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

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Stonepit Cellar in Olney, Buckinghamshire, offers a magical wedding venue

Stonepit Cellar located in the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire, offers a magical wedding venue in the grounds of the family-run StonePit Vineyard. It's a field with a view, an event space with a difference set above the historic market town of Olney that hosts weddings and celebrations, along with other events. It has been up and running for two years now, and the talented team love nothing more than crafting a bespoke wedding celebration - turn to page 22 of the brand new issue available to download now for free to see the stunning real wedding of Bex and George.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

Begin your journey to forever at Wasing Park’s January 2026 Showcase

Wasing Park, the nationally renowned luxury wedding venue nestled in the Berkshire countryside, is delighted to announce its January Showcase, Forever, taking place on selected dates from Sunday 4th to Saturday 31st January 2026. Widely regarded as one of the UK's finest wedding venues, Wasing Park will shine a spotlight on sustainability – celebrating beautiful seasonal arrangements foraged from the Walled Garden and elegant new offerings, including charming wedding favours and the newly renovated Garden Room. The Grade II-listed Castle Barn will be exquisitely styled by talented florists, featuring elegant seasonal arrangements offering thoughtful inspiration for weaving conscious choices into your special day.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Vz Perfection by Vaishali unveils new collection, The Web

Berkshire-based Vz Perfection by Vaishali dazzled during London Fashion Week for the seventh consecutive year, impressing the audience with a statement collection. The Web reveals wearable art, with dresses for brides, bridesmaids, mums, and guests. The collection captures the complex emotional landscape of womanhood. Hot pink declares bold femininity, yellow radiates power, and ivory brings peace and harmony. Hand-embroidered metallic webs map strength and survival, highlighting Vaishali's vision in seamlessly blending British tailoring with Indian artisanal work. Symbolic details include doves for peace, dragonflies for transformation, and semi-precious stones of amethyst and rose quartz, while the fabrics are fluid and floaty, incorporating satin with sharply structured silk.

Book a summer wedding at Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire

Couples looking to book a spring or summer wedding for next year should book a viewing at the magnificent Buckinghamshire estate at Waddesdon that includes The Dairy and The Manor. These are two exclusive-use wedding venues within the spectacular grounds, each offering incredible spaces to host the perfect wedding day. There's also a 12-metre ceramic sculptural pavilion in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake from Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos in the grouds, which certainly offers the wow factor! Spring is a wonderful time to get married at The Dairy, with venue hire priced from £4,950 for remaining 2026 dates.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

I Do Frocks Bridal in Berkshire set to host a December Bridalwear Sale

I Do Frocks Bridal based in Berkshire is set to host a December bridalwear sale this year. Taking place between Christmas and New Year's Eve, on the 27th and 28th of December, it will include a selection of wonderful bridal styles from across the designer collections. I Do Frocks Bridal, with a boutique in Thatcham, stocks designers including Evie Young Bridal, Tania Olsen and Serene by Madi Lane. There's also a glittering array of sparkling accessories from Richard Designs. From February 2026, the boutique will boast a selection of brand new dresses, and will be hosting a Valentines-themed bridal trunk show.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Book a Twixmas Break at Donnington & Co

Going away for Twixmas, that awkward time between Christmas and New Year, is becoming increasingly popular, with guests looking for a break from hosting and travelling to see family. Donnington & Co is inviting guests to extend the festive magic with a Twixmas Break package at it's luxurious spa hotel in Newbury nestled in the beautiful Berkshire countryside. The package includes a one-night stay in a Simple Room; Twixmas Dinner with a £30 per person allocation; a full English or Continental breakfast and complimentary use of the spa facilities from 3 pm on arrival until 11 am on departure the following morning.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Venue Henley Launches Sunday Carvery at the Greenlands Hotel, Henley Business School

Venue Henley is delighted to announce the launch of its new Sunday carvery, hosted at the beautiful Henley Business School once a month. Available to book now, diners can enjoy a traditional roast dinner in one of the most picturesque riverside settings on the River Thames. After lunch, guests can then enjoy unlimited coffee in the Chiltern Brassarie and take a stroll in the picturesque gardens down by the riverside. Complimentary parking is available and visitors can even arrive by boat by prior arrangement. Open to the public (booking required), the Sunday carvery offers a selection of succulent roast meats, seasonal vegetables, and all the classic trimmings.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Adam Handling Collection

Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Adam Handling Collection at The Tartan Fox and Ugly Butterfly 2.0 in Cornwall, and The Loch & the Tyne in Old Windsor. To mark Hogmanay in style, chef Adam Handling MBE has embraced his Scottish roots to create a series of unforgettable New Year's experiences for guests. Those seeking an indulgent family-friendly dining experience need look no further than Ugly Butterfly 2.0 - the Collection's latest opening, set in the iconic five-star hotel, The Headland, overlooking dramatic coastal views of Fistral Beach. Innovative menus transform local Cornish ingredients into extraordinary dishes at this beautiful location, with an exclusive New Year's Eve tasting menu serving as the perfect way to bid farewell to 2025.

Ring in 2026 in style at The Langley

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style with a New Year's Eve escape at The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Buckinghamshire. Guests are invited to arrive on 31st December and begin their stay with a champagne afternoon tea accompanied by live music, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Diners will love the elegant Gala Dinner hosted in the magical Winter Garden, where live music will be enjoyed before a spectacular fireworks display at midnight lights up the sky. Dancing and celebrating will follow until the early hours and guests will wake up on the 1st January 2026 to a leisurely breakfast at the Cedar Restaurant, completing their start to the New Year in perfect style

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

The Braywood Celebrates One Year of Exceptional Hospitality

The Braywood celebrates its first anniversary, marking a year of modern British hospitality in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. Since opening in late 2024, the restaurant has quickly earned a place in the Michelin Guide, praised for its bold, ingredient-led cooking and warm, contemporary interiors. The Braywood has established itself as a standout in the modern British dining scene, continuing to champion seasonal produce, provenance, and creativity in the heart of Maidenhead. Located just outside central London, The Braywood is a refined countryside restaurant offering modern British cuisine rooted in seasonal, local produce. With interiors that blend understated luxury and rural charm, the space features an elegant dining room, a destination cocktail bar, and landscaped terraces.

Eden Launches 12 Stars of Eden to Celebrate Unsung Local Heroes This Festive Season

This festive season, High Wycombe's Eden Shopping Centre is shining a spotlight on the everyday heroes in the community with the launch of their 12 Stars of Eden initiative. From those who lend a helping hand, to individuals who go above and beyond to make their communities brighter, Eden wants to celebrate the people who make a real difference in the lives of those around them. Community members are invited to put forward someone they believe deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions. Entries can be submitted online via Eden's website, where participants are asked to share the nominee's name, role, and why they should be celebrated.