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

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Fall Ball Musical Showcase, a night of exceptional music in Bradford on Tone

Waterside Country Barn is thrilled to announce the Fall Ball Musical Showcase, a night of exceptional music and dancing. Taking place on Friday, October 11th, this event will bring together those on the search for their perfect performer and offer up a memorable night featuring an exciting array of acts from all over the UK. The night will proudly be supporting Children's Hospice South West and their incredible work providing hospice care for children and young people living with life-limiting conditions. The evening will kick off with a captivating performance by a live saxophonist, while guests enjoy a glass of something sumptuous and some delectable canapés, setting the tone for an elegant and lively night.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

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; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! 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.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Lily Arkwright Launches Community Grants To Celebrates New showroom in Bristol

Lily Arkwright is a leading lab-grown diamond jeweller, offering a stunning collection of fine jewellery, committed to ethical and sustainable practices with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and community. The brand is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new showroom in Bristol, set for September 2024. To mark this exciting milestone, the ethical lab-grown diamond jeweller is launching Lily Arkwright's Social Champions, a community grants program to support local initiatives. Two grants of £1,000 each will be awarded to organisations or individuals making a positive impact on their Bristol community. Whether you're a local charity, or a community project, Lily Arkwright invites you to apply and share your story.

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.