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

Tylney Hall Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Tylney Hall, Hook, Hampshire, for inspiration on Sunday 19th January, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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. Tylney Hall is a Grade II listed building and remains an outstanding example of a luxury country house hotel that has never lost its old world sense of charm, whether you are visiting for business or pleasure.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Latimer Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Latimer Estate, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 26th January 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Froyle Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Froyle Park, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

An idyllic 16th century manor house nestled within 80 acres of parkland on the Surrey / Hampshire border, Froyle Park is a grand exclusive-use wedding venue with the ability to host up to 300 guests.

Chameleon Bride celebrates 40 years in business

This Autumn marks a special milestone as Chameleon Bride celebrates 40 years in business! Founded in 1984 as a quaint ladies' clothing store, the company quickly began showcasing bridal gowns. Over the years, it has blossomed into the largest and most esteemed bridal boutique in the Dorset area, featuring top bridal designers worldwide. Not one to rest on its achievements, the company expanded its offerings with two additional shops. The first is a dedicated mother-of the-bride/groom boutique located right across from the main store, boasting more than 600 outfits and hats. More recently, they have introduced an off-the-peg bridal outlet, perfect for those on a budget or with tight timelines.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Wed in Southampton at The Lord Mayor’s Reception Room

Tie the knot in one of Southampton's most iconic buildings! Located in the Civic Centre, this local landmark is sure to impress with its large clock tower, tall ceilings, polished wood floors and historic artefacts. A truly spectacular setting for weddings, the room's theatre-style layout boasts a long aisle and tall windows that flood the room with light. A sweeping staircase leads to the ceremony room and the Mayor's Balcony, perfect for those all-important photos. Ceremonies with up to 50 guests occur on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. A wealth of great restaurants and hotels are nearby for the celebrations post-vows.

Ties the knot at Fort Nelson in Portsmouth

Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort that offers a range of spaces to hire for events. With world-class museum collections and a scenic position above the Solent combined, the distinctive venue provides the perfect backdrop with atmospheric rooms, private courtyards, panoramic views and unique photo locations. Fort Nelson holds a civil licence allowing weddings and partnership ceremonies in the former Officers Mess. The suite of rooms can be configured to suit different requirements, with the option of holding drinks receptions in the delightful courtyard. The team offers a range of catering options, from buffets and afternoon teas to more formal dining experiences.

You better watch out, ‘Fir Baby!’ is coming to town!

This cosy season, La Bougie is bringing some magic across the Irish Sea with Fir Baby! A decadent winter candle that will whisk you back to forgotten memories of Christmases past – when trees were real, the hands that decorated them were fragrant with the resin from the branches, and brandy-plumped currants waited patiently to be stirred into the pudding. As the cold and frosty air lingers outside, lounge by an inviting wood-burning fire, enjoying notes of fir resin, musk, and currants coming together to add the finishing touch to your festivities. Fir Baby! is not just a candle; it is a festive and sensory experience that brings the classic components of the season together in one mysterious and sexy fragrance, so different yet so familiar that you can't quite put your finger on it... in a limited-edition burgundy jar!

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

Discover Dorset weddings at The Sherborne

The Sherborne is a heritage landmark situated in the thriving Dorset town of Sherborne. It has been reborn as a leading destination for the arts, events and the community. Reopened in spring 2024, the a Grade I-listed Georgian house is a unique destination home to the nationally significant Thornhill Mural and boasts beautiful sculpture gardens. After more than 30 years of unsuccessful revival attempts, the house has been lovingly restored by heritage architects and craftspeople, led by Stefan Pitman of SPASE Design. Visitors can now enjoy beautiful sculpture gardens, various exhibitions and versatile art-filled spaces for events, as well as Macready's, a restaurant and bar championing a locally sourced menu. The venue, with its rich and colourful history, is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. From its origins as a residence built to impress the young wife of the octogenarian landowner to being the country retreat of a renowned Shakespearean actor who held literary events with guests such as Charles Dickens, the building has seen it all.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Discover New Forest weddings at Lake Farm

Celebrate weddings on the stunning 40-acre private farm at the edge of the New Forest. Enjoy rustic charm, modern amenities and top-notch services in a tranquil, picturesque setting for unforgettable events. At Lake Farm, the team is dedicated to making weddings truly unforgettable. Their passion lies in creating exquisite experiences that beautifully reflect unique love stories. With meticulous planning, keen attention to detail and a commitment to perfection, they ensure weddings become cherished celebrations of love to remember forever. Various packages and flexible options ensure weddings are exactly as imagined. Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance, alongside breathtaking views from serene lakes to scenic fields. It sets the ideal backdrop whether couples are after vintage-themed or chic countryside weddings.

Discover Katie Marie Creations and the team's new offerings

Katie Marie Creations is expanding its offerings to include stunning gold-filled and sterling silver jewellery in addition to its gold-plated collections. A thrilling new aspect of the company's service is the ability to create custom jewellery pieces, which has quickly become one of the most popular requests, thanks to numerous clients reaching out through social media. The company's website has introduced a special section, allowing couples to reach out to owner Katie Gettins to explore the creation of unique bridal pieces. Katie shares, "We've designed some stunning custom earrings and bridesmaid necklaces already. Couples can get in touch through email or schedule a brief consultation. We're excited to provide this opportunity to even more brides and their wedding parties!"

The HMS Warrior provides the perfect backdrop to weddings

The HMS Warrior creates a unique wedding backdrop in the heart of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, with spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour and beyond. Ceremonies onboard the ship create captivating stories as couples embark on a new chapter in their life bathed in the grandeur of maritime history. HMS Warrior is more than a venue; she's an experience lovebirds will never forget! Surrounded by her timeless beauty, couples can say "I do" in one of the exquisite venue spaces. The Officer's Half Deck is the perfect blank canvas for ceremonies and receptions with 60 seated guests. Couples can add personal style to occasions, creating a beautifully bespoke atmosphere.

Discover Minstead Lodge in the New Forest

Minstead Lodge is thrilled to announce it's embracing a fresh, new look to showcase the stunning New Forest venue and its charitable heart. This transformation highlights the venue's timeless charm and emphasises the team's dedication to providing an exceptional experience for couples and event planners. At the heart of this new look is the unwavering support for people with learning disabilities. Each event booked at Minstead Lodge contributes to helping people with learning disabilities achieve greater independence and develop valuable skills. The Lodge is reinforcing this charitable message, reminding couples that by choosing Minstead Lodge, they're making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Find your big-day musicians at Ascot Racecourse

Gwenllian is an acclaimed and established Wedding harpist, ready to accommodate all your musical needs for your special day. From performances at the National Portrait Gallery to St David's Hall, Cardiff and the Barbican, London, she has toured the East Coast of America with concerts in New York and Boston. She has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and her work has been performed and recorded by Ensemble Cymru. Gwenllian is an award-winning and experienced harpist in demand for luxury events for distinguished venues such as Saddler's Hall, Vintner's Hall and Loseley Park. She is passionate about creating bespoke musical arrangements to add that personal touch to your wedding day.

With an exclusive discount for this event only, come and meet her at the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show.