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| Credit: Evoke Pictures |
This issue we asked the region's experts for their top tips on planning a sustainable wedding. Jo Cranston from Bristol-based caterers, Queen & Whippet (https://queenandwhippet.com), says...
My advice is to make sustainability a part of your conversation with potential caterers from your first contact and don't be shy to ask specific questions. Those, like us, with a strong sustainability policy will be able to tell you how they'll reduce the environmental impact of your wedding food.
Make sure that they'll be using local produce and that their menus take seasonality into account. Consider a higher proportion of plant-based dishes and ask how any meat or fish is sourced. Salmon is a traditional wedding menu ingredient, but you won't find it on any of our menus due to sustainability issues. Trout is even more versatile and delicious and is certified with the MSC blue tick. A good question to ask is how many of your caterer's dishes are made from scratch. We don't buy in anything pre-made, so we have much more control over using local ingredients.
Ask your caterer's advice on creating a waste strategy for your event and how they will take responsibility for the food waste. What can be reused, recycled or composted? At Queen & Whippet we minimise food waste by creating dishes form what might otherwise be discarded, such as our fish skin cracking canapés. Also, bear in mind that no modern caterer should be using disposable plastic serviceware, so if you're having a buffet or evening food, ask about their compostable or reusable options.
2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing
Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.
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The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry
In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.
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The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026
For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.
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The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home
For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:
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