Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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."

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Local supplier spotlight: Cley Windmill

Cley Windmill is a wonderfully romantic wedding venue dating back to the 19 century. Now cherished as a local landmark, its striking 56-foot windmill, complete with sails and fan tail, creates a dreamy backdrop for those all-important photographs. The windmill's gardens offer a beautiful setting for ceremonies, and just beyond the garden wall lies the River Glaven, flowing gently beside the windmill and surrounded by marshland and countryside.

At the windmill's base, the rounded Ceremony Room provides an intimate and truly special scene for weddings and celebrations, with its original beams and woodwork and space for up to 26 guests.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has welcomed a new Executive Head Chef

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, a wedding venue in Newmarket, Suffolk, has welcomed a new Executive Head Chef, Robert Newall, to its award-winning, two AA Rosette Squires Restaurant. With a passion for seasonality, sustainability, and the finest local ingredients, Robert brings a fresh vision to the hotel's dining experience – one that celebrates the very best of British cuisine and Suffolk's exceptional produce.

Robert tells us more: "Seasonality and locality are at the heart of everything I do. My menus are built on local, sustainable produce – from Suffolk blue cheese and high-welfare Suffolk chicken and pork to the incredible range of vegetables grown right here in the region. Suffolk offers some of the finest ingredients in the country, and I'm proud to showcase them on our menus."

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Local supplier spotlight: Hardesty Event Design

Hardesty Event Design is a luxury wedding and event planning company based in Norfolk and London, led by UK planner and coordinator Emily Hardesty. Specialising in full-service wedding planning, on the day coordination, elegant venue styling, corporate events, and private celebrations, Emily and her team bring meticulous design and heartfelt care to events across the UK and beyond.

Emily shares: "At the heart of Hardesty Event Design is a creative partnership with you. I promise to truly listen, understand your vision, and work tirelessly to bring it to life. My Bespoke Planning service is crafted for couples who want to stay hands-on, yet value expert guidance to make their celebration everything they dream of. My goal is to ensure you feel supported and stress-free while we thoughtfully curate every detail of your day."

Braxted Park Estate 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 Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th February, 2026! 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.

Why you should have a wedding rehearsal

We spoke to Heather Bartsch from Your Choice Ceremonies and asked for her advice on having a wedding rehearsal.

As an Independent Celebrant, I believe a wedding rehearsal is one of the most valuable elements of wedding preparation. That's why it's included in my package—it ensures your ceremony feels effortless and joyful. Here's why I strongly recommend it.

Even though most people have attended a wedding in the past, not everyone has played a key role in one. Standing in front of guests, reading aloud, or walking down the aisle can feel daunting. A rehearsal helps everyone feel confident and prepared.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Caley Hall Hotel has unveiled its new wedding brochure

Exciting news for couples planning their special day: Caley Hall Hotel in Norfolk has unveiled its new wedding brochure, along with a refreshed selection of menus designed to make every celebration unforgettable.

The updated brochure showcases the timeless elegance and charm of Caley Hall Hotel as a wedding destination. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions, it highlights a wide range of spaces, each with its own distinctive character.

Crondon Park 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 Crondon Park, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 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. Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK.

County Wedding Events coming Kimberley Hall, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kimberley Hall, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face 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. Built in 1712 during the reign of Queen Anne, Kimberley sits at the centre of a 700 acre park laid out in 1778. The house boasts spectacular views past grazing cattle and Norfolk's greatest concentration of ancient oaks, to a large lake at the bottom of the River Tiffey valley. Centrally located in Norfolk, 9 miles west of Norwich and close to arterial road, rail and air links (plus a private airstrip), Kimberley is ideally positioned.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Local supplier spotlight: Bayfield Catering

Bayfield Catering, a wedding caterer based in Holt, Norfolk, attended The Wedding Industry Awards at the end of November as nominees for a prestigious category. This nomination is a testament to the outstanding service the company has provided to brides and grooms throughout the year.

Owner Emma Boubaker shares her story: "I am a local girl from the North Norfolk Coast, born in Blakeney, and I have worked in the catering industry all my life. I trained at Norwich City College, where I achieved my Catering City & Guilds Diploma. My first job was under Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall, where I trained for a couple of years. I continued my career in various local establishments along the Norfolk coast, gaining experience in different working environments.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.