Your London Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

Tie the knot at The Goring in Belgravia

For couples seeking the ideal setting to exchange vows or celebrate their special day, this venue offers a luxurious backdrop for weddings. The Goring is renowned for its intimate ambience, stunning location in Belgravia, expansive private garden and top-notch professional service. These features ensure guests' memorable experiences and provide the host's peace of mind. This venue is fully authorised to accommodate weddings, civil partnerships, and wedding receptions if couples exchange vows at one of the nearby churches. The elegant rooms provide an intimate setting for gatherings with close family and friends, creating an inviting atmosphere for celebrating love and commitment. With a Michelin-starred chef, guests can expect a culinary experience that includes delectable canapés and exquisite desserts.

Most popular TikTok wedding car revealed

Gone are the days of a horse-drawn carriage or a Rolls Royce pulling up to the wedding chapel, now it's all about modern cars! Couples across the UK are planning their dream weddings, with a twist. Searches for 'modern wedding cars' have surged by 60% in the last month according to Google Trends, signalling a shift from traditional vintage choices to sleek, contemporary vehicles that add a touch of modern elegance to the special day. ATS Euromaster, the tyre, MOT and vehicle services provider, has analysed TikTok hashtags and trends to reveal the changing popularity of wedding cars, both vintage and modern. Additionally, ATS has estimated rental costs for three-hour periods to help couples choose the perfect car for their special day.

Bulgari Hotel London welcomes new wellness space

Bulgari Hotel London announces a new wellness dimension for The Bulgari Spa, welcoming three transformative spa journeys focused on recovery, sleep and longevity.
The Longevity Journey allows guests to experience oxygen-fuelled healing in a state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen capsule. The Sleep Journey offers a zerobody dry float bed for an anti-gravity experience. The Recovery Journey benefits clients from hot and cold therapies, including an ice bath for cold-water immersion. The new offering sits within the luxurious multilevel 2000m2 Spa, home to a 25-metre swimming pool, one of the longest luxury pools in London, and 11 private treatment rooms. This solidifies The Bulgari Spa as one of central London's largest and most exclusive settings.

National Art Pass - perfect wedding gift for culture lovers

A National Art Pass is a great way to enjoy time at hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, and the Double Membership makes the perfect wedding gift for any culture lovers! Annual membership is only £88.50* and lets the happy couple enjoy free entry to hundreds of cultural destinations, plus 50% off major exhibitions, and special shop and café discounts. What's more, two cards will be issued for the happy couple!

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Discover The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush

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 spending requirement for all bookings, which varies depending on the day of the week, timings, and the number of guests.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

The Light Bar in London announces new 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 flavours 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. The team further champions sustainability by working with various British suppliers, including Lyons Hill Farms in Dorset.

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Exchange vows at The Berkeley in London

The Berkeley provides a picturesque setting for a wonderfully romantic ambience, enveloped by the Georgian terraces of Belgravia that offer a stunning vista of St. Paul's Church and the iconic Hyde Park. The staff is committed to enhancing elegance, luxury and hospitality to unparalleled levels – it truly is an experience like no other! Explore a flexible event space in one of London's top 5-star hotels, suitable for various occasions. It has a contemporary design, impressive 3D ceiling and unique lighting. The grand ballroom can cater to up to 250 guests for ceremonies and meals as well as 180 for dancing. The nearby Belgravia Room boasts ample natural light and a private terrace, perfect for intimate ceremonies with 40 guests, dinners for 80 and receptions for 150. The Wilton & Knightsbridge Rooms offer a sophisticated and cosy setting, with the choice to combine or keep separate.

Richard Payne Photographer is a must-have for your wedding celebration

Richard Payne is a talented photographer based in London with more than 15 years of experience. Richard tells us: "Before I started shooting weddings, I was mainly doing magazine work shooting fashion and portraiture with some documentary thrown in. I think it's those early days that have kept my eye in and can still influence my work today.

"I shoot in two formats: digital and 35mm black and white film. My actual style allows me to shoot very discreetly and unobtrusively. I will document what unfolds in front of me rather than orchestrate it. Whether it be travelling on a 15-hour bus journey the length of Sri Lanka or a hop down the M20, I've covered pretty much every scenario there is. Please look around my website and get a feel for what I do, but I am still a firm believer in the personal touch—the quick meet over a coffee, a chat at a wedding fair or anywhere we get the chance to engage for a quick moment to actually see the actual book I offer. You will get to hold some black and white hand prints and hit me with any questions that you may have."

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.

Studio FIX opens its doors on High Street Kensington

Studio FIX opens its doors on High Street Kensington, offering three studios with six different class concepts. The spacious studio will be one of the first locations in London to offer Lagree Megaformer classes, a patented exercise machine that offers a high-intensity, total body workout while being low-impact — it's loved by many celebrities! Other class concepts will include yoga, boxing, HIIT-style conditioning and strength-based lift classes, offering something for all levels and fitness goals, guaranteeing a holistic experience in one place without needing multiple gym memberships. Furthermore, Studio FIX's boxing classes are adaptable to wheelchair users, ensuring inclusivity. Prioritising upper body strength, the class provides a unique experience where able and disabled individuals can train together.

Creative ways to preserve and display your wedding bouquet

Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so you'll no doubt want to hold onto your memories for as long as possible. Here, Clare Price from framing specialists Wall Space shares their tips for preserving your wedding bouquet for years to come. Preserving your wedding bouquet can be a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. Techniques like drying and pressing are some of the best methods of flower preservation, and there are countless ways to show off your preserved blooms in your home once you're done. With the tips and ideas below, you can create lasting reminders of your cherished moments and remember your special day for years to come.