Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Madingley Hall & Gardens is just four miles from the centre of Cambridge

Just four miles from the centre of Cambridge and a mere 60 minutes from London, Madingley Hall & Gardens provides a memorable setting for your special day.

Built in the 16th century, this elegant country house has seven acres of spectacular gardens and grounds, designed in the 18th century by 'Capability' Brown.

The Hall is one of the few university venues to offer all year-round availability for residential and non-residential events, offering superb catering using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, a bar, ample car parking and even croquet lawns in season.

Rushton 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 Rushton Hall, Northamptonshire for inspiration on Sunday 23rd February! 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.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Tracey Davies Photography was named as a regional finalist at The Wedding Industry Awards

Bures-based wedding photographer Tracey Davies Photography was named as a regional finalist in the 'Wedding Photographer of the Year' and 'Best Newcomer' categories at The Wedding Industry Awards – congratulations!

Tracey tells us: "To be announced as a regional finalist meant so much. I love wedding photography because it captures human interaction and connection at its very best and that's why I am so passionate. To be voted by the couples and have this recognition is profoundly monumental for me in marking triumph and a conquering over what has been quite a life journey. I am absolutely delighted."

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.