Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

In full bloom - Claire Ridley lunches at No. Fifty Cheyne in London's Chelsea

Editor Claire Ridley was invited to London's Chelsea-based restaurant No. Fifty Cheyne, a flower-filled setting on the bank of the River Thames. She says, "I was excited to visit this establishment and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot. It's located a stone's throw from the River Thames, with Chelsea Embankment Gardens close by. Not only is it a wonderful choice for a wedding celebration, but it's also the perfect pick for lunch or dinner (their Weekend Roasts are a must-try!) The talented team at No. Fifty Cheyne is currently celebrating The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 throughout May with a special set menu available from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 25th priced at £45 for two courses and £55 for three courses.

New Store Opening for Busby & Fox in Farnham, Surrey

Busby & Fox's have recently opened a store in Farnham, Surrey and as a leading independent womenswear store, this is their eighth one after opening five new stores in just five years. The Busby & Fox pieces are designed by founder Emma Vowles to create and inspire confidence for women in their late 40's, 50's and beyond, and Sophie Cornish (founder of www.notonthehighstreet.com) is the managing director. The brand has been enjoying bumper sales and is going from strength to strength – it's the perfect shopping destination for a wedding guest outfit. The collection features colours that blend into the fabrics and transition from season to season.

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Queen Camilla's Reading Room Festival at Hampton Court Palace to take place

The Queen's Reading Room charity, formed from the Instagram book club established by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has confirmed that acclaimed actors Clarke Peters and Dame Harriet Walter will join the line-up for the Charity's 2nd annual Queen's Reading Room Festival which returns to Hampton Court Palace on June 8th. The 2024 Queen's Reading Room festival line-up will build on the success of last year's event, which attracted more than 8,000 visitors from all corners of the globe. This year's programme will see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace's atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens; US actor Clarke Peters.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Five minutes with Surrey's Shaun Peters Photography & Film

Shaun Peters Photography is more than just a wedding photography and videography service; it's a creative endeavour dedicated to capturing the essence of your special day in a way that feels authentic, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful. "Our approach is rooted in contemporary techniques while embracing the natural flow of your wedding day," shares Shaun. "We understand that your wedding is a unique expression of your love story, and our goal is to document every moment, big and small, with care and creativity. From the joyous laughter to the heartfelt tears, we strive to capture the genuine emotions and connections shared between you, your partner, and your loved ones.

Noci Pasta now open on Richmond Hill

Looking for a fun yet informal place to celebrate a low-key hen celebration? Modern pasta restaurant, Noci, recently opened its doors on Richmond Hill in Surrey. Serving fresh, seasonal pasta dishes, Sicilian-street food-inspired snacks, and cocktails, Noci's laid-back design, quality pasta and affordability make it a great spot for diners. Dishes are made using ingredients from producers and artisans across Europe and the chefs have taken inspiration from their heritage and travels throughout Italy to design a menu of classics, with a focus on seasonality that comes through in the fresh pasta and small plates. Signature dishes include the silk handkerchiefs, a Noci staple that gets a seasonal twist,

New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades

Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.

New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season

Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.

The Mitre Hampton Court welcomes back The Whispering Angel Terrace

Nestled along the River Thames with Hampton Court as its regal backdrop, The Mitre is a historic property that epitomises quintessential English charm. This idyllic Surrey escape promises guests a getaway steeped in romance, history, and indulgence, where exceptional cuisine, laid-back luxury, and an unparalleled guest experience reign supreme. As the summer approaches, The Mitre Hampton Court invites guests to enjoy the Whispering Angel Terrace which reopened this weekend where the world-renowned Whispering Angel rosé takes centre stage once again. This al fresco oasis will be lavishly adorned with breathtaking floral installations, drawing inspiration from the luxurious chateaus of France. Guests are invited to relax and reconnect while dining under stylish parasols at white-clothed tables.

7 top tips for including your pooch in your wedding

Considering including your pooch at your wedding? Here are 7 top tips from Petpals. With 57% of UK households boasting a furry friend, it is no wonder many couples dream of having their beloved dog join them on their special day. In fact, a whopping eight in 10 Brits say they would want their four-legged companion to be part of their wedding festivities. But before you entrust your pooch with the role of ring bearer, it is essential to be well prepared to ensure that your big day is nothing short of paw-some for both you and your pup. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the UK's longest-established pet-care franchise, shares some top tips on how to seamlessly incorporate your canine companion into your wedding day.

How to avoid guests over indulging on alcoholic drinks on the big day

One in six (16 per cent) wedding guests admit to driving home the morning after a wedding, when they could still be over the alcohol limit, reveals new research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance. In a bid to remind drivers about the risks of getting behind the wheel after celebratory drinking, a car was crashed into a three-metre-high wedding cake outside Blenheim Palace2, one of the UK's most instagramable wedding venues.

With one in five (20 per cent) guests saying they have been driven home by someone they thought was over the drink drive limit, the morning after celebrating nuptials, the smashed wedding cake highlights the risks involved with driving the morning after.

6 Star Wars cocktails for the ultimate Star Wars hen do

Calling all brides-to-be and their intergalactic squadrons! Prepare to elevate your hen party to new heights as leading hen party company Fizzbox teams up with magical tavern, The Cauldron, to concoct a range of Star Wars cocktails, perfect for celebrating the bride's journey to the galaxy of marriage! Set your blasters to fun as The Cauldron's mixologists transport you to a galaxy far, far away with their selection of otherworldly drinks inspired by the iconic saga. From Darth Vader-inspired concoctions to drinks that will have you feeling like you're partying on the Millennium Falcon, there's something to delight every Jedi bride and her entourage.