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

West Oxfordshire Holiday Home is runner up in Property of the Year Awards

Holiday rental franchise, Pass the Keys, has announced the winners of its Property of the Year 2026 Awards, which spotlight the very best holiday rentals in the UK. From a charming pet-friendly family octtage in West Oxfordshire to an eco retreat in Brighton, the awards recognise properties that offer standout guest experiences across a range of categories, including affordable, family, group, design-led and eco-conscious stays. For more than a decade, Pass the Keys has been a leading UK holiday-let management franchise, overseeing more than 1,700 properties across 65 locations in the UK and Southern Spain. Short-term let experts James Varley of Host Planet, Lisa Roads, the Holiday Property Coach, and Richard Vaughton of Yes Consulting formed the guest judge panel to select the winners.

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

'I Do' Frocks Bridal announces Designer Trunk Show dates

Berkshire-based 'I Do' Frocks Bridal has announced a Designer Trunk Show taking place from the 12th - 15th of February. The event will feature the latest collections from Evie Young Bridal and Serene by Madi Lane. Exclusive offers on new dresses will be available during the four-day event, and appointments are limited; early booking is strongly recommended. At 'I Do' Frocks Bridal, brides-to-be are drawn to the effortlessly body-flattering silhouettes, with best-selling gowns in luxurious satin and mikado fabrics. Designs feature elegant basque waists, as seen on the Sally dress by Evie Young (pictured), and clean, structured lines that enhance the figure.

Submissions open for the ‘RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize 2026’

Henley Festival 2026 Presented by Hemani has opened applications for this year's 'RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize'. Established in 2025, the prize rewards trailblazing emerging talent in the visual arts space. The award forms part of Henley Festival's charitable mission: to support the next generation of talent through its RISE programme. The UK's only black-tie music and arts festival is a world-class experience like no other: pop, world, classical, folk, and jazz music, alongside comedy, cabaret, visual arts, sculpture, roving performers, dining, drinks, dancing and unforgettably jaw-dropping fireworks. But it's more than unforgettable event: Henley Festival is a charity and the Festival's RISE programme gives a unique platform for emerging talent to explore their creativity in a festival setting.

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Enjoy a winter lunch at Danesfield House as part of Good Food Guide Restaurant Month

Marlow's Danesfield House & Spa invites guests to embrace the winter season with an indulgent lunch offering exceptional value. Served in The Orangery, with panoramic views across the Chiltern Hills and the hotel's historic grounds, the new winter lunch menu showcases the talent and vision of executive chef Matthew Edmonds. Designed to be comforting yet refined, the menu proves that luxury need not be reserved for special occasions. Running until the 13th February, Danesfield House Hotel & Spa will also take part in The Good Food Guide's inaugural Restaurant Month, a nationwide celebration of dining out that brings together more than 350 exceptional-value menus at some of Britain's most respected restaurants. The campaign highlights outstanding cooking and accessible luxury, placing Danesfield House alongside celebrated names.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Beat the January blues with Prezzo Italian's 99p pasta and pizza offer for one day only

Monday 19th January is blue Monday so In a bid to cheer up the nation, Prezzo Italian - the home of Italian classics - is offering a selection of pasta and pizza dishes for just 99p for one day only. Prezzo's Blue Monday Menu will be available across the UK (dine-in only) with restaurants in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to bring the joy of Italian dining to customers at purse-friendly prices. The 99p offer includes family favourites such as a deliciously creamy spaghetti carbonara, freshly fired pepperoni and margarita pizzas, spicy arrabbiata and a super delicious plant-based bolognese. There's something for everyone with delicious vegan and gluten-free dishes too - plus there's other options on the menu, all at reduced costs for one day only.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Celebrate Burns Night with the Adam Handling Collection in Old Windsor

Celebrate Burns Night with the Adam Handling Collection in Old Windsor. The Loch & the Tyne will deliver a celebration of tradition, music, and feasting on 24th January 2026 from 7 pm in honour of Robert Burns, Tickets are priced at £80 per person. Surrounded by tartan accents woven throughout the pub's furnishings, guests can enjoy a special Burns Night menu with dishes including haggis bon bons with bread and chicken butter; and lamb Wellington served with whisky sauce, haggis, neeps and tatties. Complete with whisky and live bagpipes, diners will have all the ingredients for a Burns Night to remember.

Oxfordshire's Uffington White Horse Hill named as top five destination for a celestial proposal

Recent data from HotelPlanner.com has identified the top UK locations offering the clearest night skies, for a sparkling proposal to remember with Oxfordshire's Uffington White Horse Hill at number five. 2026 is a huge year for astrotourism and noctorousim trends due to the rare total solar eclipse experience on the 12th August, along with an unusual concentration of eclipses and meteor showers throughout the year. Combined with the growing popularity of dark-sky travel, these celestial moments are driving travellers to plan trips specifically around the night sky. With this in mind, more couples will turning to these trends to seek a unique proposal under the stars in some of the UK's pockets of true darkness.

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, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! 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.

In with the new - Berkshire venue reveals wedding trends for 2026

The Post Barn, Berkshire's award-winning wedding venue, reveals what modern couples are saying goodbye to and the fresh ideas taking centre stage for 2026. As wedding season for this new year approaches, one thing is clear; the era of cookie-cutter weddings is officially over. According to Daisy Bradley, venue director at The Post Barn, couples are moving away from over-styled, traditional looks in favour of celebrations that feel personal, expressive and effortless. Daisy states; "Weddings are no longer about following a formula, they're about reflecting who you are. We're seeing couples toss the rulebook and build celebrations that are bold, emotional, and completely authentic to them."

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

Hemani announced as Henley Festival's Headline Sponsor for 2026

Henley Festival has announced that Hemani will become headline sponsor of the UK's only black-tie music and arts festival Henley Festival 2026 from Wednesday 8th July until Sunday 12 July 2026. Owned by Joe Hemani, the founder of Westcoast, Hemani's mission is to empower innovation by investing in pioneering technologies that shape the future. Mr Hemani has been a long-time supporter of Henley Festival, and in 2022 was appointed Honorary Life President. Hemani's sponsorship also includes the Festival's charitable programme 'RISE', nurturing the next generation of talent. Hemani will sponsor the early RISErs programme for under 18s, which forms part of 'PLAYDATE @ Henley Festival', alongside the strand of RISE creating work experience opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.

Little Village Candles unveils Share the Love Valentine's collection

Little Village Candles is delighted to announce the launch of its limited-edition Valentine's collection, 'Share the Love' - thoughtfully crafted to celebrate romance, connection, and the warmth of meaningful moments. This scented collection is available in two elegant formats: the Large Glass Tumbler and the White Travel Tin. Inspired by the sweet comfort of togetherness, 'Share the Love' blends indulgent notes that wrap the senses like a heartfelt embrace with top notes of honey, spices and citrus fresh; heart notes of woody and sandalwood and base notes of amber, tonka, patchouli and honey. Whether gifting a partner, treating a friend, or indulging yourself, the 'Share the Love collection is designed to fill every space with affection, warmth, and a touch of luxury.

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Stonepit Cellar in Olney, Buckinghamshire, offers a magical wedding venue

Stonepit Cellar located in the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire, offers a magical wedding venue in the grounds of the family-run StonePit Vineyard. It's a field with a view, an event space with a difference set above the historic market town of Olney that hosts weddings and celebrations, along with other events. It has been up and running for two years now, and the talented team love nothing more than crafting a bespoke wedding celebration - turn to page 22 of the brand new issue available to download now for free to see the stunning real wedding of Bex and George.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.