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

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Bristol is only UK city named one of the top 50 destinations in Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2026

Bristol has been named the only UK city in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026, recognised for its world-class street art and vibrant urban culture. Known as the birthplace of Banksy, the city's streets are adorned with colourful murals by both local and international artists, making it a dynamic outdoor gallery. Visitors can explore self-guided trails, join street art tours, attend the biennial Upfest festival, or take part in spray art workshops. This accolade highlights Bristol as a must-visit destination for 2026, celebrating creativity, independent spirit, and cultural experiences. From street art-themed hotels to galleries and live music, Bristol offers tourists an immersive, artistic, and unforgettable urban adventure in the heart of the UK.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa Marks the Festive Season with Jane Austen-Inspired Celebrations

Following the success of its 250th anniversary celebrations, The Gainsborough Bath Spa continues its partnership with Strictly Jane Austen Tours to bring Regency-era charm to life this festive season. On 4th and 5th December 2025, guests can enjoy immersive Austen-inspired Christmas experiences, including Regency dance workshops, expert talks on Austen family traditions, and elegant Afternoon Tea. These festive days celebrate the elegance, romance, and social intrigue of Jane Austen's world, perfectly timed ahead of Netflix's Bridgerton Season 4 in 2026. Looking ahead, The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Strictly Jane Austen Tours will host biannual Jane Austen Celebration Weeks in Spring and Autumn 2026, featuring scholarly talks, guided tours, creative workshops, and Regency entertainment, making it a premier destination for literature enthusiasts.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Discover a romantic Cotswold winter walk or a Christmas outing with valley views at Newark Park

Embrace the fresh air this winter with a scenic seasonal walk at the National Trust's Newark Park in Gloucestershire. Set within 700 acres of stunning countryside, Newark Park offers beautiful winter walking trails with breathtaking views across the Ozleworth Valley. Visitors can enjoy improved pathways for easier access, with all-terrain trampers available to hire for an inclusive outdoor experience. Discover winter wildlife, frosty landscapes, vibrant berries and birds such as redwings and fieldfares, before warming up with a hot drink at the tea pavilion. With festive Christmas house decorations on select dates and plenty of natural beauty to explore, Newark Park is the perfect winter day out for families, walkers and nature lovers.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Artemis Becomes First UK Venue Group to Achieve Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation

Artemis, a leading UK wedding venue group, whose head office is based in North Wales, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA). This prestigious recognition, a culmination of a partnership that began in September 2023, marks Artemis as the first venue group in the UK to be officially accredited by the SWA. The partnership focused on embedding robust, sustainable practices throughout Artemis's head office operations, setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility within the wedding industry. The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is a respected organisation dedicated to promoting genuine sustainability throughout the wedding sector. Their rigorous accreditation programme recognises businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical practices, social inclusion, and a reduced environmental impact.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Bramble and Wild moves to a new home

Beloved independent florist Bramble & Wild has embarked on an exciting new chapter, relocating from Frome to Jordans Courtyard in Ilminster, where the new shop officially opened on 30th September 2025. Founded by Grace Salter Haskins and her talented team—the Bramblefam—the florist is renowned for its romantic, rustic floral designs, wedding flowers, and thoughtfully curated gifts. The move also coincides with the launch of Bramble & Wild's own flower farm, which will supply the shop with sustainable, British-grown blooms throughout the year. The new Ilminster space will be the creative hub for wedding and event floristry, while continuing to offer the full range of fresh and dried flowers, plants, and unique gifts customers adore.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Light up your life at Pooky, Gloucestershire

If you're searching for inspiration to elevate your interiors or event styling, a visit to Pooky's brand-new Gloucester showroom is a must. Opened in early 2025, this stunning flagship space replaces their former, smaller display area—offering visitors a far more immersive design experience. Here, you can discover an extensive range of rechargeable lights (perfect for wedding tablescapes), table lamps, lampshades, chandeliers, mirrors, and outdoor lighting. The showroom also showcases exciting collaborations with Matthew Williamson, GP&J Baker, Morris & Co., Ellen Merchant, and more. For those seeking beautiful bargains, a curated selection of seconds is available at irresistible prices. Find Pooky's new lighting haven at Barnwood Point, Corinium Avenue, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3HX.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

Meet, greet and plan

Planning your wedding should be exciting—not stressful—and The Word on Weddings is here to make it effortless and inspiring. With over 13 years of experience, this trusted organiser has been connecting couples with their perfect venues and suppliers through vibrant, welcoming wedding fairs across the region. Don't miss one of their biggest upcoming events at UWE Bristol on 26th October 2025, featuring over 80 expert exhibitors ready to help bring your wedding vision to life. Enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day meeting venues and suppliers face-to-face, discovering new ideas, and gathering inspiration—all with free entry. For tickets, visit Eventbrite, and follow @TheWordOnWeddings for updates and inspiration.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

Date for the diary

Planning your dream wedding? Step into timeless elegance at the Pittville Pump Room Wedding Show on Sunday 2nd November 2025, from 10am to 4pm. Explore the venue's breathtaking main hall, complete with glittering chandeliers and historic charm, while discovering a handpicked selection of talented wedding suppliers ready to inspire every detail of your big day. Meet the dedicated wedding and events team, who will be on hand with expert advice and creative ideas to help you plan your perfect celebration. Enjoy refreshing mimosas, delectable canapés from the in-house chefs, and soak up the romantic atmosphere as you gather everything you need to turn your wedding dreams into reality.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.