All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the UK, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
The Speech Surgery: does my wedding speech have to be funny?
'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: I'm not funny. Does my wedding speech need to be? I've heard some lovely speeches that haven't contained any humour, but here's the thing...they are the exception to the rule. Nearly every speech is better if it contains a little humour. FACT. Generally, folk from the UK and Australia want their speeches to have a lot of humour in them, while clients from other parts of the world, namely the US, lean towards a sweeter speech, with lighter elements, as opposed to all-out funny.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 8 June 2024
6 bridesmaid proposal ideas from Getting Personal
Once you've said yes to your future spouse, it's time to recruit your future bridal party. To pop the question you can keep it short and sweet or go with something a little more elaborate. A bridesmaid proposal is the perfect way to ensure they know their special role in your life and, more importantly, on your big day itself. There has been an 85% increase in Google searches for 'bridesmaid proposal ideas'¹ over the past year, therefore gifting experts at Getting Personal have shared 6 bridesmaid proposal ideas for those needing a little inspiration for asking their bridesmaids to be part of their bridal party.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 7 June 2024
Couples counsellor shares 5 key boundaries to set
As technology brings us closer together than ever, it also has changed how relationships work, from meeting your significant other through an online dating app to having the ability to contact other people instantly at your fingertips. Smartphones have revolutionised communication - but do they strengthen or strain romantic relationships? With this in mind, the smartphone experts at Compare and Recycle have surveyed 2,000 people, delving into the complex world of smartphones. They discovered how many Brits trust their partners with phone passcodes, as well as partnering up with couples counsellor, Susan Leigh, to provide healthy passcode-sharing tips for couples.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 5 June 2024
True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts
Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 3 June 2024
The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy
'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 1 June 2024
Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card
Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 31 May 2024
Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings
Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 29 May 2024
The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?
'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 25 May 2024
Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!
With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 24 May 2024
Six things you need to insure when tying the knot
As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 22 May 2024
Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent
The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 20 May 2024
‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott
'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 18 May 2024
The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life
The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 17 May 2024
These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!
As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 16 May 2024
Make sure your big day is protected
A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 15 May 2024
New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling
BHS is delighted to present its newest offering for 2024, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 13 May 2024
WoodWick® reveals its latest collections
WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 10 May 2024
New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades
Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 8 May 2024
New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season
Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 8 May 2024
7 top tips for including your pooch in your wedding
Considering including your pooch at your wedding? Here are 7 top tips from Petpals. With 57% of UK households boasting a furry friend, it is no wonder many couples dream of having their beloved dog join them on their special day. In fact, a whopping eight in 10 Brits say they would want their four-legged companion to be part of their wedding festivities. But before you entrust your pooch with the role of ring bearer, it is essential to be well prepared to ensure that your big day is nothing short of paw-some for both you and your pup. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the UK's longest-established pet-care franchise, shares some top tips on how to seamlessly incorporate your canine companion into your wedding day.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 6 May 2024
How to avoid guests over indulging on alcoholic drinks on the big day
One in six (16 per cent) wedding guests admit to driving home the morning after a wedding, when they could still be over the alcohol limit, reveals new research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance. In a bid to remind drivers about the risks of getting behind the wheel after celebratory drinking, a car was crashed into a three-metre-high wedding cake outside Blenheim Palace2, one of the UK's most instagramable wedding venues.
With one in five (20 per cent) guests saying they have been driven home by someone they thought was over the drink drive limit, the morning after celebrating nuptials, the smashed wedding cake highlights the risks involved with driving the morning after.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 5 May 2024
6 Star Wars cocktails for the ultimate Star Wars hen do
Calling all brides-to-be and their intergalactic squadrons! Prepare to elevate your hen party to new heights as leading hen party company Fizzbox teams up with magical tavern, The Cauldron, to concoct a range of Star Wars cocktails, perfect for celebrating the bride's journey to the galaxy of marriage! Set your blasters to fun as The Cauldron's mixologists transport you to a galaxy far, far away with their selection of otherworldly drinks inspired by the iconic saga. From Darth Vader-inspired concoctions to drinks that will have you feeling like you're partying on the Millennium Falcon, there's something to delight every Jedi bride and her entourage.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 4 May 2024
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.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 3 May 2024
Wedding homeware from Addison Ross
The heart and soul of British luxury Addison Ross, is a family owned British brand started in 1978; from a small business, it has now grown into a global sensation with a vast offering including an exquisite range of luxury homeware essentials that create the ideal wedding tablescape or wedding gift. A recent collaboration with India Hicks, saw the launch of a beautiful new photo frame collection, which India (King Charles' Goddaughter) used for her own wedding photos. These wonderful frames can also be used to create special moments at weddings including framing seating charts or cocktail menus!
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 3 May 2024
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.*
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 1 May 2024
We have a great line up of experts to give you first hand advice and discussions about bridal fashion, hair, makeup, to name but a few!
Take a look at our Celebrity Interviews!