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

WITH THE UK’S BUSIEST WEDDING WEEKEND IN SIGHT, BROOK TAVERNER LETS GUILDFORD GROOMS GO FREE

Brook Taverner, the British menswear brand with more than 100 years of tailoring heritage, is helping wedding parties across the Southeast make one saving from the cost of their big day with the launch of its newGroom Goes Freeoffer. Available from10 August until 11 September, the in-store offer gives the groom a free suit when a wedding party buys four or more qualifying suits during the same visit to a participating Brook Taverner store. The offer arrives as wedding season reaches its busiest point with 23rd August recorded as the UK's most popular wedding date, with more than 3,500 weddings taking place on that day in 2025.

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

More than one way to find ‘The One’ - advice from Surrey's Brides Visited

There's something magical about choosing your wedding dress, having it ordered especially for you and experiencing that unforgettable moment when your gown arrives at the boutique. But ordering a new dress isn't the only way to discover your dream gown at Brides Visited. Alongside its beautiful made-to-order designer collections at its bridal studio in Ashtead, Brides Visited has an extensive selection of more than 150 off-the-peg, sale and discontinued designer wedding dresses, giving brides even more choice when searching for the one. Perfect for brides working to a shorter timescale, shopping to a particular budget or simply unable to resist a beautiful designer gown at an incredible price, the off-the-peg collection means you can find...

GATHER AND FEAST

Surrey-based The Bear has reopened following an extensive refurbishment, unveiling a refreshed interiors scheme, new seasonal menus and a renewed focus on community dining and social events. Located in the heart of Oxshott, the much-loved local has been redesigned to blend traditional pub character with contemporary styling. In the kitchen, head chef Toni Mitchell has created a menu centred around British seasonal produce, with dishes ranging from handcrafted pies and seafood plates to hearty Sunday roasts and sharing platters designed for group dining. With its updated look, flexible dining spaces and relaxed atmosphere, The Bear is positioning itself as a stylish countryside venue for everything from casual celebrations and rehearsal dinners to post-wedding gatherings and family occasions.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Health first

Inclusive movement community East of Eden is expanding with the launch of a new Strength Studio on Hoe Street, introducing a dedicated space for accessible and confidence-building strength training in the heart of Walthamstow. The new studio will significantly expand the venue's timetable, adding 21 new classes and bringing the total weekly offering to almost 50 sessions. New formats include women's lifting, teen strength classes, calisthenics rings, mobility sessions and small group strength training designed to offer a more personalised alternative to traditional gym environments. To celebrate the launch, East of Eden will host a community open day featuring £5 classes, special offers, goodie bags and fundraising initiatives supporting Doctors Without Borders.

New gastropub opening in Farnham

The Third Monkey is a new independently-owned gastropub and restaurant in Farnham and is the new project from executive chef Adam Fisher (formally of Coworth Park, Pennyhill Park). It's a chef-led gastropub with a more ambitious restaurant upstairs focused around hyper-seasonal British produce; there's also an on-site butchery, and menus that moves between refined small plates and bigger sharing dishes to enjoy. The menu blends refined comfort with bold, flavour-driven creativity whilst championing sustainability and zero-waste cooking methods. There are confident and flavour-led dishes like Cornish crab crumpet with brown crab mayonnaise, Surrey beef tartare with confit egg yolk, and butter-poached smoked halibut with curried mussel velouté, alongside more comforting plates like a Devonshire duck burger with Tunworth or a beef tongue and cheek pie with Guinness gravy.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

De Vere Horsley Estate new reopening

A secret 19th-century underground tunnel with links to Ada Lovelace has reopened at De Vere Horsley Estate, in Surrey, bringing a hidden chapter of British history back into the spotlight. The investment in the tunnel follows a £1.3m refurbishment project that was recently completed at the hotel. Michael Micallef, General Manager commented: "Reopening this tunnel is a way to celebrate both the rich history of De Vere Horsley Estate and the remarkable legacy of Ada Lovelace. For generations, the tunnel has been a secret passage full of stories, from its origins serving the estate, to the memories of locals growing up with it and we're delighted to now share this hidden part of our heritage with the wider community once again."

WHERE HISTORY MEETS MODERN ROMANCE

Discover the charm of celebrating your special day at Charterhouse, one of Surrey's most historic and picturesque wedding settings. Surrounded by 250 acres of stunning grounds and elegant architecture, Charterhouse offers a truly unforgettable backdrop for your 'I do' moment. Perfect for couples seeking a fully catered experience, the Sutton Catering Package provides everything you need for a seamless celebration. From delicious canapés on arrival to a beautifully crafted wedding breakfast and an indulgent evening buffet, the package delivers exceptional food and attentive service throughout your day. For those planning a smaller or more intimate gathering, the Verites Catering Package offers a refined post-ceremony experience complete with drinks and canapés. It's the ideal choice for couples who want a relaxed celebration with close family and friends in one of Charterhouse's characterful and atmospheric spaces.

A WEDDING VENUE ROOTED IN HISTORY AND MEANING

Set in the Surrey Hills, Burrows Lea Country House is a historic property with a distinct background and purpose. Originally owned by the Coleman family, it was later acquired by the spiritual healer Harry Edwards as his work expanded. He was attracting large audiences, including events at the Royal Albert Hall, and required a permanent base to support his work and the people involved in it. Burrows Lea became that base. The house remains home to the Harry Edwards Foundation and continues to operate as a centre for spiritual healing, wellness, and retreats. For 2026, the interiors have been redesigned by Carole Ashby, a former actress turned interior designer, introducing a more contemporary style while respecting the character of the building.

LUXURY WEDDINGS REDEFINED

Inspired by its philosophy of sensitive luxury and understated elegance, Montcalm Mayfair's curated wedding offering is now available for bookings. Set in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel provides a refined backdrop for celebrations of every style, from intimate gatherings to grand, multi-day occasions, proudly hosting weddings of all cultures and traditions, each tailored to reflect the couple at its centre. Couples can choose from three signature experiences for up to 320 guests. Blossom offers exclusive use of the Grand Ballroom, a wedding menu by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back and a Salon room stay. The Rose of Mayfair includes a Champagne reception, bespoke dining and a luxury suite. Wildflower offers a bespoke approach, featuring options such as private dining, spa rituals and exclusive townhouse hire.

BRIDAL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Wedding season is fast approaching, and Mallucci London offers a range of premium aesthetic treatments to help brides look and feel their most confident. From progressive plans to last-minute glow-ups, there's an option for every stage of the pre-bridal journey. Founded by renowned plastic surgeon Mr Patrick Mallucci, the clinic is known for discretion, world-class standards and natural, undetectable results. MOXI® Laser is ideal for gentle rejuvenation. This non ablative fractional treatment stimulates collagen, improves tone and restores luminosity with minimal downtime, making it suitable for all skin types. A course of treatments can gradually reveal brighter, camera-ready skin that's best started three to four months before the big day. For instant results, the Contour and Glow Facial delivers deep cleansing, hydration and subtle sculpting, refining texture and boosting radiance — perfect in the final weeks before saying "I do.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Wedding Events again to host its Signature Wedding Show this autumn! If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braintree Village, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 27th September, 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.

Rest, unwind, explore

SLO, a new sustainable aparthotel brand, debuts with Claridge House in Mayfair. Designed for short and extended stays, it brings slow living to central London through thoughtful design, curated service, wellness rituals and sustainability. Set in a historic building on Davies Street, Claridge House offers eight one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments, each crafted to feel restful, private and indulgent for a place to settle in and explore London at ease. Interiors, led by SLO with Ed Carter and Kitesgrove, champion British makers and long-life materials. Botanical greens, terracotta and sea foam tones sit alongside oak and marble, with furniture by Robin Myerscough, Galvin Brothers and Nicola Harding. Guests enjoy curated art, Anatomé amenities, Hypnos mattresses, Nuditea, Arro coffee and concierge access to London's cultural highlights.

CURATED URBAN ESCAPES

The Webster, a design-forward lifestyle hotel brand, debuts with The Webster Covent Garden. Designed for culturally curious travellers, it blends thoughtful design, engaging programming and dynamic social spaces for an immersive urban stay in one of the world's most inspiring creative capitals. Focused on analog pleasures and shared experiences, The Webster offers a modern antidote to digital burnout. Curated libraries, intimate gathering spots, vibrant dining destinations and neighbourhood-driven events foster genuine connection, encouraging guests to unplug, explore and engage with others. The Webster Covent Garden sits on Lincoln's Inn Fields, inspiring Charles Dickens. "Our goal is to create spaces that invite curiosity, spark conversation and cultivate belonging, whether lingering over a meal, discovering a book or connecting with new friends," says Joseph Turano, COO.

Why wedding guests are dressing with more personality

Wedding style is becoming less about rigid rules and more about individuality. While couples have long used their wedding day to express who they are, guests, parents and members of the wedding party are increasingly doing the same through colour, pattern and carefully chosen accessories. For Surrey-based accessories brand Dapper & Suave, the most memorable wedding outfits are not necessarily the most traditional. They are the ones that allow the wearer to feel polished, confident and recognisably themselves. The brand's latest campaign brings together three distinctive looks, each styled differently but connected through expressive accessories. A cravat adds softness and pattern to a textured jacket, a cravat and pocket square bring individuality to a contemporary three-piece suit, while a bow tie and feather lapel pin introduce colour and character to a classic blazer.

STRESS-FREE WEDDINGS

The Zetter launches its Shotgun Weddings campaign, inviting couples to sidestep wedding stress in favour of a fun, spontaneous and seamless celebration. Created for those who are the opposite of bridezillas, the package removes drawn-out planning and overwhelming checklists, offering a stylish and fuss-free way to say, "I do." With one simple booking, the package covers the ceremony, reception, cake, flowers and bridal suite, allowing couples to focus entirely on the moment. Located on St John's Square in Clerkenwell, The Zetter Clerkenwell is an intimate 13-bedroom Georgian townhouse known for its eccentric British charm and characterful interiors. Fully licensed for ceremonies, it offers distinctive spaces, including the elegant Dining Room and much-loved Games Room.

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

Step inside Pixar

The global phenomenon Mundo Pixar Experience has officially opened in London, bringing the largest immersive Pixar exhibition on Earth to the UK for the very first time. Now open in a spectacular purpose-built venue in Wembley Park, this landmark attraction invites families, film fans and Pixar lovers of all ages to step inside the movies that have shaped many generations. The exhibition spans more than 3,500 square metres and features 14 Pixar universes, including more than 25 sculptures, inviting guests to explore meticulously recreated environments from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Coco, Up and many more fan favourites.