Your London Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show on 6th October 2024! Couples, along with family and friends, are warmly invited to visit their stand and discover how The Redfords can transform your special day into an incredible celebration. At the show, you'll have the chance to meet and chat with band members, request your favourite songs, and learn how they can create the party of a lifetime at your wedding! With a reputation built since 2006, The Redfords are celebrated for their ability to keep dancefloors packed with a dynamic mix of classic hits and contemporary favourites across genres like rock, pop, indie, soul, disco, and Motown.

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.

Discover Light Bar's new Sunday menu

Light Bar, a prominent fixture in East London's dining scene, has unveiled its new Sunday Sessions menu, showcasing an array of Sunday roast-inspired dishes. Crafted by the talented Head Chef Ali Borer, formerly of the Smoking Goat, the menu pairs Asian flavours with the finest British produce. Promising a dining experience infused with vibrant fl avours and innovative techniques, Ali draws upon his experiences and passion for Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisines. With a commitment to sustainability at its core, the menu showcases a 'head to tail' approach, ensuring that every ingredient is thoughtfully utilised to minimise waste and maximise flavour.

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.

£50 discount for couples at Bluewater

"Have you thought about who will deliver your wedding plan on the day? Come and have a chat with me and I will explain how I can take the stress from you, making your wedding the best day ever!" shares Michael, of Men in Red. Men in Red is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October, 2024. Michael acts as your event coordinator and Master of Ceremony. Managing guests, making announcements, liaising between suppliers and keeping on schedule - not to mention sorting out any unforeseen problems!

Bespoke accessories, ready-to-wear creations and bridal kits

Looking for big-day accessories at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Buewater? Pop along to Aritsan Bride's stand. Owner Nicola, says, "Welcome to Artisan Bride, where we share our expert craftsmanship and tailor bridal trends to offer a world of wedding accessories for brides, no matter your budget. We thrive on the belief that every bride and every love story is different, therefore your final 'I do' style should reflect that. "From bespoke accessories to ready-to-wear creations and our famous DIY bridal kits, we've got something to complete every bride's look. Explore how to make a veil of your dreams, discover bridal garter sets, shop tiaras for every hairstyle and make your dream day Instagram-perfect. Artisanbride is a friend and guide to brides, making their wedding accessory journey not just a purchase but a delightful experience.

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.

Meet Hair by Linzi at the Bluewater Wedding Fair

Clips and Twists Wedding Hair by Linzi is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday October 6th 2024! "Hello, I'm Linzi the passionate artist behind clips and twists wedding hair by linzi. With a heart full of creativity and a keen eye for detail, I've been dedicated to the art of bridal hair for over 20 years. "My journey began with a deep love for making brides feel their absolute best on one of the most important days of their lives. I specialize in creating stunning, personalized bridal hairstyles that perfectly complement your vision for your big day. With a deep passion for beauty and a keen eye for detail, my experienced styles work closely with you to craft a look that enhances your natural beauty and harmonizes with your wedding theme.

Multi-award-winning Royal photographer at Bluewater Wedding Fair

Multi-award-winning Royal photographer and Kent-based wedding photographer Ian Jones will be exhibiting at the Bluewater Signature Wedding Show, on 6th October 2024. Ian, a former personal photographer to the late Princess Diana and current host photographer for Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle & St James's Palace will be exhibiting at the event and would welcome the opportunity to chat about your wedding photography requirements.

15% off show discount from Dress Code Nine

Essex-based Dress Code Nine is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October 2024. "Our mission is to dress you to the nines for your special event," shares owner Carla. "We strive to do this by offering a unique and personal experience. Whether that's a wedding, prom or a glamorous evening occasion, we are sure to have the dress for you! We are offering 15% off any full price bridal dress purchased between the 8th October 2024 - 8th December 2024, when you book an appointment with us on the day or after seeing our lovely Emma at the Bluewater Shopping Centre on the 6th October. Emma is looking forward to meeting you and giving you all more information."

20% off on-the-day bookings for renowned singer

Kelly, of Kelly Pepper Weddings will be showcasing her exceptional voice at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October - what's more, couples who want to book Kelly on the day will receive a 20% discount! Kelly adds, " I have been a professional singer since the age of 21 and have performed at all types of venues all over the UK and Europe from Royal Hospital Chelsea – home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners, to performing to at festivals of 10,000 people alongside the likes of Tinie Tempah, Example, Labrinth, Pixie Lott and more. I pursued a career as a 'pop star' for several years where I had my tracks played on Capital FM, Radio 1 and music channels, as well as securing record deals in Europe and Asia and writing for up and coming talent, but ultimately I decided that career path was not for me, got married and settled down in Kent in 2017 and started a family in 2020 and now have 2 beautiful girls.

Bespoke special effects for your wedding day

If you're looking to add that wow factor to your wedding day, pop along at chat to the ForceFX team at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, on Sunday 6th October, 2024. From intimate indoor gatherings to grand outdoor affairs, its team collaborates closely with you, the venue, and other suppliers to deliver an exceptional service for your special event. Big-day special effects - Colds sparks - Perfect for your first dance or cake cutting celebration, our cold spark fountains add a touch of elegance and romance to your evening.

Exchange vows at The Hawk’s Nest in London

Located in the vibrant Shepherd's Bush, The Hawk's Nest is a fantastic outdoor bar and restaurant accommodating up to 350 people. The fully retractable glass roof sets the venue apart, which allows couples to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while being protected from the elements. The venue is adorned with lush greenery, creating a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. Inside, pairs find a pool table, a DJ booth and a well-stocked bar area, making it the perfect spot for occasions. The team offers semi-private and exclusive hire options, allowing couples to choose what best suits their needs. Please note that there's a minimum spend requirement for all bookings, which varies depending on the day of the week, timings and the number of guests.

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.

Check out the Elizabethan Royal Tea at InterContinental London Park Lane

Sip and savour a piece of royal history this spring as InterContinental London Park Lane, the former childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth II, launches its new signature Elizabethan Royal Tea. Paired with a bespoke tea menu from heritage brand The East India Company, the experience encapsulates the finest British produce, with elements of the experience provided and created by Royal Warrant holders. Take a seat in the opulent surroundings of The Wellington Lounge for an afternoon of beautifully hand-crafted savoury finger sandwiches, pristine pastries, delicate cakes and homemade scones, all served on beautiful new Wedgewood English bone china. From the 'Royal Warrant' Salmon & Caviar Bliss and Monarch's Coronation Chicken Royale, inspired by Elizabeth II's famous 1953 coronation dish.

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 Prested Hall, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Prested Hall, Essex, 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.