My top tip if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by choice at the start of your wedding planning would be to attend at least one local wedding show. You'll have a couple of options to look out for here. Often, wedding venues will host wedding showcases where their recommended suppliers get together to demonstrate how amazing they can make the space look. Not only is this great for inspiration, but also a safe space, as you know the suppliers you meet are 100 per cent trusted by the venue you've chosen and are experienced collaborators. Venue stylists for example will know how to bring out the setting's best assets and complement its decor, while photographers will know the absolute top spots for capturing those all-important couple shots.
We also highly recommend checking out any grander-scale wedding shows. Event organiser The Word on Weddings hosts two mammoth shows at UWE Bristol every year. So, pop 26th October 2025 in your diaries now as it's not to be missed! Entry is free and exhibitors will often have some great show-exclusive deals for you to benefit from. This March's show welcomed no fewer than 80 local exhibitors, so while you're still spoilt for choice what it does offer is an unmissable opportunity to chat to the experts in person and begin to narrow things down. You'll very quickly get a feel of who might be the one for your vision just from a quick chat or even simply looking at their stand. We always say that when assembling your dream team, a rapport is crucial as is a fundamental understanding and appreciation of your vision. So, see if you click.
What's more, these bigger shows will have organised plenty of experiences for you throughout the day to inspire. You'll get to hear entertainers perform and demonstrate just what they can do. You may never have thought of a string quartet until you hear one and fall in love. The catwalk shows are an absolute must! Nothing beats seeing a stream of stunning designs sweep down the runway, giving you an idea of how the top looks move on the body as well as the vibe they exude. By the end, you'll be ready to head to your boutique appointment excited and prepared with a brief for your consultant.
Aside from the essential planning tool wedding fairs provide, they also offer a wonderful day out allowing you to fully enjoy the process. So, grab your best girls, and/or your spouse-to-be and make a day of it!
Turn to the Jun/Jul25 issue's Hot Topic pages to discover some top expert advice. This issue they'll be tackling your wedding worries. Download it free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Credit: Asdrubal Luna on Unsplash
Over in Beauty Q&A in the Jun/Jul25 issue, Debbie Lee from Debbie Louise Hair (www.instagram.com/debbielouisehair_) tells us how to style the flowergirls.
It's always nice to include young flowergirls in the prep, they love to feel part of the morning. When choosing a style, you need to decide how long it might last and how long they'll sit for having it done. If their hair is very straight asking for curls will take a long time to do only for them to fall out quickly, whereas plaits or a nice, neat bun would look so nice and last the whole day. If they have natural curls, these can be enhanced with a wand and maybe the sides pulled back into a half-up half-down style. Adding fl owers or a bow always looks beautiful too.
Being a huge country music fan, I love the Western Luxe theme trending this year. “Elevated cowboy energy is in!" says Lynne Panes from Rustic Rentals (www.rusticrentals.co.uk). "Think cowboy boots with couture gowns and ranch weddings: rustic but chic.”
Whether you have a firm picture in mind or you're open to ideas, searching for the dream dress is a part of the wedding planning experience to remember for all the right reasons. After all, you're about to purchase a dress like none you've worn before or are likely to wear since, so why shouldn't your shopping experience befi t the importance of this all-important attire? This isn't something you'd wander into a high street shop for, pick up off the rail and head to the checkout with on a whim, so look for a store that's up to the task and fit for the occasion.
We chatted to some local lovelies who kindly shared some words of wisdom, and here we answer some tough questions you might be facing. To find the feature, download the Jun/Jul25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Photographer Melanie Chitty (www.melanie-chitty.com) had the idea for this local shoot in mind for a while before reaching out to her model Libby. “I knew this would be perfect for her look,” she tells us.
The look was inspired by the free-spirited energy of 1970s California. “Think hippy brides, vintage fi nds, golden light, and a touch of disco,” Melanie says. “I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic but fresh with bold styling and a love story at its heart.”
Burnt orange formed the foundation for the palette blended with vintage hues. “I found the boots in a charity shop by chance and knew they were perfect for this project,” Melanie says.
Discover the full shoot in the Jun/Jul25 issue, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Hannah and Liam met on Tinder pre-Covid. They moved in together during the pandemic, which was the perfect opportunity for them to really get to know each other! One year later, they got engaged on Christmas Day.
Liam was so anxious he could hardly speak, but when he did manage to pop the question Hannah was so shocked she was still reeling three days later! He'd thought of asking her during a walk together, but knew she'd feel awkward if there were any onlookers, so he decided to ask at her parents' house, which was perfect for them both.
The venue search didn't take long: Waterside Country Barn was the only one they viewed! “We absolutely loved it as soon as we saw it,” Hannah explains. “Although it was February and the barn wasn't wedding ready yet, we could see the potential. Plus Georgia was so welcoming and friendly that we knew we'd made the right choice.”
Sian and Ciaran matched on Tinder. “I was instantly attracted to his cheeky smile and gorgeously curly hair,” Sian shares. “Once I'd met up with him, I discovered that I love how much he makes me laugh, even when I want to be annoyed with him at times! Things just felt so easy with him, he really does make me feel so loved and wanted.” Ciaran meanwhile says, “I was attracted to Sian's humour, kindness and silliness. I saw how caring she was and before long it wasn't a question of if I'd marry her, but when.”
Ciaran proposed on their third anniversary during a gorgeously sunny walk in Box Hill, Dorking. This also happened to be the place they'd been on their first date, walking his very sweet spaniel. “To have that recreated was so lovely and gave it deeper meaning,” Sian remembers. Sian had a long-held vision of a gorgeous barn venue with big windows, plenty of natural light and original features. So, when they visited Bake Barn on Fonthill Estate, all her dreams came true. “I loved that we could hire it for several days, as it meant we could have our closest friends and family to stay in the bell tents. Plus, the venue doesn't have a curfew, which was amazing as we partied until 3.30am!” As a DIY venue, Sian and Ciaran were able to have everything exactly as they envisioned.
Emily and Declan met in school when she was 14 and he was 15. “He was very funny and particularly kind,” Emily tells us. “We immediately clicked, and the rest is history!” Years later Declan proposed at the Glastonbury Festival – a total surprise to Emily. The video even went viral on TikTok!
When the two set out on their venue search and visited Batch Country House, they immediately fell head over heels for it. “It's totally stunning, effortlessly beautiful and everyone there was so kind and incredible,” Emily explains. So, wasting no time in securing their date, 7th September 2024, wedding plans soon got underway.
Pilates Prescription (www.pilates-prescription.com) is an app that delivers on-demand bite-sized, or mega-sized Pilates classes for transformative results. Founder and instructor Rebecca Dadoun also offers a 12-week programme, The Back Lab and is a specialist at helping people manage back pain. The Back Lab is tailored to you to help reduce, manage and eliminate your lower back pain.
For more wellness launches to help you feel fighting fit in time for W-day download the Apr/May25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
I love the statement shoulder ruffle on this elegant Rosa Clara gown, Abigail. Find this and more tiered layers and cascading ruffles creating a sensatition this season in the current issue.
