Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Easy self-care ideas from The Spa at Bedford Lodge

As the festive season approaches, calendars quickly fill with shopping trips, wedding planning, celebrations, and family gatherings - often leaving little time for rest and rejuvenation. At Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, the team believes that self-care is essential, especially at this busy time of year. Even small restorative moments can make a big difference in how people experience the joy and magic of the season.

Carla Belmonte, Spa Manager at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, shares her top self-care recommendations to help guests feel calm, centred, and resilient throughout the holidays:

The colder months and festive indulgences can take a toll on the body. Carla encourages guests to focus on nutrition that supports wellbeing and immunity. "Looking after your body from the inside helps you feel more energised, alert, and ready to enjoy the festive season," says Carla.

April Dace Jewellery is hosting Christmas workshops

Christmas is just around the corner and April Dace Jewellery, a jewel in Dereham, Norfolk, is hosting a range of Christmas workshops.

April tells us: "There's something extra magical about being in the workshop at this time of year... the tools on the bench, the cosy environment and that warm, festive buzz as everyone creates something meaningful with their own hands. If you'd love to enjoy a creative moment this December (or gift the experience to someone who'd love it), I have a handful of workshop dates available up until Christmas. 'll be releasing 2026 workshop dates very soon, and I can't wait to share what's coming. Keep an eye on your inbox for brand-new workshops too, including Wax Carve A Ring and Silver Bangle Making!"

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Give the gift of time this Christmas with Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa

This Christmas, Ipswich's Riverhills Health Club and Day Spa is offering the ultimate present for those who cherish wellbeing: the gift of time. With its innovative 'Book Time, Not Treatments' concept, Riverhills is making it easier than ever to give a thoughtful and personalised gift with a Riverhills Gift Voucher.

Spa days at Riverhills start from £85 and include four hours of unlimited access to the luxurious facilities, plus a 30-minute treatment of choice from the face, body, or massage menu. Instead of selecting treatments weeks in advance, guests simply book their preferred treatment time and choose their treatment on the day, following a relaxed consultation with their therapist. Whether it's a tension-melting massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or a restorative body treatment, the decision is theirs.

Local supplier spotlight: Posh Plants

Sue Huckle, from Posh Plants, shares her top tips on why you should choose plants for your wedding décor, "Your wedding day deserves nothing less than extraordinary, and Posh Plants deliver botanical elegance that will help to transform any venue into a breathtaking celebration space. "Our sustainable commitment is really important...hiring Posh Plants for decoration means you are helping! Our beautiful trees work hard, so when they have helped at your special day they return to the nursery where they are looked after and pampered so they're in tip-top condition for their next outing."

Our team visits Riverhills Health Club & Spa for a day of fire and ice relaxation

A spa trip has always been, and always will be, the best way to unwind – be it after a period of high stress or just from the general tension of everyday life. Riverhills has created a space for you to completely shut off from the outside world.

The breathtaking views are a fantastic first impression of what your day is going to look like; Riverhills makes you feel uplifted as soon as you arrive – generous parking is a small bonus but offers peace of mind! As you walk through the doors, you're greeted with friendly staff with cheery smiles. Riverhills is not only a spa but also as a sports facility; so, if you're lucky enough to live near it, it can also be your regular gym.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced an exciting new phase of reinvestment

Newmarket's Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the start of an exciting new phase of reinvestment of some of its facilities and guest experiences. The hotel's Roxana Bar has already seen the space modernised, work is also underway on updating 25 of the hotel's bathrooms, ensuring guests continue to enjoy the highest standards of comfort and luxury, whilst also maintaining the hotel's sustainability promises.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Adella Bridal has opened its second boutique

Adella Bridal has opened its doors to a second boutique, Adella RTW (Ready to Wear by Adella), located right next door to its flagship store. Owner Amy says, "We've listened to our brides, especially in the current climate, who dream of being an Adella bride but have a tighter budget. Adella RTW makes that possible, offering our signature style, service, and quality, with the added ease of taking a gown home the very same day."

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Local supplier spotlight: The Boathouse

Nestled right on the banks of Ormesby Broad, The Boathouse is surrounded by tranquil water, native reedbeds and rich wildlife – creating a beautiful, idyllic backdrop.

The structure includes a spacious decked terrace that extends over the water, offering ample space for ceremonies, photos and al fresco receptions. From the gentle water reflections to the wildlife backdrop, every element feels intentionally curated to create a vivid, memorable experience.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Norfolk Hideaways has announced its fifth year of partnering with Norfolk Restaurant Week

Norfolk Hideaways is proud to announce its fifth year of partnering with Norfolk Restaurant Week 2025, a much-anticipated culinary event running across two weeks, from Monday 3rd to Friday 14th November 2025 (excluding weekends). The event is perfectly timed to offer restaurants, and local food producers, some extra support during a quieter time. The partnership shines a spotlight on the fi nest dining the region has to offer, inviting food lovers (both locals and visitors) to experience locally sourced dishes at some of the area's most celebrated restaurants for a fraction of the usual price!

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

THE SWEETEST ADDITION TO CELEBRATIONS

Whether you're looking for the perfect bridal party favours, delicious hen party treats or a showstopping centrepiece for your wedding reception, look no further than the Parisian-style confectionery delights from Suffolk's Hilton Macarons. The brand's award-winning macarons are handmade using Italian meringue and generously filled with a range of delicious flavours to create the fi nest sweet treats that will make the most delicious addition to any wedding celebration.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

MAKE YOUR WEDDING RINGS WITH APRIL DACE JEWELLERY

Nestled just behind Flow Craft Café, and moments from Dereham's main car parks, April's new space is warm, welcoming and filled with the tools and treasures of her craft. It's here that April will offer jewellery-making classes, one-to-one tutoring, and the much-anticipated Couples Wedding Ring Making Experience. Couples are invited to craft their own wedding bands — or make them for each other — guided every step of the way by April's gentle expertise.