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

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Somerset pub named best in the UK

The 2024 pub of the year has been named as The George Inn in Norton St Philip, which took home the top title at this year's National Pub & Bar Awards. The George, which is available to host wedding receptions, is nestled in a quaint Somerset village just outside of Bath. A stunning historical venue it dates back to the 14th century and is a castle-like building recently updated by the owner respecting and highlighting its many original and unique features. Since the refurb, The George now sits within Liberation's Butcombe Boutique Inns division, offering premium food, drink and accommodation in the shape of 13 charming bedrooms.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Yarlington Barn is a family-run wedding venue located on a cider farm

Set in the heart of rural Somerset, Yarlington Barn is a gorgeous, family run wedding venue located on a cider farm. This wonderful lakeside venue with a woodland backdrop and gorgeous rose-clad gazebo is the most beautiful spot for breathtaking wedding day photographs. Be it the frost of winter, the apple blossom of spring, the smell of cut grass in the summer or the colours of autumn, Yarlington Barn is an oh-so romantic and exclusive venue for all seasons. Inside the rustic barn, exposed beams and wrought iron chandeliers create a touch of countryside magic, while the unusual barrel bar reflects its heritage as a cider farm.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Your planning helping hand from Wedding Regency

Alongside her existing wedding packages, wedding planner Samantha Smart from Wedding Regency has launched two new packages bringing the total offer up to five. The Consultation and Management Package is perfect for couples who'd like full wedding support, but their budget doesn't permit. "I can support couples in their planning and give them hints and tips on how to find their own suppliers, what to look out for and questions they should ask," Samantha explains. "I'm present on their wedding day too to follow their guidance and ensure everything runs smoothly." Also, available is a Consultation Only option. This is ideal for those who want to DIY their wedding.

Old Bridge offers a glorious backdrop to your big day

This 16th-century manor and mature gardens provide a glorious backdrop to your special day. Built in the local honey-coloured ham stone, the house is close to the venue's marquee and is integral to the whole ambience. The gardens, available for guests to enjoy, are dominated by a massive 400-year-old sweet chestnut tree, from which there hangs a triple seat swing where you can capture some memorable photos with your photographer. The venue is also blessed with formal lawns, rose beds and colourful borders. In addition there's a wooded area with gravel paths and a small stream flowing past weeping willows, and all the mature trees are up-lit at night.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

The Old Milking Parlour in Somerset lies within easy reach of Dorset and Wiltshire

The Old Milking Parlour lies in an idyllic rural setting in the grounds of Cavokay House, near the village of Henstridge, Somerset, which also puts it within easy reach of Dorset and Wiltshire. The venue is, as the name implies, an old farm milking parlour. Parts of the building date back to around 1730 and cow chains still hang from the stone walls helping it to retain its old world, rustic charm. The team also have a large and ever-growing selection of styling props available to their couples at no extra cost. But that's not all as they also offer planning support, venue visits for planning purposes and on-theday coordination.

Barley Wood is a stunning 19th-century house on the edge of Bristol

A stunning 19th-century house located on the very edge of Bristol in rural Wrington, the venue boasts nine beautifully decorated bedrooms, five bathrooms – each with roll-top baths, and a kitchen and dining space for a relaxing stay over the course of your wedding weekend. With exclusive use of the house from Friday to Sunday, you can really take in the history and charm of Barley Wood in your own time. Benefiting from 11 acres of grounds with remarkable views across to the Mendip Hills, Barley Wood offers an incredible backdrop to your big day. From exploring the woodland to taking in the vista, this is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

Batch Country House, a comfortable home with a traditional farm house feel

A comfortable home with a traditional farmhouse feel, Batch Country House boasts cosy lounge areas and ample space. An exclusive-use venue it only hosts one wedding per day. The venue's beautiful, award winning landscaped gardens overlook the Mendip Hills, and you'll find plenty of water features dotted around including ponds, waterfalls and fountains. Plus, the outdoor photo opportunities are endless. Batch Country House is licensed for indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies. Outside, the garden gazebo is available and can seat up to 130 loved ones. Indoor ceremonies are held in the Somerset Suite, the venue's wonderful, converted barn, complete with beams, minster fireplace and hand-crafted oak doors. It can seat up to 120 for the ceremony.

Be uniquely you with a celebrant-led wedding

Very recently, approved venues have reported that the formal set of words for the entire legal marriage ceremony can be as short as nine minutes. "As celebrants, we were shocked but not surprised by this," say Deb Stodgell and Jackie Aldrich from Just Ceremonies. "Couples we speak to are increasingly opting for ceremonies that aren't about the legal words but about cerebrating their journey and love," the duo continue. "A ceremony where anything can be included, no restrictions. Where vows can be completely rewritten ensuring the occasion is meaningful and memorable. These personalised ceremonies focus on making the most of the experience, engaging not just the couple but the entire wedding group.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

New beginnings for the iconic Francis Hotel in Bath

The iconic Francis Hotel in Bath is set to undergo a major £13million refurbishment, promising to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark. As one of the first Georgian buildings to be built in Bath, the Hotel was once home to 18th-century architect John Wood the Elder who was the inspiration behind the first Georgian stone buildings of Queen Square, the Royal Crescent, and The Circus. It has been a huge part of Bath's history ever since. Working with award-winning interior designers 3DReid, the design concept planned for the Hotel and all 98 bedrooms will take inspiration from the Georgian era while appreciating all the modern amenities and touches that today's traveller expects.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

Instant photos make for lasting memories!

poignant keepsake for guests or a photo album. Instant photos make for lasting memories! The INSTAX mini 12 (£79.99) is the perfect product for guest use. Place on tables or dot them around the venue to allow for guests to personalise their memories, and most importantly, take them home. The INSTAX mini Evo (£174.99) is another great option for capturing what's important. The retro-themed exterior is fitting for those vintage-themed weddings – place next to the guest book so photos can be added straight in. The INSTAX SQUARE (£129.99) is a modern option for those photographic keepsakes. Connect the devise to phones and print polaroid straight from the camera roll. Instant photos are irreplaceable.