Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

UPCYCLED GIFTING

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unveils a stunning new collection of handcrafted homewares created using waste timber from felled trees in Kew's world-famous arboretum. Created in collaboration with celebrated woodworkers Selwyn House, each unique piece carries the legacy of Kew's historic landscape, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of botanical history. From butter knives to bowls, each item has been expertly crafted from specimens that were once part of the 11,000 trees growing in Kew's arboretum but have since been removed by Kew's dedicated team of arborists due to storm damage, disease, or necessary sustainable management.

Reopening for Chertsey pub

With roots dating back to 16th century, The Crown in Chertsey, has reopened its doors following a beautiful refurbishment. Blending period charm with modern touches, the much-loved local is back, complete with gorgeous bedrooms, elevated pub dining and an expansive beer range on offer. In the pub, an all-day dining menu of reimagined pub classics, where seasonal, British ingredients are the star.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

DATE NIGHT SORTED!

It's an exciting new era at Great Foster's The Tudor Pass, Stefano Di Giosia is now at the helm after spending many years working in the development kitchen at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck helping to develop gastronomic delights that have made headlines. Stefano joins the team most recently from KOL (one of only two British restaurants to make the World's 50 Best) in London's Marylebone. With an exciting new menu it makes the perfect pre- or -post wedding date night destination.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Second place for Hampton Court Palace

With UK searches for 'wedding locations' soaring by 180% over the past months, wedding invite specialists Aura Print analysed Instagram hashtags to uncover the most photographed wedding venues on the 'gram – spotlighting the UK's most stunning backdrops for couples celebrating their big day. Whilst it's not all about Instagram ratings, knowing what venues are the most 'gramable could make or break your wedding aesthetic.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Wedding fair news

Perched upon Nutfield Ridge, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, boasts panoramic views of the Surrey countryside. The stylish interior is adorned with fine paintings and many original features. With elegant décor, spacious bedrooms, a relaxing spa and endless amenities, this house is an oasis of tranquillity. Inspired by the Neo-Gothic splendour of the Palace of Westminster, this is a one-of-a-kind Victorian mansion, dating back to 1872 and full of character and charm.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Syon Park Festive Market November

Dorking's Dapper & Suave's forthcoming Festive Market is taking place at Syon Park for three days from Friday 28th November – Sunday 30th November. Led by Jason and Rob, partners for more than 25 years, they bring their combined expertise in retail, events, and brand management to create pop-up events that customers love and exhibitors feel supported by. Inspired by their best friend and a shared love for style, Dapper & Suave represents more than just a brand - it's a feeling. Dapper & Suave began as a style blog, combining vintage charm with high street flair. From there, we evolved into creating bespoke lapel accessories and taught ourselves to sew our very first pocket squares. Over time, our collection expanded to include handmade bow ties, neck ties, and feather lapel pins, all crafted here in the UK. We even make scrunchies from every last bit of fabric – ensuring there's something special for everyone who values British suit accessories.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

It takes two to tango

In recent months, Surrey's First Dance Ltd has expanded beyond Woking and Farnham to offer first dance lessons across a wider area. No matter where you're based, the team can help you prepare for your special moment on the dancefloor. If you can make it to a studio setting, the company offers a tailored 90-minute session. In just one lesson, you'll learn how to move confidently around the floor together and be ready to kick off your celebration in style!

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

NEW AT PENNYHILL PARK

Pennyhill Park's new afternoon tea collaboration, with fellow British brand Molton Brown, gives guests a very special sensory experience. Taking inspiration from a range of Molton Brown's signature scents, there are five different seasonal menus across the year to experience – this season brings you Molton Brown's delicious Rhubarb and Rose. Firstly, guests will enjoy the subtle flourish of their napkin gently imbued with the season's eau de parfum and will receive a welcome tea on a 'smoking' box of dry ice, which is an iced tea blend.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

upgrade your scent appeal

When it comes to weddings, the smallest details often make the biggest impression which is why the Celebration hand-poured candle from Lower Lodge Candles is a big-day essential. The Surrey-based family-run company is committed to creating understated luxuries; Celebration is inspired by effervescent champagne, delicate rose petals and warm vanilla sponge – a joyful, fizzy fragrance that genuinely lives up to its name

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.