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

Say ‘I Do’ to a Dry Wedding with Mavrik Alcohol-free Cocktails

With a growing number of people going sober or choosing to moderate their drinking, the traditional wedding 'knees up' may be a thing of the past as today's couples opt for a more sober affair - which everyone can remember! In the past, non-drinkers or designated drivers would be somewhat left out of the celebrations with access to only a sad selection of soft drinks or juices. However, now nearlyweds-to-be are putting as much effort into deciding what alcohol-free drinks to offer as they would apply to sourcing the Champagne for the toasts! Plus, not only are dry weddings a huge money saver, but they also allow guests to enjoy the day with a clear head and leave the event with all those special memories firmly in tact.

Indulge in a Cotswolds dry gin cocktail this Valentine's Day

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your partner tonight, a Galentine's gathering with the girls, or simply planning some 'me time', a gin cocktail made using Cotswolds Dry Gin from the Cotswolds Distillery is a must! At YGWW HQ, we love the Hanky Panky recipe they've unveiled, which is a mix of 45ml of Cotswolds Dry Gin with 45ml of Cotswolds Vermouth and 10ml of freshly squeezed orange juice plus 5ml of Cotswolds Whisky Amaro Liqueur No.2. Place all of the ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and fine strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free)

Dr Rachel Taylor is a neuropsychologist, podcast host and founder of UNBroken. She has this advice on the five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free). "The brain has many different circuitry mechanisms associated with feelings of love. Below are some suggestions that mean more to love than commercial gifts."To appreciate is to raise in value, so the appreciation of another is truly better than a gift. Appreciation of another triggers a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which is directly involved in controlling our circadian rhythm. We also get a dopamine hit which supports us to be more motivated to perform the same behaviour. The more we appreciate a person, the more motivated they are to carry on being the amazing person that we think they are.

5 ways to get your pooch involved in your wedding

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, and if you have a dog, you might want to get them involved in the event too. But how? Here, Lisa Melvin from Webbox offer some ideas. Organising a wedding can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. If you have a dog, you might be wondering if you can involve them in the event too — your pooch is most definitely part of your family, and it's natural to want them to be a part of your special day. Read on to find out some ideas for how you can bring your pooch to the wedding.

Stay at The Bradley Hare and sample the new Wine Tasting Experience

The Bradley Hare is a cosy country inn, situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley in southwest Wiltshire. Located on the Duke of Somerset's Estate, The Bradley Hare is home to 12 unique bedrooms, with seven located in the main house and a further five in the Coach House. Guests can expect a romantic and stylish stay here, as James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European design director for Soho House, has overseen the interiors. All of the rooms offer sought-after home-from-home comforts, some with vast elegant freestanding baths and all with sumptuous beds and linen.

How to create a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding

Your wedding should be as personalised, luxurious and enjoyable as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception! Here, Steve King, managing director at the drinks retailer Bottled & Boxed, shows you how to bring together a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding. Organising a wedding is as exciting as it is overwhelming: you'll want your day to be as special as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception to this. It's becoming more and more popular to create your own personalised drinks, with Google searches for 'bespoke drinks menu' increasing 10% since the beginning of 2022.

Michelin chef David Everett-Matthias offers tips for Cheltenham Festival goers

It's almost time for the Cheltenham Festival set to take place from the 14th - 17th of March, giving visitors the opportunity to plan a mini-break in the capital of the Cotswolds. No foodie's visit would be complete without a meal at Le Champignon Sauvage which is a Michelin-star restaurant in the centre of town. Chef David Everitt-Matthias has been firmly on the chef scene for more than 35 years and according to the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2022 in which he was a runner-up, "[this] fine-dining restaurant, refined without being stuffy, has been winning acclaim since 1987... food that is both style and substance." Occasionally spotted cooking on James Martin's Saturday Morning television show, David's menu is seasonally driven and locally sourced. At £47 for a set three-course lunch and £47 for a set three-course dinner, Wednesday to Friday, it's some of the best value Michelin dining in the UK.

F.Hinds advises on your wedding selection

Jewellers F.Hinds, boasting more than 115 stores across England, advise on what precious metals your wedding rings could be made from... Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life, and we're so happy that you're about to embark on this new chapter, no doubt you are too! With an exciting engagement comes a whole load of happiness and emotion, but with that what also comes is a never-ending list of things you need to do before the big day, and we can bet that one of them is going to be to "find the perfect wedding rings".

How to choose your wedding date

You would have thought choosing the date for your wedding would be the easiest part? Simple pick a date that suits you as couple and your venue. Well, yes, that is often the case. But there will always be other factors you should consider before making the final choice. If you're hosting a marquee wedding at private residence, then you're fortunate enough to have a little more flexibility with a date than those opting for a wedding venue. However, whether a marquee or venue it's wise to take into account some of the following factors that may make deciding on the best date for your special day a little easier....

Valentine’s Day: 9 tips to help you spoil someone special without breaking the bank

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to show someone special how much they mean to you. However, the cost of living crisis means that people are more concerned than ever about money. To help, jewellery specialists, Queensmith have pulled together 9 ways to spoil your partner on a budget...1.Set a budget ahead of Valentine's Day. This is an important first step. The last thing you want is for one of you to spend double the amount of money compared to the other, and fall out over gifts on Valentine's Day.

Engagement ring trends for 2023

Whether you're future-gazing about your dream proposal or just like keeping up to date with the latest styles, Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, predicts the new wave of engagement ring trends that will be taking over our Instagram feeds in 2023. Here at County Wedding Magazines it's hard to pick our fav? Really, can we only choose one?

Find your place in the country this Valentine's Day at Horwood House

With secluded views of the Buckinghamshire countryside, spacious surroundings and a boutique spa, country house hotel Horwood House is offering the perfect escape for those looking to celebrate the season of love. Whether it's a get-together and pamper with friends or a romantic getaway for couples, there are packages to suit all, available across the month of February. For an amorous couples stay, the Valentine's Stay includes a Deluxe Room and full use of the hotel's boutique H Spa, complete with a heated swimming pool, tranquillity beds, a detoxifying sauna and a cleansing steam room. Lovebirds will also enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea and a glass of bubbly, before an intimate evening dinner in the hotel's seasonally British restaurant, Harry's Bar & Kitchen. Wake up feeling refreshed and enjoy a hearty breakfast before checking out.

Abroad stag and hen dos not an option due to cost of living crisis

Couples planning stag and hen festivities this year may need to think again as Brits admit they would not attend an abroad celebration. Luxury fashion retailer Fenwick, has surveyed the nation to find out opinions on stag and hen dos, including the amount they'd be willing to spend and whether they'd travel abroad. Many people now take their bridal parties or groomsmen on holiday to celebrate their big day. These trips can often end up costing a lot of money especially if heading to popular destinations such as Marbella, Budapest or even Vegas which when the majority of the UK is being squeezed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, isn't something many can afford. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 50.70% would refuse to attend a stag do abroad, preferring to celebrate closer to home in the UK.

Enjoy Supper Club at The Great House at Sonning this February

Coppa Club is beating the February blues this year with a range of activities and classes for couples and families alike. Guests and locals can participate in yoga and art classes. Activities include the Supper Club - in conversation with Jo Tutchener from Sharp, Scamp & Dude at The Great House at Sonning in Berkshire. The Coppa Supper Club masterfully combines some of life's greatest pleasures: stimulating conversation, beautiful surroundings and delicious food. To kick off 2023, they have invited Jo Tutchner, founder of Scamp & Dude, a fashion company. Jo will be there discussing the ins and out of her career which will truly inspire all who are attending. Whether you are looking for career inspiration or an entertaining evening with friends, you're guaranteed great conversation, paired with a delicious three-course Coppa Club menu.

The most eye-catching wedding decor revealed

A new study, conducted by the wedding financial experts at money.co.uk, involved surveying 1,000 future newlyweds and asking them to estimate how much they will spend on 70 wedding items. Images of these 70 items were then used in an eye-tracking study to reveal the specific elements that people spend the most time gazing at. Fairylights came out on top, with guests staring at them for 5.53 seconds which is impressive considering they are the decorations that those planning a wedding expect to pay the least for (£106.25). So, if you're looking to impress your guests without splurging then try draping your venue in tiny, twinkling fairylights.

A man’s perspective to changing names after marriage

NameSwitch has interviewed some trail blazing men who took a bold step into the future. When you're planning a wedding, whether small and informal or grand-scale, there's a myriad of tasks to organise. And, these days, guys are expected to pull their weight when it comes to sorting everything from flower arrangements and wedding cakes to transport and catering. But, before you even walk down the aisle to say, "I do", there's another important factor to consider – whether you intend to take your partner's surname.

Enjoy yoga, wellness and brunch at The Swan at Streatley this February

Coppa Club is beating the February blues this year with a range of activities and classes for couples and families alike. Guests and locals can participate in yoga and art classes. Activities include New Year Yoga, Wellness & Brunch at The Swan at Streatley. On Sunday the 29th of January, Coppa Club is hosting a two-hour workshop to reflect and release, rest and reset, and plant the seeds of new intentions and habits for the year ahead. This workshop will include a creative yoga session, meditation, journaling and brunch. Start the new year with a wellness refresh!

Is keeping your maiden name at work right for you?

NameSwitch shares its advice on the dilemma that many women face in the workplace, and that's whether to keep your maiden name? Read on to find out more... The process of getting married comes with a million personal choices to be made along the way – do you want a big white dress or something more minimal? Do you want a DJ at your celebration or a live band? Do you want to keep your maiden name or embrace your married one? Each choice is personal and unique and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Even when it comes to something as momentous as what name you'll be known by for the rest of your life, there are different options and choices to be made. And just like decisions about what kind of dress to buy, the choices you make about your name will also be influenced by your personal preferences and life experiences.

Ambience Venue Styling Cheltenham reflect the latest trends

Sarah Hall and Kate Page, the talent behind Ambience Venue Styling Cheltenham organise and run weddings and events in and around Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Having worked together for more than 10 years styling weddings, they have the combined skills to create a bespoke look for each couple. They offer free design consultations to discuss their requirements in their Cotswold-based design studio. On the day of the wedding, the duo will deliver the stock, dress the venue and then return the following day to collect everything – leaving couples to enjoy every minute of their celebration. They're proud to be recommended by plenty of venues across the UK, including a range of luxury five-star hotels.

Free Valentine's wedding with Frankie & Benny’s

Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny's has been swamped with applications after offering a free wedding for Valentine's. The popular restaurant has launched the ultimate cost of living crisis busting wedding and they've already had thousands wanting to say 'I do'. The team at Frankie & Benny's have been astounded by the number of applicants, many of the lovebirds had their first date at one of the restaurants and want to celebrate their special day where they first met. You still have a chance to win, so long as you've just tied the knot, or about to, have a great love story, then you can apply for the free wedding. All applications need to be submitted via Facebook/Instagram by January 29, 2023.