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

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

Prezzo Italian Reading reopens with stylish new look and half price food

Prezzo Italian Reading has officially reopened its doors with a stunning new look, a refreshed menu, and two exciting promotions: guests can enter a competition to win free pizza and pasta for a year, plus take advantage of a special 50% discount on all food that runs from now until the 5th of October. Perfectly located on King's Street near some of Reading's busiest spots, diners can take time out from shopping and sightseeing for a delicious meal with friends and family. As part of the brand's 25th anniversary celebrations and rebrand from Prezzo to Prezzo Italian - Home of Italian Classics - select restaurants across the UK are undergoing stylish refurbishments, with Reading leading the way.

Discover Literary Magic and Riverside Luxury with The Relais Henley & Henley Literary Festival

This autumn, the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames will come alive with the return of one of the UK's most distinguished cultural celebrations, The Henley Literary Festival, running from the 3rd until the 12th of October. Renowned for its engaging conversations, inspiring authors, and intimate atmosphere, the festival offers more than 120 events, from talks and performances to workshops and family programming, across venues including The Relais Henley, Phyllis Court Club, and Henley Town Hall. Leading the line-up this year are luminaries such as Joanna Lumley, Gyles Brandreth, Elizabeth Day, followed by the inimitable Graham Norton, and comedy legends John Cleese and Michael Palin sharing insights on their latest works.

Ambala with a store in Berkshire celebrates 60 years of sweet memories with giveaway

South Asian confectionery brand Ambala, with a store in Slough, Berkshire, is marking its 60th anniversary with a special thank-you to customers, offering free mithai across all stores. For six decades, Ambala sweets have been part of life's most important moments, from wedding tables and engagement ceremonies to family celebrations and festive gatherings. Known for its hand-crafted authenticity, Ambala's mithai have long symbolised joy, prosperity and togetherness, making them a timeless gift for couples and guests. To celebrate this milestone, Ambala stores nationwide will be giving away a complimentary four-piece mithai box to customers until this Friday 26th September. The free boxes will be available from 2 pm daily, with a maximum of 100 boxes per store per day. No purchase is necessary.

The Post Barn Teams up with ‘We Love Pets’ to Offer Stress-Free Dog Care to Wedding Couples

The Post Barn in Newbury, the contemporary countryside wedding venue set amid 120 acres of picturesque Berkshire landscape, announces a new collaboration with We Love Pets, a trusted UK-based pet care provider, to offer dedicated dog-sitting services tailored to wedding couples and their guests. For many couples, their furry friends are beloved members of the family, but a wedding day involves typically busy venues, unfamiliar surroundings, and long hours that may not suit pets' needs. Arranging professional dog care allows couples and their guests to ensure the dogs enjoy a calm, safe, and happy experience while the couple dedicates their time to vows, photos, and hosting guests.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

The Beefy Boys unveil new Oxford restaurant

The Beefy Boys have unveiled a new Oxford-based restaurant at Westgate Oxford which opens on Saturday the 4th of October. Burger fans are being offered the ultimate bragging rights, with a chance to become official 'Burger Testers' in the new Oxford restaurant's soft launch period. Until Friday 3rd October, diners can get 20% off food in exchange for honest feedback on the food and service. This will make them the very first to visit the new restaurant and taste The Beefy Boys' award-winning burgers in the city. Advance booking is required, and with early slots already filling up, spaces are expected to go quickly.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Something borrowed, something blue

After spending over 500 days in the care of pet charity Blue Cross, rescue horse Pumpkin finally found her forever home — and even became a bridesmaid at her adopter's wedding. The 17-year-old skewbald cob had watched many other horses come and go before Natalie King from Gloucestershire gave her the loving home she deserved. Natalie's companion horse, Domino, had recently lost his field mate and was struggling alone. When Pumpkin arrived, the two bonded instantly. Not only did Pumpkin bring joy and balance back to Domino's life, but she quickly became a cherished part of the family — so much so that she played a starring role in Natalie's countryside wedding. This heartwarming horse adoption story shows the lifelong impact of rehoming rescue animals.

Danesfield House Hotel & Spa launches exclusive membership club in partnership with luxury restaurant guide

Danesfield House Hotel & Spa is delighted to announce the launch of The Danesfield Club — an exclusive new membership program created in collaboration with the Luxury Restaurant Guide, the UK's leading fine dining club. The Danesfield Club invites members to experience the very best of Danesfield House through a carefully curated collection of privileges designed to be enjoyed throughout the year. With only 400 memberships available annually, members will enjoy a welcome collection of benefits — including a complimentary stay, four spa experiences, fine dining privileges, and more — offering exceptional value that exceeds the cost of the membership.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

INTRODUCING CASWELL HOUSE IN CELEBRATION OF 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Tucked away in the rolling Oxfordshire countryside, Caswell House is a soulful family-run sanctuary located in the heart of the Cotswolds. It's a magical place where history, beauty, and heartfelt celebrations come together. It's renowned for offering enchanting weddings, wellness retreats, versatile event spaces and unique seasonal experiences throughout the year. This year marks a special milestone as Caswell House celebrates fifteen years since it first opened as an events venue. Over the years, the destination has played host to thousands of weddings and events, weaving together abundant stories and shared moments for guests across the country and beyond.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Local wedding suppliers gather at luxury The Compleat Angler hotel for grand wedding fair

Four-star The Compleat Angler hotel in Marlow is set to open its doors to some of the area's most popular wedding suppliers for a special event to be held on Sunday 21st September. The grand showcase is designed to help couples on their way to saying 'I do' as they search for inspiration for their big day. They are invited to attend the open day, where they will be able to speak with local florists, caterers and musicians, as well as tour the opulent suites and stunning wedding spaces. The romantic wedding venue, which hosts celebrations almost every weekend as well as during the week, will also open its doors on Sunday 26 October for an additional wedding fair.

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Oxfordshire-based hampers.com recently launched new wedding gift hamper range

Oxfordshire-based gifting company hampers.com located in Abingdon offers carefully curated luxurious gift hampers made with responsibly sourced, artisanal foods and estate-bottled wines. The brand has recently launched a new wedding gift hamper range. From fine Autréau champagne to delicate truffles and perfect picnic spreads, each wedding hamper is a beautiful bundle of pure indulgence making the perfect thank you gift for members of the bridal party. The Perfect Pairing Champagne Picnic Hamper, £199, has been curated to mark the most romantic of milestones. Nestled insite a wicker picnic basket is a bottle of premium Autreau champagne, plates and cutlery for two, plus exquisite sweet and savoury treats.

Donnington Valley Hotel Unveils Its Next Era as Donnington & Co.

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury, Berkshire, has entered a new era. The hotel has rebranded to become Donnington & Co., familiar in name, yet transformed in spirit. For many years the property has been a trusted destination for leisure and corporate guests. Privately owned by Sir Peter Michael and family, it has long been known for its spectacular spa, 18-hole golf course and a team who offer genuine hospitality. Summer 2025 marks the unveiling of a significant investment and redevelopment. The reception, lobby, bar, restaurant and suites have been reimagined to create spaces that feel both contemporary and comfortably familiar. The transformed entrance now offers a crisp, fresh welcome that sets the tone for the stay ahead.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Luxurious wedding venue Cliveden set to host Cliveden Literary Festival

Luxurious wedding venue Cliveden in Berkshire is set to host the Cliveden Literary Festival on the 11th and 12th October. This year's festival features the leading writers of today across culture, politics and history. Highlights will include Salman Rushdie and Rachel Eliza Griffiths who will discuss their creative partnership and actor Richard E. Grant who will talk to Georgia Beaufort about the highs and lows of Hollywood. Renowned philosopher Alain de Botton will discuss his theories of love and heartbreak and Wild Swans author Jung Chang and The Silk Roads' Peter Frankopan will consider the past, present and future of China with Geordie Greig.