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

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Froyle Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Froyle Park, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

An idyllic 16th century manor house nestled within 80 acres of parkland on the Surrey / Hampshire border, Froyle Park is a grand exclusive-use wedding venue with the ability to host up to 300 guests.

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.