Your Bristol and Somerset Wedding news and ideas from around the county

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.

Say I do at countryside haven Old Bridge

This 16th-century manor and mature gardens provide a glorious backdrop to your special day. Built in the local honey-coloured ham stone, the house is close to the venue's marquee and is integral to the whole ambience. The gardens, available for guests to enjoy, are dominated by a massive 400-year-old sweet chestnut tree, from which there hangs a triple seat swing where you can capture some memorable photos with your photographer. The venue is also blessed with formal lawns, rose beds and colourful borders. Plus, there's a wooded area with gravel paths and a small stream flowing past weeping willows.

Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!

Let's talk about sleep - the importance of rest

A new nationwide study has revealed as many as 86 percent of us now regularly struggle to drift off - not good if you're wanting to look and feel your best physically and mentally in the run up to your wedding day and on-the-day itself! Research has revealed the top 20 natural sleep inducers in the modern age – and counting sheep or mugs of Horlicks did not make the cut. In fact, modern Brits are more likely to get intimate with their other half, listen to a true crime podcast, watch a comedy show, tidy their room from top to bottom, or cuddle up with their pet. But the survey shows, simply reading a book is the number one snooze inducing activity (23 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (22 percent), despite the consensus that looking at phones is bad for our sleep patterns.

Simone from Berwick Lodge shares her outdoor wedding tips

This issue we asked the region's experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding. Simone Parkinson, sales and marketing manager from Berwick Lodge (www.berwicklodge.co.uk) tells us it's all about being prepared. Over to Simone... Keep all suppliers (including registrars) informed of your plans and always check in to see if they're happy and able to host outdoors. Some areas of the day may need to be tweaked to accommodate various elements: sunshine causing candles to melt, wilting flowers and even bowing musical instruments! Let your guests know too, so that they're dressed and prepared for all eventualities. You may consider supplying parasols, water bottles and even heel stoppers for the grass.

Be prepared for the ultimate wedding day out at The Big Southwest Wedding Fair

Be prepared for the ultimate wedding day out as The Big Southwest Wedding Fair rolls into town once more on 21st and 22nd October, 2023, at the Bath & West Showground. The Fair is renowned for its catwalk shows featuring real women and men of all ages, shapes and sizes. This is your chance to see the latest bridal, menswear, mother-of-the-bride/groom, bridesmaids and flowergirl attire. There's also the option to try on wedding dresses, you never you know, you might find the one. You're sure to find inspiration aplenty though, not to mention heaps of exclusive show offers and friendly, trusted wedding suppliers.

Edible Histories chcocolate exhibition comes to Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield, located just outside of Bristol, will host an exciting exhibition from 11 September to 8 October, as part of Luke Jerram's Edible Histories project. Tyntesfield, cared for by the National Trust, is a Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece, which was home to four generations of the Gibbs family for 150 years. Today, Tyntesfield is home to one of the largest collections of objects looked after by the Trust, many of which reflect Bristol's rich history. The project, which is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, forms part of the Bristol 650 celebrations, which marks 650 years of Bristol being recognised as a county.

Silver and Steel Studios is now offering tailor-made workshops for hens

Based in the centre of Bristol, Silver and Steel Studios is now offering tailor-made workshops for groups, including hen parties, to create precious pieces for the big day. From delicate pearl earrings to chunky silver pieces, the team loves to embrace everyone's personal style. There are two workshop options to choose from, either a half day at £74 per person (10am to 1pm) or full day at £130 per person (10am to 4pm), both working in silver. Additional options and services include welcome drinks of prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative, lunch if you're on the full day workshop with additional prosecco, upgrade to working in gold, or to add pearls or precious stones.

Just Ceremonies help you decide who to choose to lead your ceremony

Jackie Aldrich and Deb Stodgell together are Just Ceremonies, based in Somerset. Here, they explain just what sets a celebrant and a registrar apart, as well as which might be the best fit for you when it comes to your ceremony. "When it comes to deciding on who you would like to lead your wedding ceremony, you indeed have several choices. Here's an overview of them: "Minister of faith/religious officiant: If you and your partner are affiliated with a particular religious tradition, you might opt for a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leaders to officiate at your wedding. This can be a meaningful choice if you want to incorporate your faith's traditions and rituals into the ceremony.

Four tips for storing your wedding dress after the big day

With September tipped to be the most popular month for weddings, when the big day is done deciding what to do with a wedding dress can be tricky. Whilst some people sell them or donate them so future brides can use them, others prefer to keep hold of them and preserve the memory of their wedding day. If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage is essential in maintaining its pristine condition. With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station shares four tips for storing your wedding dress to keep it in pristine condition. Vlatka adds: "Before putting your dress into storage, make sure you have it cleaned to remove any stains or marks that may have appeared from your wedding day. The most important thing to remember when putting your wedding gown into storage is that it shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag or hung on a hanger. "Plastic covers don't allow for humidity changes and can often let light in that will fade the material of your dress. Hanging your dress can also affect its shape by adding unnecessary stress on the seams or the fabric."

Unique gifts couples give each other on their wedding day

The team at hampers.com recently surveyed UK adults who have gotten married or attended a wedding in the past five years, with the goal of determining what the gifting landscape looks like for wedding season. In doing so, they spoke to almost 800 newlyweds from across the UK and a further 1,400 UK adults who have attended a wedding in the same time frame. Firstly, the study found that it's common for brides and grooms to buy each other a gift for the wedding day itself, with 65% stating they did this for their own wedding day. The average spend was found to be £115, with women most likely to purchase a pocket watch (24%) or a vintage bottle of alcohol (22%) and men most likely to purchase jewellery (37%) or personalised 'Mrs' clothing (19%)...

Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.

Dining in the dark returns to the Lost & Found Bristol

Experience a dinner like no other in the intimate surrounds of Victorian hideaway, The Lost & Found Bristol, with the return of the blindfolded tasting experience, Dining in the Dark. Taking place from 7pm-9pm on set says between now and the end of the year, these events allow you to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience where your taste buds take centre stage. Priced at £41.95 per person, take a sensory ride through a three-course set menu of gastronomical delights from land to sea (vegan options available), all paired with delectable drinks. Served in complete darkness to enhance each flavour.

Hestercombe Gardens now taking bookings for 2025 at 2024 prices

Hestercombe Gardens now taking bookings for 2025 at 2024 prices! Hestercombe Gardens, known for its fifty acres of beautiful gardens and collection of historical buildings including the iconic ham stone Orangery, is now taking wedding bookings for 2025. The best news is that you can secure your dream wedding at the venue at 2024 prices for a limited period. Nestled in tranquil Somerset countryside, Hestercombe has the advantage of being able to hold your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party all at one spectacular and spacious location. No wonder it's one of the most idyllic wedding venues in Somerset.To find out more about our exciting offer, please visit www.hestercombe.com/weddings or contact us at weddings@hestercombe.com

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.

Happy anniversary to The Barrington Boar

This summer, husband and wife team Victoria Collins and chef Alasdair Clifford are celebrating five years since taking over the reins of their critically-acclaimed restaurant and pub with rooms, The Barrington Boar. The team recently acquired a large site for development adjacent to the venue and are celebrating the anniversary by commencing work on it. Baker's Farm, a 3,000 plus sq ft period farmhouse is set on a plot of approximately 0.38 acres of South Somerset land and features a large garden and several outbuildings including a former cider barn and hayloft. Subject to planning, the couple hope to build a bakery, further accommodation and a market garden, which will supply Clifford's kitchen.

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