Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day.
Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health. Cheryl Harper, managing director at Greensleeves, explains how the benefits of gardening stretch far beyond a bit of fresh air and a nice-looking lawn.
Get your workout on Anyone who's done a hard afternoon gardening will tell you it's a full-body workout at times. Who needs a gym when you can get your heart pumping and work several different muscle groups by digging out weeds, watering plants, and mowing the lawn? Regular exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. The physical exertion of gardening can be on par with going on a run or going to the gym. The NHS considers exercise essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life, and it's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Gardening helps improve your self-esteem Gardening can seem daunting for beginners, but once you start to see the fruits of your labour, you will fall in love with it in no time. There is a great sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with creating a beautifully landscaped garden. Plus, your garden will become the perfect place for relaxing or hosting friends and family. Gardening can provide a sense of accomplishment, mastery of a new skill, connection to nature, relaxation, and social interaction, all of which can improve your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Mow-tivaton As well as enjoying the fresh air and being close to nature, mowing offers additional mental and physical health benefits. It is a great way to promote a sense of well-being and the smell of fresh-cut grass has been shown to have a calming effect on many people. In fact, studies have found that exposure to the scent of freshly cut grass can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Pushing your lawn mower also acts as an efficient cardiovascular workout and the repetition of going up and down the garden is proven to deliver a serious calorie burn and be a great way to work your entire body and improve your heart health.
Grow together Gardens help us connect. Not just with nature and the outdoors, but with friends and family. It's easy to include the whole family when gardening, so get them all involved and show your kids how seeds develop into fully grown plants. Gardening teaches us patience, perseverance, and creativity – all important skills at any age. Even those of you who don't have your own garden can get started at one of Britain's favourite pastimes. Community gardens are becoming increasingly more common across the UK. They are great for combating loneliness, increasing social interaction, and improving teamwork. When working together for a shared common goal, you can find the role that works for you.
Summer thyme Spending time outdoors in the garden is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, a vital nutrient that promotes strong bones, muscles, and a robust immune system. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to soak up some sun and disconnect from the digital world. Gardening is a creative, enjoyable project that helps us forget about our troubles and focus on something positive.
Take care of your mental health According to the mental health charity Mind, nearly two-thirds of UK adults (63%) say that spending time gardening or in nature helps their mental health, with respondents saying it makes them feel less stressed and that they benefit from taking in the sights, colours, and smells of the outdoors. Gardening is so beneficial that the NHS has even prescribed it as part of their 'Long Term Plan'. So, get your green prescription and start enjoying the mental health benefits of gardening today.
Why more couples are choosing whole-house weddings over traditional venues
Dan Harley, founder of Group Escape Houses, explores why more couples are choosing to celebrate their wedding in a private house rather than a traditional venue. From Friday to Sunday, exclusive-use houses offer the chance to bring family and friends together under one roof for an entire weekend of celebrations. With accommodation for guests, space to host the wedding and the freedom to enjoy time together beyond the big day, this relaxed approach takes the pressure out of traditional wedding logistics. Group Escape Houses lists large properties across the UK, and after more than 20 years in the group celebrations industry, the team has seen growing interest in whole-house wedding bookings.
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Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: what's the difference?
Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: What's the difference? Ceremony Master explains... Choosing who will lead your wedding ceremony is an important decision, but understanding the difference between a registrar, an independent celebrant and a humanist celebrant can help you decide what's right for your day. From the legal requirements of getting married to creating a personal, meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship, each option offers something different. A registrar takes care of the legal civil marriage, while an independent celebrant can create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your story, preferences and values. A humanist celebrant also leads a personal ceremony, but one rooted in humanist beliefs and a non-religious outlook. The important distinction is that not every celebrant is authorised to legally marry a couple, and the rules vary across the UK
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Modern wedding rituals revealed as Brits bury sausages for the big day
For decades, the British wedding has followed a well-known rulebook of etiquette, from formal seating plans to three tier cakes. However, new research from Moonpig, the UK's leading online greeting card and gift retailer, has revealed that the nation is moving away from these traditions in favour of highly personal and often quirky rituals. The study of 1,500 Brits reveals that authenticity is winning over tradition. Six in ten (59%) believe a wedding should be a true reflection of the couple's personalities, even if it means breaking classic wedding etiquette. To ensure their day feels truly unique, many are turning to unconventional superstitions and spiritual services. Over one in five (22%) Brits said they have buried or would consider burying a sausage to guarantee good weather on their wedding day. Meanwhile, over a third (39%) would consider hiring an 'Etsy witch' or similar spiritualist to provide blessing rituals for their big day.
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UK’s Leading Stag & Hen Planners Under New Ownership
Tour operator Groupia, the parent company of leading stag and hen party brands StagWeb and GoHen, have been acquired by fellow group travel firm Funktion Leisure. Funktion Leisure, the company behind Funktion Events - an ABTA-bonded UK event specialist founded in 2007 - have also retained several of Groupia's staff to help with the transition and retain some of their extensive stag and hen party expertise. Funktion Events Managing Director Jay Broughton, said: "We acquired GoHen and StagWeb because they're two of the strongest names in UK hen and stag travel, with more than 750,000 customers between them since 2002.
