Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The Kesgrave Hall Wedding Show is taking place on Sunday 27th October

Whether you've recently gotten engaged or are at the end of your wedding planning journey, trying to find the perfect suppliers can be stressful. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams, why not visit a local wedding fair? This is the ideal chance to meet some of the region's best companies and discuss your big day.

The Kesgrave Hall Wedding Show will be taking place on Sunday 27th October 2024 between 11am and 3pm. Pre-register to attend this event, where you'll have the opportunity to view Kesgrave Hall, learn more about the venue and meet a variety of suppliers ready to help plan your special day. Entry is free of charge.

Retreat East is set within a wellness retreat in the heart of Suffolk

Set within a tranquil wellness retreat in the heart of Suffolk, Retreat East offers a taste of wedding heaven. Designed by owner and architect Dominic Richards, the beautifully restored dairy farm includes an original 16th-century farmhouse and 16 stylishly converted barns with beamed ceilings, freestanding bathtubs and a country chic vibe – perfect for pre- or post-wedding rest and relaxation.

Surrounded by 35 acres of countryside and wildflower meadows, it's a quintessentially English setting. Whether you're looking for an exclusive- use wedding or a smaller, more intimate affair, you can enjoy a tailor- made experience for your special day.

Norfolk Hideaways has partnered with The Coastal Exploration Company

Norfolk Hideaways has partnered with The Coastal Exploration Company to launch a one-of-a-kind sailing adventure. Inspired by Arthur Ransome's children's classic Swallows and Amazons, the adventure will see families sail out into the wilderness of the Norfolk salt marshes in search of treasure! This collaboration aims to offer a unique experience for younger guests, bringing the thrill of exploration and adventure to their Norfolk holiday – perfect for those of you planning a family-moon or pre-wedding getaway with the kids.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

The Red House is a new wedding venue in Cambridgeshire

Nestled in three acres of beautiful landscaped grounds just 15 minutes from Cambridge, The Red House offers views across open countryside, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, The Red House could be your ideal setting.

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.

Upthorpe Wood is the perfect setting for free-spirited couples

Upthorpe Wood is the perfect setting for free-spirited couples who like to think outside the box. This intimate woodland venue is licensed for weddings inside and out and is available on a dry-hire basis, so you're free to make it your own for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

You can tie the knot under the Cartlodge or in the Woodland Barn; both look magical lit with twinkling fairylights and are perfect for dining and enjoying the evening entertainment.

The Maltings in North Norfolk has opened its doors

The Maltings' restoration has been a three-year project, taking inspiration from its North Norfolk location. and its history as both a supplier to local brewers and an artist's studio. The old malthouse is now a destination to eat and drink, sleep and play, explore and discover more, blending tradition with modern comfort, style, and service. The results can be seen everywhere, from the 28 rooms spread across the main house and the old stable blocks that reflect the spirit of the area, to the spectacular double-height restaurant, The Grain Store.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens

Nestled on the edge of the River Lark, the Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens. The historic building, originally constructed in 1720, exudes timeless elegance. Its picturesque setting includes outdoor seating areas in the garden, perfect for enjoying scenic views during the warmer months. The classic architecture harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere.

The garden overlooking the River Lark provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photographs and is the ideal environment in which to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés with your guests. Here, you can relax and capture the scenes of the day.

Salon Nine has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024

Salon Nine, a hair and beauty salon based in Suffolk, has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024 at the illustrious Hair and Beauty Awards (The HBA). Founded in 2021, Salon Nine has quickly established itself as a premier destination for brides-to-be, offering hair and beauty services tailored to create unforgettable wedding day experiences.

Rebecca Clark, the owner of Salon Nine, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award: "Winning the Bridal Salon of the Year award is an incredible honour for our team at Salon Nine. We are passionate about making every bride feel beautiful and special on their wedding day, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work."

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Wood Farm Barn is in an Area of Outstanding Beauty

Wood Farm Barn is surrounded by a stunning rural landscape in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. The walled garden, natural pond, copse, and tree-lined avenue offer plenty of opportunities to take your big day photographs.

At night, the venue can be lit with strategically placed lights, giving enough illumination without destroying the magical atmosphere of this rural setting.

The Barn has several options for where to hold your ceremony. There are outside locations, such as the woodland area, the open barn or grassland, to choose from.

County Wedding Events coming to Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk, for inspiration on Sunday 27th October 2024! 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 beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a boutique hotel, luxurious spa and brasserie restaurant just outside Ipswich.

Find Shropshire Petals Confetti in your County Wedding Events' goodybag

When visiting a County Wedding Events show, whether it's our smaller events or our larger Signature Wedding Show exhibitions; couples will find a sachet of Shropshire Petals ' biodegradable petal confetti in their goodybag! Book your attendance at one of our events now. Perfect for weddings, British flowers are grown on its fourth generation family farm during the summer months, and picked by hand when they're perfectly bloomed. All its petals and flowers are sustainable, eco-friendly and as nature intended.

Glamping Hideaways is offering new short courses for couples to enjoy on-site

Glamping Hideaways in Norfolk, known for its outdoor holiday retreats, is spearheading this trend by providing guests with a chance to unwind and reconnect with the natural world, all while indulging in modern comforts. In addition to providing a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, Glamping Hideaways is committed to supporting rural communities and sharing local life with tourists. By partnering with local artisans, farmers and businesses, Glamping Hideaways contributes to the growth, support and awareness of rural areas and their natural beauty.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

The Meadow Garden is a four-acre private oasis on the edge of the historic city of Ely

The Meadow Garden is a four-acre private oasis on the edge of the historic city of Ely. This natural garden has a surrounding hedgerow, wild roses, trees, tall grasses, a wildlife pond with a bridge and a weeping willow tree, which looks stunning in photographs.

In the garden, there is a gazebo that can be used for a ceremony with rustic wooden benches for your guests. There is also a wooden moongate as an alternative choice for ceremonies or a photo backdrop framing the natural scenery. There is romantic lighting in the garden, which looks amazing by night, as well as outdoor seating. There is a toilet lodge in the garden, which provides ladies and gents toilets in a rustic chic style. Incorporated into this lodge is a family toilet with baby change facilities, which can also be used as a changing room, accessed by a ramp.

Meet local photographer Emily Tyler Photography

Emily Tyler Photography is a local photographer living in Suffolk. "I fill my days with the simple, beautiful parts of life and take time to notice the lights and shadows that dance themselves through daily life," says Emily. "I live with my musician husband and our two little humans, who all enjoy travel as much as I. I adore rummaging around vintage stores, candlelit dinners with friends, and dancing in the kitchen to vinyl records; myself and Rich bonded over a love of Bowie. I'm happiest when I can feel the sun on my skin; it'll be no surprise I adore photographing in warmer climates.

"Photography has long been a part of my daily life. I adore shooting film and digital and understanding the delicate artistry that goes into both. A box of very well-loved Polaroid photographs can be found on a shelf above my desk – unless it's out, as it often is, for me to rummage through our memories and keep adding to. There's nothing better than the feeling of looking back through old photographs and noticing all the little details in those memories; it's why I love helping you preserve yours too."

Wild With Consent has announced a new partnership with Retro Campers Norfolk

Wild With Consent has announced an exciting new partnership with Retro Campers Norfolk, bringing together the timeless charm of classic VW Campervans with off-grid camping experiences across East Anglia and beyond. Retro Campers Norfolk presents a selection of meticulously maintained vintage Campervans, including original 1975 T2 Bay models and a funky 1989 T25 Camper, all equipped to provide a comfortable and memorable adventure. Optional extras such as firepits or gas barbecues, along with camping facilities like a portable shower and pop-up tent, ensure a truly personalised and enjoyable camping experience – perfect for couples looking for something a bit different for their mini-moon.