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

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.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Bournemouth pier offers sky-high thrills for hens and stags

Forget the standard night out—Bournemouth's iconic pier is serving up sky-high thrills for hens and stags. RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction offers 28 themed climbing walls, a daring Leap of Faith, and a high ropes course over the arena. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, the PierZip, the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, sends groups soaring 250 metres across the sea from Bournemouth Pier to the beach. Packages include exclusive use, add-on activities, and nearby food & drink at Key West Bar & Restaurant. This is the perfect pre-wedding adventure to create unforgettable memories and stories for the big day.

County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 9th November! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Hampshire wedding network styled shoot showcases diversity and sustainability

Andrea Strong from the Hampshire Wedding Network teamed up with Dom Brenton Photography for a late spring styled shoot at a stately home with stunning grounds. Featuring a same-sex couple, dresses from The Bridal Mill, hair and makeup by Lucy Marie Bridal, and silk flowers from The Floral Hire, the shoot embraced diversity and sustainability. Celebrant Helen Crook led a mock ceremony, the Figaro convertible from Family Tree Wedding Cars added classic charm, and the team enjoyed an al fresco wedding breakfast styled by Event Perfection. The couple then cut their cake from Wildflower Cake Studio amid the beautiful wisteria walk designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 19th October, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

Harper Weddings launches live 3D virtual tours of Cain Manor and other exclusive UK venues to simplify wedding planning

Harper Weddings has introduced live virtual tours across its three exclusive-use UK venues, including Cain Manor in Hampshire, making wedding planning easier than ever. Couples can now enjoy immersive 3D Matterport tours guided in real-time by the Harper Weddings team, offering a full walk-through experience from the comfort of home. Ideal for busy professionals, international couples, or those early in their venue search, the feature allows users to explore ceremony spaces, interiors, and overnight accommodation interactively. Visitors can also self-navigate each venue at their own pace via the Harper Weddings website, gaining a detailed sense of layout, atmosphere, and design. Discover more at harperweddingvenues.co.uk/cain-manor.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

The Cosmetic Skin Clinic expands to Bournemouth and Lymington offering expert non-surgical aesthetic treatments

The Private Clinic Group has expanded The Cosmetic Skin Clinic into new locations, strengthening its non-surgical aesthetics division under one unified brand. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic Bournemouth, formerly River Aesthetics, is just steps from award-winning beaches and is led by renowned doctors Victoria Manning and Charlotte Woodward, specialising in natural-looking, non-surgical enhancements. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic Lymington also offers the same high level of expert care under the same leadership. Both locations allow clients across the region to access trusted treatments, expertise, and five-star service. Find your nearest clinic at theprivateclinic.co.uk.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.