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

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Riwaz in Beaconsfield takes part in MasterChef Professional Dinner Series

As part of the MasterChef Professional Dinner Series, chef Atul Kochhar will host a dining experience at Riwaz in Beaconsfield this month on the 27th of November. Atul Kochhar champions the rich traditions of Indian cuisine, inspired by the sub-cultures of Bohri, Ismaili, and Moplah. Expect an adventurous yet authentic menu that honours India's history. On Wednesday 27th November, guests will get to enjoy a five-course tasting menu by top chef Sagar Massey, a 2022 MasterChef finalist and rising star who will serve diners. A highlight of the evening event will be a delicious, bold coffee-glazed masala duck breast dish to enjoy.

The Castle Hotel Windsor Achieves First Gold Green Meetings Award

The Castle Hotel Windsor in Berkshire has achieved a Gold Green Meetings award on its first submission alongside retaining the Gold Green Tourism Award for the second consecutive year. This dual recognition highlights the hotel's commitment to sustainability, particularly in its meeting and event services, offering businesses the opportunity to host eco-conscious meetings in the heart of Windsor. The Green Meetings Award reflects their focused efforts on creating sustainable, environmentally responsible meeting packages. The Castle Hotel excelled in key areas such as greener delegates, local experiences, low carbon activities, and the promotion of destination elements like cultural heritage, events, and supporting local projects, all of which received top scores in their audit.

Mood & Bloom stationery and styling reveals wedding trends for 2025

Mood & Bloom Wedding and Events Stationery & Styling based in Buckinghamshire reveals wedding trends for 2025. Founder Ellie Eastlake says, "Trends I've seen coming through are bows and floral installations. I'm also still seeing a lot of demand for personalised touches, like bouquet ribbons with special quotes of couple names and seat reservation tags for their nearest and dearest." Ellie adds," Couples also seem to be favouring a more relaxed wedding day, with less of the formal traditions. Colours coming through are peach shades for Spring/Summer '25 and taupe tones mixed with emerald green for Autumn/Winter '25. However, you can't escape the classics of whites, ivories and neutrals."

Celebrate Great British Game Week with the Adam Handling Collection

Known for his commitment to sustainability and zero waste, Chef Adam Handling MBE is celebrating Great British Game Week at the Adam Handling Collection by showcasing the most sustainable of game meats, wild venison, at his pubs The Loch & the Tyne, in Old Windsor, and The Tartan Fox, in Newquay. Guests are encouraged to try the traditional dishes with a delicious twist, such as venison scotch egg, tartare sauce, venison and apple croquettes, venison burger, cheddar cheese, caramelised onion, and grilled venison haunch at The Loch and the Tyne in Berkshire. Roast loin of venison, celeriac, girolles, brambles will be served at their latest opening, The Tartan Fox, which launched in June of this year in Cornwall.

Badgemore Park in Henley offers stunning setting for winter weddings

Badgemore Park is nestled within a 120-acre parkland estate located on the edge of the historic market town of Henley-on-Thames in the heart of the Chilterns. The converted 19th-century Coach House boasts a smart interior and a modern bar blended with the charm of a country house hotel creating a spectacular setting in which to say I do with the stunning golf course as the backdrop. This room can be used for ceremonies and dancing with guests mingling in the courtyard. Double ornate glass doors lead guests out on to the covered courtyard providing an ideal setting for outdoor drinks and canapés. The Walled Garden boasts stunning stone walls while the lake and pond with a feature fountain ensure gorgeous photos.

Find your big-day musicians at Ascot Racecourse

Gwenllian is an acclaimed and established Wedding harpist, ready to accommodate all your musical needs for your special day. From performances at the National Portrait Gallery to St David's Hall, Cardiff and the Barbican, London, she has toured the East Coast of America with concerts in New York and Boston. She has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and her work has been performed and recorded by Ensemble Cymru. Gwenllian is an award-winning and experienced harpist in demand for luxury events for distinguished venues such as Saddler's Hall, Vintner's Hall and Loseley Park. She is passionate about creating bespoke musical arrangements to add that personal touch to your wedding day.

With an exclusive discount for this event only, come and meet her at the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Jan Jenkins of Gifts Instead of Flowers is finalist for National Business Women's Award 2024

Jan Jenkins, co-founder of Gifts Instead of Flowers, is excited to share that she is a finalist for the National Business Women's Award 2024 in the National Business Leader category. This nomination recognises her dedication to supporting UK-based artists and small businesses through a unique business model that empowers creators and contributes to a greater cause. When you choose a gift from Gifts Instead of Flowers, you're not just acquiring a unique item; you're supporting the talented artists and small businesses behind it. These creators receive 100% of the profit from their sales, empowering their creativity and allowing them to continue crafting beautiful pieces.

Enjoy a seasonal getaway with The Vineyard’s Exclusive Autumn Escape offer

This season, The Vineyard has unveiled its exclusive Autumn Escape package, offering a memorable getaway in the heart of Berkshire. This one-night stay is crafted for relaxation, indulgence, and, of course, a touch of wine, making it the perfect retreat as the countryside transforms into stunning shades of gold and amber. For those seeking a luxurious autumn escape in the heart of the South of England, The Vineyard is an unmissable destination, especially for wine enthusiasts. This iconic hotel blends fine dining, indulgent spa experiences, and a world-class wine selection, making it the ultimate retreat as the countryside transforms into rich hues of gold and amber.

The Loch & the Tyne continues its collaborative series with the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs

Chef Adam Handling MBE is welcoming Michael Wignall and team from The Angel at Hetton in the Yorkshire Dales as part of his guest series that sees The Loch & The Tyne pub in Old Windsor hosting exclusive collaborative dinners with a range of other establishments also listed in the UK's Top 50 Gastropubs. On October 15th Michael Wignall, chef patron of Michelin-starred The Angel at Hetton, which has just received five AA rosettes, will be cooking a sensational, one-off nine-course tasting menu with Adam Handling. Michael will be assisted by his head chef David Scott, and The Loch & The Tyne co-chef proprietors Steven Kerr and Jonny McNeil will be cooking alongside Adam at the Michelin Bib awarded restaurant and pub.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Find those finishing touches with Harper Rose at Ascot Racecourse

Berkshire-based Harper Rose Events is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. "Delivering Stationery, Signage and Props for your event or wedding. At Harper Rose we offer not only the props, backdrops and frames for hire but also bespoke, personalised signs for hire too!," shares designer Lydia. "Meaning you don't have to pay the full purchase price for a bespoke sign and worry about where you are going to keep it afterwards. "Allow us to take your inspiration and bring it to life for your occasions, helping you design and create all the elegant touches to your event or wedding day! Come & see us for your chance to win your wedding signage for free!"

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

Exclusive Collection's Royal Berkshire set to host immersive Halloween experience

This year, Exclusive Collection's Royal Berkshire invites families to enjoy a special Halloween-themed afternoon tea from Saturday, the 26th os October to Saturday, the 3rd of November. With a spooktacular seasonal offer, guests can treat themselves to an indulgent tea experience – and for every adult tea booked, a 'little monster' gets to dine for free! The children's menu is packed with delights, including a Candy Floss Ghost, Spooky Ghost Chocolate Brownie, Spider and Pumpkin Tart, and much more. After tea, families can explore the hotel's enchanting grounds. Entering through the iconic Rose Gardens, guests will discover the walled gardens transformed into a magical Halloween setting, featuring pumpkins, hay bales, a mystery trail, and picture-perfect Halloween-themed backdrops.

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Discover this luxury romantic venue at Ascot Racecourse

Based in Sunninghill, Ascot, the team from Royal Berkshire will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. 'Romantic, quiet luxury and homely. Royal Berkshire is the perfect place to marry and celebrate exclusively. This winter, we're offering special rates for weddings taking place from January – end of March 2025. Why not have a chat with us at the wedding show on the 27th of October to find out more? We can't wait to meet you!'

Plan your stag and hen do (or sten do) with County Wedding events

Dorset-based adventure company, Land & Wave, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, and Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. Visit Tilly at the Land & Wave stand to find out about magical Hen, Stag and 'Sten' Do's in the woods. Perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy couples looking for unique experiences to share with friends. Show Offer: Pay your deposit at the show and the Stag/Hen goes FREE!

Marisska Couture exhibiting at Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show

Marisska Couture is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October, 2024. "Welcome to Marisska Couture, where exquisite craftsmanship and personalised elegance come together. We specialise in bespoke women's couture, offering tailored garments that embody the essence of luxury. Whether you're selecting from our made-to-order collection or opting for a custom creation, each piece is meticulously crafted to perfection.

Amber Alice Wedding Singer - live at Ascot Racecourse this October!

Amber Alice will be singing live at the Ascot Racecourse wedding fair, hosted by County Wedding Events on Sunday 27th October, 2024. Amber graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music with a first class honours degree in music / vocals and is now performing at events and weddings and is also a singing teacher. She recently released her debut single Stay Close and was voted on BBC Music Introducing representing best new unsigned Kent music, as best record of the week and was interviewed on radio by Callum French. Amber Alice is looking forward to meeting prospective couples at Ascot. Feel free to pop along and say hi and listen to some beautiful singing.