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

Makeovers by Melinda celebrates 25 years of creating beautiful hair and makeup looks for special occasions

Experienced makeup artist and hairstylist Melinda Hollis of Makeovers by Melinda is celebrating an impressive 25 years in business. Established in 2000 as a mobile hair and makeup service, Melinda has spent decades bringing dream looks to life for weddings and special occasions. On the day, she travels to clients' chosen locations to ensure a calm, pampered experience, while her purpose-built Makeover Studio in Hedge End offers consultations, trials and selected beauty treatments. Her dedication, experience and personalised approach continue to make her a trusted name for occasion beauty.

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa launches astrology-inspired Star Treatment Spa Day in the New Forest

Luxury retreat Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in the New Forest has introduced the Star Treatment Spa Day, a unique experience combining indulgent spa rituals with astrology. Designed for guests seeking something a little different, the day includes a 60-minute zodiac-inspired treatment, a Thai lunch served in the tranquil Zen Garden and full access to SenSpa's Hydrotherapy and Health Club. Guests can enjoy thermal rooms including the Crystal Steam Room, Herbal Sauna, Tepidarium and Laconicum, all created to cleanse, restore and revitalise. The experience is complemented by astrology-inspired gifts to extend the celestial theme beyond the spa.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

Sky-high hen and stag adventures take over Bournemouth Pier with RockReef and PierZip experiences

Forget the standard night out – RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction and the iconic Bournemouth Pier are redefining hen and stag celebrations with high-adrenaline experiences above the sea. Putting Bournemouth firmly on the map for action-packed pre-wedding fun, groups can tackle 28 themed climbing walls, a daring Leap of Faith and a high ropes course suspended over the arena. For the truly fearless, PierZip offers the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, soaring 250 metres across the water. With year-round group bookings, exclusive-use options and nearby dining, it's an unforgettable way to celebrate before the big day.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Prop Options launches innovative texture rolling pin to elevate wedding cake and fondant designs

Cake designers and style-led wedding couples have a new creative tool to elevate their designs, thanks to Dorset-based Prop Options. The brand has launched The Texture Rolling Pin, an innovative cake decorating accessory that adds instant, intricate texture to edible mediums including fondant, sugar paste and modelling chocolate. Available in 19 unique designs and two practical sizes, the rolling pins are crafted using lightweight eco PLA filament and 3D printed to ensure crisp, embossed patterns with smooth handling. Designed to save time while delivering professional results, the tool is ideal for creating statement wedding cakes with minimal effort.

Adaptogenic Apothecary wins four awards at the Wellness From Within Awards 2025 for natural wellness solutions

Natural wellness brand Adaptogenic Apothecary is celebrating an outstanding success at the Wellness From Within Awards 2025, taking home four prestigious awards. Recognised for its commitment to effective, sustainable health solutions, the brand impressed judges across multiple categories. Gold was awarded for its Focus Lion's Mane formula supporting brain health, while Harmony received Silver for innovative women's health support. Bronze awards followed for Peace, a calming sleep drink, and Power, a vitality-boosting blend designed to enhance energy, mood and mental clarity. The wins reinforce the brand's reputation as a leader in natural wellness, ideal for health-focused nearlyweds.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Faith-filled weddings thrive at Hale Park as couples continue to choose historic church ceremonies

While religious weddings continue to decline nationally, Hale Park is proudly bucking the trend. Across the UK, only one in six couples now choose a religious ceremony, yet at Hale Park, faith-led weddings remain at the heart of the venue's identity. For every civil ceremony hosted, five weddings take place at the historic St. Mary's Church, year after year. Set within beautiful grounds and rich in history, the church offers couples a meaningful, faith-centred wedding without compromising on elegance, tradition or timeless style.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

The Royal Bath Hotel offers historic seafront wedding spaces with gardens, bay views and bespoke dining

Opened in 1838 on Queen Victoria's coronation day, The Royal Bath Hotel is a striking wedding venue set within secluded grounds on Bournemouth's seafront. Just moments from the beach, the hotel offers a variety of beautiful spaces for celebrations of all sizes. From the grand Kings Hall Suite for up to 150 guests to the Bayview Suite with panoramic views across the gardens and Bournemouth Bay, couples can choose a setting that suits their vision. The outdoor Secret Garden adds further versatility, while an experienced in-house team and bespoke dining options ensure every wedding is expertly planned and unforgettable.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

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.