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

The Compleat Angler recognised as one of UK’s top hotels in Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards

The Compleat Angler in Marlow, part of the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts group, has been recognised in Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests. Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards are based on genuine feedback from guests who have visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. Reviews praised The Compleat Angler for its picturesque views, beautiful gardens, attentive service, fine food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The four-star, 64-bedroom hotel has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Established as a small guesthouse known as the Riverside Inn, The Compleat Angler gained its present-day title from Izaak Walton's famous angling book of the same name which was written about fishing in and around Marlow.

Enjoy summer at Monkey Island Estate in Bray, Berkshire

This summer, Monkey Island Estate in Bray, Berkshire, is delighted to offer guests new experiences to make the most of the quintessentially English countryside and enjoy an unforgettable visit to this private island on the River Thames. New for 2025, the five-star hotel, part of YTL Hotels, has launched self-drive river boating; its own premium gin made from ingredients grown on the island; screen-free Yoto audio players for families as well as a new biodiversity-boosting wildflower meadow and beehives. As well as these exciting new additions, guests can also look forward to the island's existing signature experiences, including rejuvenating treatments on the bespoke Floating Spa barge; the Shepherd's Hut Hideaway; and seasonal and locally sourced produce at The Monkey Brasserie.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

Bella Italia Launches £1 Spritz Day on Wednesday 18th June

Bella Italia is turning up the heat this June with a one-day-only celebration tomorrow, on Wednesday 18th June 2025. The £1 Spritz Day offers guests its Summer Spritz drinks for just £1 each, all day long. In true Bella Italia fashion, this unmissable offer is all about great value, bold flavours, and bringing people together to mark the official start of summer in the most refreshing way. Guests can enjoy as many £1 Spritz cocktails or mocktails as they wish throughout the day, with no limits - as long as food is purchased. Whether it's a midweek date night, a family meal, or an excuse to celebrate the sunshine, Bella Italia is the place to soak up the summer spirit (responsibly, of course).

Danesfield House to Host Wine Dinner on Friday 27th June 2025

On Friday 27th June 2025, in honour of English Wine Week, Danesfield House Hotel & Spa proudly presents An English Affair: A Wine & Dine Experience — an exclusive evening of exceptional food and fine English sparkling wine, in collaboration with acclaimed wine producer Roebuck Estates. The event will take place in The Gallery, overlooking Danesfield's grand historic hall, a quintessentially English setting for a truly refined experience. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Roebuck Estates sparkling wine and canapés, before enjoying a meticulously crafted six-course tasting menu, with the option to add expertly paired sparkling wines from Roebuck's vintage collection. Julien from Roebuck Estates will be joining to share insights about the estate, the art of winemaking and pairing suggestions.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Celebrate Father’s Day the Côte way – treat dad to free 1664 lager

Côte has unveiled special treats for Father's Day with a luxurious in-restaurant menu and home-dining experience designed by Gordon Ramsay's former executive chef. Côte Brasserie, with branches in Devon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire as well as nationwide, invites families to celebrate Father's Day the French way with uniquely curated menus and free drinks for father figures, whether dining in one of its welcoming restaurants or enjoying a delicious meal at home. Côte also offers a laid-back breakfast with their Breakfast Complet menu offering a choice of breakfast dish, fresh juice and a hot drink from just £16.45. All dads dining at breakfast on Father's Day will be treated to a FREE Bloody Mary (or Virgin Mary) to make the morning toast extra special.

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Father figures can enjoy a free pint of Corona lager at Las Iguanas this Father's Day

Las Iguanas, the home of vibrant Mexican and South American cuisine with branches in Devon, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire as well as nationwide, is making Father's Day even more special this year with a refreshing offer. There's a FREE pint of draft Corona lager or soft drink for every father figure, available all day on Sunday 15th June 2025. Guests can treat the father figure in their lives to a sizzling celebration with a Latin twist from flame-grilled fajitas to the legendary Xinxim curry, fiery chicken wings, or the much-loved Brazilian Beach Cheese. And to top it off, dads can enjoy a free pint of Corona beer or a soft drink of their choice (including Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or Schweppes Lemonade) when dining in.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

NEWBIE ANNOUNCES NEW UK STORE OPENING IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF WINDSOR TODAY

Newbie, the sustainable Swedish lifestyle brand, is excited to announce a brand-new store opening in Windsor today. Offering timeless design and a nostalgic style, Newbie sells carefully crafted clothing for babies, children, and women – always made with love and care. The brand continues its expansion in the UK with further store openings in locations across London and nationwide. The Windsor opening will be the ninth UK store, with a further four stores expected to open this year. This expansion is part of the company's long-term growth strategy, where the focus is on a three-pillar strategy of establishing a presence in key markets, meeting increased demand and creating inspiring in-store experiences.

The HangOut Returns This Summer at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa

The HangOut Bar & Grill at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury is back and better than ever for the summer season. Launched in May, The HangOut is the ultimate outdoor spot in Berkshire for long sunny lunches, laid-back cocktails, and indulgent evening feasts. Located al fresco on the hotel's stylish outdoor terrace, The HangOut invites guests to enjoy an easy-going dining experience packed with flavour. From hand-stretched wood-fired pizzas to succulent signature burgers, nibbles, and lighter options like fresh salads and a new sharing board, every dish is created using top-quality, locally sourced ingredients by the talented kitchen team at the hotel.

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

Host a festival-inspired summer wedding with Forest Edge Tipis

Welford Park is home to The Great British Bake Off and the tipis at Forest Edge Tipis are set within 100 acres of ancient woodland here in a clearing nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These stunning structures offer a blank canvas with rustic, natural charm for couples to personalise and make their own. Enclosed by long meadow grass and trees, visitors feel truly surrounded by nature. Ceremonies take place deeper into the woodland under a new natural wood structure created for ceremonies with a clear roof so that couples and their guests still feel immersed under the ancient green canopy.

Henley Festival to welcome Magic Radio to beautiful banks of The Thames

Henley Festival presented by Westcoast has announced that Magic Radio will be joining this year's glittering extravaganza of music, arts, comedy and fireworks on the banks of the River Thames in Henley, Oxfordshire – including a Saturday night takeover of the Festival Club, 'Pure Heaven' with DJ sets from Magic Radio presenters Harriet Scott and Mel Giedroyc. Taking place from the 9th until the 13th of July, the Henley Festival promises to deliver a stunning programme of world-class talent with headliners on its unique Floating Stage including Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullum and Haçienda Classical. Adding to the unmissable celebrations, Magic Radio will be bringing its trademark upbeat-optimism combined with the very best music to the Festival Club 'Pure Heaven'.

Harper Weddings Launches Live Virtual Wedding Venue Tours

Harper Weddings has become one of the first wedding venue brands in the UK to launch live virtual tours across its three exclusive-use properties: Botleys Mansion in Surrey, Cain Manor in Hampshire, and Notley Abbey in Buckinghamshire. This new exciting offering allows couples to explore each venue remotely via an immersive 3D Matterport tour, guided in real-time by a member of the Harper Weddings team. These 'remote visits' offer the full walk-through experience from the comfort of their own home - it's the ideal concept for busy professionals, those based internationally, or couples at the early stages of their wedding venue research.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.