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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa Uncorks English Wine Week with an Eight-Day Immersive Experience

This summer, The Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Berkshire's luxury five-star hotel, invites guests to a week-long celebration of sustainable English winemaking during English Wine Week from the 21st unti lthe 29th of June 2025. There will be the opportunity to discover exceptional English wines and complimentary dining. The hotel, which is a Michelin Guide One Key holder and proud member of Relais & Châteaux and PoB Hotels has curated this experience through its longstanding relationship with outstanding English wine producers. Featured partners include Berkshire's Demeter-certified biodynamic Winding Wood, the All Angels Vineyard, where vines are nurtured on a fertile terroir beside a 12th-century church using low-impact viticulture, and Simpsons Wine Estate in North Kent, where grapes thrive in lime-rich chalk soil through responsible land stewardship.

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Flight Club Darts celebrate 10 year anniversary

Flight Club Darts, with a branch in Westgate, Oxford are activity-based cocktail bars providing fun for all, especially for hen, stag and joint 'sten' parties. They are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. Activity bars are the perfect option for a pre-wedding party to remember. Think delicious cocktails, a buzzing atmosphere, beautiful backdrops for gorgeous photos, and fun games. Flight Club has the ingredients needed for a great party. The fairground-inspired bar looks spectacular, with lights blinking in time to the music and a carousel horse. There's also Social Darts - a revamped version of the classic game ideal for groups. An oche (play space) accommodates up to 12 people and a resident DJ guarantees party vibes along with an impressive selection of cocktails.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

Celebrate Father's Day at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa

With Father's Day around the corner in June, show appreciation to the father figure in your life with the gift of relaxation. Newbury's Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa offers the ultimate variety of spa treatments perfect for helping dads kick back and recharge. Highlights from the treatment menu include the Templespa Stress Not, £87 for 55 minutes. This calming and anti-inflammatory massage targets muscle pain and melts away tension leaving guests feeling inexplicably relaxed and soothed from top-to-toe. There's also the Templespa Scalp Ritual, £50 for 25 minutes which is an intensely relaxing treatment where hot oil is drizzled through the scalp before a soothing and tension-relieving head, neck and shoulder massage is enjoyed, followed by a hot steam towel.

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Bucks & Oxon Local Businesses win in 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards

Now in their 12th year, the hotly contested 2025 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards have been announced with 21 brilliant local indie businesses winning the coveted lifestyle crowns across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Sponsored locally by Lightfoot Solicitors, readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos have been nominating and voting in their hundreds of thousands for their favourite independent businesses across 21 different lifestyle categories – from Best Destination Pub to Yoga/Pilates Studio, Boutique Stay to Local Food/Drink producer – and shining a light on the most creative, unique indie businesses across the counties. Reaching over 11 million people nationally in 8 weeks, with half a million votes and nominations cast nationwide, making it the most popular Muddy Stilettos Awards to date.