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

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

Celebrate Burns Night at The Loch & the Tyne by Adam Handling

Chef Adam Handling MBE is offering guests a 'braw' Burns Night celebration, complete with a Scottish feast and piper at his restaurant and pub, The Loch & the Tyne, in Old Windsor. The special Caledonian menu will be available for dinner on Saturday the 25th of January alongside a selection of delicious Burns Night cocktails and plenty of the finest Scottish Whisky. This exclusive Burns Night menu showcases superb Scottish flavours using the very best of British produce, in keeping with The Loch & the Tyne's ethos of 'Sustainable, British, Luxury'. The menu includes hash browns with caviar, cured Scottish trout served with horseradish and Dundee cake with Scottish heather honey.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Relais Henley with their ‘Eat, Sleep, Love’ Package

This Valentine's Day, escape to The Relais Henley, a romantic and tranquil haven perched on the banks of the River Thames in South Oxfordshire. With its timeless charm, elegant rooms, and stunning waterfront setting, this boutique hotel provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration of love. Along with a cosy overnight stay, delight your senses with a sumptuous dining experience featuring a menu crafted to indulge and impress with the freshest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Whether strolling along the riverbank hand-in-hand, exploring the iconic town of Henley, or relaxing at the hotel, The Relais Henley promises a memorable Valentine's staycation.

Latimer Estate 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 Latimer Estate, Buckinghamshire for 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.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading, Berkshire set to host Wedding Fair and Wedding Open Evening

De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading, Berkshire are hosting a Wedding Fair and Wedding Open Evening this February. The Wedding Fair is set to take place on Sunday 2nd February while the Wedding Open Evening is on Friday 21st February. This magnificent estate that's set in 250 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, the Grade II listed mansion house and Wokefield Place; a separate contemporary building. The stunning views surrounding the estate create a beautiful backdrop for big-day photos while inside the Mansion House, guests are greeted with high ceilings, statement chandeliers, a grand staircase and ornate décor.

Embrace Wellness in 2025 at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Berkshire

Embrace wellness and wellbeing this year at Berkshire's Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury. After an indulgent festive period, it's time to reset, and focusing on personal wellbeing, especially ahead of a wedding is the perfect way to set the tone for a healthy and balanced year ahead. Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa has everything needed to get started. A detox is a great way to start the new year feeling fresh and rejuvenated and The Serious Detox, £182 for 145 minutes is the perfect treatment for clearing out the old and bringing in the new with a special deep cleansing, top-to-toe detox treatment.

Micklefield Hall 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 Micklefield Hall, Hertforshire, for inspiration on Sunday 19th 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.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Burnham Beeches Hotel enjoys a recent transformation

Nestled in historic hunting grounds in 10 acres of magical woodland and lawns, home to wildlife and a family of deer, sits Burnham Beeches Hotel, a luxurious 80-bedroom property and wedding venue. Located in the Buckinghamshire countryside a stone's throw from Windsor, the hotel sits adjacent to the protected nature reserve Burnham Beeches. It's the perfect pick for a bridal shower afternoon tea; a peaceful night's sleep before the big day; a grand backdrop for a ceremony or an intimate and elegant setting for a magical wedding reception. The property has recently undergone an elegant and creative transformation across public areas including the spectacular bridal suite, The Clifton Suite (named after the family that once resided at the house) and the Soul Spa health club.

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.