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

How Much Should You Really Gift At Weddings In 2025?

Many people are unsure of how much money to give when they attend a wedding, statistics showed Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' soared by a whopping 5,000% in April of 2025 alone and 11% of guests go into debt just to attend a wedding, with the average spend hitting £451. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes, has broken down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto set to open in Beaconsfield this summer

On Wednesday 30th July, award-winning chef Carlo Scotto opens BEAR, a personal 14-seat chef's table concept located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. BEAR will offer guests an exclusive front-row seat to Carlo's most intimate and expressive culinary experience to date. Best known for his fearless creativity and boundary-pushing flavours, Carlo has emerged as one of the most exciting voices in modern British cuisine having worked in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett and the Galvin Brothers before opening his first solo project Amethyst in 2022. With a reputation for culinary detail learnt at London's finest kitchens, his ambition burns brighter than ever with the launch of his latest venture where he peels back the layers of traditional fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and personal.

Cliveden Literary Festival set to take place on 11th and 12th October 2025

Cliveden Literary Festival will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th October at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Now in its eighth year, the sell-out festival is renowned as a forum for lively discussion, thought-provoking ideas, and political debate. Last year, Elif Shafak described the festival as a cultural space we leave "feeling much more nurtured, nourished and inspired" while Rachel Eliza Griffiths said "the setting of Cliveden... is a kind of mirror of the beauty that I find in books." The 2024 programme featured Salman Rushdie, Rachel Weisz, William Boyd, Ian McEwan, Tom Holland, Emily Maitlis, John Banville, Neil Jordan, Robert Harris, Patrick Radden Keefe, Niall Ferguson, Elif Shafak, Helen Castor, Dan Jones, William Dalrymple, Alex Younger, Michael Gove, Merve Emre and more.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs:

Enjoy a Gourmet Stay at The Langley

Savour the art of dining at The Langley hotel and spa located in Iver in Buckinghamshire, where indulgence meets elegance with a Gourmet Stay experience. This escape includes a beautifully appointed bedroom, a sumptuous English breakfast, and a choice of lunch or dinner at Cedar, the signature restaurant led by Chef Alfonso Allocca. From handmade pastas to refined classics, each dish honours Italian tradition with contemporary flair, served in a setting that blends warmth with sophistication. Whether visitors are celebrating a special occasion like a pre-wedding get together or a mini-moon in the region, this stunning setting offers something special.

The most instagrammable venues this year include Lusty Glaze and Clivenden House

Summer wedding season is in full swing as the warm weather sets the scene for thousands of couples to say their vows. Around 40% of all weddings take place during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, with August reigning as the most popular month to tie the knot. With UK searches for 'wedding locations' soaring by 180% over the past months, wedding invite specialists Aura Print analysed Instagram hashtags to uncover the most photographed wedding venues on the social media platform, spotlighting the UK's most stunning backdrops for couples celebrating their big day. Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire was at number one while Cliveden house in Berkshire was at number five and Lusty Glaze in Cornwall made it to number eight.

The Bull, Charlbury in Oxfordshire named the UK's best pub

The Bull in Charlbury has been named the UK's best pub for 2025, after the Oxfordshire venue triumphed at this year's National Pub & Bar Awards. Owned and operated by the Public House Group, which also runs London venues The Hero and The Pelican, The Bull has cemented its reputation as a leading countryside pub since it reopened in July 2023 under the leadership of founders Phil Winser, James Gummer and Olivier van Themsche. Blending quintessential qualities with the finesse and flawless service of a contemporary operation, the National Pub & Bar of the Year has been praised for its stripped-back design, brilliant front-of-house team and exceptional food coming out of the kitchen.

Love is in the Air: Wedding Fragrances with Yankee Candle and WoodWick

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's the little details that make the biggest impact; from scent to style, every element helps tell the story of your day. No matter how you choose to incorporate fragrance into your wedding, a beautifully chosen candle can create a sensory signature that stays with you and your guests forever. We asked Taylor Perlis, Yankee Candle Fragrance Evaluator to share how best to use candles to create a beautiful, memorable atmosphere on your special day.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.