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

Get married at Hotel du Vin Winchester

Hotel du Vin Winchester is a quintessential boutique property nestled in the heart of Hampshire. This charismatic Hotel, the very first in the du Vin family, resides in a charming Georgian building just moments away from the awe-inspiring Winchester Cathedral and the city's vibrant shops, eateries and attractions. What's more, the Hotel boasts a tranquil walled garden to the rear of the property, with courtyard space and beautiful borders providing a peaceful setting. This charming Georgian gem is complemented by classically elegant boutique spaces with thoughtfully refurbished contemporary bedrooms and amenities. For couples looking to tie the knot here, vows can be held in the light and airy Lombard; it has space for 70 loved ones and leads onto the tranquil walled garden courtyard.

Turn Your Special Moments into Lasting Art

Capturing the essence of your most cherished life events, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more, Elena Priestley Life Events Art creates personalised, live artwork to remember your special event. You can chat to Elena at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 13th October. Elena says, "Let me transform your unforgettable moments into timeless masterpieces. As your special day unfolds, I create a stunning, live illustrations of the magic and emotion in every moment. A unique, timeless keepsake of your wedding day, personalised just for you. Book your live wedding artist today!"

Do you believe in magic? Be in awe of Liam Ball at our Signature Wedding Show

Looking for your wedding day entertainment? There's nothing better than seeing it live and that's particularly important if you're thinking of hiring a magician. At County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater you can see magician Liam Ball perform. He says, "Weddings are one of the most magical days that two people can share, and I can't wait to be a part of yours. I'm Liam. An expert wedding host and master magician. Not only will I help to make sure that your day flows smoothly and on time, I will also ensure that your guests are entertained and have the best time celebrating your special day.

Honeymoon gift-list inspo at the show

Dreaming of the perfect honeymoon but not sure how to make it happen? Travel Counsellor Tracy Goffin can plan it for you! "You don't need gifts, and asking for money isn't your style. Let me take care of it with our Gift Registry Service!" says Tracy. "Here's how it works: We'll send an email to all your guests. They click the link, write a personalised eCard, and contribute to your dream honeymoon. Simple, thoughtful, and exactly what you need! For more information, visit me at my stand."

Dream wedding dress goals found at Ascot Racecourse

Brides Walking The Runway is your premier Bridal Shop destination, offering a stunning collection of wedding, prom, special event gowns and accessories for both purchase and hire. Discover the perfect dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day. Owner Joan, who you can meet at the event, created a custom dress for a beauty pageant contestant who happens to be an NHS Surgeon, and she won! The team will be there and we would love to meet folks to answer any questions about the brand and the experience we offer.

Come and meet award-winning magician and professional host, Derek Oliver

Award-winning magician and professional host, Derek Oliver, provides top-class magical entertainment throughout your wedding creating memories (and photo opportunities) that'll last a lifetime. Not only that, but he is a contemporary Master of Ceremonies, and the perfect choice to flawlessly manage your big day, bringing energy and fun as he guides you and your guests with grace and charm throughout. By combining the magic and hosting, you have his unique blend of Magical Master of Ceremonies that'll elevate your wedding to the event you dreamed of. And don't leave things to chance – he's a member of the world famous Magic Circle (Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star no less!), Equity and Professional Master of Ceremonies Association and international magical associations. His three packages are crammed with offerings to suit any wedding.

Tie the knot at Highfield Park

This beautiful mansion is set on 35 acres of breathtaking parklands, the perfect backdrop for couples looking for a stunning wedding album. Highfield Park is a beautiful country manor house with historic charm and modern elegance. The light and spacious indoor ceremony options allow couples to ensure their day mirrors their unique style while not forgoing the opulent grace a country manor house boasts. With beautiful bay windows and modern décor, it's a timeless setting.  Situated within lush parklands with a tree-lined driveway, Highfield Park gives the illusion of being deep within the countryside and is a hidden gem with gravel paths, beautifully cared-for flower grounds and an unhindered view of English country scenery. With two gorgeous outdoor locations, it's the ultimate venue for events.

Simply Luxury Escapes can help with your honeymoon!

At Simply Luxury Escapes, we specialize in curating bespoke honeymoons featuring destinations worldwide. Each couple receives the personal attention of a dedicated coordinator who guides them through every step of their journey, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Plus, we offer a best price guarantee! Since 2008, we have been creating unforgettable honeymoons and destination weddings. Our expertise is reflected in the happiness of hundreds of couples, as seen in their glowing 5-star reviews. As the winner of the 'Best Travel Company for Luxury Holidays' at The British Travel Awards and recognized by the St. Lucian Tourist Board for our exceptional honeymoon services, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to perfection.

Visit us at the show to discover why Simply Luxury Escapes is the perfect choice for a unique and personalized honeymoon experience. Plus, don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper, Afternoon Tea at The Shard, and a £100 John Lewis voucher!

Showstopping cars from Ultimate Classic Car Hire

Tony Allen began turning his teenage passion for collecting classic motor vehicles to good use by lending his cars for friends' weddings. Then, way back in 1990, as the collection grew, he established his classic car hire business: Ultimate Classic Car Hire. The company, and some of its fleet will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, 2024. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially into one of the most impressive in the South East of England. Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, now offers a remarkable selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars.

Alma Makes joins County Wedding Events for the first time

We're excited to announce that Alma Makes will be joining the upcoming County Wedding Events team for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show! Alma Makes specialises in bespoke flower preservation and personalised memorial keepsakes in Surrey; transforming cherished memories into timeless pieces of art, preserving the beauty of wedding bouquets, memorial flowers, and pet tributes in resin. "We're also pleased to invite you to visit us at the upcoming County Wedding Events' show," shares Alma. "We'll be showcasing our latest creations and offering special promotions exclusively for event attendees.

The lowdown from formalwear expert Stephen Bishop Suiting

Regular show favourite Stephen Bishop from Woking-based formal menswear store Stephen Bishop Suiting shares his top advice for choosing your big-day attire. What's more, Stephen will be on hand, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, on 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on 13th October - here he can answer all of your wedding day questions and will have a huge selection of his suits and coordinating accessories on display. Established in 2013, Stephen Bishop Suiting opened specifically to offer men a higher-end, one-stop-shop for formal wear, specifically with weddings in mind. I'm a multi-award-winning formal wear specialist with more than 30 years of experience.

Meet Maki's Cakes at Mercedes-Benz World for the first time

Maki's Cakes is excited to be showcasing its work for the first time at the upcoming, County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz Wedding on Sunday 13th October! Meet the designer, Makiko Searle and explore its bespoke wedding cakes, custom designs and delicious treats, all crafted with precision and creativity. "We look forward to seeing you at the show!" says award-winning cake designer Makiko.

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Wedding flower inspiration from floral designer Dawn Jennings

Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to meet floral designer Dawn Jennings who will be exhibiting at the event. "Myself and the team are all qualified and professional florists and pride ourselves in being outstanding creatives and visual storytellers - always making dazzling fresh floral designs that are individually unique as every one of our couples!

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.

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.

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.