Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The lowdown from formalwear expert Stephen Bishop Suiting

Regular show favourite Stephen Bishop from Woking-based formal menswear store Stephen Bishop Suiting shares his top advice for choosing your big-day attire. What's more, Stephen will be on hand, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, on 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on 13th October - here he can answer all of your wedding day questions and will have a huge selection of his suits and coordinating accessories on display. Established in 2013, Stephen Bishop Suiting opened specifically to offer men a higher-end, one-stop-shop for formal wear, specifically with weddings in mind. I'm a multi-award-winning formal wear specialist with more than 30 years of experience.

Showstopping cars from Ultimate Classic Car Hire

Tony Allen began turning his teenage passion for collecting classic motor vehicles to good use by lending his cars for friends' weddings. Then, way back in 1990, as the collection grew, he established his classic car hire business: Ultimate Classic Car Hire. The company, and some of its fleet will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, 2024. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially into one of the most impressive in the South East of England. Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, now offers a remarkable selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars.

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Meet renowned photographer at TWO Signature Shows

Renowned London-based photographer, Richard Payne Photography, is exhibiting at not one, but two County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Shows: Bluewater and Ascot Racecourse! "Commissioned worldwide for more than 15 years my unique use of film and digital cameras, alongside my handmade prints and books, has been catching the eye of hundreds of couples on the lookout for something unique and special for their big day. Come to my stand and see first hand what I can offer for your special day," says Richard.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, Kent!

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October 2024! It's our first Signature Wedding Show of 2024's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. 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.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

County Wedding Events coming to Burnham Beeches Hotel, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Burnham Beeches Hotel, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 29th September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 22nd September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events' wedding show at Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 22nd September! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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. When you arrive at Audleys Wood Hotel, you'll be captivated by the ornate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows of this Victorian mansion. This historic venue is set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by seven acres of picturesque private grounds.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.