All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the UK, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
The rise of double-barrelled surnames
n the past couple of years, there's been a continued increase in the number of people wishing to join their names. For example, in November, research by The London Mint Office to mark The Queen's platinum wedding anniversary shows that 11% of married couples between the ages of 18 and 30 joined their names. As the UK's leading Name Changing Service, NameSwitch has also seen an 18% year-on-year growth in couples wishing to adopt a double-barrelled surname, which accounts for 12% of the thousands of name changes we've assisted over the last 12 months. So, why are more of us opting to double-barrel their surnames?
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 26 December 2022
With the Pandemic derailing wedding plans since 2020, the next few years look set to be a busy time for couples celebrating their union. But couples themselves are evolving – from individuals who feel shoehorned into traditions or cultural expectations they don't feel comfortable with, to those who feel more confident creating their own idea of how a wedding should be, encompassing a far wider range of preferences, traditions, and cultures. When NameSwitch was invited to speak on diversity at a recent industry event, Bridelux Symposium, the overwhelming consensus of wedding professionals was that they, too, are seeing a change in how weddings are becoming more individually unique; created to celebrate the heritage (often blended) and preferences of each couple.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 23 December 2022
GREAT! romance to Launch on Thursday 5th January 2023
Dreaming of cosying up with some love-ly film entertainment in the New Year? GREAT! romance, a new, free-to-air, TV channel dedicated to bringing feel-good, romance films to TV screens, all day, every day, is launching on Thursday 5th January 2023. If you have a soft spot for romantic movies and are looking to indulge in escapist entertainment this winter, then look no further! Romantics across the UK can fall head-over-heels with the only TV channel that promises back-to-back love stories all day every day - for free! - and the curated selection of movies is guaranteed to melt anyone's heart at the start of 2023.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 21 December 2022
Christmas winter wedding music
Getting married at Christmas doesn't mean that you have to plan a Christmas-themed wedding. Here, roaming band The Travelling Hands, suggest songs that would work well for a Christmas winter wedding and the songs to avoid! When it comes to music, the same rule applies. Just because you want to get married at Christmas it doesn't mean that your musical playlist has to be full of Wizzard & Cliff Richard if you don't want it to be there. When our acoustic roaming band The Travelling Hands perform at winter weddings we see a wide variety of decisions when it comes to Christmas songs. Some want to embrace the Christmas classics - adding these into their day. Others like a few placed in here and there, whilst some want to just stick to their favourite songs without any Christmas numbers added in at all.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 16 December 2022
Outdated wedding laws need to change
In an article earlier this year there was discussion and praise aimed towards the Government's plans to allow outdoor weddings to be made permanent. The article also highlighted the eagerly awaited Law Commission report into marriage laws, which was due to be published in July. Now it has been published and we have had some time for the dust to settle, Kate Van Rol, Barrister at 4PB has looked into these recommendations, "Are wedding laws at present 'confusing, outdated and restrictive' as the Commission suggest, or would the implementation of their suggestions trivialise weddings and commercialise the ceremony?". Kate continues...
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 14 December 2022
Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection
The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 9 December 2022
New hen party ideas at Bird & Blend Tea Co. venues
On various dates throughout December and January '23, and into 2023, Bird & Blend Tea Co. will host its two brand new workshops. A magic potions brewing & tea mixology workshop at Bird & Blend Tea Co - is for those keen on discovering and learning the mastery of potion making whilst mixing tea, and the science behind the magic. The special two-and-a-half hour workshop invites its guests to take an immersive step in to conjuring up shimmering, colour changing and whimsical potions...all whilst the smoke swirls, the smells take over and the senses awaken. As a VIP guest, wannabe magic and mixology makers will be treated to unlimited amounts of tea from an exciting selection of blends or tea cocktails.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 7 December 2022
Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!
Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 2 December 2022
New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection
Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 1 December 2022
Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 28 November 2022
Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape
Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 22 November 2022
Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers
Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 18 November 2022
How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?
We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 9 November 2022
Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you
It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 7 November 2022
Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding
Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 4 November 2022
How to style your bridesmaids…
When it comes to planning your wedding the team at Colour Me Beautiful knows only too well that dressing your bridesmaids for your big day can be beset with difficulties. Here Cliff Bashforth sets out his advice on how to avoid the pit falls. It is an honour to be a bridesmaid, and often those you have asked will be as excited as you are. Shopping for bridesmaids' outfits can be a fun experience for you all, although you will need a clear idea of what you want them to look like because they will frame you in your wedding photographs. Happy bridesmaids make good photographs, so ensuring they are comfortable in what they are wearing will guarantee everyone is radiant on the day.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 2 November 2022
County Wedding Events comes to Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa in Kent
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa in Kent for inspiration on 6th November, 2022. A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer; the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 31 October 2022
This is your dream wedding according to your star sign
It's not always easy to decide on your wedding theme, and searches for 'wedding ideas' have seen a +23% increase in the past twelve months. To offer some inspiration, thortful.com have collated the best dream wedding ideas for each star sign! Perhaps you're a Taurus, and would love to be married in a mansion, or a Leo dreaming of a castle wedding? astrologer, Inbaal Hongiman, to reveal the dream wedding for each star sign in order to provide some inspiration for those planning their big day.
From Leos' wanting to get married in an opulent castle to Sagittarius' eloping on a beach, here are the weddings each star sign dreams of having
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 28 October 2022
How to ensure a good night's sleep before your big day
Anxious brides and grooms-to-be have been offered top tips on beating their wedding nerves and getting a good night's sleep ahead of their all important day. The fitted furniture experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have provided their tips to those who are likely to be overcome by nerves, affecting their sleep. Among the nerve-busting tips are incorporating sleep inducing scents into your room, planning a pre-bed workout and avoiding spicy foods. Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: "Pre-wedding nerves often lead to a lack of sleep ahead of what is regarded as the most important day of many people's lives.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 24 October 2022
As the trend for table scaping grows - a trend we love here at CWM HQ - your wedding day is the perfect time to create stunning table displays for dining in style! Whichever trend your wedding table décor follows, iconic British cutlery brand, Viners®, has cutlery in an array of styles, shapes and finishes to complete your look. Steeped in British heritage, the much-loved brand's elegant and durable cutlery is made from the finest materials, with a guarantee of excellence across all products.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 19 October 2022
Host a green wedding with Social Impact Caterers - Social Pantry
The positive impact wedding has emerged as a significant matrimonial trend of 2022 and Social Pantry, the female-led, London-based sustainable catering firm (a business working to become the first zero-waste catering company) is quietly revolutionising how weddings are planned and celebrated by putting sustainability at the heart of how wedding food is selected and prepared. Alex Head, CEO & Founder, Social Pantry – who herself is getting married in October – and Sarah Turner, Head Chef, Social Pantry have all the tips on how to plan a sustainable wedding menu regardless of budget. Please see below for top tips and if you're interested, we'd love to give you the opportunity to cover Alex's wedding as a case study.
At a time when climate change and monetary inflation are impacting weddings, sustainability has never been more relevant for couples wanting to be environmentally and socially responsible.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 17 October 2022
County Wedding Events comes to Castle Goring, Worthing, Sussex
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Castle Goring, Worthing, West Sussex for inspiration on 18th September 2022! It's one of our first wedding shows of the autumn wedding show season 2022, and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer! The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 14 October 2022
Top UK wedding photographer discusses the beauty of intimate weddings
Since falling in love with wedding photography six years ago after photographing a friend's wedding, Rebecca Searle, has gone on to photograph around 30 weddings every year. She has accumulated over 12,200 followers on her Instagram, and her talent has also been recognised by Professional Photo Magazine, naming her as one of the Top 50 British Wedding Photographers of 2022. Every wedding is beautiful, no matter big or small, but having planned her own wedding on the Amalfi Coast 8 years ago, intimate weddings hold a particularly special place in Rebecca's heart. Whether it's a huge wedding with 200 family and friends, or a super cool intimate ceremony with a handful of people, both have their own beauty and benefits".
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 14 October 2022
These are the UK areas with the happiest couples
There are always misconceptions about a north vs south divide, but apparently when it comes to love there is! A study by confused.com analysed government data to reveal the UK areas with the most marriages. When looking at where in the UK has the most weddings per person, one place stands out, which is Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, with 2,770 weddings per 100,000 people. Dumfries and Galloway are close to Gretna Green, which is traditionally identified with couples eloping from England, which is likely to be why many couples choose to tie the knot here. Another Scottish area comes in second, with Argyll and Bute hosting 1,165 weddings per 100,000 people each year. Located on the west coast of Scotland, Argyll and Bute is a unique area to get married. Here you can be wed on the beach, in a historic church or castle, or on the famous Mull of Kintyre. The most common wedding destination outside of Scotland is Kensington and Chelsea, in London with a marriage rate of 1077 per 100,000.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 12 October 2022
Wedding Album of the Year winner
Professional photographer Rebecca Carpenter won the inaugural Wedding Album of the Year competition with a stunning set of images in a book printed and produced by Henley Albums. The new award was set up by The Photography Show to celebrate the talent and craft of professional wedding photographers and album makers, and championing the power of print, with the finalists being displayed at this year's show at the NEC. Rachel Carpenter, who describes herself as a destination wedding and elopement photographer, shot her winning album for her clients Helena & Mark, who got married in Las Vegas.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 10 October 2022
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!
