Your London and Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

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 18th October 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.

Looking ahead to wedding trends for hens and stags in 2027

Hen Dos Stay Home While Stags Head Abroad, Chillisauce Data Reveals: Hen parties are increasingly choosing UK destinations, while stag groups are becoming more likely to head overseas, according to booking data from Chillisauce, which suggests the divide could widen further in 2027. The company's figures show that the proportion of hen bookings taking place in the UK rose from 69% in 2024 to 76% in 2026. Over the same period, the share of stag dos abroad increased from 59% to 68%. Robyn Davis, Head of Stag and Hen at Chillisauce, says affordability and accessibility are helping to shape hen party plans.

Helena Fortley Bridal Announces October Sample Sale

Brides-to-be looking for their dream dress at a reduced price can browse around 80 gowns at Helena Fortley Bridal's sample sale in Caterham on 17th and 18th October. The Surrey boutique will offer discounts of at least 25% off original prices, with most dresses priced between £350 and £1,100. Brides can book a free, one-hour appointment with the team to explore the collection and try on gowns. As an additional saving, the boutique is also offering 10% off new wedding dress orders placed during the sale weekend.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 11th October, 2026! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. The event brings couples 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.

Sleep Like A Traitor

The Traitors is back! And with Britons fully embracing their inner detectives, the allure of a suspense-soaked countryside escape complete with shadowy hallways, crackling fires and the irresistible question of "who's hiding what?" is stronger than ever. Groups can immerse themselves in their very own plot twist this winter thanks to Rural Retreats. From atmospheric farmhouses to sprawling manors perfect for plotting and sleuthing, the scene is set for the ultimate Great British Whodunnit Weekend.

Manchester is the UK’s Marriage-Search Capital, New Research Finds

From searching for the perfect engagement ring to browsing wedding venues and proposal ideas, Brits are increasingly turning to Google when preparing to take the next step in their relationships. But new research has revealed that some UK cities are considerably more marriage-minded online than others. Manchester has emerged as the UK city with the highest level of marriage-related search interest relative to its population, according to research from Agilis. The city records an estimated 1,540.7 searches per 100,000 residents across terms relating to engagement rings, proposals, wedding planning, marriage advice and civil partnerships. Plymouth comes in second, with 1,435.6 searches per 100,000 residents, while Leeds takes third place with 1,343.9. Newcastle upon Tyne, Glasgow and Birmingham also feature strongly, with each recording more than 1,300 searches per 100,000 people.

Swap the Christmas to-do list for a country house escape in the Surrey countryside

This Christmas, leave the cooking, cleaning and endless preparation behind and retreat to the Surrey countryside for a festive escape at Hartsfield Manor. Set within 12 acres of peaceful countryside, Hartsfield Manor's Christmas Staycation offers a traditional country house Christmas, beautifully taken care of. Arriving on Christmas Eve, guests can settle into a leisurely three-night escape of Champagne, seasonal dining, fireside relaxation and festive entertainment, with every detail designed to make Christmas feel effortless.

Wedding photographer’s plea to guests: “Please don’t do this during the big moments”

As weddings become increasingly visual experiences, from professional photography and videography to social content and guest photos, modern couples are placing more focus than ever on preserving the moments they will look back on for years to come. To help couples and guests navigate this evolving landscape, leading bridal brand Grace Loves Lace has partnered with wedding photographer and planner Patrizia Corbianco, founder of Blancorazon Wedding, who has spent years capturing modern weddings and helping couples create meaningful, visually considered celebrations.

The 2026 UK Wedding Blacklist: The 10 Songs Couples Don’t Want on the Dancefloor

Modern British couples are officially rewriting the rules of wedding entertainment, according to new social listening research released today by UK live music and entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. An analysis of social media discussions across TikTok and Reddit (r/UKweddings) reveals that traditional party staples are being systematically blacklisted in favour of curated, sophisticated setlists. The results point to a clear change in what younger couples want from their wedding receptions. Group dances, heavily played 2010s pop songs and football-style chants are among the tracks and trends couples are increasingly asking DJs and live bands to leave off their playlists.

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 25th October 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Layer Marney Tower, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events fair at Layer Marney Tower, Essex on Sunday 18th October, 2026! A must-visit event for engaged couples, the show puts you 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.

The rise of ‘wedding-like’ commitment ceremonies – and the legal dangers couples don’t see coming

With the costofliving still shaping how couples celebrate, and social media normalising nontraditional ceremonies; more people are opting for celebrations that look like weddings but aren't legally binding, and many couples aren't realising the risk until it's too late. Google searches for "what is a commitment ceremony" have surged 63% in the past year, and with costs ranging from just £200 for a simple register-office ceremony, non-legal celebrations are becoming an increasingly attractive option with the cost-of-living continuing to put couples under pressure when considering marriage. However, these ceremonies also carry hidden legal pitfalls

Couture CH'Ne Sais Quoi to Showcase Modern Heirloom Jewellery at the Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World

British jewellery house Couture CH'Ne Sais Quoi will showcase its distinctive bridal and occasion jewellery at the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, on Sunday 11 October 2026. Known for its philosophy of creating jewellery with meaning, Couture CH'Ne Sais Quoi brings together contemporary design, timeless elegance and personal storytelling to create pieces intended to become modern heirlooms. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to discover a curated selection of the brand's bridal, occasion and signature jewellery, alongside its more personalised approach to creating pieces that reflect the individual stories, style and milestones of its clients.

New UK map reveals Brits’ favourite proposal spots according to social media

National family-owned jeweller, Beaverbrooks, has unveiled a new map revealing the 15 best places in the UK to pop the question, based on Instagram hashtag data. Whether it's against a backdrop of dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside or iconic city skylines, choosing the perfect place to propose is almost as overwhelming as choosing the ring. To help partners looking to ask the all-important question to their other halves, Beaverbrooks has created a new 'Proposal Map of the UK', making it easier than ever to find an idyllic location.

County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 8th November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face 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.

Bradbourne House Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 1st November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

County Wedding Events comes to Penshurst Place, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Penshurst Place, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 8th November 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face wedding 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.

Don't miss the South Farm wedding show in November - hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at South Farm in Hertfordshire for inspiration on Sunday 1st November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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. South Farm wedding venue exudes romantic charm in every season, making it a truly enchanting place for your wedding day. Choose from their five licensed ceremony spots, each offering the perfect setting to say 'I do.' Whether you're planning an intimate gathering, a grand celebration, or something in between, their uniquely beautiful ceremony spaces, both indoors and outdoors, are sure to captivate you.

Don't miss the Fennes wedding show in November - hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Fennes in Essex for inspiration on Sunday 22nd November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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. Whether you choose a large celebration or a small and intimate wedding, Fennes offers the perfect space for your special day. You will have a dedicated team to guarantee your day exceeds your expectations including your own Wedding and Events Manager who will support you throughout the planning stages right up to the big day to ensure all goes to plan.

Why more couples are letting the coast shape their wedding day

For couples planning a wedding, the setting is increasingly becoming more than a backdrop. Research from WeddingDates found that 78% of UK couples consider location an important factor when choosing a venue, with more than a third specifically influenced by the view. Rockwater, the UK coastal hospitality brand with beachfront venues in Hove and Branksome, says this is helping reshape how couples approach weddings by the water. Rather than simply choosing a coastal venue and then planning the celebration independently of it, couples are increasingly allowing the landscape, changing light and relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces to influence the day itself. Rockwater has identified four of the key considerations shaping modern coastal weddings.