Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Dragon Hall Wedding Open House

People have lived, worked and celebrated on the site of Dragon Hall, in Norwich, for more than 1,000 years. Now, the Dragon Hall team are delighted to invite couples to celebrate their marriage within the historic walls of its majestic Great Hall.The Great Hall is the heart of Dragon Hall; a rare example of a medieval trading complex, built in 1427 by merchant, Robert Toppes. In the Great Hall, history and beauty surrounds you; constructed with English oak from some 1,000 trees, with seven bays that were originally decorated with colourful carvings — of which only the eponymous Dragon remains. It provides a sumptuous backdrop for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts.

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 9th March, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples in touch with local professionals for face-to-face wedding planning. 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'.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

Swynford Manor has won an award

Boutique Cambridgeshire wedding venue, Swynford Manor, has been named the UK's most romantic location to tie the knot by the Nation's Wedding Awards. With more than 250 finalists across 28 different categories, Swynford Manor was announced as the most 'Romantic Wedding Venue of the Year' at the awards ceremony.

Sian Parry, the venue manager at Swynford Manor, said: "The Swynford Manor team works incredibly hard to deliver one-of-a-kind weddings to all of our couples on a weekly basis. We are ecstatic to be recognised for our dedication and commitment – not only by the English Wedding Awards but also by The Nation's Wedding Awards – and this achievement is a real testament to all our hard work."

Cley Windmill is a charming wedding venue situated on the North Norfolk coast

Cley Windmill is a charming wedding venue situated on the North Norfolk coast that's considered a local landmark. Instead of a traditional garden, the venue is surrounded by reeds and marshland with the sea in the distance, creating an idyllic setting for those in search of an original big-day backdrop. The gallery at the top of the tower provides the ultimate photo opportunity, with the windmill sails in the background, that are sure to wow your guests.

Hold your ceremony in the round-beamed Dining Room, which is full of character, or in one of the many outdoor spaces, including the decked area among the reeds.

Enjoy a cosy reception in the windmill or dance the night away in the marquee in the garden.

County Wedding Events coming to Sprowston Manor, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Sprowston Manor, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 2nd March 2025! 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. Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf and Country Club would make the perfect venue for your dream wedding. The Manor House hotel is over 450 years old with charming features from it's grand sweeping staircase to the original historical fireplaces, landscaped gardens and calming water features.

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.

Love Wedding Cakes is celebrating its 10th anniversary

Love Wedding Cakes, based in Dereham, Norfolk, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Owner Amber Briggs tells us more: "Over the past decade, I'd like to think that Love Wedding Cakes has become synonymous with elegance, artistry and exceptional taste. Each cake is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest ingredients and showcasing my expertise in sugarcraft. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished over the past 10 years. It's been a journey filled with creativity, dedication, and the pleasure of bringing couples' wedding dreams to life. I also feel fortunate to be a part of the Norfolk and Suffolk wedding industry, full of talented business owners who all support each other. This 10-year milestone seemed like the perfect time to expand our delivery service. I'm excited to announce that, in addition to serving Norfolk and Suffolk, my creations are now available to wedding venues in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Buckinghamshire, and beyond. I'm excited to continue serving more couples, some further afield, and sharing my passion for beautiful cake design."

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Madingley Hall & Gardens is just four miles from the centre of Cambridge

Just four miles from the centre of Cambridge and a mere 60 minutes from London, Madingley Hall & Gardens provides a memorable setting for your special day.

Built in the 16th century, this elegant country house has seven acres of spectacular gardens and grounds, designed in the 18th century by 'Capability' Brown.

The Hall is one of the few university venues to offer all year-round availability for residential and non-residential events, offering superb catering using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, a bar, ample car parking and even croquet lawns in season.

Rushton 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 Rushton Hall, Northamptonshire for inspiration on Sunday 23rd February! 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.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Tracey Davies Photography was named as a regional finalist at The Wedding Industry Awards

Bures-based wedding photographer Tracey Davies Photography was named as a regional finalist in the 'Wedding Photographer of the Year' and 'Best Newcomer' categories at The Wedding Industry Awards – congratulations!

Tracey tells us: "To be announced as a regional finalist meant so much. I love wedding photography because it captures human interaction and connection at its very best and that's why I am so passionate. To be voted by the couples and have this recognition is profoundly monumental for me in marking triumph and a conquering over what has been quite a life journey. I am absolutely delighted."

Kimberley Hall is a Queen Anne house built in 1712

Kimberley Hall is a romantic Queen Anne house built in 1712 in the River Tiffey Valley. It offers breathtaking views of a vast lake, ancient oaks and private parkland designed by the nation's famous landscape designer, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The house is distinguished by a classical red brick façade, wings, curved colonnades and a multitude of architectural features that provide it with a unique character externally and internally.

Be it a large-scale wedding or an intimate celebration, you will benefit from a friendly and experienced in-house team of wedding planners, a choice of caterers, food and wine to suit all budgets, flexible packages and ample accommodation for 40 guests in the main house or cottages on the estate (one is wheelchair accessible). These include four-poster beds and a Drummond's double shower in the bridal suite, which has a raised bath to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and charming, ancient landscape.

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is now offering outdoor weddings

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, a prestigious four-star AA red-star hotel in Newmarket, is now offering luxurious outdoor weddings. Nestled in three acres of manicured gardens, this idyllic venue offers couples a charming backdrop of natural beauty in the heart of the historic home of British horseracing.

The hotel's elegant 18th-century white stucco building and stunning rose gardens provide a romantic backdrop for weddings and create the perfect setting to enjoy canapés and a glass of champagne with up to 150 guests. With guest experience being top priorities at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, its dedicated wedding coordinator is on hand to guide couples through the planning process to ensure their wedding is exactly as they imagine it and to make the experience as stress-free and seamless as possible.

Sheene Mill is nestled along the meandering River Mel in Cambridgeshire

Sheene Mill in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, is a tranquil haven set among acres of picturesque countryside. Nestled along the meandering River Mel, this elegant country venue can be exclusively yours on your wedding day. History embraces you as you say your vows in the 400-year-old flour mill or outside in the outdoor wedding pavilion suspended across the river. There is space for more than 55 vehicles to park at the venue, so your guests can enjoy the day without worrying about moving their cars. The venue has an exquisite shabby chic interior design, beautiful landscaped gardens, luxurious accommodation, and an award-winning catering and events team to help make your special day perfect.