Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The new I Do, why dogs are becoming part of the modern UK wedding

UK couples are increasingly involving their beloved dogs in their wedding ceremonies, valuing love, spontaneity and pure joy above formal traditions. Recent research on behalf of Guide Dogs UK revealed that 94% of dog-owning couples getting married in the next year plan to give their furry family member a starring role, such as walking the bride down the aisle, acting as dog of honour or ring bearer.

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

MABUZA STUDIOS NOW COVERING SURREY

After eight years documenting portraits and the richness of Black experiences, Mabuza Studios is thrilled to bring its photojournalistic expertise to the Southeast and London, including Surrey. Owner, Nom, says, "Our studio specialises in authentic, candid imagery that tells your complete story – from the quiet moments of getting ready to the joy of your first dance. "Our recent editorial on African marital traditions reflects our commitment to honouring diverse celebrations with the respect and sensitivity they deserve. "Full-day coverage captures the preparations through to the reception as it naturally unfolds. Your 100 professionally edited images will be delivered in an accessible digital gallery, expertly refined by photographers with over 15 years of experience (full-day package from £850).

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

AWARD NOMINEES - Lush Curve

Lush Curve has been named a Regional Finalist in the Wedding Industry Awards 2026. This enchanting plus size-only bridal boutique in the heart of Surrey, has been making waves for the past four years, winning the Best Bridal Boutique in Surrey at the Muddy Stilettos awards in 2023, and has been named 'top plus size bridal boutique to visit in the UK'. In an industry obsessed with shrinking down to fit into a wedding dress and taking pride in antiquated and harmful diet culture, Hannah and her team celebrate women's bodies in all forms and don't believe that being smaller, equals being more beautiful. Lush Curve has been welcoming brides from around the world size 18(UK) and above since 2022. Brides who've been searching for fashion-forward, fully structured dresses with a modern and glamorous appeal.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

County Wedding Events coming to Tudor Barn in Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Tudor Barn, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 8th March 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Hampton Court House open day

Hampton Court House is a stunning Georgian mansion set within nine acres of enchanting 18th-century gardens, and is hosting an open day on Saturday April 18th, from 10am to 1pm. Completed in 1757, the house was once described as 'an elegant and recherché mansion, suitable for a wealthy merchant prince'. Today the house boasts a stunning main hall, conservatory, theatre, dining room and several private rooms with magnificent views overlooking Bushy Park, desirable for weddings and events.

Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 1st March 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Celebrate your way at Barnett Hill

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Barnett Hill offers an enchanting setting for weddings; whether you're planning a grand celebration, a relaxed gathering, or a private escape with your favourite people, its flexible packages give couples the freedom to celebrate their way. The Mansion Only Hire package offers privacy and ease; enjoy exclusive use of the house, including 18 bedrooms for up to 36 guests. Couples can say their vows in the elegant Drawing Room or outdoors on the Croquet Lawn, before enjoying a reception that feels entirely their own. For those looking to go all out, the Whole House Hire includes full access to all public areas, private rooms, grounds, and all 56 bedrooms, it's ideal for hosting up to 80 day guests with space for everyone to stay overnight.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Handmade multiway dresses for every style

Planning your dream wedding? Discover the beauty and versatility of Pretty Infinity's affordable handmade multiway dresses. With five beautiful fabrics to choose from and the new addition of its Satin collection, there's a design to suit every theme, colour palette, and vibe. The signature multiway design means every member of your bridal party can style their dress to suit their own shape and personality, ensuring everyone feels confident and comfortable on your big day. To complete the look, matching tie sets are available for the groomsmen; and the latest addition, dress bows, offer a charming finishing touch to include everyone.

A CHANCE TO EXPLORE THE BUSH HOTEL, FARNHAM

On Sunday 1st of March, newly engaged couples can visit The Bush Hotel's wedding fair to chat to the venue's team, and a host of trusted suppliers, to discuss your wedding plans! You'll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful hotel and take a guided tour of the Redgrave Rooms - styled for a stunning wedding. The event is from 11am to 3pm and free to enter.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

Fuller’s Surrey venue recognised

Fuller's Surrey venue recognised The Mill at Elstead near Guildford, has been named as regional finalists in the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards. Natalia Tatar, Group Sales & Events Manager at Fuller, Smith & Turner, said, "This is fantastic recognition for the amazing effort and attention to detail that the teams in our pubs and hotels put into making that special day exceptional. Being responsible for such a pivotal moment in people's lives takes skill, resourcefulness and attention to detail to a whole new level – and all of our excellent event coordinators, and their colleagues, do just that.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership: