Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Channels 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 Channels Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 29th March, 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. The beautifully restored, 17th-century, thatched Essex Barn is an idyllic wedding venue for your special day. Tie the knot with your soulmate in surroundings full of character with up to 100 of your loved ones there to share the moment.

County Wedding Events coming to Layer Marney Tower, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events fair at Layer Marney Tower, Essex on Sunday 22nd March, 2026! A must-visit event for engaged couples, the show puts you 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.

The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate's Wedding Fair

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate, for inspiration on Sunday 22nd March, 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.

Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples

The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.

Celebrate World Sleep Day at Riverhills Health Club & Spa

To mark World Sleep Day on Friday 13 March 2026, Riverhills Health Club & Spa is inviting guests to take part in its Invest in You Workshop: How to Awaken Refreshed. A flexible wellbeing experience that can be enjoyed as a standalone expert-led workshop or enhanced into a longer day of relaxation with optional lunch, spa treatments, and full use of the spa facilities.

Aligned with the World Sleep Day 2026 theme, 'Sleep Well, Live Better', the workshop supports the global initiative to elevate conversations around sleep health and its impact on everyday life. Led by Kate Pigeon-Owen, CEO and Wellbeing Consultant at Wellbeing International, the two-hour session offers a deep dive into the science and experience of sleep, exploring how and why sleep patterns change throughout life and how small, practical adjustments can lead to more restorative, refreshing sleep.

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa celebrates 12 years of AA Red Stars and Two Rosettes for Squires

Newmarket's Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced it has retained its prestigious AA 4 Red Star status for 2026, which makes 12 consecutive years of holding this distinguished accolade. In addition, its award-winning restaurant, Squires Restaurant, has once again been awarded Two AA Rosettes, reaffirming its reputation for culinary excellence.

The AA Red Star rating is reserved for hotels that consistently exceed expectations in service, hospitality and overall guest experience, placing Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa among an elite group of luxury properties across the UK.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Revive with a weekend of wellness in Cambridge

Cambridge is the ideal destination for a restorative wellness escape. In addition to its incredible restaurants, insightful museums and colleges, and rich history, the city provides an array of options for a rejuvenating weekend - whether that involves a relaxing hotel stay, a nourishing meal out, or activities designed to help visitors unwind.

Cambridge is full of idyllic settings, offering no shortage of places to stay for a relaxing weekend away. From comfortable rooms that leave guests feeling refreshed each morning to cosy nooks perfect for putting their feet up and unwinding, the city provides an abundance of suitable spaces.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Middleton Castle is now available for private hire

Middleton Castle, an iconic symbol of elegance and heritage, is now available for private hire for the first time in over 600 years. Set in the heart of the beautiful Norfolk countryside, Middleton Castle offers an exclusive venue for weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, and other special occasions.

Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the castle seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Its grand architecture, striking moat, maintained gardens, and state-of-the-art amenities combine to create an unforgettable setting for your wedding day.

Local supplier spotlight: The Boathouse in Norfolk

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

The Boathouse interior exudes a serene contemporary style with cool, calming colours, clean lines and elegance – harmonising with the natural surroundings.

The ceremony takes place under a charming outdoor arbour, tucked right beside the tranquil Ormesby Broad surrounded by lush reedbeds, creating a naturally romantic setting for up to 120 loved ones.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire is taking place this September

Taking place from 11th–13th September 2026 at the Abbots Ripton Estate, The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire brings together wellness, live music, creativity, exceptional food, and nature-led experiences for a restorative late-summer festival weekend. Designed around the ethos "Feel Good Your Way", the event offers a flexible and uplifting escape tailored to individual wellbeing journeys.

Now in its seventh year, The Big Retreat has established itself as one of the UK's most loved and respected wellness festivals, having previously been held exclusively in Pembrokeshire. The Cambridgeshire edition marks a significant milestone for the festival, introducing its distinctive retreat-meets-festival format to a new location and audience for the very first time.

The Harper has announced a new partnership with Fairfax & Favor

The Harper, one of North Norfolk's leading luxury country hotels, has announced an exclusive new partnership with the award-winning British lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor. The new Harper Hotel x Fairfax & Favor Shopping Package invites guests to enjoy an indulgent overnight stay at The Harper on a bed-and-breakfast basis, paired with a personal shopping experience at Fairfax & Favor's flagship boutique in Holt.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne on arrival at The Harper, before settling into one of the hotel's beautifully designed rooms. After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, guests can head to Holt for their shopping appointment. Here, Fairfax & Favor's in-store stylists will curate a personalised session, offering expert advice and styling across the brand's coveted range of exquisitely crafted boots, bags, and accessories.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.