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

Check out Crazy Bear Stadhampton this spring

Check out Crazy Bear Stadhampton in Oxfordshire this spring by booking a May bank holiday break. Crazy Bear Stadhampton is a boldly designed boutique hotel situated in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, with a twist on the classic country hotel. One of Oxfordshire's most distinctive wedding venues, the Stadhampton estate provides the perfect setting for a special day, whether this is an intimate winter celebration or a grand midsummer soirée with up to 250 guests. Offering exceptional versatility, the venue boasts private grounds and a stunning Glasshouse, which opens on to a terrace, as well as the option to enjoy exclusive use of the entire hotel.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

PRUE LEITH TO OPEN THE PUB IN THE PARK GALA CHARITY NIGHT IN MARLOW

Prue Leith has been announced as the food legend to open Marlow's Pub in the Park on Thursday, 15th May. Leith joins a long line of legends such as Mary Berry, Marco Pierre White, Raymond Blanc OBE, and Rick Stein, who have previously opened the event alongside its founder, Tom Kerridge. The evening will be an all-star charity event raising money for the festival's charity, Meals from Marlow. Famous names from the food, music and television industries will be joining in the fun and supporting the charity. Meals from Marlow was launched five years ago by Tom Kerridge to help key workers in the pandemic. The charity kept going and has recently delivered its 250,000th meal to people in need in and around the area.

Wasing Park unveils enchanting newly renovated venue The Garden Room

Wasing Park, the luxurious wedding venue nestled in the Berkshire countryside, has introduced its newly renovated venue, the Garden Room, offering couples a truly breathtaking backdrop for their special day. Brimming with character, this enchanting civil ceremony space is now beautifully adorned with rustic oak beams, warm aged brickwork, a sandstone tile floor and elegant pewter cast iron radiators. A highlight is the stunning sliding barn doors, offering couples a truly unforgettable entrance into this stunning space that can host up to 160 guests. With breathtaking views of the estate's immaculate Italian Garden and majestic Grade II-listed Castle Barn, the Garden Room masterfully blends the contemporary and traditional, with bi-folding glass doors that seamlessly bring the outdoors in, making for the most ethereal lighting.

Escape to Oxfordshire this May with Premier Cottages

Escape to the Cotswold countryside this May and enjoy a stay in Oxfordshire at The Chestnuts with Premier Cottages. This multi-award-winning property in this sought-after location sleeps up to eight guests. Visitors will find luxury comforts inside the traditional stone cottage, which encompasses four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and three characterful, stylishly designed lounges. The original 18th-century lounge features a large inglenook fireplace, a bread oven, plus a wood burner, making it the ideal spot for relaxing after a day spent exploring the area. The property opens up onto a glorious, secluded garden and would make a wonderful bank holiday getaway with prices from £961.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Victoria Hargrave of The Tanning Room Group Wins Award

The Great British Businesswoman Awards has honoured Victoria Hargrave, founder and CEO of The Tanning Room Group, with the Entrepreneurial Businesswoman: Consumer & Retail award. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Victoria has been widely recognised for her contributions to the beauty and tanning industry. Alongside her success with The Tanning Room Group, which has a salon in Witney, West Oxfordshire, she has recently received further accolades for developing and launching her self-tan brand, Beau Bronzage, into the UK market. The Great British Businesswoman Awards celebrate the success of women who are making significant contributions to various sectors. The Entrepreneurial Businesswoman: Consumer & Retail, a highly competitive category, acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen in the consumer and retail industries.

Park Fair 2025 returns to the Great Tew Estate this June

Park Fair, the boutique shopping and family event, will return to the Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds this Friday, June 20th, Saturday, June 21st, and Sunday, June 22nd. Now in its fourth year, the weekend will introduce Park Fair's very own pub, The Hawkstone, which will be serving a selection of premium British lager and cider by Jeremy Clarkson and his team. Hedges Law, Oxfordshire's longest-serving law firm, opened offices in Chipping Norton in the Summer of 2024. This year, they will present the Making Memories Photography Tent at Park Fair, offering guests the chance to capture special moments from the weekend. Guests can book expert photographers to take photos of them and their loved ones and keep them as lasting memories.

Hanbury Manor Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 13th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Accessed by an impressive sweeping driveway and set on 200 sprawling acres of land that once housed some of England's most important historical figures, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is an enchanting venue. Rebuilt in the stately Jacobean style, the stunning hotel surrounds you with timelessly elegant interiors, state-of-the-art amenities and stunningly refurbished function rooms Whether you're planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous Hanbury Manor is the perfect choice.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Head to Fudge Kitchen in Windsor for delicious confectionery

What the fudge! Fudge Kitchen, with a store in Windsor, Berkshire, find delight in creating delicious confectionery ideal for weddings. A true celebration of taste, tradition and craftsmanship, the brand's innovative range, which is great for wedding gifts and favours, tastes good while being sustainable - it comes packaged in premium sustainable material, so customers can enjoy the treats without causing harm to the planet! The creamy fudge that Fudge Kitchen is known for is made in small batches, using traditional techniques, so customers can taste the all-natural ingredients. The fudge is then delicately decorated by skilled artisans – what a delight!

Dinton Pastures Country Park in Wokingham set to host festival-inspired wedding fair

Dinton Pastures Country Park, located in Wokingham, Berkshire, is set to host a festival-inspired Wedding Fair on Sunday, 11th May 2025, from 11 am until 3 pm. With an array of talented local suppliers in attendance, many with plenty of experience working at festival-themed events, this fair is perfect for couples dreaming of a wedding that's vibrant, joyful, and unique to them. Set to take place in a large Sperry tent and tipi on the land at the activity centre end of Dinton Pastures Country Park, this wedding fair will offer complimentary admission and plenty more (note that parking fees apply).

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Coltsfoot Country Retreat Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Coltsfoot Country Retreat, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 6th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Coltsfoot is a beautiful venue set in the hamlet of Bulls Green in Hertfordshire, situated in close proximity to Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth and Stevenage. We are surrounded by acres of beautiful and blissfully quiet Hertfordshire countryside.

Celebrate a Hoppy EasterEscape at The Relais Henley

This Easter, head to The Relais Henley with guaranteed fun for all the family! Book an overnight stay in this elegant riverside hotel and receive a thoughtful Easter gift, not only that, but guests can also take part in their 'Henley Eggstravaganza' – an exciting Easter Egg hunt which will take place on Easter Sunday along the riverbank (complimentary for guests). Children will love the chance to embark on adventures in the beautiful grounds discovering hidden treasures. Children's menus are also available at Restaurant Dominic Chapman over the Easter period, with not only a free drink included for every child's meal, but Kids Eat Free with every adult main course ordered – the perfect way to enjoy a meal together without added expense.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

Enjoy a family-moon at the Royal Berkshire this Easter

Enjoy a family-moon at the Royal Berkshire this Easter in Ascot with the Legoland Play and Stay package. Royal Berkshire is located just five miles from Legoland, making it the perfect place for a fun family holiday this Easter. The Lego Play and Stay package is for up to two adults and two children, making booking the adventure easy. Working in partnership with Legoland Windsor, the team will check availability, book tickets, reserve a family bedroom or suite and cook breakfast. This is a brilliant family day out that is organised from start to finish, so it's hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

Treat mothers to a Wine Lover's Dream at The Vineyard in Berkshire

Located in the heart of Berkshire, just an hour from London, The Vineyard is offering an extraordinary Mother's Day celebration that pairs exceptional cuisine with one of Britain's finest wine collections. This five-star hotel's special Mother's Day experience combines live piano music and award-winning gastronomy, with optional spa indulgences. A beautifully curated three-course Mother's Day lunch, crafted by executive chef Tom Scade will feature burrata with orange, fennel and mint, or cured Berkshire trout to start. The main course includes roast Devon white chicken, South Coast plaice, or roast Berkshire rare breed pork, with each dish showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. Indulgent desserts will feature a Valrhona dark chocolate mousse or vanilla parfait with meringue and raspberry, complemented by a glass of champagne.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.