Your London Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

Wedding traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations

Researchers surveyed Gen Z couples and found many traditional wedding and proposal traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations. But it's good news for the father-of-the-bride, as 54 percent said expecting parents to cough up for the big day was no longer necessary. Other things which are likely to fall out of favour are asking the bride's father for permission to propose (43 percent), sleeping apart the night before the wedding (38 percent) and the bride taking their partner's name (35 percent).

Of the 2,000 18- to 27-year-olds, surveyed by Churchill, as many as 86 percent believe the traditional stereotype of men proposing to women is old hat – and women should be able to pop the question too.

A third (29 percent) think that being given away is no longer necessary, while 27 percent say that tossing the bouquet is out of style. Being carried over the threshold (26 percent), promising to obey in the vows (25 percent) and wearing a veil (19 percent) are also falling out of favour.

Thinking about a bespoke dress? Talk to Eloise Rose at Ascot Racecourse

Bespoke bridalwear designer Eloise Rose, will be exhibiting at Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show hosted by County Wedding Events on 7th April 2024. "I can't wait to meet brides, grooms and their entourages at Ascot Racecourse! I'll be offering mini-consultations on designs for wedding dresses, outfits and accessories, demonstrating how they can have one-of-a-kind outfits, within their budget. On the day they deserve to look their very best!" shares Eloise.

Find your wedding venue with County Wedding Events

Situated near Cobham and within easy access to London, Woodlands Park is a 57-bedroom hotel set in landscaped grounds and gardens, making it one of Surrey's most spectacular countryside wedding venues. Discover the epitome of elegance for your dream wedding at Woodlands Park Hotel - a stunning Grade II listed manor house hotel in Surrey offers a breathtaking backdrop for your special day! Visit the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show, and let the venue's dedicated team guide you through this exquisite venue and exclusive wedding packages.

Andaz London to celebrate love with an immersive wedding show

On 13th April, Andaz London will host the Andaz London Wedding Show once again, partnering with some of the best London suppliers to showcase their offerings across the venue's stunning event spaces. Running from 11am to 4pm, the 2024 wedding show is free to the public and will include a number of displays from London's best suppliers and expert talks from wedding planners, florists, venues and more. At the show, couples and wedding planners alike will be encouraged to: "Seek inspiration from your surroundings by exploring grade-listed venues with both modern and classic Victorian interiors. Take your personal style with the direction of London's finest creatives and curate a bespoke experience for a day you will never forget."

9 in 10 newlyweds say budgeting is the biggest wedding stress

New research of newlyweds has revealed that 9 in 10 newlyweds find budgeting to be the biggest wedding stress. Queensmith's research surveyed 1,000 recently married couples throughout the UK, exploring the most and least enjoyable aspects, as well as the most stressful moments, leading up to their weddings and during the day itself. Weddings take a lot of time to plan in order to make them fabulous, but they also cost a pretty hefty sum of money too. Looking at the most stressful aspects of wedding, a whopping 93% of respondents said budgeting was the most stressful part of planning a wedding.

Stunning event flowers on display at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Pinstripes & Peonies believe that being a part of your wedding is a privilege, and the team from this renowned event floristry company will be on hand at the show to discuss your big-day floral needs. "From your initial enquiry, you will have a dedicated Wedding Designer with your every step of the way, through to delivering your flowers on the big day. All of our proposals are created entirely bespoke, blooming with ideas specifically with you in mind. Our design process is simple and collaborative; whilst we lead with creative design based on seasonality and floral artistry, we value your input to ensure we have wedding flowers perfectly befitting to you."

Hassle-free wood-fired pizza catering tailored to your special day with The Pizza Post

After the perfect catering match for your wedding? The Pizza Post is a family run, mobile wood-fired pizza caterer specialising in stress-free, delicious solutions designed to make your special day unforgettable. Named The Best Wedding Pizza Van Vendor in the Hitched Awards 2023, The Pizza Post's stylish and professional mobile vans are able to cater at any location, any time, and for any dietary needs. Come along to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse to meet The Pizza Post team, ask any questions about their unique catering experience and sample their wood-fired delights!

Opuluxe now offers bespoke permanent jewellery

Camilla Kirk-Reynolds unveils her bespoke permanent jewellery service, redefining the Notting Hill space. The chain-based line consists of delicate made-to-measure gold bespoke pieces tailored and fitted to each individual with few limitations. Opuluxe was created after Camilla noticed a gap in the market, with consumers being offered narrow choices and nothing truly bespoke. Her search for delicate yet durable pieces led her to believe she could create something new in the space as the choice was limited and often of poor quality. The company provides an incredible range of options, meaning pieces can be completely individual, from bracelets, anklets and necklaces to hand and foot jewellery as well as body chains.

Booked your honeymoon yet? If not, you can do this with County Wedding Events

Planned the wedding and now need to think about your honeymoon? Seek out the advice of Jenn Shaer - Not just Travel, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse this April. Jenn adds, "I plan everything! All you need to worry about is soaking up every second in paradise. And guess what? My planning service won't cost you a penny extra - yes really! I love crafting perfect holidays and making travel dreams come true, whether it's a tropical escape or a city adventure, I specialise in tailor-made travel just for you."

Golden Ticket Entertainment are delighted to be exhibiting at the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show!

Having provided entertainment for weddings and events for more than 10 years, Mark and Luke, directors of Golden Ticket Entertainment, know that planning a wedding can be a daunting task. However, when it comes to programming your music, there doesn't need to be any stress at all! They'll be on hand to chat through the soundtrack to your day, offering their ideas, expertise, and passion for all things music.Whether you'd like to rock out to some Queen or Oasis with our show stopping rock-pop group, The Party Pilots, or you can't imagine your ceremony concluding in any other way than with a Love Actually-style brass "flash-mob" from The Oomparty Band, Golden Ticket Entertainment can cater for each important aspect of your big day with a host of difference options and bespoke wedding packages.

Have you considered renting flowers or having your own personalised neon light?

WildJar will be exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse. Owner, Jess says, "We work with our couples to create beautiful dried and artificial floral arrangements perfect for those boho and rustic weddings! We offer services from ceremony flower arches, photo flower backdrops, table centrepieces, rigged pampas clouds, personalised Neon lights and so much more - pop along to the fair to take a look

Hen party dos and don'ts according to brides

Planning a hen party can be a stressful task, and with more and more brides opting for weekends over one last night of single life, there's even more pressure to get it right. To help you create the perfect celebration, Amy Greenshields, party planning expert at cardfactory spoke to 10 recent brides and bride-to-bes, unveiling their hen party dos and don'ts. Using this insight, Amy shares her top tips for 'kissing the miss goodbye' in style.

Must-see refurbishment at Pennyhill Park

Surrey-based Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April and Mercedes-Benz World on 28th April; the team will be on hand to discuss your big day, as well highlight the venue's stunning new refurbishment. Newly refurbished and opened in Summer 2023, the venue's Wedding Terrace is a beautiful space offering both indoor and outdoor opportunities for couples. The whole of the terrace wing will be dedicated to you and your wedding, including the newly renovated and refurbished Parkview Suite and Water Lily Suite. Taking your pick of The Library for indoor ceremonies or the Pavilion for outdoor ceremonies, your wedding will flow seamlessly inside and out with the beautiful backdrop of the ivy-clad main house. You'll also have the rooms located in the terrace wing for your wedding party, so there isn't far to go at the end of the celebrations.

Different entertainment you ask? Poldark is the answer!

If you and your partner are looking for something unique for your wedding celebration entertainment, to create life long memories and to share amazing stories for decades to come, then Poldark is what you wouldn't have thought of, but what you are looking for. Your wedding celebrations are probably one of the most memorable times of your lives; a time to share your love with one another, a time to celebrate with those close to you and a time to look back and remember each and every moment.

Music and entertainment ticked off the list at Ascot Racecourse's wedding fair

Insanity Strings is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April 2024. An international music agency that provides exceptional string musicians for a diverse range of events and occasions, the company is your premier destination for top-tier string musicians to elevate any occasion - whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, a recording session or an intimate gathering. Its diverse musicians, with a wide spectrum of talents, have graced some of the world's most iconic stages, from grand concert halls to intimate and majestic wedding venues around the world; ensuring their performances resonate with audiences across genres and cultures.

Say 'I Do' to your dream smile: Transform your wedding smile within three hours!

Specialising in dental aesthetics, Smiles and Smiles will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April, and Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April, where the team will be on hand to answer all of your questions. Are you envisioning your perfect wedding day, ready to dazzle everyone with the most radiant, picture-perfect smile? At Smiles and Smiles, with its state-of-the-art AI and 3D design technology, expert dentistry, and exceptional customer service, they will collaborate with you to craft your uniquely perfect smile. "We ensure that the results will leave you with newfound joy and a confidence boost for your special day," shares the team. "We're also thrilled to offer you a chance to win a smile transformation worth up to £3,000 when you visit us at our stand!* Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your dream smile into reality!"

Find your big-day photographer at Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show

Based in Oxford, Oxfordshire and South Devon Matthew Ellacott Photography specialises in natural, authentic photography. Matt is not simply a photographer, but is a storyteller dedicated to capturing the essence of your wedding day for you. Matt thrives on capturing the joy of your celebration, his collections are focussed on the people and moments, that you will love to look back on, complemented with a few special signature portraits. With a warm, relaxed approach and unobtrusive style, Matt ensures your moments remain authentic, and unscripted. If you are a little photo-shy, he also has a talent for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

A spiritual wedding journey with Connected Collective

Bring the esoteric to your love journey by incorporating tarot in to your wedding day with exhibitor, Claire Laveaux of Connected Collective; showcasing her Psychic, Spiritual and Tarot work at Ascot Racecourse and Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Shows, hosted by County Wedding Events. Intertwine Tarot with your Love story. Gain clarity and calmness during planning your big day. Connect deeply with each other through learning how to read Tarot for each other. A Couple's Journey is tailored to celebrate this magical moment, offering profoundly meaningful connections to the energies that surround you and your partner. Let Tarot reveal the beauty and wisdom that await in your union.

Get the reception started with Nightlights DJ & Event Services

As a DJ and event services provider, Nightlights understand that events and celebrations are not just ordinary occasions. They are moments that deserve to be remembered and cherished for a lifetime. That is why they incorporate high-quality music, lighting, and entertainment to create a memorable atmosphere for their clients. With years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction, Nightlights DJ & Event Services is committed to taking your event to the next level. Whether it is a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or any occasion that needs a touch of excellence, trust Nightlights DJ & Event Services to provide a one-of-a-kind experience."

Expert advice on how to plan a wedding in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on how to plan a wedding in 2024. "Figure out your goals! Every wedding starts very differently and couples want different things. Sit together and decide what is the most important part of your wedding day - are you looking for a big party? Therefore drink and music may be key. Alternatively, if the look of everything is the most important thing, then this is where your money will be spent. Ensure you then allocate the budget and start with these suppliers."