Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

Holiday Inn London Sutton Hotel unveils £750,000 refurbishment

The Holiday Inn London Sutton has unveiled a £750,000 refurbishment to transform its public spaces and showcase a new Open Lobby concept on the ground floor. The stylish Open Lobby, designed to provide guests with one multi-faceted public space to eat, meet, relax, socialise and work as they choose, will revolutionise the way guests live and interact at the Sutton hotel. The traditionally separate zones of a reception, lobby, bar, lounge, restaurant and business centre have been merged into one cohesive 'Open Lobby' space where guests can operate in a more instinctive, flexible and homely way. The multi-functioning zones will encourage guests to better utilise all areas and facilities in a way which works around their lifestyles and preferences, allowing them to blend work and leisure seamlessly, which has become a greater demand in recent times.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

A stunning new collection of wedding cakes from Lola's cupcakes

Lola's Wedding Cake Collection features an array of stunning confections that combine Lola's famous cake flavours with irresistible designs, suitable for any wedding theme or colour palette. The cakes can be adorned with delightful macaroons, fresh fruit, romantic rose petals or a glimmer of gold dust. With prices starting from just £90, the handcrafted one or two-tiered cakes are designed to serve up to 70 guests, making them the perfect fit for budget conscious brides and grooms enjoying a more intimate reception or post-registry office gathering prior to the big day.

Pennyhill Park offers new dedicated wedding event space

Set within a 120 acre estate in the heart of the Surrey countryside, Pennyhill Park provides a classically romantic backdrop with its charming ivy-clad mansion house defined by its 19th century traditional architecture to its garden terraces and manicured lawns. Only the best for their wedding day, couples can now enjoy exclusive use of the hotel's private terrace wing in its entirety. Drinks receptions can be enjoyed in the artfully refurbished Water Lily suite, or on the Lily Pond Terrace overlooking the grounds when the weather is kind. Wedding receptions for up to 120 guests can be hosted in the newly renovated Parkview suite complete with a full bar for evening celebrations. The private terrace wing is also home to five stunningly refurbished rooms and suites for members of the wedding party to stay in on the wedding night or longer.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

A date for your diary - wedding open house

Strawberry Hill House and Garden has been described as a 'magical wedding venue' and with good reason. It was created in the 18th century by the famous writer and collector, Horace Walpole, and today, his stunning white villa is not only Grade I-listed but is internationally recognised as Britain's finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture. With the Thames nearby, Strawberry Hill benefits from extensive grounds, complete with five acres of Grade II* listed gardens, making it ideal for those all-important photographs.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

Contemporary wedding venue - Storyboad at Shepperton

Storyboard at Shepperton is the ideal venue when looking for something contemporary with a natural twist. Set in seven beautiful acres of landscaped gardens, this time of the year lends itself to outdoor nuptials here – ceremonies on The Terrace overlook the picturesque surroundings and the natural meadow is in full bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for your photos. Head to the Wedding Showcase on 17th September 2023, between 12pm and 4pm to see this setting for yourself and meet the wedding planners who'll show you how they'll set the scene indoors and outdoors for your perfect day.

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.

Epsom Downs Racecourse showcases new makeover

Epsom Downs Racecourse has undergone a refurbishment and the team want to shout about it from the rooftops! Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, the big-day experience has now been elevated with a refurbishment of its most sought-after wedding suites. The revamped suites ooze elegance and charm, blending modern sophistication with timeless grandeur. Every detail has been crafted to create an enchanting ambiance, from the opulent lighting and luxurious furnishings to the bespoke décor and stylish colour palettes. With a keen focus on comfort and versatility, the renovated suites will offer flexible seating arrangements and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. The spacious dancefloors and refined bar areas will provide the perfect backdrop for joyful moments and memorable toasts.

Should more women taking the wedding speech spotlight

More women should be taking the spotlight at big events, according to new research from learning and development company Good Shout. However, according to a new poll, conducted in partnership with YouGov, the very prospect fills two thirds of women (67%) with dread. Of those women in the UK who would refuse to give speeches at a wedding, 50% said that it was the "cringe factor" that held them back, i.e. being too self-conscious or feeling too awkward or uncomfortable in the situation.