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

Is lasting love magic, logic or luck?

Does it matter how a couple met? Contented Couples, a new guide to long-term relationships, features candid, intimate interviews with eighteen couples, based in the UK and USA. Each pair tell of how they met, how they formed a relationship and how they've thrived to become a truly happy union. One couple met and married within a month, whilst another two were thrown together repeatedly by a matchmaker who refused to give up - and it is not only guy meets girl either. The couples speak from an array of circumstance, culture and sexual orientations, including arranged marriage, friends-to-lovers and dating apps.

The five best weather apps to keep your eye on it leading up to the big day

Wedding jewellery experts Austen & Blake have listed some of the best weather apps to keep an eye on in the lead-up to your big day. The UK weather has been anything but predictable lately, with September set to be a particularly rainy and unsettled month, according to The Met Office. Top-rated apps help to track and plan your wedding day accordingly. Weather apps are invaluable when it comes to planning your nuptials, but sometimes there's no avoiding the inevitable. That's why, along with listing the best apps for tracking grey skies, the jewellery experts have teamed up with a professional wedding photographer to provide tips on how to get the best rainy snaps.

Even when the weather's a washout, it doesn't mean your wedding photos have to be! Here are some of the best weather apps to keep an eye on and how to strike the perfect pose if rain is predicted:

It's fireplace season at The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Gloucestershire

As the days get shorter and the temperature plummets, enjoy the autumnal season at the cosy Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. The sound of a crackling fireplace while lounging on a plush sofa with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine is one of the most comforting things about the colder season. Take a seat in front of the roaring open fire or enjoy a pre-dinner drink with a loved one in front of the fireplace at the luxurious Greenway Hotel and Spa set in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. The award-winning Garden Room Restaurant is also a must-try!

Don’t like your engagement ring? Relationship experts reveal what you need to do!

A marriage proposal is filled with an overwhelming amount of emotion and is a moment both you and your partner will remember forever. But once the initial rush fades, what if you come to terms with the fact that the ring placed on your finger isn't what you envisioned it to look like? Leading diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, teamed up with relationship experts Georgia Sturmer and Sharin Shafer, who have shared their top 3 tips on how to handle this delicate situation in the best way possible.

Enjoy fantastic offers this autumn at the Cheltenham Chase hotel

Located right on the edge of the Cotswolds, just a short drive from the charms of Cheltenham and Gloucester, Cheltenham Chase hotel offers the perfect sanctuary. Autumn is here and it's time to relax, recharge and reconnect. Allow yourself some well-earned downtime and step away from the hustle and bustle with a friend or a loved one to enjoy morning walks in the Cotswolds' countryside followed by a rejuvenating spa experience. Indulge in a massage, or facial and treat your body to some luxury with products from the wonderful Elemis and the best news is that they've just launched some new seasonal packages so that you can enjoy your getaway at a discount!

Fraser Hart launches its stunning lab-grown diamond collection

Fraser Hart, one of the UK's leading purveyors of fine jewellery, is redefining affordable luxury with the launch of its Born Lab Grown Diamonds collection in 10 new stores nationwide. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, here cutting-edge technology is used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, Born Lab Grown Diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow-factor as traditionally mined gems, but with a more accessible price tag. The Born collection includes a stunning choice of "buy now, treasure forever" heirloom jewellery pieces. With exquisite diamond rings starting at just £799, diamond and white gold stud earrings from £799, classic diamond encrusted tennis bracelets from £5,250, and diamond pendant necklaces from £850, investing in luxurious, exceptional quality and utterly timeless diamond jewellery pieces has never been more attractive.

The wellness journals from Lovendu you need in your life

With Mental Health Awareness day falling in October, and as we approach the end of the year, take positive steps to improve your wellbeing in 2024 through journaling. The benefits of daily journaling are huge, from reducing stress and improving your mental health to boosting productivity and providing an opportunity to get in sync with your emotions. It's the ultimate act of self-care – and Lovendu makes it easy to take control of your life and truly thrive.

Trick or tweet at Birdland this Halloween

The keepers at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water are making use of treat-filled pumpkins to provide environmental enrichment as part of their 'Trick or Tweet' Halloween half-term event taking place from now until Sunday the 5th of November. Visitors can watch a selection of the smartest birds demonstrate their foraging skills in a series of daily talks. Keepers will be hiding a variety of creepy crawlies inside pumpkins to see how different species use their intellect and dexterity to forage for food. Among avian residents facing the daily pumpkin challenge will be cassowaries, one of the largest birds on the planet, super-smart Kiwi parrot the kea, high-brow hornbills, and clever bird of prey the striated carcara. "Environmental enrichment provides stimulation for our birds and encourages them to use natural behaviours to solve challenges," said head keeper Alistair Keen.

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Gloucestershire's Cheltenham Town Hall voted second most popular registry office

Gloucestershire's Cheltenham Town Hall has been voted the second most popular registry office according to a new analysis by engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith. Registry office weddings have emerged as an increasingly cost-effective choice for couples looking to get married. With a surge in searches for registry office wedding venues up by 800%, the growing appeal of these non-traditional ceremonies is clear. Having taken a deep dive into average monthly Google searches, Instagram hashtags and TikTok views, engagement and wedding experts at Queensmith, have revealed the top 20 best registry offices with Gloucestershire's Cheltenham Town Hall coming a close second behind Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, London.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Berkshire Wedding Fairs hosting local events this October

Berkshire Wedding Fairs, the local company who have been organising wedding fairs in Berkshire and surrounding counties since 2006, announces October dates. Joanne Kent, wedding fair organiser says: Whether you have been planning your wedding for a while, and only have the finishing touches to arrange, or whether you've recently become engaged and are at the beginning of the wedding planning journey, visiting a wedding fair is a must for every couple. Upcoming events include on Sunday the 22nd of October at Highfield Park, Hook, RG27 0LG and on Sunday the 29th of October at Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Luxury Wiltshire hotel Bowood invites couples to wedding showcase

Luxury Wiltshire Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort Bowood invites couples to its wedding showcase on Sunday 22nd October 2023 from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm. Boasting spectacular views of the surrounding remote Wiltshire countryside, Bowood provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding, civil ceremony or civil partnership. On Sunday the 22nd of October, couples will be invited to see the function room dressed for a wedding day and meet with the team and suppliers to discuss their ideas. From 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, the Kerry Suite will be transformed into a wedding wonderland, with dedicated appointments available with the hotel's wedding coordinators to discuss dream wedding plans with the latest trends on show from trusted and preferred suppliers.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

New Wedding Showcase to be hosted at The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire

The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, is set to host a spectacular Wedding Showcase on Sunday 12th November 2023. The hotel is a majestic countryside retreat hidden amidst 150 acres of secluded parkland offering the idyllic setting for an elegant wedding surrounded by a wealth of historical luxury. On Sunday the 12th of November 2023, The Langley will host a special Wedding Showcase giving visitors the chance to meet the hotel's dedicated events team who will lead tours around the property, its expansive grounds and stunning spa facilities. Guests will have the opportunity to speak with The Langley's hand-picked suppliers including bespoke wedding cake creator Ana Lewis and the UK's leading entertainment supplier Sternberg Clarke. Plus, there will be prosecco and canapés crafted by The Langley's acclaimed culinary team.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

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.