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

Lily Gabriella unveils a celestial inspired fine jewellery collection for winter

As the season of celebrations, proposals and festive gatherings approaches, Lily Gabriella Fine Jewellery unveils Aurea, a new fine jewellery collection designed to mark life's most meaningful moments. Renowned for redefining bridal elegance for the modern bride, the brand draws inspiration from art, architecture and a passion for rare gemstones to create pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary. Aurea captures the celestial glow of starlit skies, reflecting beauty, light and inner radiance. Taking its name from aura and aurum, the Latin word for gold, the collection embodies warmth and luminosity through expertly crafted designs. Each piece is created to celebrate engagements, weddings, festive occasions and thoughtful winter gifting.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show 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 Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 1st February, 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.

London welcomes a new floral private dining space for intimate celebrations

Opening just in time for the festive season, The Greenhouses in The City is a new private dining destination tucked away in London's iconic Square Mile. Designed to host up to 20 guests, the space offers an intimate setting surrounded by lush florals, twinkling lights and elegant design, ideal for private celebrations and corporate events. The Festive Winter Menu celebrates the vibrant spices and flavours of the Middle East, with dishes including Charred Aubergine with Tahini and Date Molasses, Chermoula Chicken with Aubergine Stew, and Sticky Date Pudding with Salted Tahini and Rose Petals. Alongside private dining, the venue is also home to Floward, a premium florist, and The Deli by Baretto, serving artisanal coffee and Italian focaccia.

Editor Olivia Gibson reviews The Ivy Market Grill’s festive menu and magical interiors

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, The Ivy Market Grill offers a hidden oasis away from the city's hustle and bustle. It's a relaxed, all-day dining destination perfect for life's special moments. With Christmas fast approaching, the team has unveiled its festive campaign, The Ivy Midnight Express, featuring a set menu, a Festive À La Carte, breakfast and afternoon tea. Each offering has been carefully crafted by the talented executive chefs, emphasising seasonal and festive ingredients. From comforting classics to refined celebratory dishes, the menu caters to every type of festive occasion. Naturally, I was thrilled to try the set menu when invited by the team, along with my partner.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

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."

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.

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.

‘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.

Montcalm Mayfair launches yatra wellness retreat blending holistic spa, yoga, saunas, and cultural wellbeing rituals

Montcalm Collection introduces YATRA, its new wellness retreat at Montcalm Mayfair, designed to redefine city wellbeing. Drawing inspiration from Ayurveda, East African resilience, and London's multicultural legacy, YATRA blends culture, holistic wellness, and refined rituals to create immersive journeys that refresh and rejuvenate. The subterranean spa features four luxurious treatment rooms, a double room, a yoga and meditation space, infrared and wood saunas, heat experiences with hydro pool and jacuzzi, and a gym with TechnoGym equipment. Guests can also enjoy tea rituals in partnership with Camellia's Tea House. Sophisticated pastel-toned interiors create a serene atmosphere where mind, body, and city harmonise. Book now at montcalmcollection.com/montcalm-mayfair/yatra-spa.

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.

Meet Natalie Hill of The City Celebrant crafting heartfelt London wedding ceremonies

Newly certified celebrant Natalie Hill of The City Celebrant is bringing her unique touch to London weddings. Trained with Civil Ceremonies, Natalie specialises in weaving the city and the River Thames into her ceremony scripts—each one written entirely by her, with no AI involved. She collaborates closely with couples to create ceremonies that spark laughter, tug at heartstrings, and reflect their love story authentically. Amid the whirlwind of planning menus, dresses, and DJs, Natalie offers calm, creative guidance, helping couples focus on the heart of the day. Discover more about her personalised approach at thecitycelebrant.co.uk.

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.

Show your bridal party love with Joma Jewellery’s sentimental sparkle “a littles” bracelets

Joma Jewellery's beloved "a littles" range offers the perfect way to thank your bridal party on your wedding day. Each bracelet features a delicate band adorned with gemstones, pearls, or personalised charms, beautifully packaged with gold-stamped messages straight from the heart. Founded in 2007 by Katie and Geoff, inspired by unique finds from a jewellery market in China, Joma Jewellery continues to grow while staying true to its mission—to celebrate every little moment with meaningful, personalised designs. With one "a little" bracelet sold every 30 seconds, it's no wonder these thoughtful pieces remain timeless favourites. Discover more at jomajewellery.com.

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.