Your Glos and Wilts Wedding news and ideas from around the area

The most popular wedding cars of 2024 and how much they will cost

As we head into the Spring/Summer wedding season, many couples will be tying up the last elements of their weddings before the big day. Often left to the last minute is transport, with many couples wanting to arrive and leave their wedding venues in style. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts decided to investigate which cars are the most popular when it comes to wedding hire, and also how much hiring one will set you back. To work out the most popular wedding car of 2024, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has analysed Google search volumes, Google search trends and TikTok data including the number of posts per model, monthly searches and the YoY search trend.

Unveiling exclusive packages from The Bradley Hare, Wiltshire

The Bradley Hare opened in June 2021 and is Wiltshire's cosiest county inn. Located on the Duke of Somerset's Estate in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley, The Bradley Hare has twelve bedrooms. The inn offers delicious dishes using the best local and seasonal produce and all year round al fresco dining in glorious private gardens, surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetable patches. As the seasons change and the evenings get longer, guests can be sure to experience a stylish, yet cosy stay due to James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director for Soho House, having overseen the Inn's cool, yet authentic interiors.

The HangOut Bar & Grill at Donnington Valley opens for summer

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa has announced the opening of The HangOut Bar & Grill for summer 2024. Nestled in the heart of Newbury, Berkshire, The HangOut invites guests to indulge in a delicious food and beverage experience featuring locally sourced and seasonal dishes, against the backdrop of the hotel's outside terrace. From classic burgers to sharing platters for four, The HangOut offers a tasty menu for lunch, afternoon snacks, or cocktails and dinner. Should the unpredictable British weather decide to make an appearance, the new tipi-style tent stretching across the terrace provides shelter without compromising on the outdoor experience.

Young Brits looking to get hitched face saving for 30 Months

Young couples are faced with saving for over 30 months to reach their wedding savings goals, according to new research from Nationwide that charts what Brits are saving for in 2024.One in six young people are currently putting money away for their dream wedding. On average, these love birds are aiming to save £17,000 in preparation for their wedding – although the costs will likely be higher as many will also benefit from contributions from family and friends. Based on average monthly individual savings of £282, it would take a typical couple saving a combined £564 around 31 months to reach their target.*

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Enjoy a Maycation at The Vineyard with their Art of Relaxation Spa Package

Book a Maycation at The Vineyard in Berkshire, an enchanting hotel where wine enthusiasts and art lovers can indulge in an unforgettable retreat. Boasting one of the largest private art collections in the UK, curated with masterpieces from luminaries like Ronald Searle and sculptures by acclaimed artists such as Michael Thacker and Henry Moore, The Vineyard offers an immersive journey through the realms of art and relaxation. Guests can Indulge in the Art of Relaxation Spa Escape, a bespoke staycation that includes a glass of exquisite All Angels English sparkling wine on arrival, a 60-minute treatment in the private spa and a quintessentially British afternoon tea.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

Prop Hire Bucks offers exclusive Wedding Styling Service for three lucky couples

Prop Hire Bucks is searching for three couples marrying in 2024 to receive their full expert styling service for just £199. Driven by a commitment to promote sustainability in the wedding industry, Prop Hire Bucks introduces this new opportunity with a focus on blending luxury and affordability while prioritising eco-friendly choices. "We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to three couples and embark on this journey of making wedding dreams come true!" said Rosie, founder of Prop Hire Bucks. "Our mission is to showcase that luxury styling can be both affordable and environmentally responsible. If we can reduce the demand for single-use items even marginally across the industry, then we will feel we have achieved something!"

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

Cricklade & Spa offers a selection of wedding packages

Cricklade & Spa, an exquisite country house in Wiltshire, was built at the turn of the last century. It has been tastefully restored and carefully extended, marrying period features with modern touches. There are 45 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, a newly refurbished luxury spa with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room plus treatment rooms, a gym and a beauty room perfect for wedding day preparations. The wedding packages include free wedding tasting for the engaged couple six weeks before their special day and complimentary bedrooms for the night of the wedding (with the number being dependent on the package).

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

Henley Festival reveals sensation line-up for this summer

Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast has announced a sensational line-up for 2024, featuring five magical summer nights full of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments. From Wednesday 10th July to Sunday 14th July, headliners will include Nicole Scherzinger, Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nigel Kennedy, Sam Ryder and more. Westcoast, a Berkshire-based technology company distributing some of the world's leading tech brands, are delighted to continue its long association with the festival and support RISE, their charitable programme. The UK's only black-tie music and arts festival set on the river in Henley-on-Thames invites festival-goers to enjoy a world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, as well as gourmet dining, dancing and jaw-dropping fireworks.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Celebrate World Earth Day this April with the Sutton Hotel Collection

In celebration of World Earth Day on Monday 22nd April, throughout April Sutton Hotel Collection will be making a step towards change by showcasing a 'Sustainable Dish of the Month' at each of the three hotels within the collection: The Queens Hotel Cheltenham, The Castle Hotel Windsor and The Francis Hotel Bath. Each hotel will be celebrating World Earth Day with a dish, which has been carefully selected to incorporate seasonal, locally sourced produce as well as helping the collection to actively work towards their zero-food waste principles. William Gibbs at Sutton Hotel Collection states; 'We are thrilled to introduce three dishes that have been consciously created in celebration of World Earth Day across our hotels."

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

The National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 announce winners

Pubs and bars from across the UK are celebrating after being named the best in their respective regions. The award wins are part of the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards, which each year crowns nearly 100 County Winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving each site a unique platform to promote themselves and increase guest footfall from locals and visitors alike. These hospitality operators have demonstrated excellence across several elements including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment. The venues now have more than two months in which to trade off their win, before making their way to the National Pub & Bar Awards grand final on 26 June.