Your London Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.

This new cleaning trend is ruining your engagement ring!

The newest trend to clean engagement rings with a coffee steamer, whilst entertaining to watch, is a sure-fire way to ruin your precious ring! We have to be very careful about our jewels and must not forget that it is four simple prongs that hold in our sparkling beauties. To educate us as to why this hack should get the sack is Neil Dutta, managing director of the engagement ring specialists, Angelic Diamonds

B Calm Introduces a Personalised Body and Face Care Set

Born from Becky's personal journey of healing, B Calm offers beautifully designed, organic products to support modern women in finding daily balance and calm. In May 2025 they will proudly unveils their latest innovation – the Personalised Body + Face Care Set. Designed to empower individuals to create a unique self-care ritual, this customisable trio features a hydrating mist, nourishing carrier oil, and pure essential oil blend to support radiant skin and holistic well-being.

New Study Reveals the Best Places in England to Get Married

With wedding season fast approaching, the wedding experts at F.Hinds have analysed hundreds of the best wedding venues that England has to offer, to uncover where nearly-weds should be adding to their shortlist this summer. The study considered several factors such as popularity, reviews and weather predictions and awarded bonus points for how "Instagrammable" the aesthetic is. The systematic scoring system has revealed the "best of the best" English wedding venues for couples planning a wedding in 2025.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

Asylum Chapel: For Couples Who Dare to Be Different

Discover the extraordinary at the Asylum Chapel, where the unique paintwork, breathtaking stained-glass windows, and enchanting shadows create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere ideal for those seeking something out of the ordinary. Constructed in 1826 by the Licensed Victualers Benevolent Institution for the retired workers of Caroline Gardens, this Grade II-listed building has a rich history. After being damaged during WWII, the Chapel has transformed into a versatile venue for photography, film shoots, exhibitions, theatre performances, and weddings. As a ceremony-only venue, the Chapel accommodates up to 120 guests, allowing couples to enjoy a toast and some canapés following their ceremony, but it does not offer sit-down meals, buffets, or food trucks.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Victorian Grace Meets Modern Glamour in the Heart of Kensington

Ellen Kensington, a charming hotel nestled in the vibrant heart of Kensington, has officially opened its doors! This sophisticated hotel features 105 rooms and suites with stunning views of Barkston Gardens, all just a short stroll from the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Hyde Park. Room rates begin at £185 per night, complemented by exceptional 5-star service inspired by the Asian heritage of the hotel team, ensuring every guest feels like a VIP. The hotel boasts a chic pan-Asian restaurant, a trendy bar, a cosy cigar lounge, and a beautiful outdoor terrace tucked away behind the hotel, providing a serene escape for Londoners and visitors to savour al fresco drinks. The hotel is proud to have a strong female leadership team. The KOP Group, which owns Ellen Kensington, was founded and is led by women. The hotel is named in honour of one of the prominent figures of the Victorian Era, Dame Ellen Terry. Plus, the remarkable Helen Lee has been appointed as General Manager, and she's gearing up for her fourth desert ultra-marathon, joining the ranks of the few women in the exclusive Four Deserts Club.

The Libertine: Hidden Elegance Beneath the City

Under vaulted arches in the city's foundations lies a magical space to celebrate the next chapter. Guests can dine, toast, and dance the night away at The Libertine on this most momentous of occasions. The dedicated wedding team will work closely with couples to ensure everything is perfect on the day, curating a bespoke event with décor, delicious catering, and uplifting entertainment, all carefully considered. The Libertine can host seated dinners for up to 150 guests, drinks receptions, and evening celebrations. The events team and chefs will work with couples to create the perfect meals. From sit-down dinners to buffets and evening delights to keep the guests going!

Ellen Kensington has officially opened its doors in London

Ellen Kensington, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the vibrant heart of Kensington, has officially opened its doors! This sophisticated hotel features 105 rooms and suites with stunning views of Barkston Gardens, all just a short stroll from the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Hyde Park. Room rates begin at £185 per night, complemented by exceptional 5-star service inspired by the Asian heritage of the hotel team, ensuring every guest feels like a VIP. The hotel boasts a chic pan-Asian restaurant, a trendy bar, a cosy cigar lounge, and a beautiful outdoor terrace tucked away behind the hotel, providing a serene escape for Londoners and visitors to savour al fresco drinks. The hotel is proud to have a strong female leadership team. The KOP Group, which owns Ellen Kensington, was founded and is led by women. The hotel is named in honour of one of the prominent figures of the Victorian Era, Dame Ellen Terry. Plus, the remarkable Helen Lee has been appointed as General Manager, and she's gearing up for her fourth desert ultra-marathon, joining the ranks of the few women in the exclusive Four Deserts Club.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Everything you need to know about pre-nups

While pre-nups were once seen as only for the wealthy, they are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide financial clarity and peace of mind, especially if you are a business owner, have inheritance or assets acquired prior to the marriage. In my view, prenuptial agreements should be seen like car or wedding insurance, arranged in the event that something should happen, but not with the expectation that it is needed.

A new date-night restaurant opens in South London

Set sail to the Hope & Anchor, now open in South London, following an impressive and transformative redesign. Located in the heart of Brixton, reacquaint with the stylish all-day drinking and dining pub, the space is complete with cocktails, generous sharers, vibrant menus showcasing seasonal produce, a new Sunday Roast offering, plus one of London's most expansive beer gardens. The redesign, led by Camelot agency, fuses modern detailing with traditional features in homage to the great British pub, from reclaimed tiles and distressed walls in warming terracotta, green and neutral tones to dark oak wood panelling, plush velvet curtains, leather booths and lowback sofa seating. Guests won't go hungry with drool-worthy dishes from the expert kitchen team that put the spotlight on quality British ingredients with a modern Brixton twist. Entertainment is no afterthought. As the evening draws in, the late night upstairs bar boasts a private space, dancefloor and lounge area. available for private hire, or a smaller section can be cordoned off to create a VIP section, great for more intimate gatherings.

The Ultimate Wedding Gift: A Bespoke Tie from Richard Anderson

If you are looking for a wedding gift that exudes luxury, timeless elegance, and personal craftsmanship, Richard Anderson, is the first on the Row to introduce its exclusive bespoke tie service. Whether you're a groom seeking the finest accessory for your big day or a guest looking for a truly unique wedding gift, these hand-finished, three-fold ties are designed to complement any wardrobe with impeccable style. Crafted in England by expert tie makers using the traditional three-fold technique, each tie is tailored to your exact specifications – from the choice of silk, length, and blade width, to the design that reflects your personality and taste.

Hanbury Manor Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 13th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Accessed by an impressive sweeping driveway and set on 200 sprawling acres of land that once housed some of England's most important historical figures, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is an enchanting venue. Rebuilt in the stately Jacobean style, the stunning hotel surrounds you with timelessly elegant interiors, state-of-the-art amenities and stunningly refurbished function rooms Whether you're planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous Hanbury Manor is the perfect choice.

Ashdown Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Ashdown Park, East Sussex for inspiration on Sunday 13th April, 2025! 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. Surrounded by the Ashdown Forest, which according to the famous children's author, A. A. Milne, is the woodland that inspired his Winnie The Pooh stories, the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club offers the heights of luxury in the heart of East Sussex.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Enmeï Studios open its first London studio

Enmeï Studios is thrilled to open its first London studio at the border of Chelsea and South Kensington. The studio brings a uniquely holistic fitness approach to those who value mental and physical strength and well-being. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of "Enmeï," meaning longevity, the studio embraces the belief that fitness should enhance short- and long-term life. The studio's low-impact and high-intensity classes combine Pilates, bodybuilding, and endurance training to maximise results. Each session focuses on controlled movements that push muscles to failure, scientifically designed to burn calories during and after the workout, supporting a healthy, sustained lifestyle. A dynamic schedule of classes is designed to focus on different muscle groups each day.