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

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Your Story Bridal Boutique hosts Sassi Holford trunk show

Natalie Cameron is the director of Buckinghamshire-based Your Story Bridal Boutique, a luxurious yet relaxed destination for the modern bride set in the heart of picturesque Marlow. On the trending topic of brides choosing sustainable gowns, accessories and more, she tells us: "Everyone in the wedding industry is becoming more conscious about the importance of sustainability and brides will often want to do their bit when choosing their dress. Whilst boutiques themselves, just as individuals, can make small changes in the hope of making a big difference, the sustainability of a dress largely sits with the designer." Natalie continues, "One of our bridal designers whose dresses we stock in the boutique, Sassi Holford, is based in the UK and sustainability is at the heart of the brand's ethos.

In full bloom - Claire Ridley lunches at No. Fifty Cheyne in London's Chelsea

Editor Claire Ridley was invited to London's Chelsea-based restaurant No. Fifty Cheyne, a flower-filled setting on the bank of the River Thames. She says, "I was excited to visit this establishment and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot. It's located a stone's throw from the River Thames, with Chelsea Embankment Gardens close by. Not only is it a wonderful choice for a wedding celebration, but it's also the perfect pick for lunch or dinner (their Weekend Roasts are a must-try!) The talented team at No. Fifty Cheyne is currently celebrating The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 throughout May with a special set menu available from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 25th priced at £45 for two courses and £55 for three courses.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure 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 to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

The HangOut Bar & Grill at Donnington Valley opens for summer

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa has announced the opening of The HangOut Bar & Grill for summer 2024. Nestled in the heart of Newbury, Berkshire, The HangOut invites guests to indulge in a delicious food and beverage experience featuring locally sourced and seasonal dishes, against the backdrop of the hotel's outside terrace. From classic burgers to sharing platters for four, The HangOut offers a tasty menu for lunch, afternoon snacks, or cocktails and dinner. Should the unpredictable British weather decide to make an appearance, the new tipi-style tent stretching across the terrace provides shelter without compromising on the outdoor experience.

Bucks & Oxon local businesses take top spot in 2024 Muddy Stilettos Awards

Now in their 11th year, the hotly contested 2024 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards have been announced with 21 brilliant local indie businesses winning the coveted lifestyle crowns across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Whatever handmade, artisan items couples are after for their big day, with everything from flowers and farm shops to drinks and dining, they can take inspiration from these talented regional suppliers. Sponsored locally by Lightfoot Solicitors and nationally by Tide banking, readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos have been nominating and voting for their favourite independent businesses across 21 different lifestyle categories. Reaching more than 10 million people nationally in eight weeks, more than 515,000 votes and nominations were cast nationwide, making it the most popular Muddy Awards to date.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering for 2024, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Six by Nico announces menu for the launch in Oxford on 20th May

Six by Nico, the innovative restaurant group known for its rotating six-course tasting menus, is delighted to announce the opening menu of the new Oxford location at Westgate opening – "The Chippie". This nostalgic chip shop-inspired menu, an old favourite of the Six by Nico brand, offers a creative twist on this classic British meal and will be running from opening on Monday 20th May to Sunday 30th June. Since its inception in 2017, the Six by Nico team have developed, refined and evolved "The Chippie" experience. It's situated on the roof terrace of Westgate, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the quintessentially British chip shop, which takes inspiration from chef Nico Simeone's family fish shop in Glasgow.

New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season

Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.

New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades

Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.

Introducing The Retreat at Park Fair festival in the Cotswolds

Park Fair, the boutique shopping festival in the Cotswolds, has revealed details of its brand-new wellness space, The Retreat. Hosted in partnership with Cotswold wellness studio, Yahra, The Retreat will provide a sanctuary for guests during the three-day festival on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2024 at the Great Tew Estate. Guests can drop into a schedule of complimentary wellness sessions available all weekend, book a private treatment, and meet a curated collection of wellness boutiques specialising in natural beauty products, skincare, and activewear. "It's always been hugely important for us to make Park Fair a space where families can come to have fun and recharge together," said Lucy Drinkwater, founder of Park Fair.

7 top tips for including your pooch in your wedding

Considering including your pooch at your wedding? Here are 7 top tips from Petpals. With 57% of UK households boasting a furry friend, it is no wonder many couples dream of having their beloved dog join them on their special day. In fact, a whopping eight in 10 Brits say they would want their four-legged companion to be part of their wedding festivities. But before you entrust your pooch with the role of ring bearer, it is essential to be well prepared to ensure that your big day is nothing short of paw-some for both you and your pup. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the UK's longest-established pet-care franchise, shares some top tips on how to seamlessly incorporate your canine companion into your wedding day.

How to avoid guests over indulging on alcoholic drinks on the big day

One in six (16 per cent) wedding guests admit to driving home the morning after a wedding, when they could still be over the alcohol limit, reveals new research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance. In a bid to remind drivers about the risks of getting behind the wheel after celebratory drinking, a car was crashed into a three-metre-high wedding cake outside Blenheim Palace2, one of the UK's most instagramable wedding venues.

With one in five (20 per cent) guests saying they have been driven home by someone they thought was over the drink drive limit, the morning after celebrating nuptials, the smashed wedding cake highlights the risks involved with driving the morning after.

6 Star Wars cocktails for the ultimate Star Wars hen do

Calling all brides-to-be and their intergalactic squadrons! Prepare to elevate your hen party to new heights as leading hen party company Fizzbox teams up with magical tavern, The Cauldron, to concoct a range of Star Wars cocktails, perfect for celebrating the bride's journey to the galaxy of marriage! Set your blasters to fun as The Cauldron's mixologists transport you to a galaxy far, far away with their selection of otherworldly drinks inspired by the iconic saga. From Darth Vader-inspired concoctions to drinks that will have you feeling like you're partying on the Millennium Falcon, there's something to delight every Jedi bride and her entourage.

Wedding homeware from Addison Ross

The heart and soul of British luxury Addison Ross, is a family owned British brand started in 1978; from a small business, it has now grown into a global sensation with a vast offering including an exquisite range of luxury homeware essentials that create the ideal wedding tablescape or wedding gift. A recent collaboration with India Hicks, saw the launch of a beautiful new photo frame collection, which India (King Charles' Goddaughter) used for her own wedding photos. These wonderful frames can also be used to create special moments at weddings including framing seating charts or cocktail menus!

The most popular wedding cars of 2024 and how much they will cost

As we head into the Spring/Summer wedding season, many couples will be tying up the last elements of their weddings before the big day. Often left to the last minute is transport, with many couples wanting to arrive and leave their wedding venues in style. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts decided to investigate which cars are the most popular when it comes to wedding hire, and also how much hiring one will set you back. To work out the most popular wedding car of 2024, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has analysed Google search volumes, Google search trends and TikTok data including the number of posts per model, monthly searches and the YoY search trend.