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

Just Ceremonies help you decide who to choose to lead your ceremony

Jackie Aldrich and Deb Stodgell together are Just Ceremonies, based in Somerset. Here, they explain just what sets a celebrant and a registrar apart, as well as which might be the best fit for you when it comes to your ceremony. "When it comes to deciding on who you would like to lead your wedding ceremony, you indeed have several choices. Here's an overview of them: "Minister of faith/religious officiant: If you and your partner are affiliated with a particular religious tradition, you might opt for a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leaders to officiate at your wedding. This can be a meaningful choice if you want to incorporate your faith's traditions and rituals into the ceremony.

Four tips for storing your wedding dress after the big day

With September tipped to be the most popular month for weddings, when the big day is done deciding what to do with a wedding dress can be tricky. Whilst some people sell them or donate them so future brides can use them, others prefer to keep hold of them and preserve the memory of their wedding day. If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage is essential in maintaining its pristine condition. With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station shares four tips for storing your wedding dress to keep it in pristine condition. Vlatka adds: "Before putting your dress into storage, make sure you have it cleaned to remove any stains or marks that may have appeared from your wedding day. The most important thing to remember when putting your wedding gown into storage is that it shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag or hung on a hanger. "Plastic covers don't allow for humidity changes and can often let light in that will fade the material of your dress. Hanging your dress can also affect its shape by adding unnecessary stress on the seams or the fabric."

Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.

Unique gifts couples give each other on their wedding day

The team at hampers.com recently surveyed UK adults who have gotten married or attended a wedding in the past five years, with the goal of determining what the gifting landscape looks like for wedding season. In doing so, they spoke to almost 800 newlyweds from across the UK and a further 1,400 UK adults who have attended a wedding in the same time frame. Firstly, the study found that it's common for brides and grooms to buy each other a gift for the wedding day itself, with 65% stating they did this for their own wedding day. The average spend was found to be £115, with women most likely to purchase a pocket watch (24%) or a vintage bottle of alcohol (22%) and men most likely to purchase jewellery (37%) or personalised 'Mrs' clothing (19%)...

Dining in the dark returns to the Lost & Found Bristol

Experience a dinner like no other in the intimate surrounds of Victorian hideaway, The Lost & Found Bristol, with the return of the blindfolded tasting experience, Dining in the Dark. Taking place from 7pm-9pm on set says between now and the end of the year, these events allow you to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience where your taste buds take centre stage. Priced at £41.95 per person, take a sensory ride through a three-course set menu of gastronomical delights from land to sea (vegan options available), all paired with delectable drinks. Served in complete darkness to enhance each flavour.

Hestercombe Gardens now taking bookings for 2025 at 2024 prices

Hestercombe Gardens now taking bookings for 2025 at 2024 prices! Hestercombe Gardens, known for its fifty acres of beautiful gardens and collection of historical buildings including the iconic ham stone Orangery, is now taking wedding bookings for 2025. The best news is that you can secure your dream wedding at the venue at 2024 prices for a limited period. Nestled in tranquil Somerset countryside, Hestercombe has the advantage of being able to hold your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party all at one spectacular and spacious location. No wonder it's one of the most idyllic wedding venues in Somerset.To find out more about our exciting offer, please visit www.hestercombe.com/weddings or contact us at weddings@hestercombe.com

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Happy anniversary to The Barrington Boar

This summer, husband and wife team Victoria Collins and chef Alasdair Clifford are celebrating five years since taking over the reins of their critically-acclaimed restaurant and pub with rooms, The Barrington Boar. The team recently acquired a large site for development adjacent to the venue and are celebrating the anniversary by commencing work on it. Baker's Farm, a 3,000 plus sq ft period farmhouse is set on a plot of approximately 0.38 acres of South Somerset land and features a large garden and several outbuildings including a former cider barn and hayloft. Subject to planning, the couple hope to build a bakery, further accommodation and a market garden, which will supply Clifford's kitchen.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Abbott Lyon have the answer to your wedding party gifting worries

With wedding season in full swing Abbott Lyon have the answer to all you wedding party gift woes. The locally-based brand has curated a superb selection of personalised and pearl pieces, perfect for bridesmaids. Whether you're searching for a sentimental gift for your best gals, or for the perfect accessory to add to your own bridal look, Abbott Lyon on hand to help. Boasting elegant pearls and thoughtful personalisation options, Abbott Lyon' hero pieces include Stacey Solomon Charm Builder Necklace (from £69), Custom Name Bracelet (£85), Pearl Mini Initial Bracelet (£49), Pearl Signature Name Necklace (£85), and Mini Raffia Pearl Resort Bag (£105). There's even an option to add luxury personalised gift packaging, which adds and extra special and thoughtful element to your pressie.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

Charlton House gets a new lease of life courtesy of Montigo Resorts

Montigo Resorts, Somerset, at Charlton House has opened in the idyllic market town of Shepton Mallet, in the Mendip District of Somerset. Mere moments away from the rolling hills of Frome, Wells and Glastonbury, the hotel is a discreet country retreat with a relaxed, informal vibe. The opening ceremony was graced by the likes of the Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Indra Donfrancesco, Chairman of The Street Parish Council, Cllr Bryan Knickerbocker, and team Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding! We were super-excited to roll into town to check out this stunning Regency-period estate, featuring the historical 28-room country house hotel and spa, three restaurants, and stunning gardens.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

False lashes leaving you flustered? Local MUA Gillian Rachel Elizabeth has the answers

I love the look of false lashes, but I've never worn them myself. Should I try them for my wedding day? What advice do you have for me? Gillian says: Aside from flawless skin, the priority of most brides is their eye make-up. The majority of brides want their eyes to pop and stand out without looking overly glam. For someone who's not wanting a heavy make-up look, often they'll believe a false lash will be too much for them, especially when they're not use to wearing them. If this sounds like you, my go-to lash is either a three-quarter-length lash or a cluster of individual lashes at the outer corner. With the latter, no strip is being placed across the length of the lash line, so they're much more comfortable to wear. I can guarantee that when wearing these, you'll hardly feel that they're there an no one will ever guess they are either. Whether you'd prefer a natural barely-there look or long and fluffy lashes on your wedding day, these beauties will do the job.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

Tie the knot at The Bristol

The Bristol is simultaneously a wonderful destination for visitors and a popular social hug among Bristolians. The property boasts an iconic location on the city's harboursie and effortlessly blends a modernist exterior together with an interior where contemporary design and style is paramount. The hotel's unbeatable waterfront address in the heart of the city affords it a lively ambience, couples with an exceptionally warm welcome and naturally intuitive service, ensuring a special and memorable wedding day. Ceremonies take place in either the William Jessop Suite or the George White Suite. The former exudes elegance through its timeless decor, and enjoys plenty of natural light, plus seatin for up to 100 loved ones. The latter is the perfect spot for intimate "I dos," witnessed by 40 nearest and dearest.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.