|
| Credit: www.owenhowellsphotography.co.uk |
Q – I want to transform our venue into a winter wonderland. Where should I start?
"Always remember that a winter wonderland doesn’t have to be on a big scale with fake snow and oversized props, it can be focused on more subtle details and be just as effective.
"Any event taking place during the festive season should be adorned with shimmer. Use silvers, golds and coppers and incorporate them into details such as charger plates, cutlery and tea light holders to help bring your theme to life. It’s common to use more traditional hues such as reds, but you can combine metallics with any colour you choose.
"Match the Christmas tree or dim its lights. I have been to venues, and on a few occasions, the tree has been lit with a cold or blue light. This looks lovely when the room is bare, but if you have warm-coloured fairylights above you or candles on your tables, you might find the lights clash. Don’t be afraid to ask the venue if you can switch off the tree lights should this be an issue.
"Make sure you use seasonal flowers and greenery. Something as simple as ivy or berries can make a real difference to your centrepieces and give them a festive feel without being over the top.
"Tall gold candelabras, boxes of blankets, sofas in warm colours, antique rugs and wooden logs will make your venue feel cosy.
"If you’re having a photo booth, stock up on elf ears, Santa hats, reindeer horns and red noses to add a festive feel to your entertainment."
Beth Stretton
Venue stylist
www.meganandclaude.co.uk
Gifting options for the upcoming wedding season from BHS
Wedding gifts for the 2026 wedding season should be meaningful twists on classic gifts like home décor reflecting a couple's personalities. There is also a growing emphasis on sustainability and intentional gifting, with eco-friendly products becoming more common. Ultimately, the trend in 2026 is about thoughtfulness - choosing a gift that feels unique, useful, and emotionally significant rather than simply ticking a box.
READ ARTICLE
British businesses celebrated as The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark their 60th anniversary
The recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise have been announced celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands including in Wales, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. This year marks a significant milestone for the Awards, as they celebrate 60 years since the first honours were conferred in 1966. Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses, highlighting the strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise. To mark this anniversary year - and to ensure the Awards continue to reflect the evolving landscape of UK business - a new category has been introduced: The King's Award for Enterprise - Young Founder.
READ ARTICLE
Everything you need to know about prenups
Prenups are fast becoming a key part of wedding planning for many Brits, with new data from leading law firm Mills & Reeve showing a sharp surge in demand during the second quarter of the year, dubbed by the law firm as 'prenup season'. Brett Frankle, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains how the trend has developed and why more couples are choosing to put agreements in place ahead of their wedding. Over the last five years, we have seen a sharp rise in prenups between April and July, linked to summer weddings, preholiday planning and timesensitive instructions before ceremonies, with July proving particularly popular.
READ ARTICLE
The ‘I Do’ Dilemma: Why Couples Struggle to Sign Their New Names
More couples than ever are choosing to combine their surnames after marriage, but many are running into one unexpected problem: they can't sign their new name. Searches for "combined surnames" have risen by 37% in the past month, according to new data analysed by luxury pen brand Scriveiner. Interest has been steadily increasing over the past year, with a clear spike in the lead-up to wedding season between late spring and early autumn.
READ ARTICLE
