Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Young Brits looking to get hitched face saving for 30 Months

Young couples are faced with saving for over 30 months to reach their wedding savings goals, according to new research from Nationwide that charts what Brits are saving for in 2024.One in six young people are currently putting money away for their dream wedding. On average, these love birds are aiming to save £17,000 in preparation for their wedding – although the costs will likely be higher as many will also benefit from contributions from family and friends. Based on average monthly individual savings of £282, it would take a typical couple saving a combined £564 around 31 months to reach their target.*

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Easton Grange is a wedding venue set on the edge of the River Deben

Set on the edge of the River Deben, Easton Grange is a charming wedding venue that has been converted from a series of 500-year-old tithe barns. There are plenty of spaces to explore at Easton Grange, including the willow woods, the meticulously maintained lawns, the romantic bridge and the wheat fields.

Light and airy, with everything under one roof, Easton Grange has a bridal dressing room, a barn, a piano bar and a celebration barn that are all interconnected.

County Wedding Events coming to Braxted Park Estate, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 28th January, 2024. The sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

VC Event Curation is offering our readers an exclusive discount

VC Event Curation are luxury wedding planners, creating bespoke events and celebrations worldwide. Based in Suffolk, creative director Victoria Ewing and managing director Caroline Gould work together to help couples create their dream weddings.

"We are genuinely proud every time a client chooses to welcome us and our amazing team into their celebration," say Victoria and Caroline. "We will always work closely with you to learn about your needs and desires and become your friend and confidant so that when you have no time, we can do it all. With backgrounds in corporate event management, exquisite customer service, and five-star hotels, whether you're looking for help with every need on your special day or for someone to work behind the scenes to assist in the evolution of your event, our team is devoted to delivering our core message of planning with you in mind. We're here to make you feel at ease and truly supported as we call upon long-trusted suppliers to carefully design and manage your celebration with respect, discretion, meticulous planning, and, of course, a lot of fun!"

County Wedding Events coming to Old Essex Barn, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Old Essex Barn Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 28th April 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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. Old Essex Barn is a simply stunning renovated barn from the 15th century, located on the outskirts of the quiet village of Kelvedon. The barn oozes character with beautiful historic oak timbers and vaulted ceilings, it truly is a special place to say 'I do'.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 28th April, 2024! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

Holmewood Hall is a wedding venue nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside

Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, Holmewood Hall offers 10 acres of well-kept grounds and parklands that provide a secluded retreat for those of you who want to enjoy an escape to a country manor.

A characterful and charming Gothic Tudor-style house, its imposing red-brick exterior offers a striking backdrop. Steeped in history, the hall is bursting with 18th-century period features, from its grand fireplaces and ornate ceilings to floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden panelling.

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

County Wedding Events coming to That Amazing Place, Harlow, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at That Amazing Place, in Harlow, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 14th April 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Channels Golf Club, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Channels Golf Club, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 21st April 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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. The beautifully restored, 17th-century, thatched Essex Barn is an idyllic wedding venue for your special day. Tie the knot with your soulmate in surroundings full of character with up to 100 of your loved ones there to share the moment.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel has been named one of the AA's recommended spas

The AA has announced its list of Recommended UK Spas, recognising Newmarket's The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel as an indulgent world of rejuvenation and luxury.

The spa manager, Kate Lake, said: "We're thrilled to be included amongst AA's Recommended UK Spas and feel immense pride that we're able to offer a serene spa experience blending unparalleled facilities and treatments with our calming setting. Not to mention our dedicated team, who are at the core of our success, always going above and beyond for customers and delivering a full-body wellness experience from the moment they step inside to the highest of standards."

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

Happy Valley Norfolk is a secluded woodland venue

Happy Valley Norfolk is a secluded woodland venue, boasting a lake and wide-sky views. The woodland gardens and open glades make a picture-perfect setting for weddings. The site comprises of a traditional carrstone and flint barn with an indoor bar and a larger industrial-style barn with a cocktail bar plus an undercover adjoining courtyard, perfect for al fresco celebrations.

For vows, the woodland and bridged island are very popular, followed by a reception utilising the outdoor areas for a wedding breakfast of up to 180 guests and a reception of 300 friends and family. If the weather is not suitable, there are plenty of indoor spaces to choose from.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.