Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Local supplier spotlight: Trish Thompson Photography

Trish Thompson Photography captures natural, unscripted moments in Norfolk and across the UK.

"Photographs are so important; they are moments captured in time, memories to treasure and heirlooms to pass on to the next generation," shares Trish. "For as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated with photography. My parents bought me my first camera when I was 13, and I started to develop an eye for a great shot; my passion for photography and a desire to tell a story through the lens carried on from there."

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Weddings - Magazines and Events to host its Signature Wedding Shows at the site from January 2026. Based in Essex, renowned local wedding show organisers County Wedding Events host wedding shows across the Home Counties; the company's largest events, its Signature Wedding Shows, are at iconic locations Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent – sister shopping centre to Braintree Village in Essex.

Channels Golf Club Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

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 29th March, 2026! 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.

Creative Decorations has relocated to the Norfolk coast

Creative Decorations has recently relocated to the Norfolk coast and is now based in Great Yarmouth. With a passion for creating fun, vibrant, and memorable wedding décor, owner Helen brings her award- winning expertise and infectious enthusiasm to couples across the region.

Whether you're dreaming of colourful balloon arches, eye-catching installations, or classic table centrepieces, Creative Decorations offers a wide range of options to bring your vision to life. With more than 14 years of experience, multiple awards, and a place on a global balloon-build team, Helen brings both skill and imagination to every event.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Local supplier spotlight: Heacham Manor Hotel

Heacham Manor Hotel boasts a 400-year-old mulberry tree, tranquil pond and peaceful grove, all framed by a beautifully maintained 18-hole golf course, creating a picturesque backdrop for weddings.

The Dove Suite offers a bright, contemporary setting for up to 120 guests. With elegant neutral tones, wood floors and soft lighting, it exudes modern sophistication. Its flexible, soundproof layout adapts easily for intimate ceremonies and grand receptions, with stylish décor and abundant natural daylight.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate's Wedding Fair

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate, for inspiration on Sunday 22nd March, 2026! 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 Layer Marney Tower, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events fair at Layer Marney Tower, Essex on Sunday 22nd March, 2026! A must-visit event for engaged couples, the show puts you 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.

Bayfield Catering were nominated for a prestigious award

Bayfield Catering, a wedding caterer based in Holt, Norfolk, attended The Wedding Industry Awards at the end of November as nominees for a prestigious award. This nomination is a testament to the work Bayfield Catering has done this year in delivering top-notch service to its brides and grooms.

Run by Emma Boubaker, Bayfield Catering is a family business with a passion for quality food. "We use local produce and have good relationships with local suppliers," says Emma. "Bayfield Catering can help you with your special day, making sure it is as stress-free as possible. Whether you're hosting your wedding in a large or small venue, we can accommodate your needs and offer advice on what works well."

Local supplier spotlight: Riverside House Hotel

Nestled on the edge of the River Lark, the Riverside House Hotel features a historic exterior surrounded by lush gardens. Built in 1720, the building exudes timeless elegance, with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the picturesque setting in the warmer months. The classic architecture blends beautifully with the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The garden overlooking the River Lark provides a perfect backdrop for your photographs and an ideal place to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés with your guests. Inside, a striking staircase offers a fantastic photo opportunity before you walk down the aisle, while a back gate leads directly to the river for more scenic shots.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

Micklefield Hall Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! 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 Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa has partnered with spa house Tribe517

Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa in Ipswich has expanded its treatment range by partnering with award-winning spa house Tribe517 to launch two exclusive signature rituals: The Art of Sleep and The Art of Happiness. Both are 45-minute treatments; The Art of Sleep is designed to relax and quiet the mind, while The Art of Happiness aims to invigorate and uplift. These new additions complement the already impressive collection of spa facilities at Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, including a vitality pool, SnowSky, a sensory spa garden, and much more. Both treatments are perfect for de-stressing in the run-up to your big day.

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

Local supplier spotlight: Kimberley Hall

Kimberley was built in 1712 and set in private parkland in the River Tiffey Valley designed by the nation's most famous landscape architect, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The house offers breathtaking views of a 20-acre lake and ancient oaks and is ideally located in Norfolk and for those coming by road and rail from further afield. Its distinctive classical red brick façade, curved colonnades, wings, architectural features and combination of traditional and contemporary elegance give it unique character both inside and out.

Parkdean Resorts reveals East Anglia has been the most popular destination of 2025

Over the past year, lodge holiday provider Parkdean Resorts has seen a notable rise in demand for romantic breaks closer to home. After analysing sales data, it was revealed that East Anglia has been the most popular destination for couples in 2025 so far. With open beaches, quaint seaside towns, and easy access from major cities, the region is a top destination for families and couples alike.

Based on this, Parkdean Resorts has identified two key drivers behind the growing staycation trend among couples: value for money and convenience. "One of the biggest factors driving the growth in demand for UK staycations is the value for money they offer," says a spokesperson for Parkdean Resorts. "Our research shows that 61 per cent of UK holidaymakers believe domestic holidays provide better value than trips abroad, with 54 per cent citing cost as the primary reason for choosing a destination closer to home. Convenience is another key factor, with 70 per cent of UK holidaymakers saying ease of travel is a top reason to staycation."