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

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Rhe Amore announces bridesmaid gift accessories collection

Rhe Amore is excited to introduce the arrival of the leather wedding and bridesmaid gift accessories collection. The team has carefully designed a selection of wedding day accessories perfect for brides, bridesmaids, maids-of-honour and mother-of-the-brides/grooms. Each item is handmade from soft Italian leather in the Isle of Wight Studio. Prices range from £14 to £45, so a wider range of products fit different budgets. Wedding accessories were one of the company's most requested product categories last year, so they developed a range of practical and stylish products for nuptials or to give as bridesmaid gifts. Most can be personalised, making them extra special. This collection is live on the business's website and is proving popular as the wedding season begins.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Exchange vows at Hotel Miramar

Hotel Miramar is a classically designed Edwardian mansion set amongst beautifully manicured gardens with expansive views across Bournemouth Bay. The historic, elegant country house has been tastefully and comfortably designed to provide the ideal backdrop for weddings and civil ceremonies, with many photographic opportunities. Couples can take a short walk to the award-winning beach to snap dream-worthy images and spend quality time together. Outdoor ceremonies for up to 120 guests are conducted in the garden pavilion within the award-winning gardens, offering spectacular views of the sea. Should the weather be inclement, the ceremony can be seamlessly moved to the delightful drawing room, ensuring weddings are not disrupted. The charming Library Room provides a cosy and intimate setting for intimate nuptials.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.