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July/August 2024
 

July/August 2024

 
Wedding season is in full swing, and we’re already obsessed with the showstopping nuptials across Hampshire and Dorset! Couples continue pushing the boundaries to capture their love stories and personalities perfectly. They’re thinking outside the box on ways to create memorable days and ultimate celebrations with loved ones.

For many reasons, summer is a fabulous time to tie the knot! Who doesn’t love the warmer weather? Don’t get me started on the limitless colour palettes on offer! From neutral shades to pastel fantasies and bold pops of colour, you can’t go wrong.

If you’ve just become engaged, we recommend starting to plan early to avoid disappointment. This not only ensures you secure your preferred suppliers but also allows you to enjoy the process of creating your dream day step by step.

Embrace the beauty of summer with abundant florals, as this season offers more options than others. Imagine the vibrant hues of roses, gardenias, carnations, sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, peonies, sweet peas and more, all coming together to create a picturesque setting for your special day.

We all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable! Even if you’re exchanging vows at the peak of summer outside, it’s always essential to have a wet-weather backup plan in case of any summer showers – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Most venues will offer a space indoors as an alternative if the heavens open, ensuring your day goes on without a hitch.

For catering, keep things light, fresh and crisp, as the last thing guests will want is a hearty, heavy meal in the heat before dancing the night away. Some popular options include picnics, hog roasts, BBQs, delicate seafood, afternoon teas and more! Ensure seasonal food is being used to ensure top flavour and taste. Keep guests hydrated with cold water, juices or even fresh lemonade. It’s a chance to get creative and offer your guests a culinary adventure.

This issue is full of wedding inspiration from start to finish, covering all aspects of the planning process, from finding the perfect venue to dream worthy gowns, the latest offers, beauty advice, venue styling and big-day bakes. It doesn’t stop there, as we also cover top honeymoon destinations worldwide for memorable trips together.

So, pull up a chair, grab a cuppa and get reading!

Editor, Olivia x
 
Love Is In The Air
Image credit: Jessica Hayman Photography
 
Love Is In The Air
 
Erin and Luke's love shone through on their special day.

Read all the details of the big day on page 32 of the current issue available: www.yourhampshiredorset.wedding/free-download
 
Win a five-night honeymoon to Dhigali Maldives
 
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FAS
 
In Full Bloom
Image credit: Little Isle Photography
 
In Full Bloom
 
East Afton Farmhouse

Surrounded by rolling countryside on the beautiful Isle of Wight, East Afton Farmhouse offers the most idyllic setting for celebrations with beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and vast countryside. The grounds never disappoint, with many beautiful backdrops all year round. The gardens change from white roses and blossom blushes in the spring to warm tones and vibrant flowers in the summer. Sunset red fields of grass and crunchy amber leaves are seen in the autumn while the crisp light bounces off cool greens in winter, complementing the dusky purple sky. Why not use the grounds to host party games, reception drinks, canapés or formal photos?

There are three spaces licensed for weddings! The Stone Barn is a converted stable that can host 120 people, which oozes character with thick stone walls, original beams, carved wooden chandeliers and flagstone floor tiles. The open three-sided barn with roll-up sides suits summer ceremonies as well as winter celebrations, complete with fur throws and blankets. For al fresco dining experiences, create a Mediterranean vibe with banquet trestles and spill onto the courtyard to party with 80 people. The Coach House is the smallest barn that provides a blank canvas to suit any colour scheme. It’s heated so warm and cosy in the winter, or peel back the bifold doors for a more open space in the summer surrounded by 90 loved ones for the vows. The space is also ideal for intimate receptions with 50 guests seated or 100 standing. There are toilets and a decked platform with festoon lighting, perfect for watching the sun go down. The Black Events Barn is the largest space purposely built and heated, providing plenty of space for wedding ceremonies. The large glass windows allow plenty of natural lighting and the brick detailing creates the perfect backdrop for 180 guests. The space can be utilised for receptions across two floors or 130 on the ground floor. Guests will find a large bar, underfloor heating, wagon wheel chandeliers, a commercial kitchen and toilet facilities. The 18th-century main Farmhouse and country annexe are full of character, charm and a contemporary twist with space for 20 people.

The neighbouring sister farm, Tapnell Farm, is only a two-minute drive away for extra accommodation.

Visit: www.tapnellfarm.com

Check out more local venues on page 25 of the current issue available now: www.yourhampshiredorset.wedding/free-download
 
Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers
 
Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers
 
West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

Read more......
 
All glammed up - Hollywood-style showstoppers
 
All glammed up - Hollywood-style showstoppers
 
These movie star-inspired gowns are worthy of the red carpet and will give you the star power you're looking for your bid day.

Read more......
 
Picturesque Parga
 
Picturesque Parga
 
Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Parga Beach Resort in this popular coastal town located on the north-west coast of Greece

Read more......
 
Forthcoming Events
 
Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. To view more events, please visit the events page on our website...

25 Aug 2024 - Love Actually Sherborne Wedding Fayre
Sherborne Girls, The Merritt Centre, Bradford Rd, Sherborne, DT9 3QN
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk

8 Sep 2024 - Hampshire Wedding Network - The Bugle House
1a Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2AL
www.hampshireweddingnetwork.co.uk

15 Sep 2024 - Farnham House Hotel
Alton Rd, Farnham, GU10 5ER
www.spiralevents.co.uk

22 Sep 2024 - The Hilton Hotel Wedding Fayre
Terrace Rd, Bournemouth, BH2 5EL
www.spiralevents.co.uk

22 Sep 2024 - Audleys Wood Hotel Wedding Show
Alton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2JT
www.countyweddingevents.com

29 Sep 2024 - Basing House Wedding Fayre
The St, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7BH
www.spiralevents.co.uk

29 Sep 2024 - Highfield Park Wedding Fair
Highfield Park, Church Lane, Heckfield, Hook, RG27 0LG
www.berkshireweddingfairs.co.uk

Are you a venue or show organiser hosting your own wedding event, open day or showcase? Then submit your event details here now: www.county.wedding/events-add
 
View the latest issue of Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding for FREE!
 
Full of wedding ideas, expert advice and talented local suppliers, Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding is now available for free – simply follow this link to download the latest issue. For even more inspiration, you can also check out our previous issues.

Interested in areas outside of Hampshire & Dorset? You can read any of our other 18 regional wedding magazines here

Happy planning!