Your Somerset Glos and Wilts Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Jane Austen and gong sound baths come to Prior Park this September

Prior Park Landscape Garden, a National Trust garden in Bath, is holding a series of new events this September. For the Jane Austen Festival, Prior Park Landscape Garden is teaming up with Bath Assembly Rooms to celebrate Jane Austen's 250 birthday. From 15th-21st September, visitors will be able to act out favourite Jane Austen scenes whilst 'taking a turn' around the garden, and if they come in Regency dress will get a 15% discount off admission. There will also be several pre-bookable events, including guided garden walks themed around Jane Austen (Thursday 18 September 11am and Saturday 20 September 2pm) and a cream tea picnic (Saturday 20 September 2pm-4pm).

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Family heritage and sustainability shine at Aldwick Estate

Couples searching for a wedding venue with authenticity, character and sustainability at its core are being welcomed to Aldwick Estate's Wedding Open Day on Sunday 14 September, 11am–3pm. Located just outside Bristol at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Aldwick is a fifth-generation, family-owned estate with a reputation for combining rural tranquillity, accessibility and thoughtful hospitality. The vineyard, planted in 2008, provides a unique backdrop for weddings alongside two beautifully restored stone barns, landscaped grounds and on-site accommodation. Sustainability is central to Aldwick's ethos, with ongoing projects including rainwater conservation and grassland regeneration. In August this year, the estate was accepted into the government's Species Rich Grasslands Scheme, reflecting its biodiversity work.

Historical characters take over Chedworth Roman Villa for Heritage Open Days

On 13th to 14th September 2025, Chedworth Roman Villa in the Cotswolds invites visitors to step back almost two thousand years and meet the characters who once called this grand Roman estate home. Entrance to Chedworth Roman Villa, cared for by the National Trust, will be free as the event forms part of Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture. The celebrated costumed interpreters, who have become one of Chedworth's most distinctive attractions, will bring the ancient world to life as they portray the Villa's wealthy owner, household staff, and distinguished guests from across the Roman Empire.

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.

New venue alert! The Cotswold Suite at The Beckford Inn

Butcombe Pubs & Inns has unveiled the Cotswold Suite at The Beckford Inn, a stunning new venue perfect for unforgettable wedding receptions in Gloucestershire. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside, the suite accommodates up to 150 seated or 300 standing guests, featuring a private bar, dancefloor, and advanced sound system for seamless entertainment. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide panoramic views of the Cotswolds, while flexible, air-conditioned interiors allow bespoke layouts for intimate dinners or lively celebrations. Guests can also enjoy the private garden and terrace, ideal for outdoor ceremonies and al fresco dining. Talented chefs craft personalised menus, from canapés to buffets, and 12 boutique bedrooms ensure overnight stays for the couple and guests. Discover the perfect wedding venue in the Cotswolds at butcombe.com.

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Appoints Catherine Murphy as Wedding Coordinator with New 2025 Wedding Packages

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Wiltshire has appointed Catherine Murphy as its new wedding coordinator, bringing fresh expertise to the venue's bespoke wedding offerings. Catherine will lead the launch of five new 2025 wedding packages, designed to provide flexibility, style, and elegance for couples planning their dream day. Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Bowood offers stunning indoor and outdoor wedding spaces, with spectacular parkland and woodland views, ensuring a truly unforgettable backdrop. With a one-wedding-per-day policy, couples can enjoy a fully personalised, uninterrupted celebration. Catherine and the Bowood team aim to create weddings that reflect each couple's individuality while maintaining the venue's renowned sophistication. Explore the new Bowood wedding packages 2025 now at bowood.org.

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.

Eleven Bibury: Stunning New Cotswolds Restaurant, Cafe, Shop & Gallery in Gloucestershire

When visiting Bibury, Gloucestershire, don't miss Eleven Bibury, a stunning new Cotswolds restaurant, cafe, shop, and gallery. Curated by Lady Anne Evans, this beautifully restored historical space celebrates the very best of Cotswolds design, craftsmanship, food, and drink. Assisted by renowned interior designer Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, the venue combines creative flair with traditional charm, making it a must-visit Cotswold destination. Guests can enjoy seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, explore artisan-made treasures, and soak up the welcoming atmosphere that tells Bibury's story past, present, and future. Perfect for food lovers, design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable day out in the Cotswolds, Eleven Bibury is quickly becoming a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Discover more at @elevenbibury.

Local supplier spotlight: Anna Baker Cakes

If you're looking for a beautiful wedding cake in the Cotswolds, Anna Baker Cakes is the perfect choice. Founded in 2018 by Anna Baker and now based in her Tetbury studio, Anna creates stunning bespoke wedding cakes that taste as good as they look. Using the finest locally sourced ingredients, her signature style focuses on rustic, elegant semi-naked wedding cakes, often decorated with fresh flowers or seasonal berries—ideal for romantic countryside weddings. Each cake is made with care and tailored to reflect your theme, from flavour to finishing touches, ensuring it becomes a true centrepiece of your reception. Whether you want a timeless, simple design or something more unique, Anna offers a friendly, personalised service to make your dream wedding cake a reality.

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

Local supplier spotlight: 14 & Sixpence

If you're searching for your dream wedding dress in Somerset, 14 & Sixpence is a must-visit bridal boutique near Ilminster. This award-winning, spacious barn boutique offers brides-to-be a relaxed and friendly experience, surrounded by the stunning Somerset countryside. With an exclusive selection of designer gowns from ELYSEE ETOILE, MONICA LORETTI, RUBY PROM, NICOLETTA and RACHEL ALLAN, you'll find wedding dresses to suit every style and budget. From timeless bridal gowns to elegant evening and prom dresses, 14 & Sixpence offers something for every special occasion. New collections arrive every six months, alongside an extensive off-the-peg range—perfect for brides who want a beautiful gown without the wait. Book your appointment today to enjoy a truly personal experience and find 'the one' at 14 & Sixpence.

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.

25 wedding cake ideas to make you drool

Ah, the wedding cake - a timeless tradition we love for all the right reasons! Historically, sharing a wedding cake symbolised the newlyweds' shared future, happiness, and prosperity. Today, it remains a versatile and beautiful part of your celebration, making it money well spent. Your wedding cake isn't just dessert it's a showstopping centrepiece that ties your wedding theme together. You can serve it as your wedding breakfast dessert, use it as delicious dancefloor fuel, or even package slices as favours. So, if you're searching for wedding cake inspiration or creative alternatives, dive in and find ideas to inspire your consultation with your cake maker. Whether you dream of a classic tiered masterpiece or a completely unique twist, there's something here to spark your imagination.

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.

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.

The bouquet residence! Bridal bouquet inspiration

Wedding traditions are full of history, and the bridal bouquet is a beautiful example. What began in ancient Greece and Rome as bundles of herbs, garlic, and spices to ward off evil spirits has evolved into stunning wedding flowers symbolising love, fertility, and new beginnings. Through the medieval period, bouquets added fragrance and meaning, while the Victorians transformed them into works of floral art, using the "language of flowers" to express hidden messages. Today, modern brides are reinventing the tradition, choosing bridal bouquet styles that reflect their personality, theme, and love story. From timeless romance to bold, trend-driven designs, your bouquet can be as unique as your celebration. Discover 20 inspiring modern bridal bouquet ideas to help you create a wedding statement you'll never forget.

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.