Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Handmade Oxford, the International Contemporary Craft Festival takes place this June

The 6th edition of Handmade Oxford – International Contemporary Craft Festival is taking place from 12–14 June at Waterperry Gardens in Wheatley. Handmade Oxford presents the work of more than 175 of the UK's leading designer-makers, bringing together a wide spectrum of contemporary craft — from furniture and textiles to jewellery, fashion, ceramics, and glass. Throughout the three-day festival, visitors will have the opportunity to watch exhibitors sharing their extraordinary skills. A full programme of maker-led workshops runs throughout the festival, offering hands-on sessions in leatherworking, pottery throwing, willow weaving, and linocut printing, among others. Specific details of all the demonstrations are available on the website.

Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars

Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.

Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season

Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...

Burnham Beeches Hotel in Buckinghamshire enjoys award win

Having recently enjoyed an elegant and creative transformation across public areas, Buckinghamshire's Burnham Beeches Hotel is now realised as the first of a new brand concept, Imerso Hotels, which takes inspiration from wellness, connectivity and sustainability, connecting guests with the community and planet. It offers a stately service with its stylish reception, lounge bar, spectacular bridal suite and SOUL Spa treatment rooms and health club. Burnham Beeches Hotel is proud to have been recognised in the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2026, winning in the Large Hotel Wedding Venue category, and named Best Luxury Romantic Hotel in Northern Europe at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025.

Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026

Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.

5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed

61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.

Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert

Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.

Divided down the aisle: The UK’s feelings on the most controversial wedding choices uncovered

Weddings bring with them lots of excitement, joy and happiness, but couples also often face the added challenge of trying to balance their personal wishes and preferences with the opinions of their guests. From who qualifies for a plus one to how much to spend on an engagement ring, new research conducted by Pandora UK has uncovered the nation's true feelings about the most divisive wedding decisions¹. Pandora has also enlisted wedding expert and events director at The Post Barn, Daisy Bradley to share advice on the best ways to handle tricky decisions with guests.

Venue Henley hosts Father's Day carvery on Sunday 21st June

The Sunday Carvery for Father's Day is being held on Sunday, 21st June 2026, at the stunning Heyworth Restaurant within the Greenlands Hotel estate. Diners can enjoy views of the River Thames with a complimentary pint, bottle of beer, glass of house wine or a soft drink with each four-course carvery lunch for just £33.50 per person, or £16.75 for children under 10. After lunch, guests can make use of the beautiful riverside surroundings. With ample free parking for cars (or a boat), they can enjoy a stroll along the river or chill with a coffee in the Chiltern Brasserie.

The “2 dinners a week” rule that could transform your love life, according to expert

Google searches for 'emotional connection' are up 78% over the past month, while searches for 'relationship advice' are up 54%, showing that many are struggling and searching for ways to strengthen their bond with their significant other. Interiors brand Oak&More have spoken exclusively with award-winning sex and relationship expert Gemma Nice to find out why eating at the table a couple of nights a week can strengthen, or maybe save, your relationship.

Stress-Free Wedding Plan: Affording Your Big Day Without Breaking the Bank

Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, said: "Money plays a really important role in our lives, helping us prepare for major life moments such as weddings or other special occasions. While it enables us to create meaningful experiences, it can also become a source of stress when facing the costs that come with them. Taking the time to understand what things may cost is the first step when saving for your big day. This awareness can help you make informed decisions, whether that's setting a realistic wedding budget, building a dedicated savings plan, or seeking support to bring your dream day to life."

Women want a personal engagement ring not an expensive one

New research suggests a shift in how women approach one of the most traditional luxury jewellery purchases, with 75% saying they want an engagement ring to prioritise personal meaning over size or value. A study of 1,353 UK women carried out by 77 Diamonds* found that 75% say they would prioritise a personalised engagement ring over a larger or more expensive diamond. What seems to stand out is not a complete rejection of convention, but rather a rebalancing and reassessment of value. 59% of women say their preference still leans towards traditional ready-made ring designs, and only 11% want an entirely custom-made piece But the emotional drive behind preferences and purchasing decisions does appear to be changing with 30% expressing a desire for rings that carry additional meaning through small modifications, engravings or design adjustments.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts launches Refuel, Recharge and Reset packages

One of the UK's most popular independent hotel groups will help guests with their travel fuel costs, as rising global prices continue to impact the holiday market. Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, which operates the four-star Compleat Angler in Marlow, Buckinghamshire (pictured) as well as hotels in Wales and Hampshire and Dorset will offer guests up to £25 towards fuel to support the cost of travelling by car to its destinations. The initiative is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in Britain, with 29 destinations set to benefit from the scheme. Fuel prices in the UK have surged significantly since the start of the year.

Perfect Wedding or Perfect Post? Gen Z Couples Feeling the Pressure

Wedding planning has always come with its pressures, but for Gen Z couples in 2026, the landscape has changed. Social media has transformed what should be a joyful, shared experience into a high-stakes performance. Scrolling Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can turn inspiration into comparison, pushing couples to measure their plans against celebrity weddings, curated feeds, and friends' picture-perfect posts. Grace Loves Lace, the Australian bridal brand known for effortless, movement-friendly dresses, has partnered with relationship therapist Amanda Lambros, who has over 25 years' experience, to explore how couples can navigate these pressures and enjoy the planning journey without burning out.

One in seven couples choose sleep over sex on their wedding night

As the UK's spring and summer wedding season begins, new research by Mattress Online suggests the traditional idea of a passion-filled wedding night doesn't always match reality, with one in six couples (15%) saying they did not have sex after their big day. To understand why, the bed experts also asked survey respondents what their reasoning was behind this. They also provided additional insight on the idea of the "wedding night" from Relationship Expert, Jenni Trent Hughes. The findings show that exhaustion was by far the most common factor, with more than two in five (44%) of couples saying they were simply too tired after the celebrations. As weddings often involve early starts, long days, emotional highs, and late nights, rest is a more realistic priority than romance once newlyweds are in bed.

Common wedding planning mistakes that can ruin your photos, according to a photographer

From rushed timelines to crammed shot lists, planning can have a big impact on how your wedding photos turn out. With the average UK wedding now costing £21,990, couples are investing heavily in a single day, with photography alone typically costing around £1,500, and often making up around 10% of the total budget. Behind that cost is far more than just the day itself. Photographers will often take between 5,000 and 7,000 images, narrowing these down to around 650–800 final shots,

Where to eat in Berkshire right now

At PRESS at Donnington & Co, dining is effortlessly relaxed yet undeniably indulgent. Expect a menu that celebrates comforting British classics, elevated with a modern touch, and paired with a thoughtfully curated selection of wines from around the world, all served in a stylish, newly refurbished setting. The kitchen champions the very best of British produce, transforming fresh, seasonal ingredients into dishes that are hearty, honest, and bursting with flavour. Whether it's a laid-back lunch, a long-overdue catch-up, or a special celebration, PRESS is a place designed for lingering. And Sundays bring something a little extra. Sunday lunch is served with a soundtrack, as talented local musician Sion Whiley performs live acoustic sets every first Sunday of the month.

World Cocktail Day: The Hen Party Drinks Everyone’s Ordering

World Cocktail Day 2026 lands on 13th May, marking over two centuries since the word "cocktail" first appeared in print back in 1806. What started as a simple mix of spirits, sugar, water and bitters has evolved into a global culture of creativity and an absolute essential for hen parties. Leading hen party company, Hen Party Deals gives us the lowdown on the most popular hen party cocktails right now and how to make them at home if you're planning your own celebration.

The Perfect Bridal Party Gift - Personalised Pjs

The Peter Alexander Bridal Collection is designed to celebrate love, friendship, and those unforgettable pre-wedding moments. Thoughtfully curated, the collection features beautifully coordinated pyjama sets - perfect for gifting your bridal party or creating picture-perfect matching memories as you prepare for your big day. Each piece can be personalised, adding a meaningful and heartfelt touch for every member of your bridal squad. With an inclusive size range from extra small through to plus sizes, there's something for everyone - because every bride deserves her whole crew by her side in comfort and style.

Top Bridesmaid Gift Ideas: Luxury, Thoughtful & Travel-Friendly Picks for Your Bridal Party

Let's face it; your bridesmaids or maid of honour are the unsung heroes of your wedding journey. From calming pre-wedding nerves to answering late-night calls, managing last-minute details, and keeping everything running smoothly on the big day, they are your quiet support system behind the scenes. So, when it comes to thanking them, a generic gift simply won't do. The best bridesmaid gift ideas are thoughtful, beautifully considered, and useful long after the confetti has settled. Whether you're searching for personalised keepsakes, travel-friendly essentials for hen-do celebrations, or luxurious self-care treats for the wedding morning itself, these curated picks strike the perfect balance between elegance and meaning.