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

National Trust places are full of magic as the festive season approaches

Across Somerset, Bath and Bristol, National Trust places are full of warmth, magic and sparkle as the festive season approaches. Wrap up and embrace the chilly days with a romantic walk around a country estate, or get into the Christmas spirit with carols, open fires and mince pies. There's lots on offer this season from guided walks and craft workshops to horse and carriage rides.

An Enchanted Christmas at Barrington Court is taking place now until 31st December, 10am-3pm. It offers a magical experience as you stroll around twinkling Christmas trees in the old cow shed and the wintry garden; shop for special gifts in the artisan workshops and complete the day with a warming drink in the cafe.

GREAT! romance to Launch on Thursday 5th January 2023

Dreaming of cosying up with some love-ly film entertainment in the New Year? GREAT! romance, a new, free-to-air, TV channel dedicated to bringing feel-good, romance films to TV screens, all day, every day, is launching on Thursday 5th January 2023. If you have a soft spot for romantic movies and are looking to indulge in escapist entertainment this winter, then look no further! Romantics across the UK can fall head-over-heels with the only TV channel that promises back-to-back love stories all day every day - for free! - and the curated selection of movies is guaranteed to melt anyone's heart at the start of 2023.

We’ve partnered with Aztec Hotel & Spa Bristol to offer readers a spa day for two

Aztec Hotel & Spa is the ideal base from which to explore this great city, as well as Bath and surrounding areas. So, whether you're looking for a bit of pre-wedding rest and relaxation with your bride tribe or a post-wedding retreat, its comfy rooms offer a welcoming home away from home.

Food and drink in the two AA Rosette restaurant, The Curious Kitchen, is an experience in its own right. With a 10-metre high Cotswold stone fireplace and enormous wood beams recovered from old sailing ships, it's a visual treat as well as a culinary one. Menus are prepared using local seasonal ingredients and there's a shaded terrace perfect for al fresco dining when the sun shines.

Christmas winter wedding music

Getting married at Christmas doesn't mean that you have to plan a Christmas-themed wedding. Here, roaming band The Travelling Hands, suggest songs that would work well for a Christmas winter wedding and the songs to avoid! When it comes to music, the same rule applies. Just because you want to get married at Christmas it doesn't mean that your musical playlist has to be full of Wizzard & Cliff Richard if you don't want it to be there. When our acoustic roaming band The Travelling Hands perform at winter weddings we see a wide variety of decisions when it comes to Christmas songs. Some want to embrace the Christmas classics - adding these into their day. Others like a few placed in here and there, whilst some want to just stick to their favourite songs without any Christmas numbers added in at all.

Ginger Ray has revealed the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding girls trip

Getting your nearest and dearest together for a hen party can be challenging and pairing that with a cost-of-living crisis might mean you're looking to celebrate a little closer to home. So, hen party decoration supplier Ginger Ray has done a little digging to find you the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding girls trip and it may delight you to know that you don't have far to travel for the very best!

Based on an overall ranking of cities providing the most options for a memorable stay, according to Trip Advisor data, considering everything from bottomless brunches and spa treatments to availability of the hugely popular Whispering Angel wine, our beloved Bath came out top.

Outdated wedding laws need to change

In an article earlier this year there was discussion and praise aimed towards the Government's plans to allow outdoor weddings to be made permanent. The article also highlighted the eagerly awaited Law Commission report into marriage laws, which was due to be published in July. Now it has been published and we have had some time for the dust to settle, Kate Van Rol, Barrister at 4PB has looked into these recommendations, "Are wedding laws at present 'confusing, outdated and restrictive' as the Commission suggest, or would the implementation of their suggestions trivialise weddings and commercialise the ceremony?". Kate continues...

St Audries Park is a hidden gem nestled between the Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset coastline

St Audries Park is a hidden gem nestled between the rolling Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset coastline. This exclusive-use venue offers you your very own personal wedding manager to help you plan your big day. What's more, the outstanding accommodation here is able to sleep more than 100 guests on the night of your wedding across the estate. You're even offered the opportunity to extend your celebrations beyond the one day with a Party At Peregrine, which provides accommodation and a private meal and drinks facilities for you and your nearest and dearest the night before.

Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection

The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.

Christmas Day lunch at The Elder promises to be a spectacular festive feast

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Never, in our opinion! If wedding planning has left you so worn out you don't feel like hosting this year, or if you're keen to celebrate your last Christmas before the big "I do" alone together, why not consider a decadent Christmas Day lunch prepared entirely by expert chefs in one of the UK's most idyllic cities? The Elder in Bath is offering just that. Set inside a beautiful Georgian building on South Parade, which is bound to look all the more magical at Christmas, The Elder is the place to enjoy authentic, honest and timeless British cooking.

New hen party ideas at Bird & Blend Tea Co. venues

On various dates throughout December and January '23, and into 2023, Bird & Blend Tea Co. will host its two brand new workshops. A magic potions brewing & tea mixology workshop at Bird & Blend Tea Co - is for those keen on discovering and learning the mastery of potion making whilst mixing tea, and the science behind the magic. The special two-and-a-half hour workshop invites its guests to take an immersive step in to conjuring up shimmering, colour changing and whimsical potions...all whilst the smoke swirls, the smells take over and the senses awaken. As a VIP guest, wannabe magic and mixology makers will be treated to unlimited amounts of tea from an exciting selection of blends or tea cocktails.

Leigh Court was designed by architect Thomas Hopper in 1814

Shielded from the city bustle by Leigh Woods, the beautiful Leigh Court was designed by architect Thomas Hopper in 1814 for Bristol's first recorded millionaire. The design of this graceful Grade II listed mansion combines elegant Palladian architecture with opulent Greek revival interiors and lavish 19th-century décor.

Leigh Court's interior retains many of its original features from 1814, including the ornate high ceilings in the ground floor rooms and the breathtaking double floating staircase in the Great Hall.

Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!

Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!

Coppa Club’s newest location, The Bath Townhouse is now open

Coppa Club's newest location, The Bath Townhouse, opened in August. The latest addition to its growing portfolio, this will be the group's 11th location and its second property in the South West of England. With two floors, each with its own personality, it will allow guests to use the space in different ways to suit their mood.

The striking Grade II listed property with a classy Georgian facade and original Art Deco features, sits on Old Bond Street in the heart of Bath's bustling shopping district. The ground floor will host a vibrant main restaurant, bar and cafe space.

New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection

Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.

The historical buildings at Hestercombe have plenty of wow factor and offer unrivalled views

The historical buildings at Hestercombe have plenty of wow factor and offer unrivalled views across the glorious Edwardian gardens and beyond to the imposing Blackdown Hills. The venue features no less than 50 acres of lovingly restored gardens, representing three centuries of work and featuring lakes, cascades, temples, rills, shade-dappled pathways, and romantic corners. The beautiful scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round providing a very special setting indeed for any big day.

Ceremonies can be held in The Orangery for up to 90 loved ones. A beautiful light-filled setting, this iconic ham-stone building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and offers the ideal backdrop whatever your theme. Guests can spill out on the Orangery Lawn and enjoy a drinks reception post vows.

Luxe gifting brand launches

Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.

Aztec Hotel and Spa have announced a new Taste of Autumn package

Aztec Hotel and Spa have announced a new Taste of Autumn package partnering with local candle brand, Libby Lavender Cotswolds. Available throughout October and November with prices starting from £90, each spa day package comes with a beautiful Gingered Wild Fig candle worth £30 to continue the warming, comforting feeling of bliss that comes from your visit.

The package invites you to enjoy three hours of relaxation in the beautiful pool, thermal experiences and new relaxation lounge. Also included is a delicious afternoon tea, which can be enjoyed in the autumn sunshine on the terrace overlooking the on- site lily pad pond.

Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape

Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.

Barley Wood is a 19th-century house located on the very edge of Bristol

A stunning 19th-century house located on the very edge of Bristol in rural Wrington, Barley Wood benefits from 11 acres of grounds and remarkable views across to the Mendip Hills. Boasting nine beautifully decorated bedrooms, five bathrooms each with roll-top baths and a kitchen and dining space, the house is perfectly equipped for your wedding and a relaxing stay over the course of the weekend. With exclusive use of the house from Friday to Sunday, you can really take in the history and charm of Barley Wood in your own time, enjoying every second of your wedding weekend. What's more, from exploring in the woodland to taking in the impressive views, the venue isn't short of wonderful outside spaces to enjoy.

Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers

Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.