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

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Orwells Restaurant is a top choice for visitors to Henley-on-Thames

Visitors to Oxfordshire's popular Henley-on-Thames are flocking to Orwells Restaurant, a proud holder of four AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate for good cooking. Located just five minutes from the town centre of Henley, Orwells is the only Oxfordshire-based restaurant to hold four AA Rosettes and is one of the best in the region, and it's dog friendly. With a menu driven and inspired by their impressive allotment where in high season 80% of the produce comes from, chef-owners Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, who are regular guests on James Martin's Saturday Morning television show, marry creativity with seasonal and responsible sourcing. Liam tends to the allotment himself and has spent many years perfecting it so he knows the very best varieties of fruit and vegetables that thrive there.

Independent Berkshire brewery makes £10,000 donation to Make A Wish Foundation

Reading-based Siren Craft Brew has donated £10,000 after achieving its unique 'Lumina Hour' goals. The brewery, known for its adventurous and creative beers, set out to get its Lumina Session IPA pouring in 1,000 venues across the country and at the same time, aimed to trend on UK Twitter/X. Thanks to a swell of support from the beer community, #LuminaHour trended at number five in the UK Trends charts on the 30th of June - one place above WWE Smackdown, which was filmed live in the UK at the time. Donations have been made to Make A Wish Foundation, Launchpad Reading and Lymphoma Action UK - a mix of causes chosen by the Siren team.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

Geo and Bert Productions are exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Professional wedding videographers, Georgina and Bert (of Geo and Bert Productions) will be at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October to chat with couples about their wedding plans and requirements. "Hi, we are Georgina and Bert! Our commitment is to work closely with every couple, ensuring we create a dream video that reflects their unique love story. With years of experience and genuine enthusiasm for our work, we pour our hearts into every frame, making your special day truly unforgettable."

Bridal party attire with Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Surrey-based Katie Binns Dress Studio, will be showcasing its bridal party attire at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows. "I'm Katie and I absolutely love dressing up for a special occasion. Whether it's for a black tie event, wedding, a big occasion, any excuse and I'm there planning my outfit!. I will take my clients into a world of dresses where I can help to advise on what colours will make them radiate, to what style dress suits their unique body shape. I am also fully qualified in Colour Analysis and Personal Styling. When it comes to Proms and buying dresses, my amazing teenage daughter Daisy always likes to be with me on the buying trips to keep the dresses current."

PoB Hotels unveils collaboration with Madeleine Shaw

PoB Hotels unveils a new collaboration with Madeleine Shaw for a new wellness experience dedicated to skin health that's taking place across the portfolio of properties, including at Bovey Castle in Devon, Barnsley House in Gloucestershire and The Vineyard in Berkshire. This partnership offers guests an exclusive opportunity to glow, both inside and out through indulgent treatments and delectably nutritious dishes, all expertly crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance overall skin health and well-being. Madeleine Shaw's exceptional expertise certifies these extraordinary treatments and delightful dishes, available at select PoB Hotels from September 2023 to March 2024. Madeleine has proudly partnered with PoB Hotels, sharing her 'Get the Glow' Philosophy. Madeleine Shaw boasts over a decade of unparalleled experience in the wellness industry.

Creating bespoke and heartfelt ceremonies to mark life’s events

KJM Ceremonies is exhibiting at County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Kathy Morgan, independent professional celebrant and owner of KJM Ceremonies, covers mainly Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey. Here, she tells us more, "Weddings are my complete world! I've always been involved in wedding planning in some way and I'm very proud to have won several awards as a celebrant, from Hitched, Lux Life Magazine and The International Wedding Awards.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Horwood House launch Restorative Sleep Day at H Spa

Need a long nap? The new Aromatherapy Associates Restorative Sleep Day at the recently renovated H Spa at Horwood House in Buckinghamshire is the ideal way to take some time out, reboot and set yourself up for a good night's sleep. The day includes full use of the spa facilities from 9 am until 5 pm, a 60-minute Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Body Treatment and a delicious afternoon tea. Set in Little Horwood on 38 acres of private countryside in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, this stunning Grade-II listed property combines the style and heritage of a quintessential country house hotel with contemporary features and home-from-home touches. H Spa boasts a 15-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam and relaxation rooms, multiple treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art gym, all centred around a beautiful courtyard.

Elevate your special occasions with Polmac (UK) Ltd's exquisite custom wooden boxes!

Polmac (UK) Ltd, are artisans of elegance with more than 25 years experience, masters of craftsmanship, and creators of lasting impressions. "Our expertise lies in meticulously crafting bespoke wooden boxes that transcend the ordinary, including enchanting wedding gift boxes and captivating centerpiece planter boxes. What sets us apart? 1. Unmatched beauty: Our wooden boxes are more than just containers; they are exquisite works of art. Each piece is painstakingly designed to radiate timeless beauty, ensuring that your cherished moments are housed in something truly exceptional.

Find your big-day photographer at Mercedes-Benz World

Hertfordshire-based Ami Louisa Photography is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 29th October 2023. Amy says, "I love photographing romantic, joyous weddings that are full of personality. Getting to meet so many wonderful couples and be with them in their happiest moments is a privilege that doesn't get old." What other people say about Ami Louisa Photography, "We honestly couldn't have asked for a better photographer! Ami is the sweetest, most genuine person we've ever met. Our photos are magical and looking back through them makes me emotional all over again. I can't thank her enough!"

Find out more about Woo Illustrations at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Surrey-based artist Megan, of Woo Illustrations, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th October, 2023. Creating mementos that guests and couples can cherish after the big day, Megan's a live, retrospective illustrator that can capture loved ones throughout the special day. From the happy couple, to the bridesmaids, best men and bridesmaids to the ceremony and evening guests, there's plenty of loved ones on a wedding day who would love this special keepsake - and it makes for great entertainment watching Megan and work!

Pre-wedding prep with Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Berkshire-based Laser Hair Removal Clinic will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Be sure to pop along to meet the team and can answer all of your pre-wedding questions. "We're so excited for you. Everyone deserves to feel like the very best version of themselves on their wedding day, so we're here to help," shares Aaliyah Bashier, managing director. "We offer laser hair removal delivered by Soprano Titanium - the safest, industry-leading and FDA-approved treatment to be rid of unwanted hair not just on your wedding day, but thereafter!" Show visitors can receive a free consultation with 25% off their first treatment and a complimentary gift bag.

Renowned floral stylist exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Lynn, of Buckinghamshire's Love Flower Studio, will be at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Specialising in floral arrangements and flower delivery services, including wedding flowers, funeral flowers, anniversary flowers, mother's day flowers, valentine day flowers and more! Making the final five of the Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Florist in Bucks and Oxon, you can count on Love Flower Studio to deliver beautiful flowers and bespoke floral arrangements for all your special occasions. With a passion for excellence from the beginning, the team at Love Flower Studio know that every flower counts, and strives to make the entire shopping experience as rewarding and fun as possible.

Join Sight ‘n’ Sound at Mercedes-Benz World to see all they have to offer

Hertfordshire-based Sight 'n' Sound will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 8th September - a must-visit event for those tying the knot. At the event, couples and visitors on the day will be able to see Sight 'n' Sound's full wedding service set-up including: Wedding disco, wedding DJ, sound system, lighting, white LED dancefloor and low smoke generator.

Surrey's Artypix Photography will be showcasing its photo booth with County Wedding Events

Surrey-based Artypix Photography will be showcasing its photo booth at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th October 2023 - a must-visit event for all those couples looking to tie the knot in the Surrey area. New to Artypix, is the Inflatable Photo Booth and with its hire couples will get: personal booth operators, props, instant image share, unlimited visits, and unlimited online downloads. Packages can be booked in two, three or four hour slots to suit couples' requirements when tying the knot.

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.