Your South West Wedding news and ideas from around the county

National Trust celebrates National Picnic Week to launch late Friday opening at Woodchester Park

The National Trust is announcing Friday evening opening at their site at Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park, from 13 June to 25 July. The site will be open until 8pm each Friday through this period with the café open until 7.30pm, a three-hour increase to normal times for hot food, allowing visitors to enjoy the green space at Woodchester Park for longer. Take a deep breath and wind down from a busy week of wedding planning, with drinks, food and activities on offer until later in the evening. With the gentle backdrop of bird song into dusk, it's the perfect opportunity to settle into a relaxing weekend. Entry is free – just pay for parking or scan your National Trust membership card.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

Date nights in Cheltenham

One of the shiniest jewels in the Cotswolds crown, spa town Cheltenham offers impressive Regency architecture and tree-lined promenades at every turn as well as a vibrant food scene. Chef David Everitt-Matthias has been firmly on the chef scene for 38 years and his restaurant, Le Champignon Sauvage (www.lechampignonsauvage. co.uk), was recently noted by The Telegraph as one of 15 best value Michelin star restaurants. The restaurant's seasonally driven and locally sourced menu is priced from £42 for two courses and £50 for three courses for the set lunch and dinner (excluding Saturday evenings). Menu highlights include seared mackerel, apple and celeriac remoulade, ponzu dressing followed by sea bream, buttered monks beard, buttermilk and horseradish dashi. So, that's your next date night in Cheltenham sorted!

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

One hundred and eighty!

Being appointed chief hen planner (or sten if you're doing a hen and stag combo) is no easy task. You've got to come up with something that'll be fun for a big group, often with a mix of ages and personalities, and that doesn't break the bank. Flight Club in Bristol and Cheltenham are activity bars presenting the perfect option for a pre-wedding party to remember. Think on-point cocktails, a buzzing atmosphere, beautiful backdrops for gorgeous photos, and super-fun games. Flight Club has all the ingredients needed for an epic hen party. The fairgound-inspired bar looks spectacular with lights blinking in time to the music and its carousel horse.

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Discover the new Tattinger Terrace and more at The Royal Crescent & Spa

Five Red Star, two Michelin-Key The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath is welcoming the summer season with a host of events, experiences, and cultural offerings, open to guests and locals alike. The brand new Taittinger Champagne Terrace invites guests to relax in the sunshine with a glass of fizz, or to enjoy some live music at one of the regular DJ nights and live jazz evenings. For those seeking culture, in the stunning gardens of the hotel Axle Arts and Somerset Art Works will hold an outdoor sculpture exhibition, featuring a variety of sculptures by renowned and emerging artists, all from the local area.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Summer in Bristol 2025 - What's on and what's new

Bristol simply stuns every summer! The calendar is packed with much-loved and hugely popular festivals and events with hot air balloons, craft beer, maritime merriment and vibrant live music taking over the city, not to mention the Women's Rugby World Cup coming to Ashton Gate Stadium in September. In addition to these firm favourites are some NEW trails, tours, events and festivals for summer 2025 – see Visit Bristol's top picks below!

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

A taste of Wimbledon - afternoon tea at Ellenborough Park

This summer, trade Centre Court for the countryside with Ellenborough Park's exclusive Wimbledon Afternoon Tea (30th June - 13th July). The 15th-century manor house provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating tennis season with quintessentially British elegance. Tennis-inspired treats rival any Wimbledon tradition. Begin with refined finger sandwiches including smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche, classic egg & cress, and cooling cucumber with cream cheese. Warm middle white pork sausage rolls and sun-blushed tomato, basil & mozzarella quiche deliver satisfying seasonal flavours.

St John's Place, near Salisbury, boasts a unique atmosphere and stunning backdrop

Situated near to the beautiful city of Salisbury, this award-winning, Grade II listed wedding venue boasts a unique atmosphere and stunning backdrop. Located in a churchyard in Bremerton Village, the grounds include a stunning summer wildflower area. Step-free access to the building is available from the car park.The local reverend is always delighted to carry out ceremonies here, while 120 guests look on. You may choose to get married in the chancel area where you can stand near the altar and its many wonderful features. Alternatively, you can decide to say "I do" beneath a beautiful archway closer to your nearest and dearest.

Larmer Tree boasts a collection of indoor and outdoor spaces, set within 11 acres of picturesque grounds

Larmer Tree is an award-winning wedding venue on the border of Wiltshire and Dorset. This collection of ornate indoor and outdoor spaces, set within 11 acres of picturesque grounds, provides an impressive setting for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Established in the 19th century, the venue's historical gardens are filled with lush greenery and elegant architecture. Meandering pathways lead to picturesque follies, ornate statues, and charming hidden corners, perfect for romantic moments and breathtaking photography. With sweeping lawns, majestic trees and free-roaming peacocks adding to the charm, the Larmer Tree gardens provide an enchanting backdrop for your big day.

The Manor Estate: a stone's throw from Salisbury's Stonehenge

A mere stone's throw from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, Salisbury, Wiltshire's Manor Estate is a glorious example of a 17th-century flint barn sympathetically restored to provide you with a wonderfully rustic wedding venue. The Manor Estate offers the perfect marriage of an exclusive, personal wedding day with a highly professional and experienced events team. When booking with Manor Estate, you'll work closely with their experienced and dedicated owner and events team to create a completely bespoke day that truly reflects you as a couple. Rather than a one-size-fits-all wedding package, you'll be given free rein to fully imagine your wedding dreams in this wonderful venue.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

Fudge Kitchen's treats are a celebration of taste and tradition

Fudge Kitchen delights in creating delicious confectionery – a true celebration of taste, tradition and craftsmanship. Its innovative range not only tastes good but also does good, being packaged in premium sustainable material, so you can enjoy your treats without causing harm to the planet. The creamy fudge is made in small batches, using traditional techniques, before being delicately decorated by skilled artisans. The brand's new service provides a bespoke fudge sculpture for your special day. Made with a choice of mini slab flavours, this alternative to a traditional wedding cake will keep your guests talking for months to come. For wedding favours, why not try the charming single mini slice twists?