Your Glos and Wilts Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Luxury Wiltshire hotel Bowood invites couples to wedding showcase

Luxury Wiltshire Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort Bowood invites couples to its wedding showcase on Sunday 22nd October 2023 from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm. Boasting spectacular views of the surrounding remote Wiltshire countryside, Bowood provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding, civil ceremony or civil partnership. On Sunday the 22nd of October, couples will be invited to see the function room dressed for a wedding day and meet with the team and suppliers to discuss their ideas. From 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, the Kerry Suite will be transformed into a wedding wonderland, with dedicated appointments available with the hotel's wedding coordinators to discuss dream wedding plans with the latest trends on show from trusted and preferred suppliers.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

New Wedding Showcase to be hosted at The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire

The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, is set to host a spectacular Wedding Showcase on Sunday 12th November 2023. The hotel is a majestic countryside retreat hidden amidst 150 acres of secluded parkland offering the idyllic setting for an elegant wedding surrounded by a wealth of historical luxury. On Sunday the 12th of November 2023, The Langley will host a special Wedding Showcase giving visitors the chance to meet the hotel's dedicated events team who will lead tours around the property, its expansive grounds and stunning spa facilities. Guests will have the opportunity to speak with The Langley's hand-picked suppliers including bespoke wedding cake creator Ana Lewis and the UK's leading entertainment supplier Sternberg Clarke. Plus, there will be prosecco and canapés crafted by The Langley's acclaimed culinary team.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Barnsley House in Gloucestershire offers options for weddings in all seasons

Located in the picture-perfect village of Barnsley, this country house hotel offers a luxurious home-away-from-home. With its magical gardens and heritage architectural features, it makes the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration, or an intimate winter wedding complete with roaring log fires and rustic charm. With 18 individually designed hideaway rooms and secret garden suites, Barnsley House also offers exclusive hire of the hotel and its facilities for those seeking an exclusive wedding experience. During the winter months, wedding vows and rings can be exchanged at Barnsley House's Potager restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer enchanting views of the frost-capped gardens, lovingly cultivated by the revered garden designer Rosemary Verey. Couples can also hire a marquee for up to 150 people in the hotel's enchanting grounds, where a champagne and canapé reception can be enjoyed post-ceremony.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Wiltshire's Whatley Manor invites guests to go green during their stay

Whatley Manor is a five-star country house hotel located in the Cotswolds that prides itself on its beautiful gardens and sustainable horticulture as well as its locally sourced Michelin-star cuisine. The hotel is inviting guests to switch off and absorb the green haven during their visit. Located near Malmesbury in Wiltshire, the hotel is situated in 12 acres of beautifully kept grounds, organised into 12 individually designed garden rooms, including an abundant kitchen garden which provides for the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Dining Room. Based on the original 1920s plans of the grounds, the gardens were designed by renowned British architect, Septimus Warwick, who favoured the Arts and Crafts style. Today, the hotel's custodians have a passion for ecological horticulture and make a special effort to restore the gardens as closely as possible to their origins.

Whatley Manor in Wiltshire holds one Green Michelin star

Following the recent Michelin guide announcement, eight members within the PoB Hotels' collection have successfully retained their Michelin stars. Be it a classically British dish, moreish street-style feasts, or award-winning cuisine served with tasting menu finesse, PoB Hotels offers a fantastic selection of delicious foodie experiences at each of their hotels, located across the British Isles. Enjoy a truly exceptional dining experience at Whatley Manor in Malmesbury, Wiltshire (pictured) which holds 1 Michelin star and 1 Green Michelin star. The Dining Room at Whatley Manor offers seasonally changing menus displaying an inspiring use of flavours, accomplished cooking and very dishes. Whatley Manor is also proud to have a Green Michelin Star – a recognition of their sustainable gastronomy efforts.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

PoB Hotels unveils collaboration with Madeleine Shaw

PoB Hotels unveils a new collaboration with Madeleine Shaw for a new wellness experience dedicated to skin health that's taking place across the portfolio of properties, including at Bovey Castle in Devon, Barnsley House in Gloucestershire and The Vineyard in Berkshire. This partnership offers guests an exclusive opportunity to glow, both inside and out through indulgent treatments and delectably nutritious dishes, all expertly crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance overall skin health and well-being. Madeleine Shaw's exceptional expertise certifies these extraordinary treatments and delightful dishes, available at select PoB Hotels from September 2023 to March 2024. Madeleine has proudly partnered with PoB Hotels, sharing her 'Get the Glow' Philosophy. Madeleine Shaw boasts over a decade of unparalleled experience in the wellness industry.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Gloucestershire-based Forever Bouquet Fine Art offer wedding heirloom

Why not commission Caroline Evans from Gloucestershire-based Forever Bouquet Fine Art to create an oil painting of your bouquet? It's not just a keepsake, it's a heirloom which couples can enjoy for a lifetime. Capturing the blooms in a painting is a straightforward process, it doesn't require the bouquet to be sent anywhere, Caroline simply asks for a good photograph to work her magic from. The flowers will look exactly like they did on the special day - perfect and in context. It makes the ideal wedding gift or couples can treat themselves to one as a first anniversary present.

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.

Enjoy the new Rewild and Relax package at Calcot & Spa with PoB Hotels

A picturesque Cotswold country house hotel, Calcot & Spa is offering a Rewild and Relax package that invites guests to immerse themselves in the wild landscape of the Cotswolds for two nights. The package includes a guided early bird nature walk with Calcot's wildlife expert, Ed Drewitt, to fully enjoy nature's chorus at its best, highlighting the plethora of flora and fauna to be enjoyed on the hotel's doorstep. After a hearty breakfast, guests will be shown the hotel's on-site beehives by resident beekeeper, Martin, who will give guests an insight into these amazing creatures busy making use of the wildflower meadows and surrounding hedgerows.