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

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

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Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Winning wedding transportation at Orchardleigh Estate

Orchardleigh Estate has been named as the winner of the Best Wedding Transportation Service at the Wedding Services Awards 2024. The venue, near Frome, has received the accolade recognising the Estate's dedication to providing unparalleled transport options that enhance the wedding experience for its couples and their guests. Featuring a Rolls Royce Cullinan, Bentley Continental GTC, vintage cars and even a Bell LongRanger helicopter, Orchardleigh Estate's wedding transport service is renowned for its elegance and variety.

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.

Best of British at The Elder, Bath

The Elder, located within Hotel Indigo Bath, has launched a seven-course set menu showcasing the best of British wild food. With the expertise and passion of restaurateur Mike Robinson and executive chef Liam Goldstone at the helm, The Elder has now elevated its outstanding offering to new heights with an exciting new chapter for the award-winning restaurant. The constantly changing menu is a celebration of seasonality, featuring ingredients sourced locally with a focus on sustainability. The Elder's commitment to using wild, sustainable ingredients remains at the core of their ethos. Mike Robinson is incredibly passionate about the subject and owns an ethical venison company called Deer Box, which provides the restaurant with wild venison from estates within and hour of Bath.

The wedding team at The Old Milking Parlour tell us why wedding insurance is worth considering

When you're in that happy bubble of wedding planning, the concept of things going wrong are far from the beautiful, happy, fun filled vision that you have in your head for your wedding day. And, don't worry. Most weddings do happen without major problems. But from time to time, things happen that you can't control. And with the average cost of a 2023 wedding in the U.K. at more than £20,000 and 65% of couples spending more than £15,000 on their wedding (Source: Hitched). Obtaining wedding insurance is a sensible way to protect yourself from the financial impact of some unforeseen events. We decided to do a little research into wedding insurance.

Mini-break pawfection with PoB Hotels

We know how much you love your fur babies, so we thought it would interest you to know that PoB Hotels, a distinguished collection of properties across the UK offer unparalleled elegance and historical charm for stays with four legged companions. Located within 20 acres of beautiful gardens, Homewood Hotel & Spa is a superb dog-friendly destination just outside Bath, Somerset. Offering privacy, serenity, and luxury, it's the perfect retreat for travellers with furry friends. Upon arrival, dogs receive a Woof Box filled with Lily's Kitchen food, treats, and a ball, along with dog beds and bowls. The hotel has a dog agility zone to keep pets active and entertained.

Lazy afternoons at The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham

The garden at The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham has now reopened with a delicious new al fresco dining menu and an exciting programme of events including live music, prosecco on tap and bottomless afternoon tea. The garden provides an outdoor sanctuary in the heart of historic Cheltenham, it's the perfect place for friends to meet over delicious food in the sunshine. The new al fresco menu serves a mix of nibbles, small plates, fresh salads, and burgers, with highlight dishes such as the Royal Burger or smoked salmon bao buns. The menu also includes a range of delectable small plates such as tomato arancini, mussel linguini, chicken skewers or baked feta filo, perfect for sharing.

What's top of your wedding gift list?

Amid the joyful chaos of peak wedding season, wedding guests seek to find the perfect gift for you, the happy couple. The ideal wedding gift idea should reflect your unique style, personal preferences, and shared joyful experiences. Finding the perfect present is no easy feat! With this in mind, wedding gift-giving experts at Graham and Green have surveyed 1,500 engaged and married couples to uncover the most desired wedding gifts from their home and interiors. Perhaps it will inspire you when putting your own gift list together. Bedding is the top choice. The survey revealed that bedding is the most desired wedding gift among newlyweds, with one in six of those surveyed agreeing bedspreads and quilts were their ideal gift.

Time for tea at The Manor House

At The Manor House, set in the heart of Castle Coombe, guests can indulge in a decadent, homemade afternoon tea for two (or more), served on a tiered cake stand with a glamorous sense of tradition and occasion. Your afternoon tea is enjoyed in the Bybrook restaurant or one of the stunning lounges. This quintessentially English pastime, which dates back to the 19th century, features an essential selection of Shibui blends, single-estate teas, and infusions from India, China, and England to suit every taste. Savouries, typically in the form of sandwiches, are taken first, followed by warm scones accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry jam. The crowning glory of the experience is the array of divine pastries and cakes.

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.

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.

Boogie Wonderland: Our A-Z of wedding entertainment ideas

Take the hard work out of sourcing your wedding entertainment. Alice from entertainment booking service Entertainment Nation says, "How you want your day to feel is the most important factor when nailing your wedding entertainment. If you imagine a serene atmosphere with elegant musical backdrops, a string quartet, singing guitarist or instrumentalist would be ideal to keep the drinks and chatter flowing. However, if something quiet and understated isn't your vibe and you want everyone dancing and singing like no one's watching, a pop, indie or rock band is a no-brainer. Perhaps a funky soul and disco band would go down a treat with you soul music lovers!

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.