Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Ipswich County Library is located in a Grade II-listed building in Suffolk

Ipswich County Library is located in the centre of the town in a Grade II-listed red-brick building.

The striking Northgate Room, normally used as a study and reference area, is available for weddings. With a vaulted ceiling featuring decorative plaster mouldings, old oak bookshelves, and tables, the 100-foot-long room is full of beautiful details. In celebration of Suffolk's cultural heritage, the space has coloured-glass windows that depict famous historic figures with links to the county. You can tie the knot at the end of the room between two of the stunning windows against a backdrop of oak bookcases filled with books. The room can also be used for receptions with up to 72 of your nearest and dearest.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

A group of strangers helped reunite a bridesmaid with her lost dress

Caitlin Daly, who was a bridesmaid at her best friend's wedding, has recounted how The Wedding Travel Company in Cambridgeshire and a host of strangers helped reunite her with the bridesmaid dress she had accidentally left at home, just in time for the wedding.

After several phone calls and attempts to get the dress to the Cyprus wedding, ultimately, it was a stranger named Katrina who saved the day. "Katrina made bringing the dress on holiday with her seem like the smallest favour. She waited for my taxi to arrive at her villa, having just travelled with her family, to hand over the dress. My entire wedding party can't stop singing her praises."

10% off for wedding photography with Jane Stewart Photography

Planning your wedding is going to be so exciting. Choosing the dress to the delicate flowers, venue, entertainment and so on. It can also become strained as your budget starts to grow. Jane Stewart Photography shares some advice, "The first thing people think about when it comes to the photographer is the cost, but you may be quite surprised at the range of packages we offer, starting from only £700. We also offer wedding albums (subject to package) ranging from the traditional album through to the latest digital albums.

Cley Windmill is a charming wedding venue on the North Norfolk coast

Cley Windmill is a beautiful wedding venue situated on the North Norfolk coast that's considered a local landmark. Instead of a traditional garden, the venue is surrounded by reeds and marshland with the sea in the distance, creating an idyllic setting for those in search of an original big-day backdrop.

You can take over the whole windmill for your big day, with space for up to 22 people to stay the night across 10 bedrooms.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Nogard Creations is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Nogard Creations, a flower preservation company in Cambridgeshire, has started framing flowers as well as providing resin flower preservation. Run by a husband-and-wife-run team, they work together to design and create your precious keepsakes. The duo uses quality materials and will provide transparent progress updates, convenient flower drop-offs, insured postage and custom pieces.

Exclusively for Your East Anglian Wedding readers, Nogard Creations is offering our readers 10 per cent off any flower preservation when you use the code 'NEARLYWED10'. This discount can be used to book your date and the code will be honoured when the rest of the balance is due later on in the preservation process.

Hadleigh Guildhall is set in the heart of an ancient market town in Suffolk

Hadleigh Guildhall is set in the heart of the ancient market town and is flanked by St. Mary's Church and the Deanery Tower. This beautiful building is Grade I listed, dating back to Medieval times, with a Grade II listed Victorian addition.

The rooms at Hadleigh Guildhall provide a range of options for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The choice of stunning backdrops allows you to decorate the venue to create your perfect day.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

The Maltings, a new venue in Weybourne, has opened its doors

The Maltings, a new venue in Weybourne, has opened its doors. Perfect for mini-moons, 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, drink, sleep, play, explore and discover, 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 double-height restaurant, The Grain Store.

Hintlesham Hall is a Suffolk gem that's sure to wow your guests

Surrounded by peaceful gardens, Hintlesham Hall has an impressive Georgian frontage and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. This Suffolk gem is sure to wow your guests as they wind their way down the treelined drive and discover the impressive hall. Those of you looking to stay the night can choose from the 32 individually designed bedrooms, each a unique blend of classic charm and modern elegance.

There's a choice of distinctive rooms where you can tie the knot, including the Georgian-style Salon, which has an impressive chandelier, an ornate gold-leaf ceiling and space for up to 100 friends and family.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the arrival of a new executive head chef

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the arrival of its new executive head chef, Mark Tomeo. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, chef Tomeo brings his culinary expertise and passion for locally sourced ingredients to the hotel's esteemed two-AA Rosette restaurant.

Squires Restaurant at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is renowned for its traditional, locally sourced, and delicious menu. Guests can enjoy the classic bar menu, à la carte and indulgent afternoon teas. Designed as a haven for food lovers, the eclectic menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from within a 50-mile radius, supporting the community and reducing the carbon footprint. Complementing the dining experience, the extensive wine menu features champagnes and locally sourced Suffolk wines and spirits.

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

Isaacs On The Quay is an Ipswich landmark that’s full of character and charm

Set on the Ipswich waterfront, Isaacs On The Quay is a local landmark that's full of character and charm. Once a wool merchant's home and workplace, the Grade I and Grade II* listed building boasts a rich history spanning centuries and has been lovingly restored to provide a charming setting for weddings. Some of the oldest parts are thought to date back to between 1430 and 1550, and there are original features throughout, including exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, with exhibits from the building's industrious past on display.

Formally known as the Sale Room, stone steps lead into the timber-framed ceremony room. Once used for storing wool cloth for export, it's now a magical place to tie the knot and celebrate afterwards.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Start the festive season at the Spa at Bedford Lodge in Newmarket

Start the festive season with relaxation and creativity at the Spa at Bedford Lodge in Newmarket.

The Spa at Bedford Lodge, renowned for its luxurious spa experiences, has announced the return of its highly anticipated festive spa and wreath-making events (£140 per person). Following the success of the previous year's festivities, the team has partnered once again with Tolly's Flowers to bring an enchanting holiday experience.

Caley Hall Hotel is set around an original manor house that dates back to 1648

Caley Hall Hotel was recently refurbished and the result is a must-see venue offering a relaxed atmosphere with a country-chic feel. Think wooden beams and tartan carpet, long tables with white cloths and hessian runners, teamed with gypsophila and candlelight for a simple but stylish celebration.

Set around the original manor house, which dates back to 1648, the Caley Hall Hotel offers 37 chalet-style bedrooms, a bar, a lounge and a restaurant. The patio areas are decorated with greenery and the beach at Old Hunstanton is only a 10-minute walk away.

Belles & Beaus has added new services to its existing offering

Belles & Beaus, a venue styling company in Norfolk, has added new services to its existing offering. The first is a large soft play area for under five-year-olds. It's white, so it will complement any theme, and it includes floor tiles, a ball pool, a slide, building blocks, tipis, ride-on cars and bouncy animals. The company is also offering a mobile bar service called The Swan Bar. Offering up to 16 feet as a straight bar or a 360-degree circular bar fully stocked with a range of beer, lager, cider, wine, soft drinks, a cocktail list and a hydration station, which can include Boba bubble tea.

Christchurch Mansion is an impressive wedding venue in Ipswich

Step inside the magnificent Christchurch Mansion with its red Tudor façade and be prepared to be wowed by its high ceiling, black and white marble-checkered floor, and ornate fireplace. This impressive wedding venue is a treasure trove of historic features, with numerous period rooms and furniture.

Nestled within Christchurch Park, the iconic Ipswich landmark boasts expansive, picturesque grounds with rolling lawns, ponds, and scenic woodland, providing a wealth of wonderful backdrops for taking those all-important photographs.

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.