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

Oxfordshire by Weekend Journals has been published

Oxfordshire by Weekend Journals has recently been unveiled - it's the definitive guide to exploring this beautiful county that would make a beautiful wedding gift. Featuring more than 40 venues, the Weekend Journals team have handpicked their favourite places from boutique hotels to prestigious museums, independent shops to recently-opened restaurants, and cosy pubs to delicious bakeries. The book is written by Milly Kenny-Ryder and the photography is all by Gabriel Kenny-Ryder. This dynamic brother and sister team are joined by designer Simon Lovell (Milly's husband) who together have created the vision for Weekend Journals and created all the content exclusively.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Oxfordshire's Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons wins in Good Hotel Guide

The Good Hotel Guide recently revealed its annual list of César winners. The 20 Césars (named after famous Swiss hotelier César Ritz) are given to the hotels, inns and B&Bs considered outstanding in their particular category. The latest version of The Good Hotel Guide: Great Britain & Ireland is now live online, featuring more than 700 hotels, including 76 new entries. Now in its 48th year, The Good Hotel Guide is the only truly independent hotel guide in the United Kingdom as it does not accept payment for inclusion or free hospitality in return for coverage. This year, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Oxfordshire won Best Hotel in the South.

Froyle Park 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 Froyle Park, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

An idyllic 16th century manor house nestled within 80 acres of parkland on the Surrey / Hampshire border, Froyle Park is a grand exclusive-use wedding venue with the ability to host up to 300 guests.

A Toast to Love with Winter Weddings at The Post Barn

As winter surrounds the countryside, The Post Barn offers the ultimate destination for couples seeking a flawless winter wedding experience. Nestled within an expansive 120 acres of rolling hills in Berkshire, this contemporary venue transforms the season's most romantic moments into a celebration of love, offering a sophisticated and intimate backdrop that captures the very essence of winter romance. Recently awarded as the 'Best Barn Venue' at The Wedding Industry Awards 2024, The Post Barn represents a revolutionary approach to winter wedding celebrations. The venue offers couples an unprecedented level of personalisation and attention to detail. From the moment guests arrive, whether in a Bentley or on horseback, they can be greeted by a wedding team that prides itself on creating bespoke experiences.

Manor of Groves 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 Manor Of Groves, Hertfordshire, for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 26th January 2025! 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.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Enjoy a PJ Party Package at Horwood House in Buckinghamshire

Cosy up in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside at the luxuriously relaxing Horwood House this winter, in collaboration with Their Nibs. As part of the collaboration, Horwood House has introduced a brand-new 'Festive PJ Party Package' that includes a pair of PJs, bubbles, a grazing platter, spa treatments and so much more for a relaxing staycation. Where better to escape to for some much-needed pampering than Horwood House, the stunning Grade II listed Manor House? Situated in 38 acres of woodland, wildlife and gardens, each of Horwood House's beautifully designed bedrooms has tranquil views and their Festive PJ Party sleepover is an absolute must this winter.

Buy last-minute Christmas and New Year presents at Gifts Instead of Flowers

Shop now at Gifts Instead of Flowers where talented artists offer art, jewellery, candles, tea towels and more! At Gifts Instead of Flowers, customers buy directly from the artist, ensuring they receive 100% of the commission. All of the talented artists are proudly based in the UK. Artist Jo Gough has also revealed an exclusive collection with Gifts Instead of Flowers with her The Wizard of Oz collection. This 1939 American musical fantasy film, starring the iconic Judy Garland as Dorothy, is celebrated as one of the greatest films in cinema history. Jo has beautifully captured the essence of this beloved classic with her artwork, adorned with a vibrant and colourful array of flowers, which brings the enchanting story to life.

Buckingham-based The Flora Lab launches festive fragrances

Buckingham-based The Flora Lab has launched flora-fabulous festive fragrances, each designed to capture the essence of the colder season. The hand-poured, natural, sustainable scented wax single and double-wicked candles are created by an independent, female-founded business that sells room diffusers, botanical wax melts and scented tealights along with the candles which all make the ideal Xmas-themed wedding gifts. Fabulous festive fragrances include Woodland Glow, Christmas, Winter's Night, Wonderland, Midnight Cherry and Alpine Air. They will also help to scent any wedding venue this season and look so pretty in the packaging designed to suit many different wedding themes and colour palettes.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Oxfordshire-based Lords Fragrance House unveils new Glencoe collection

The new Glencoe scent from Lords Fragrance House is ideal for fragrancing weddings. The unique blend of Scottish pine, honey, heather, tobacco leaf, and patchouli, over warm undertones of Tonka bean, vetiver, and cedarwood, creates this cosiest of amber smoke scents. Inspired by nature and global travels, founder Sasha Lord creates colourfully conscious, luxurious, vegan home fragrances, designed to enrich interiors. The Glencoe aroma can be experienced in natural wax candles encased within reusable pink or green glass vessels that can be given a second life as plant or tea light holders. Trim the wick between uses and allow all the top layers of wax to melt for the longevity of candle life and the best scent, £34.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Berkshire-based bridal boutique buzzing after big award win

Pangbourne-based wedding business Queen Bee Bridalin Berkshire has scooped an impressive wedding industry award presented at the popular wedding venue Silchester Farm after launching their successful bridal business in 2021. Kate Taylor-Norris, the owner and founder of the successful bridal business tells us how she felt when they won Best Bridal Retailer at the glittering party; "We were thrilled, it means so so much to us! We're genuinely so passionate about delivering a high level of customer service and winning this award, which is based on customer votes and customer feedback, is a testament to how hard we work to ensure that our customers enjoy a special shopping experience with us."

Experience Frosted Romance and Timeless Elegance at The Post Barn this Winter

Set against 120 acres of Berkshire countryside, The Post Barn is a contemporary wedding venue that transforms seasonal romance into unforgettable celebrations, offering couples the perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless charm. This winter, The Post Barn emerges as the ultimate destination for couples seeking a flawless winter wedding experience. Daisy Bradley, venue director at The Post Barn, comments: "At The Post Barn, we understand that every love story is unique and doesn't have to fit into a traditional 'package'. Our winter weddings are more than celebrations, but narratives created with care, where every detail is designed to capture the romance of the season. From the moment couples arrive to the last dance, we transform individual love stories into an unforgettable winter wonderland experience."

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Start Your Forever journey at Wasing Park’s January Showcase

Award-winning barn venue Wasing Park invites couples to a January Showcase from the 5th until the 26th of January 2025. The venue will be transformed for this year's theme - Forever. Wasing is proud to spotlight sustainability, with expert suppliers showcasing their eco-conscious services and products. From florals to sustainably sourced wedding décor, couples can discover how to create a beautiful, timeless celebration that's also kind to the planet. Talented florists will display stunning arrangements made from locally grown seasonal flowers plus flora and foliage foraged from Wasing's gardens and woodlands, offering inspiration on how to incorporate conscious choices into their wedding day. The venue will be adorned with exquisite designs, combining natural elegance with a commitment to the environment.

Enjoy Christmas lunch at The Compleat Angler in Marlow this festive season

The Compleat Angler, part of the Macdonald Hotels group, has reported a remarkable rise in bookings for Christmas lunch, highlighting a growing trend of families seeking the magic of dining out this festive season. The Marlow venue already has more than 200 bookings for its Christmas lunch, with limited availability remaining for its two- and three-night Christmas packages. Guests at The Compleat Angler can look forward to an unforgettable Christmas dining experience. The hotel's festive menu features a selection of traditional dishes with a twist, including succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings and rich Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Diners will enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a cosy festive atmosphere, and perhaps even a visit from Santa himself for younger guests.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style this year with the Adam Handling Collection. The team has created an unforgettable experience at The Loch and the Tyne by Adam Handling in Old Windsor, Berkshire. The Loch & the Tyne is ringing in the New Year in a relaxed and cosy environment with roaring fires and an enchanting Winter Garden. Guests can expect live music and a luxurious tasting menu including dishes such as Adam's famous crab and prawn raviolo served with ginger and brown butter and duck served with sour plum, beetroot. The popular King's trifle will be the icing on the cake as dessert. Prices start from £100 per person from 5 pm until 8 pm and £125 per person from 8 pm until close.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."