Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

Hintlesham Hall is offering a new discount

Hintlesham Hall, a charming wedding venue in Suffolk, is offering a new discount. Couples who book their 2026 wedding will receive 2025 prices for a limited time (terms and conditions apply) – perfect for those of you planning ahead and looking for a dreamy space to tie the knot.

Surrounded by peaceful gardens, Hintlesham Hall has an impressive Georgian frontage and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. This gem is sure to wow your guests as they wind their way down the treelined drive and discover the impressive hall. There are several distinctive wedding spaces to choose from, with something to suit everyone. What's more, those of you looking to stay the night can choose from the 32 individually designed bedrooms, each offering a blend of classic charm and modern elegance.

The Red House is nestled in three acres of landscaped grounds

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.

There are seven elegantly appointed guest rooms in the converted stables, where your loved ones can stay the night and enjoy a delicious breakfast together the following morning.

The exclusive venue hire accommodates up to 120 seated guests, with the option for an additional 100 evening guests, bringing your total capacity to 220.

Hintlesham Hall 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 Hintlesham Hall, Suffolk, for inspiration on Sunday 19th January 2025! 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.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa has launched its Winter Warming Serail Mud Chamber Experience

As the nights grow darker and the weather turns colder, Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, located in Ipswich, invites couples to unwind and indulge in the ultimate warming spa experience. Perfect for couples or friends looking to catch up, Riverhills has introduced its exclusive Fall's Dream Spa Package (£59 per person), an interactive and deeply rejuvenating experience.

The spa experience begins with a full body scrub to remove all dead and dry skin cells, leaving the skin looking brighter and ready for the Serail Mud Chamber. Guests can then enjoy applying healing and detoxifying mud to their bodies and to each other before relaxing in the Serail Mud Chamber for around 30 minutes in the warm herbal steam.

Newnham College is a captivating venue in the heart of Cambridge

Newnham College was established in 1871 and is a captivating venue nestled in a tranquil location in the heart of Cambridge. Featuring picturesque, landscaped gardens, elegant Queen Anne-style architecture, beautiful rooms and exquisite catering, the college is the perfect setting for your special day.

At Newnham College, the possibilities for your day are diverse. Whether you envision a full-day affair, from the civil ceremony to the evening reception, or prefer to host just the wedding breakfast and evening reception, the team can accommodate your preferences.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has launched new twilight ceremonies

Nestled in the heart of Suffolk in the horse racing town of Newmarket, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is redefining the traditional wedding experience with the launch of its enchanting new Twilight Ceremonies, a perfect choice for winter celebrations. As couples increasingly seek intimate celebrations that reflect their unique love stories, the hotel offers a magical alternative that balances romance and value without sacrificing elegance.

Designed for gatherings of 10 or more guests, these enchanting receptions allow couples to create magical moments as twilight deepens over rural Suffolk, enveloped by the warmth and elegance of the hotel's Georgian architecture and classically designed interiors.