier haus brand Albert's Schloss. The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award – presented by the event's headline sponsor – was awarded to The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex. The Industry's Choice Award is voted for by hundreds of people from across the sector and, once again, went to The Devonshire in Soho, London.

Raise a Glass to English Wine Week in Hampshire

Vineyards of Hampshire's Fizz Fest is back this Sunday 28th June 2026 at the Hambledon Wine Estate from 11:30 am until 17:30 pm. It's returning for it's 12th year, and this time it's coming home to one of England's most iconic settings — the historic Hambledon Wine Estate, widely recognised as the birthplace of modern English wine. Set against the stunning Hampshire countryside, Fizz Fest 2026 is a full day dedicated to everything loved about the county's thriving wine scene. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about what's swirling in your own backyard, this is the unmissable day out of the summer.

RSVPing 'YES' to multiple weddings? Here's how to budget!

Attending weddings can be a joyous occasion, but it can also be expensive, particularly if you're invited to more than one over the course of the year. Costs such as new outfits, travel and accommodation, and gifts mean the overall expense of attending can quickly add up. Duncan Fortune, Head of Commercial at Tesco Bank, says: "Wedding season can be a significant expense for households. Planning ahead and setting a dedicated budget for celebrations can help spread the cost over several months, allowing people to make the most of the celebrations while keeping their finances on track."

How to treat the father-of-the-bride this Father's Day

Father's Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father of the bride. After all, he's been there through the wedding planning, the emotional speeches, the last-minute panics and probably more than a few budget discussions too. Whether the wedding has already happened or it's still to come, Father's Day is a brilliant opportunity to show him just how much he's appreciated. If you're looking to do something a little more exciting than buying another novelty mug or pair of socks, wedding experts The Stag Company share their favourite experiences that can make the day feel extra special.

Basingstoke's Festival Place hosting Father's Day event

Festival Place in Basingstoke is putting a new twist on one of Father's Day's most enduring traditions with a fun event taking place this Saturday, 20th June. Between 11 am and 4 pm, visitors to the Hampshire shopping destination will have the chance to surprise a dad, stepdad, grandad, husband or father figure with a free pair of socks and capture their reaction. Spend £10 or more anywhere in Festival Place, take the receipt to the promotional unit and dad can lift the latch to reveal his mystery pair of socks. Organisers are hoping to create plenty of memorable family moments while bringing a little humour to the day with this fun Father's Day tradition.

Jeremy France Jewellers reveals event success

On the evening of 22nd May, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Jeremy France Jewellers, based in the heart of Winchester High Street, warmly welcomed twelve guests for a memorable Something Blue gathering inspired by the beauty and elegance of pearls. The bridal-inspired event was designed for newly engaged guests, as well as anyone looking for a fun and creative evening. Guests enjoyed pearl-inspired accessory beading with the JFJ design team in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the evening, conversations flowed naturally as attendees shared laughter, stories, and meaningful connections. Guests were treated to delicious nibbles, cocktails, and cupcakes provided by Helen Celebration Cakes, alongside a special talk from Simply Skin Clinic featuring skincare tips and pre-wedding glow advice.

Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars

Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.

Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season

Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...

Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026

Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.

Chameleon Bride in Bournemouth enjoys a refurbishment

Last year, the team at Chameleon Bride proudly celebrated 40 years of helping brides find their dream dress, a milestone that inspired the next step in the boutique's journey. While the space has evolved over the years, the team felt it was the perfect time for a thoughtful glow-up. The newly refreshed boutique now features soft wooden elements that complement its signature by-the-sea, driftwood-inspired aesthetic, creating a calmer and more inviting environment. Elegant new rails have also been introduced, opening up the space and allowing the extensive gown collection to be beautifully showcased. The result is a lighter, more open boutique that feels familiar yet elevated, staying true to its roots while embracing a fresh new chapter.

5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed

61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.

Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert

Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.

Divided down the aisle: The UK’s feelings on the most controversial wedding choices uncovered

Weddings bring with them lots of excitement, joy and happiness, but couples also often face the added challenge of trying to balance their personal wishes and preferences with the opinions of their guests. From who qualifies for a plus one to how much to spend on an engagement ring, new research conducted by Pandora UK has uncovered the nation's true feelings about the most divisive wedding decisions¹. Pandora has also enlisted wedding expert and events director at The Post Barn, Daisy Bradley to share advice on the best ways to handle tricky decisions with guests.

Bembridge Flower Shop in the Isle of Wight offers bespoke wedding floristry

Newly engaged couples planning a wedding for 2026 or 2027 should consider Bembridge Flower Shop for their special day. The team offers bespoke wedding floristry designed to reflect each couple's individual style, colour palette and vision, whether that's traditional elegance, wild and whimsical or something truly unique. Bembridge Flower Shop provides a full, transparent price list alongside carefully curated wedding flower packages to suit a range of budgets. Every couple receives a personalised service, with quotations and mood boards tailored to their specific needs, venue and seasonal preferences. From bridal bouquets and buttonholes to ceremony flowers and statement installations, experienced florist Ellie Tuffrey guides couples through every step of the process.

The “2 dinners a week” rule that could transform your love life, according to expert

Google searches for 'emotional connection' are up 78% over the past month, while searches for 'relationship advice' are up 54%, showing that many are struggling and searching for ways to strengthen their bond with their significant other. Interiors brand Oak&More have spoken exclusively with award-winning sex and relationship expert Gemma Nice to find out why eating at the table a couple of nights a week can strengthen, or maybe save, your relationship.

Stress-Free Wedding Plan: Affording Your Big Day Without Breaking the Bank

Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, said: "Money plays a really important role in our lives, helping us prepare for major life moments such as weddings or other special occasions. While it enables us to create meaningful experiences, it can also become a source of stress when facing the costs that come with them. Taking the time to understand what things may cost is the first step when saving for your big day. This awareness can help you make informed decisions, whether that's setting a realistic wedding budget, building a dedicated savings plan, or seeking support to bring your dream day to life."

Women want a personal engagement ring not an expensive one

New research suggests a shift in how women approach one of the most traditional luxury jewellery purchases, with 75% saying they want an engagement ring to prioritise personal meaning over size or value. A study of 1,353 UK women carried out by 77 Diamonds* found that 75% say they would prioritise a personalised engagement ring over a larger or more expensive diamond. What seems to stand out is not a complete rejection of convention, but rather a rebalancing and reassessment of value. 59% of women say their preference still leans towards traditional ready-made ring designs, and only 11% want an entirely custom-made piece But the emotional drive behind preferences and purchasing decisions does appear to be changing with 30% expressing a desire for rings that carry additional meaning through small modifications, engravings or design adjustments.