Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue.
A festival theme Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.
Venue If you aren't able to hire a big piece of land or don't have a family member or distant relative with an unfeasibly large garden, don't worry, you can still have an outdoor wedding! Many wedding venues, especially rural ones and local pubs, will let you jazz up their beer garden for your wedding. If you've found the outdoor space, why not stretch your nuptials over a weekend and have your guests camp on site, dancing around their yurts until the sun comes up.
Ottolenghi style dining Couples this summer are also looking for big sharing-style plates with plenty of fresh produce and bright colours. Salads are taking centre stage, and even when couples are opting for meat dishes, they are still looking to serve them "family style" alongside plenty of vibrant sides.
Custom menu items Couples have been looking for very specific menu items that are personal to their relationships - for example, Togather.com had one couple looking for an orange and rosemary sorbet as it's a special flavour combo for them from the day they got engaged. The great thing about booking via Togather is that customers can chat directly with suppliers before booking to ensure that these requests are possible, unlike booking via a preferred supplier at a venue.
Aperol carts Move over champagne trays: Aperol carts are taking over. They make a great option for drinks receptions as they double as a photo opp, and that distinctive orange provides a perfect pop of colour for a summer wedding.
Decor If you're working with a big space, then hiring tents, tipis and marquees is a great idea and offers the perfect place for speeches, meals and your first dance, not to mention somewhere for your guests to take shelter should the heavens open. Once you've got these structures set up, it's really easy to decorate and make them totally your own. For a shabby chic festival wedding, think oversized pastel coloured balloons, bunting, bright ribbons tied into trees, festival flags, enormous wooden lettering for your guests to take photos in front of, and lots and lots of flowers! Lighting is the absolute key and bad lighting will really make itself known when the evening comes. It needs to be moody and atmospheric, created using fairy lights and lanterns... no industrial lighting allowed.
Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.
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Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples
The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.
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Spring Wedding Showcase at The Castle in Spofforth offers inspiration, suppliers and ideas for your perfect wedding day
Couples planning their big day are invited to the Spring Wedding Showcase on Saturday 21st March, from 11am–2pm at The Castle, Spofforth. This relaxed, drop-in event brings together a curated selection of trusted local suppliers, offering everything from floristry and styling to photography and finishing touches. Guests can enjoy complimentary canapés while chatting with experienced wedding professionals and exploring ideas for their celebration. With no formal appointments required, it's the perfect opportunity to gather inspiration, ask questions and discover options in a welcoming setting. Free entry makes it easy for couples to drop in and start shaping their perfect wedding day.
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66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks
In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.
