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

Henley Festival reveals sensation line-up for this summer

Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast has announced a sensational line-up for 2024, featuring five magical summer nights full of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments. From Wednesday 10th July to Sunday 14th July, headliners will include Nicole Scherzinger, Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nigel Kennedy, Sam Ryder and more. Westcoast, a Berkshire-based technology company distributing some of the world's leading tech brands, are delighted to continue its long association with the festival and support RISE, their charitable programme. The UK's only black-tie music and arts festival set on the river in Henley-on-Thames invites festival-goers to enjoy a world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, as well as gourmet dining, dancing and jaw-dropping fireworks.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Celebrate World Earth Day this April with the Sutton Hotel Collection

In celebration of World Earth Day on Monday 22nd April, throughout April Sutton Hotel Collection will be making a step towards change by showcasing a 'Sustainable Dish of the Month' at each of the three hotels within the collection: The Queens Hotel Cheltenham, The Castle Hotel Windsor and The Francis Hotel Bath. Each hotel will be celebrating World Earth Day with a dish, which has been carefully selected to incorporate seasonal, locally sourced produce as well as helping the collection to actively work towards their zero-food waste principles. William Gibbs at Sutton Hotel Collection states; 'We are thrilled to introduce three dishes that have been consciously created in celebration of World Earth Day across our hotels."

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

The National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 announce winners

Pubs and bars from across the UK are celebrating after being named the best in their respective regions. The award wins are part of the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards, which each year crowns nearly 100 County Winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving each site a unique platform to promote themselves and increase guest footfall from locals and visitors alike. These hospitality operators have demonstrated excellence across several elements including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment. The venues now have more than two months in which to trade off their win, before making their way to the National Pub & Bar Awards grand final on 26 June.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".

Five myths about Champagne

For centuries, great occasions in life have been punctuated with Champagne. However, there are several myths surrounding the drinking, storing and essence of Champagne. As a result, the Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to bust those myths to separate fact from fiction and demonstrate how best to enjoy the pinnacle of sparkling wine, as well as ensure that you aren't fooled by some of the most common Champagne myths. Myth: Pop the cork and spray Champagne in times of celebrations. The blunt pop of the cork and the fizz of the fine bubbles – instantly reminiscent of celebration – is a sparkling start to any special occasion.

Book a stylish summer sleepover at Horwood House Hotel with Their Nibs

With spring finally here and summer on the horizon, escape to Horwood House Hotel in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside for some much-needed relaxation with your best girls. The hotel has launched an exclusive collaboration with the beautiful nightwear brand, Their Nibs to reveal their 'Seriously Stylish Sleepover' package. Groups of friends, hens, mums and daughters can enjoy a night away in style in stylish surroundings and the most comfortable pyjamas! Put on a pair of Their Nibs stylish PJs, get cosy, watch a film and pop open the prosecco before indulging in an express spa treatment, followed by dinner in Harry's Bar & Kitchen.

Moonpig reveals weddings cards are the hardest to write

Greeting cards have been a popular way to express celebrations and affection for our loved ones. We're used to purchasing cards for milestones from birthdays, weddings, new jobs and more, but how often do we struggle with what to write in a card? With the recent growth in popularity of AI models like ChatGPT, Moonpig has launched its "Smart Text" tool, a feature which uses generative AI as a writing assistant for customers who need help in those moments where they don't know what to put in a card to their loved ones.

Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa Unveils New Gin-inspired Overnight Spa Break

Newbury's Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa announces the launch of the exciting new Spring Into Gin overnight spa break from £129.50 per person which invites guests to indulge in a rejuvenating spa retreat complete with botanical-inspired treatment choices, amidst the serene Berkshire countryside. The Spring Into Gin package is available from now until May 31st 2024. Guests embarking on the Spring Into Gin experience will be treated to a delightful journey of relaxation and revitalisation. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed with their choice of a refreshing gin and tonic, setting the tone for a truly tranquil getaway to follow.

Chef Adam Smith triumphs in Great British Menu 2024

Adam Smith, executive chef of Coworth Park including Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith, has excelled in this year's Great British Menu, impressing the esteemed judges Tom Kerridge, Nisha Katona and Ed Gamble, as well as visiting Olympians. For this BBC Two series, 32 of the UK's top chefs competed with creative menus that celebrate The Olympic and The Paralympic Games. Adam's fish course was triumphant in Finals Week and resulted in him winning a place in the Great British Menu banquet at the British Ambassador's Residence in Paris, which aired on BBC Two on Friday night. At the banquet, the chefs wished Team GB good luck for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list

Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition equals a winning recipe for an amazing time for your pre-wedding get together! How does a side of shuffleboard or darts with your cocktails sound? Whether you're looking for a daytime plan or something to keep you partying into the early hours, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are great options. Both have resident DJs banging out the tunes, and both offer fab bottomless brunch packages if an afternoon booze session is more what you're after. They're also perfectly designed for the most amazing insta-worthy pics

Introducing James May Gin

Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter, automotive obsessive and Wiltshire pub landlord James May has started a gin brand - perfect for all those couples tying the knot in the area and looking to keep their wedding carbon footprint down by shopping local! James became co-owner of The Royal Oak Swallocliffe in a particularly beautiful part of Wiltshire in September 2020, and thought it might be a good idea to create a gin for the loyal customers. SO along with West Countryman Gus Colquhoun and Hugh Anderson of Downtown Distillery, that dream became a reality.

Liston Court Gardens to host Marlow Spring Festival this Easter

Marlow's new look Liston Court Gardens will be hosting the Marlow Spring Festival this Easter weekend. Taking place from 11 am until 4 pm on Saturday 30th March, the free-to-attend, one-day seasonal eggstravaganza will feature an artisan Easter gift market, live music, crafting, face painting, an Easter egg hunt and even the opportunity to meet the Easter bunny. Featuring more than ten boutique stalls from local producers, there will be artisan chocolatiers and gifts galore, with offers that will be sure to put a spring in visitor's steps. Family entertainment will be in full flow, with a regular programme of live music from distinguished guitarist, Steph Willis, and talented duo Soulcem, who'll be filling the air with some melodious classics.

Revealed the UK’s best venues with woodlands to achieve dreamy cottage-core weddings

A recent study revealed the UK's highest-rated venues for woodland-themed weddings, with Creeksea Place being named the best. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analysed user-generated review data to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated woodlands venues by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Creeksea Place is the most highly rated woodland in the nation. Located in Essex, the manor house, which includes picturesque woodland, has been rated five stars over 220 times giving it a perfect score of ten out of ten.

The new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection

Find an oasis this spring with the new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection, Under the Desert Sun. The new collection will brighten the home with fragrances that exude memories of warmer days, including four refreshingly light and bright fragrances including, Desert Blooms, Aloe & Agave, Sweet Vanilla & Horchata, and Stargazing. Inspired by the unique beauty of the desert, the new collection has been designed to help escape the ordinary and satisfy wanderlust, immersing the home in sun-drenched scents. The Under The Desert Sun collection features exotic fragrances such as aguaro cactus, aloe and blue lotus, as well as soothing lavender and eucalyptus.

Three spicy but sophisticated hen party ideas

Throwing a hen party that will please all attendees can be tricky. Striking a balance between risque and tame activities can be one of the most controversial challenges you'll face when planning. In fact, some of the more crude hen party gimmicks came out in the top 10 most hated parts of a hen party in this report. However, you can create a hen party that strikes the perfect balance between spice and sophistication, ensuring a night to remember for both the bride and her friends. Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared three amazing themes for the perfect spicy but sophisticated hen party: