Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

WoodWick® new Vapour Trails collection for the big day and beyond

Introducing the Vapour Trails Collection from Woodwick which celebrates the subtle beauty in everyday movement. There are fewer greater life moments than your wedding day, and whether it's to scent the big day itself or to give a gorgeous gift to loved ones, the new Woodwick Vapour Trails Collection would be ideal. Terra Haze: Petrichor, the refreshingly vivid scent of rain on soil, evokes the sense of nature being stripped down to its molecules. Notes of aldehydes, cedarwood, and mossy earth climb toward the sky, dancing back into the atmosphere like mist.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Bedford Lodge Hotel is hosting an exclusive wedding fair open evening

Bedford Lodge Hotel, a luxurious wedding venue in Newmarket, is inviting couples to an enchanting Wedding Fair Open Evening on Thursday, 20th February, from 5pm to 7pm.

Set within the breathtaking Georgian venue, the hotel will be beautifully styled with the latest wedding trends, providing endless inspiration for your special day. The expert wedding team, alongside a selection of handpicked industry professionals, will be on hand to offer guidance and help bring your dream wedding to life.

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

The Red House is a new wedding venue

Nestled in three acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds just 15 minutes from Cambridge, The Red House is a new wedding venue offering views across open countryside, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

The fully exclusive venue hire accommodates up to 120 seated guests, with the option for an additional 100 evening guests, bringing your total capacity to 220. For smaller receptions, the enchanting gardens and elegantly designed marquee, featuring a private outdoor bar, provide a delightful atmosphere for around 60 guests. Step inside the historic main building, dating back to 1799, where open vaulted ceilings, natural oak beams, and a cosy log fire set the stage for your special day.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is an 18th-century Georgian wedding venue

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is an 18th-century Georgian house built originally as a hunting lodge for the sixth Duke of Bedford. Set back from the road, the impressive entrance draws you around the sweeping driveway past the perfectly manicured lawns to the elegant white stucco building entrance. The hotel provides the perfect blend between old and new, retaining the charm and character of a country house but with the modern luxury and comfort of an exquisite boutique hotel.

Set in three acres of perfectly manicured gardens, the hotel has established rose gardens and a wisteria-clad, ivory-pillared walkway to The Spa. The Classics Garden is a formal garden that is exclusive to you on your wedding day. This space allows your guests the freedom to relax during the day in quiet surroundings.

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

The Boathouse is hosting a wedding fair this March

The Boathouse, a luxurious wedding venue a few miles from the Norfolk coast and the popular seaside town of Yarmouth, is hosting a wedding fair. Taking place on Sunday 16th March 2025 between 11am and 3pm, the fair is free of charge and is the perfect opportunity to explore the venue and chat with the knowledgeable team.

Wonderfully light and airy, the Ceremony Room is big enough for up to 120 friends and family. The sliding glass doors open onto the spacious terrace, and beside it, there's a pretty wedding arbour where couples can say their vows. After tying the knot, they will proceed to the beautiful wedding breakfast and celebration rooms, a perfect blend of modern and classic styles, and enjoy a sit-down meal with their loved ones. Alternatively, they can head out to the decked terrace for an al fresco celebration.

Swynford Manor is a luxurious country house in Cambridgeshire

Swynford Manor is a luxurious country house combining contemporary style with rural charm. As you arrive down the gravel drive, flanked by plush lawns, you'll catch your first glimpse of the distinctive timber-framed building. Step inside, and the magic continues with a gleaming black and white checkered floor in the hall and a crystal chandelier above the grand staircase, perfect for making a grand entrance. The rest of the rooms are dressed to match the chic monochrome colour scheme. Surrounded by seven acres of green lawns and paddocks, all neatly framed by trees, you can be sure of privacy on your big day.

Happiness Blooms Creations is offering one lucky couple a £250 giveaway

Happiness Blooms Creations, based in Norfolk, preserves flowers in resin for all occasions. The owner Clare Fowles tells us: "We can preserve a single flower or a whole bouquet in a resin shape of your choice. Our personal design service will give you something to keep and treasure forever. We pride ourselves on our modern floral preservation service and capture the story behind your flowers, producing quality artwork in glass-like resin. We add that special touch at our weddings; they are given at a new birth, at funerals, when someone is sick, when someone hits a big milestone, and just when someone needs a pick-me-up. My floral preservation work captures the moment and allows you to pass down your memories, beautifully preserved, for many years to come."

Happiness Blooms Creations is offering £250 off your next order for one lucky individual. All you have to do is enter via this form and keep an eye on Happiness Blooms Creation's social media channels to find out if you're the winner on the 28th February. Entries close on the 27th February 2025 at 23:59. The winner must redeem the prize on an order of £250 or more. *Terms and conditions apply. Read them here.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.