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

Makeovers by Melinda now offers lessons for brides

Makeovers by Melinda is excited to announce that she now provides Make-up Lesson services specifically for brides-to-be. With 24 years of experience in the bridal world and a strong background in teaching lessons too, Melinda Hollis is dedicated to helping clients achieve their ideal wedding look. She'll guide brides on applying make-up that looks stunning in person and photographs beautifully, ensuring they have cherished memories. If clients aim for natural appearances or a touch of glam, Melinda guides them in planning and mastering the look. Clients can opt for a second lesson for extra practice, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. To assist in recalling what they've learned, brides will receive a personalised face chart filled with valuable tips and space for their notes, making it easier to recreate unique looks.

Learn all about Grainmarket Alpacas

Grainmarket Alpacas is a delightful and vibrant herd of 27 alpacas residing in the breathtaking New Forest. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, the charming blend of male and female members showcases various ages, from playful youngsters to wise elders. Each alpaca has its unique personality, contributing to the joyful atmosphere surrounding them. These enchanting creatures have a natural affinity for celebration, making them ideal wedding companions. Their gentle demeanour and friendly nature allow them to connect effortlessly with people of all ages, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone they encounter. Their soft, fluffy coats and endearing expressions make for fun photo opportunities too!

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Discover this luxury romantic venue at Ascot Racecourse

Based in Sunninghill, Ascot, the team from Royal Berkshire will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. 'Romantic, quiet luxury and homely. Royal Berkshire is the perfect place to marry and celebrate exclusively. This winter, we're offering special rates for weddings taking place from January – end of March 2025. Why not have a chat with us at the wedding show on the 27th of October to find out more? We can't wait to meet you!'