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

Pennard House is a family-owned wedding venue located in a small village near Shepton Mallet

Pennard House is a family-owned wedding venue located in a small village near Shepton Mallet, Somerset. It offers couples exclusive use and boasts a relaxed, family home feel. With 10 comfortable bedrooms there's plenty of space to enjoy the morning preparations. Accommodation is available for up to 24 guests and can be booked for two nights. The house is surrounded by large lush gardens with endless places for photo opportunities and drinks receptions. The Napier Room is a large, bright space with high ceilings, large windows and antique mirrors adorning the walls. Here, 85 nearest and dearest can witness your ceremony. Alternatively, available for al fresco "I dos," the Garden Pavilion, which is located in the grounds, can host 120.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Jackie and Deb at Just Ceremonies share their top tips for a dreamy al fresco wedding

One of the best things about a celebrant-led wedding is that you can hold your ceremony anywhere outside. You'll have no legal restrictions on the content, or the time and length of your nuptials. Your guests can sit or indeed walk around the area as you spread the ceremony over several different spots. You can even have a toast to start your ceremony or to end it. And if you have four-legged friends, they can be included very easily in the great outdoors. Most choose a place that feels special, but the great outdoors offer a different set of walls.

Surround yourself in Regency splendour at No.1 Royal Crescent

This iconic wedding venue in Bath offers you the opportunity to tie the knot surrounded by a collection of 18th-century art and furnishings. This Grade I listed museum is a wonderful choice for couples seeking a special, historical venue in which to celebrate their love and commitment. There are licensed indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, which can comfortably accommodate up to 40 nearest and dearest. Choose from a range of museum rooms, or the stunning outdoor courtyard with a sweeping view of the Royal Crescent as your backdrop. The very first house on the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath, No.1 looks out onto the sweeping green expanse of Victoria Park, belying its city-centre location.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.

Say I do at countryside haven Old Bridge

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. Plus, there's a wooded area with gravel paths and a small stream flowing past weeping willows.

Let's talk about sleep - the importance of rest

A new nationwide study has revealed as many as 86 percent of us now regularly struggle to drift off - not good if you're wanting to look and feel your best physically and mentally in the run up to your wedding day and on-the-day itself! Research has revealed the top 20 natural sleep inducers in the modern age – and counting sheep or mugs of Horlicks did not make the cut. In fact, modern Brits are more likely to get intimate with their other half, listen to a true crime podcast, watch a comedy show, tidy their room from top to bottom, or cuddle up with their pet. But the survey shows, simply reading a book is the number one snooze inducing activity (23 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (22 percent), despite the consensus that looking at phones is bad for our sleep patterns.

Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!

Simone from Berwick Lodge shares her outdoor wedding tips

This issue we asked the region's experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding. Simone Parkinson, sales and marketing manager from Berwick Lodge (www.berwicklodge.co.uk) tells us it's all about being prepared. Over to Simone... Keep all suppliers (including registrars) informed of your plans and always check in to see if they're happy and able to host outdoors. Some areas of the day may need to be tweaked to accommodate various elements: sunshine causing candles to melt, wilting flowers and even bowing musical instruments! Let your guests know too, so that they're dressed and prepared for all eventualities. You may consider supplying parasols, water bottles and even heel stoppers for the grass.

Be prepared for the ultimate wedding day out at The Big Southwest Wedding Fair

Be prepared for the ultimate wedding day out as The Big Southwest Wedding Fair rolls into town once more on 21st and 22nd October, 2023, at the Bath & West Showground. The Fair is renowned for its catwalk shows featuring real women and men of all ages, shapes and sizes. This is your chance to see the latest bridal, menswear, mother-of-the-bride/groom, bridesmaids and flowergirl attire. There's also the option to try on wedding dresses, you never you know, you might find the one. You're sure to find inspiration aplenty though, not to mention heaps of exclusive show offers and friendly, trusted wedding suppliers.

Edible Histories chcocolate exhibition comes to Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield, located just outside of Bristol, will host an exciting exhibition from 11 September to 8 October, as part of Luke Jerram's Edible Histories project. Tyntesfield, cared for by the National Trust, is a Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece, which was home to four generations of the Gibbs family for 150 years. Today, Tyntesfield is home to one of the largest collections of objects looked after by the Trust, many of which reflect Bristol's rich history. The project, which is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, forms part of the Bristol 650 celebrations, which marks 650 years of Bristol being recognised as a county.

Silver and Steel Studios is now offering tailor-made workshops for hens

Based in the centre of Bristol, Silver and Steel Studios is now offering tailor-made workshops for groups, including hen parties, to create precious pieces for the big day. From delicate pearl earrings to chunky silver pieces, the team loves to embrace everyone's personal style. There are two workshop options to choose from, either a half day at £74 per person (10am to 1pm) or full day at £130 per person (10am to 4pm), both working in silver. Additional options and services include welcome drinks of prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative, lunch if you're on the full day workshop with additional prosecco, upgrade to working in gold, or to add pearls or precious stones.

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.