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

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.

Danesfield House set to host Wedding Fair this September

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, is hosting a Wedding Fair on Sunday 21st September, from 11 am until 3 pm. The house and gardens offer an enchanting setting for fairytale-inspired weddings providing timeless elegance and sophistication. Rooms will be styled to provide an immersive visual experience for couples to imagine their own day being held there. Visitors can expect to meet the expert event team and enjoy a guided tour of the hotel and grounds. They will also be able to connect with a wide range of trusted local wedding suppliers. Whether couples are envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, they will find everything at this stunning wedding venue.

Barn at Alswick 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 The Barn at Alswick, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 5th October 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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. Forming part of the historic Alswick Hall Estate, the Barn at Alswick has been lovingly restored to a stunning contemporary event space for exclusive hire. Adorned with rustic wooden beams, the light-flooded space is perfect for your wedding vision to come to life.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Begin Your Journey to Forever at Wasing Park’s September Showcase

Wasing Park nestled in the Berkshire countryside is hosting its September Showcase, Forever, on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th September 2025. Widely regarded as one of the UK's finest wedding venues, Wasing Park will shine a spotlight on sustainability. The Grade II-listed Castle Barn will be exquisitely styled by talented florists, showcasing elegant arrangements of seasonal English flowers freshly cut from Wasing's Walled Garden and potted succulents providing a natural touch to table décor. New for this season are mini bottles of Wasing Gin, infused with botanicals gathered from the Walled Garden and hedgerows that make great favours. For a sweeter touch, thee are pots of Wasing wildflower honey lovingly crafted from honey and wax carefully harvested from hives on the estate.

Jeremy Clarkson’s pub The Farmer's Dog unveils an English wine list

Balfour Winery is celebrating a major success with five of its wines chosen for the new English wine list at The Farmer's Dog, Jeremy Clarkson's Oxfordshire pub. The selection gives Balfour Wines almost 40% of the total 13 bottles featured, cementing its position as one of the UK's leading producers. The list was curated by master of wine Simon Larkin, who carried out a nationwide review of English wines with quality as the sole criteria. Clarkson's pub has quickly become a tourist hotspot. It's not uncommon to see queues of visitors outside, eager to sample a menu that champions 100% British produce — now including an English wine list that showcases the best of the category.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

Enjoy an evening of Glamour at Danesfield House this September

Glamour at Danesfield House, a luxury make-up masterclass with Charlotte Tilbury experts from John Lewis in High Wycombe is taking place this Thursday 18th September 2025 at 6:30pm. Visitors eill enjoy an evening of elegance, beauty and indulgence. Set against the timeless luxury of the Versailles bridal suite at the property, this immersive event promises guests an unforgettable experience combining fizz, skincare, professional artistry and luxury gifting. Designed for those seeking a premium self-care pampering evening or a stylish night out with friends, maybe even a hen celebration, the evening is perfect for bridal parties, birthdays and beauty lovers alike.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

Enjoy the Taste of Spa package at The Vineyard in Berkshire

Experience the art of relaxation with The Vineyard's Taste of Spa package, a luxurious one-night wellness retreat for two, in the Berkshire countryside. Just an hour from London, The Vineyard offers a serene sanctuary where world-class hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and spa treatments join to deliver a truly restorative stay. Every element of this indulgent experience is designed to soothe the senses and nourish the soul. From the moment you arrive, you'll step into a haven of calm and comfort. The package includes a heavenly 30-minute treatment including a head massage, foot ritual, 5 aroma facial, or a mini manicure plus two hours of complimentary access to the luxurious spa facilities. It's based on two sharing a luxury double room with a cooked and continental breakfast.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club 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 Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, Hertfordshire for inspiration on Sunday 21st September 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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. With its majestic tree-studded lawns and impressive indoor and outdoor settings, the Hertfordshire makes for a wonderful venue to plan your wedding. A grand Broxbournebury Mansion is not just one of the most picturesque locations, but also a witness of many stories of love. Once owned by a prominent Bosanquet family, the mansion was celebrated for its renowned rose garden, grown by the mistress of the house herself, who even established her own kind the rose named after the family.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

A New Era of Luxury: Crazy Bear Launches Elevated Wellness Offering

Known for its bold design, indulgent experiences and distinctive approach to hospitality, Crazy Bear is entering a new chapter – one that places health, nourishment, and performance at its heart. The launch of a new on-site gym and dedicated wellness space at The Crazy Bear Beaconsfield marks the group's first step into the world of holistic wellbeing. Plans are already underway to introduce a similar offering at The Crazy Bear Stadhampton. Available exclusively to guests, members, and those booking advance health checks, the new wellness space features a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Technogym equipment, bespoke personal training sessions with award-winning trainers, immersive fitness classes, authentic Thai massages, an outdoor swimming pool and a tailored approach to health.

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea at The Castle Hotel in Windsor

With Afternoon Tea Week fast approaching from the 12th until the 18th of August 2025, enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea at The Castle Hotel in Windsor. Crafted by executive head chef Suraj Lokhande and pastry chef Suhas, The Castle Hotel's stunning afternoon tea offers a creative twist on the traditional quintessentially English experience. Diners can savour inventive sandwiches like Coronation chicken pinwheel wraps and honey roast ham brioche buns, followed by fruit and plain scones with Dorset clotted cream and homemade strawberry conserve. The finale is a showstopping array of sweets, from British strawberry mousse with vanilla shortbread to lavender and honey macarons.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.