Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Gustav Fouche recently opened hair salon in Weybridge

Renowned celebrity hairstylist Gustav Fouche has recently expanded his empire with the opening of his second salon in Weybridge. Known for his mastery in crafting iconic looks for A-list clientele, brides and the red carpet, Gustav brings his unparalleled expertise from London to this new upscale Surrey location. With more than 20 years of industry experience and a passion for creativity, Gustav's intimate salon promises to be a haven of style and sophistication. Working closely with his clients including many brides-to-be, he carefully considers factors like face shape, skin tone, and hair type to deliver personalised looks with elegant results.

These are the most popular 'first dance' songs of 2024, as online searches soar!

Scraping over 350 'First Dance' playlists on Spotify and analysing the 12,000 tracks that featured on them, Diamonds Factory ranked the songs that featured the most to determine the most popular first dance song of 2024. 60 years on, and Etta James' At Last is the most popular first dance song of 2024. The data revealed that Etta James' 'At Last' is the most popular first dance song for couples to choose for their wedding, with the song featuring in a whopping 46 'first dance' playlists. Regardless of the song being released over 60 years ago, Etta's love song is still proving to be a timeless classic for couples.

The Speech Surgery: does my wedding speech have to be funny?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: I'm not funny. Does my wedding speech need to be? I've heard some lovely speeches that haven't contained any humour, but here's the thing...they are the exception to the rule. Nearly every speech is better if it contains a little humour. FACT. Generally, folk from the UK and Australia want their speeches to have a lot of humour in them, while clients from other parts of the world, namely the US, lean towards a sweeter speech, with lighter elements, as opposed to all-out funny.

6 bridesmaid proposal ideas from Getting Personal

Once you've said yes to your future spouse, it's time to recruit your future bridal party. To pop the question you can keep it short and sweet or go with something a little more elaborate. A bridesmaid proposal is the perfect way to ensure they know their special role in your life and, more importantly, on your big day itself. There has been an 85% increase in Google searches for 'bridesmaid proposal ideas'¹ over the past year, therefore gifting experts at Getting Personal have shared 6 bridesmaid proposal ideas for those needing a little inspiration for asking their bridesmaids to be part of their bridal party.

Sip, Savour, and Delight at The Vineyard in celebration of English Wine Week this June

Experience an unparalleled journey into the world of fine wines and inspiring tipples at The Vineyard, the perfect place to celebrate English Wine Week (from Saturday 17th June to Sunday 25th June). Just an hour away from London, on the outskirts of Newbury in Berkshire and close to the Surrey borders, The Vineyard is owned by Sir Peter Michael and offers an intimate and personalised experience to any guest. The Vineyard is a destination in itself with its 49 spacious rooms and suites, a fantastic spa and a world-class food and beverage offering that features a five-course tasting menu. The Vineyard is also home to one of the largest private art collections in the UK, including notable artworks from the likes of Ronald Searle and sculptures by Michael Thacker and Henry Moore.

Couples counsellor shares 5 key boundaries to set

As technology brings us closer together than ever, it also has changed how relationships work, from meeting your significant other through an online dating app to having the ability to contact other people instantly at your fingertips. Smartphones have revolutionised communication - but do they strengthen or strain romantic relationships? With this in mind, the smartphone experts at Compare and Recycle have surveyed 2,000 people, delving into the complex world of smartphones. They discovered how many Brits trust their partners with phone passcodes, as well as partnering up with couples counsellor, Susan Leigh, to provide healthy passcode-sharing tips for couples.

Surrey-based expert reveals how to have a personalised day

Crafty Brewing and wedding expert, Aimee Halls, co-founder of Lola and Luna, a wedding planning and styling company, explains how to incorporate personalised touches in various ways. With weddings today ditching tradition and introducing new captivating trends in every aspect of the event, experts have weighed in on what can be expected. From save-the-date cards to wedding favours, there has been a major shift from the customary ideas. According to Aimee, "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old traditions. Of course, it's normal for times to change and trends to move on, whether it's the style of dress, the cake or the flowers, there's always going to be a certain level of what's in and out of fashion."

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Lost Vegas Fun Casino Hire Celebrates Twentieth Anniversary and International Tour

Berkshire and Surrey-based Lost Vegas Casino Hire are celebrating their twentieth anniversary. Lost Vegas is a family-run fun casino hire entertainment company providing full-sized casino tables and professional croupiers for corporate events, weddings, themed events, private parties and fundraisers. Over the years, Lost Vegas has become a prominent event industry player with many television set appearances including Downton Abbey, celebrity clients, and brands including Dior, F1, Amazon, Moet and Lotus. Catherine Harrington, co-founder of Lost Vegas, said: "People come to us because they're looking for a fun and exciting experience, not just casino tables. We all thrive on creating a unique interactive experience for our clients and their guests and are renowned for the best 'fun casino' set up in the South East."

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Wotton House offers Pooch Package

Internet searches for pet-friendly weddings are in the up and Wotton House set among the beautiful Surrey hills in Dorking has recently launched the Pooch Package which includes welcome doggy treats, a canine concierge service, a comfortable dog bed and dog-friendly dining options. This 13-acre estate is home to secret walled gardens where pets are welcome. The main house, which boasts 17th-century vaulted ceilings, is licensed for ceremonies with several wedding packages available catering for between 10 to 150 guests - the family pooch can act as a ring bearer during the ceremony! Wedding packages start from £105 per person and rooms start from £189 per night.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

Botleys Mansion offers a picture-perfect English venue this summer

Harper Weddings is a family-owned and operated company specialising in crafting unforgettable weddings for more than twenty-five years. With a distinguished portfolio of venues in the South East, including Botleys Mansion exclusive-use wedding house in Chertsey, Harper promises couples an unparalleled wedding experience tailored to their dreams. Nestled amidst 56 acres of picturesque parkland, Botleys Mansion stands as a quintessential English wedding venue, exuding grandeur and luxury at every turn. Featuring a striking Palladian façade and elegant interiors, Botleys Mansion offers couples the perfect backdrop for their fairytale wedding. With a capacity for up to 288 guests during the day and 500 for evening celebrations, this majestic estate ensures that every moment is nothing short of extraordinary.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

De Vere Horsley Estate completes first phase of million-pound refurbishment

refurbishment to 51 of its bedrooms located in Horsley Place, a distinctive contemporary hotel which sits alongside the historic mansion house, Horsley Towers in more than 75 acres of grounds. The work has already seen 10 new academy double rooms and five new academy superior double rooms be completely refurbished, along with the creation of five new Horsley Place suites, with the remaining rooms due to be complete by this summer. The newly designed rooms offer a relaxed and contemporary design, with a nod to the estate's illustrious past. The bedrooms are complete with walk-in showers, classic Roberts radios, Penhaligon's toiletries and smart TVs, whilst in the suites you'll find roll-top baths and fluffy robes and slippers, with some also featuring private terraces.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!