Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

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.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

Kimberley Hall: DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kimberley Hall, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 9th November 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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 your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

HINTLESHAM HALL’S NEW CHEF

Luigi Vairo, renowned for his innovative approach to seasonal menus at London's Kensington Roof Top Garden, is set to bring his culinary artistry to Suffolk's Two Rosette award-winning Carrier's Restaurant at Hintlesham Hall, as senior sous chef. Under the leadership of Jon Cole, head chef since 2018, Carrier's has long been synonymous with a dynamic and high-performance dining culture, a legacy first established in the '70s by celebrated cookery writer and television chef, Robert Carrier, its former owner

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL & SPA UNVEILS EMS FITNESS

Bedford Lodge Hotel's Health & Fitness Club introduced a revolutionary new addition to its wellness and fitness offering: EMS Training (Electromyostimulation). A favourite of celebrities such as Tom Holland, Kylie Jenner and Chrissy Tiegen, the hotel is the first to offer the Miha Bodytech EMS Training in East Anglia. This scientifically supported training method offers a fast, safe, and highly effective way to improve strength, core stability and overall vitality – the equivalent of four hours of traditional resistance training in just 20 minutes.