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

Southampton's new wedding venue Old Bond Store unveils offer

The Old Bond Store has opened as an exclusive-use wedding and private event venue in Southampton. The beautifully restored Grade II listed building has been transformed into a flexible setting for intimate and boutique weddings, offering couples the freedom to create a celebration around their personalities, tastes and budget, whether that's artisan street food and cocktails, a formal three-course wedding breakfast, live music and dancing, or a relaxed celebration. Old Bond Store is an exclusive-use venue and offers couples the flexibility to choose their own caterers, drinks suppliers, entertainment and styling with no compulsory supplier lists or fixed drinks packages. The venue can comfortably accommodate up to 60 guests for a seated wedding breakfast, with capacity for up to 100 guests for evening receptions.

From best mates to distant relatives: Brits reveal the wedding gift hierarchy

How much should you spend on a wedding gift? It seems the answer depends on just how well you know the happy couple. New research from One4all Gift Cards has revealed that almost half of Brits (49%) would spend less on a wedding gift if they were not particularly close to the couple. The relationship came out ahead of travel and accommodation costs (38%) and paying for a hen or stag do (28%) when it comes to factors influencing how much guests are prepared to spend. For those closest to them, Brits consider an average of £77 per person to be an acceptable wedding gift. The most popular amount was between £50 and £100, selected by 43% of respondents, while 36% believe spending up to £50 is perfectly acceptable. Just 5% would spend more than £200.

Revealed: England and Wales’ most common wedding anniversary date as August accounts for nearly one in six

1 September is the most common wedding anniversary date, with an average of 1,557 marriages taking place on the date, new analysis has revealed. The research, from drinks and gifting retailer Bottled and Boxed, analysed 22 years of marriage registration data from the Office for National Statistics to identify the dates when couples across England and Wales are most likely to be celebrating their wedding anniversaries each year. Every date in the top 10 falls between late July and early September, showing how heavily the most common anniversaries are concentrated in late summer. August is the most common month for wedding anniversaries, accounting for 15.7% of all marriages analysed, with an average of 1,254 couples married per day.

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

Dorset-based Amazing Face announces touch-up kit offer

Exciting things are happening at Dorset-based Amazing Face. Director and lead artist Caroline Swaffield has unveiled the newly curated Bridal Glow Packages, created for brides who want flawlessly radiant, camera-ready skin from the moment they walk down the aisle to the final dance. Each package includes a personalised pre-wedding skincare plan, a luxury trial session, and on-the-day touch-up support. As a Regional Finalist in the Wedding Industry Awards and Regional Winner of the International Awards 2026, Amazing Face is trusted by brides who expect exceptional results, premium products, and a calm, professional experience on their wedding day. Bookings are now open for 2026–2027 weddings, and dates are filling quickly.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

Chameleon Bride raises money for Every Paw Matters

Bournemouth's Chameleon Bride, a laidback coastal bridal boutique has raised £4,650 for the animal rescue charity Every Paw Matters through sales of its exclusive Sanctuary Collection. The carefully curated in-house bridal collection has been created with smaller designers to offer bridal gowns with a much deeper purpose. With £50 donated from every gown sold, the collection combines a love of bridal fashion with a passion for helping rescue animals find their own chance at a love story. The talented team at Chameleon Bride, the oldest bridal shop in the Bournemouth and Pool area, pride themselves on stocking a vast selection of gowns from worldwide designers including Essense of Australia and Wona Concept.

Enjoy a Luxury Hot Tub Honeymoon at Hayling Island Holiday Park

Newlyweds wanting a romantic coastal escape can take advantage of an exclusive honeymoon reader offer at Hayling Island Holiday Park, located just one mile from the golden sands of Hayling Island Beach in Hampshire. Hayling Island Holiday Park is offering Your Hampshire Dorset Wedding readers a 15% discount on honeymoon bookings made before 31st October 2026. This offer is valid on any holiday taken before 8th November 2027, enter code WED15 at the time of booking online. Following its acquisition by Meadow Bay in 2024, the park has undergone an extensive regeneration programme, creating a refreshed holiday destination that combines stylish accommodation with enhanced facilities and a welcoming seaside atmosphere.

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

Silverlake Launches New Firefly Spa & Restaurant

On the 1st of August 2026, Silverlake, Dorset, part of Habitat First Group - will launch its new luxury outdoor spa experience, bringing together wild swimming, thermal wellness and deep nature immersion. Set on the edge of the Jurassic Coast, it reflects the rising demand for experience-led UK staycations, where landscape, wellbeing and outdoor living shape how people choose to travel. Firefly Spa and Restaurant marks a new chapter for the destination, strengthening its long-term vision of sustainability and nature-led living, and will welcome guests, homeowners and local members alike. At the heart of the spa is a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, alongside a sauna, cold plunge, treatment rooms and designated wild swimming areas, all positioned to encourage guests to fully embrace the surrounding landscape.

Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!

If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.

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.