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

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

Quality Over Quantity: The Surge of Micro Weddings

The modern couple are ditching large lavish weddings and choosing a more intimate affair. A micro wedding is a wedding that has less than 50 guests and focuses more on the meaningfulness of the day rather than the spectacle. Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co, unpacks the surge of this trend and why more couples are leaning towards smaller events.

The Slaughters Manor House combines contemporary interiors with country charm

The Slaughters Manor House is a beautiful 17th-century four-star property combining contemporary interiors with country charm, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Cotswolds and 19 luxurious bedrooms, each distinctive and designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Situated in one of England's prettiest Cotswolds villages, the venue is nestled within five acres of stunning landscaped gardens on what was once proclaimed the Most Romantic Street in the UK – Copse Hill. The House offers an idyllic Cotswold retreat with a quintessentially English croquet lawn and a tennis court. Ceremonies can be held in The Pink Lounge as 22 loved ones look on. This room has dual aspect windows with beautiful views of the manicured lawns.

Find a world of wedspiration at UWE on 23rd March

The Word on Weddings is coming to UWE on 23rd March 2025 with more than 70 top class suppliers exhibiting. Tickets are free at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-uwe-wedding-fair-tickets-1082217685229?aff=oddtdtcreator so don't hesitate to bag yours today. The Word on Weddings will also be launching an exciting getting-to-know you wedding podcast where the team will be talking in depth to venues about their offerings, showcasing venues and discussing food options. It will keep couples up to date on any upcoming deals and offers available as well as meeting wedding suppliers to share who they are and what they do, along with any funny stories or unique weddings they've been involved with, plus expert advice and top tips.

How to avoid overspending on your wedding budget

It is a special time for you and your partner, planning the perfect event to celebrate your love with friends and family. However, it can often become stressful as people try to fit such a big event into their budgets. With the average wedding for 2025 coming to a total of £20,822, getting everything from drinks to décor can be a chore. Lake District Country Hotels, providers of wedding venues in the Lake District, pair with James Beckett, financial coach and founder of MoneyStocker.com, to help you budget your way to your big day.

Experience the timeless Regency grandeur of Pittville Pump Room

The Cheltenham Trust is the guardian of the historical Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room. As the lead provider of culture, heritage, arts and leisure in Cheltenham the Trust ensures that these iconic venues are tended to in every aspect and, most importantly, hosts the most lavish weddings, dances and banquets in Gloucestershire! Steeped in history and tradition, these venues offer a timeless Regency grandeur complete with breathtaking architectural detail. Pittville Pump Room is the jewel in Cheltenham's heritage crown – a Grade I listed Regency gem. Opened in 1830, it was Cheltenham's largest and last spa to be built.

Portuguese Wine Dinner at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

On Friday 14th March, 7pm, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, will host a Portuguese Wine Dinner, during which fine wines and delicious food will be paired on a journey through Portugal. Embark on a culinary adventure guided by Rui Santil from Liberty Wines, a passionate Brand Ambassador for Portuguese wines. Originally from coastal Portugal, Rui's journey began in the vineyards, where his love for winemaking was first sparked. Now a WSET Diploma holder and wine judge, he brings a wealth of expertise, ready to transport you through Portugal's diverse wine regions.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

Exclusive Collection launches immersive experiences to honour Jane Austen’s 250th Anniversary

Exclusive Collection is delighted to announce exclusive getaway packages, themed afternoon teas and a writer's retreat with Rosie Nixon, perfect for guests celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen. Guests can step into Jane Austen's world with an unmissable duo-destination package, thoughtfully crafted at two of the collection's country house hotels: The Manor House near Bath, and Lainston House near Winchester. For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, this two-night stay offers a unique opportunity to visit the places that shaped her life and work. The journey begins at The Manor House in Castle Combe, an idyllic 17th-century manor set in one of most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold wedding venue opens its doors for annual inspiration day

The Barn at Berkeley, a quintessentially Cotswold wedding and events venue is opening its doors on Sunday 16th March for its annual Spring Inspiration Day. The showcase event gives couples a chance to appreciate the beautiful surroundings while savouring a glass of refreshing fizz and tasty canapes, expertly crafted by the exceptionally skilled in-house chef, providing guests with a glimpse of the offerings available at this stunning venue.Taking place from 12-3pm, a selection of local suppliers will be set up at the venue to showcase their offerings and how they can perfectly compliment couples' special day. From flowers, to cake, to entertainment, local suppliers confirmed include: Fern and Rose, The Gloucester Magician, Alba Tableware and many more.

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, 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.