Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Pamper your pooches in Suffolk

The Ickworth in Suffolk, part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, has announced the launch of its new Waggy Tails Tea Time and A La Bark menus! Served in the hotel's lounge, or al fresco in the warmer months, the Waggy Tails Tea Time is a real feast. Healthy 'paw-dit-ites' of crunchy carrots, apple and cheese are on offer, followed by tasty Lick-a-licious Liver Cake, Pawnut Butter Biscuits and Canine Carrot Cake with Pawsome Frosting – all washed down with a quenching and refreshing bowl of H20, and let's not forget the puppacino, too!

GREAT! romance to Launch on Thursday 5th January 2023

Dreaming of cosying up with some love-ly film entertainment in the New Year? GREAT! romance, a new, free-to-air, TV channel dedicated to bringing feel-good, romance films to TV screens, all day, every day, is launching on Thursday 5th January 2023. If you have a soft spot for romantic movies and are looking to indulge in escapist entertainment this winter, then look no further! Romantics across the UK can fall head-over-heels with the only TV channel that promises back-to-back love stories all day every day - for free! - and the curated selection of movies is guaranteed to melt anyone's heart at the start of 2023.

Norfolk baker's new offering

Renowned Norfolk wedding cake company, Buns of Fun is looking to increase its offering to nearlyweds-to-be. Owner and baker extraordinaire Emma Thorburn says, "Cake stands have been a part of my packages for some time, but I have spent nearly three years looking for cake stands to sell as part of my 'All-In' service. I have finally curated a selection of unusual, tall and beautiful cake stands and gorgeous server sets for all lovers of cake, to offer couples more choice and the range will continue to grow," shares Emma.

Christmas winter wedding music

Getting married at Christmas doesn't mean that you have to plan a Christmas-themed wedding. Here, roaming band The Travelling Hands, suggest songs that would work well for a Christmas winter wedding and the songs to avoid! When it comes to music, the same rule applies. Just because you want to get married at Christmas it doesn't mean that your musical playlist has to be full of Wizzard & Cliff Richard if you don't want it to be there. When our acoustic roaming band The Travelling Hands perform at winter weddings we see a wide variety of decisions when it comes to Christmas songs. Some want to embrace the Christmas classics - adding these into their day. Others like a few placed in here and there, whilst some want to just stick to their favourite songs without any Christmas numbers added in at all.

Anniversary for Suffolk photographer

After 40 years as an avid photographer, Suffolk-based Wayne Button turned his hobby into a full-time career and is now celebrating his first anniversary in the job he loves. He says, "I took the leap of faith last October and haven't looked back since." Wayne developed his skills in his spare time while working in the construction industry for 36 years and now specialises in wedding photography in and around East Anglia. "In October 2021, at the age of 55, while scraping ice off of a digger, I decided that enough was enough and it was time to turn my passion into a career," he recalls.

Outdated wedding laws need to change

In an article earlier this year there was discussion and praise aimed towards the Government's plans to allow outdoor weddings to be made permanent. The article also highlighted the eagerly awaited Law Commission report into marriage laws, which was due to be published in July. Now it has been published and we have had some time for the dust to settle, Kate Van Rol, Barrister at 4PB has looked into these recommendations, "Are wedding laws at present 'confusing, outdated and restrictive' as the Commission suggest, or would the implementation of their suggestions trivialise weddings and commercialise the ceremony?". Kate continues...

Winter festivities at The Fellows House, Cambridge

Winter festivities are in full swing at The Fellows House, Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, as the countdown to a magical Christmas and a celebratory New Year's Eve begins. As the city puts on it's annual display of Christmas lights and artisan markets, Cambridge buzzes with tourists and locals alike. Offering a distinctive character and unique charm, the apartment-style hotel is the ideal destination for both long and short stays this season, as well as a warm and welcoming retreat for festive shoppers in the city. From Christmas workshops at The Sage of Cambridge, such as Cocktails and Canvas to brand new festive menus, visitors to Cambridge can revel in festive joy this season. The Fellows House opened its doors on 1st July 2021, the apartment-style hotel is the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the city of Cambridge – and joins a portfolio of carefully curated hotels handpicked for their distinctive character and unique charm. Situated a stone's throw from the River Cam and Jesus Green, the property is ideal for both long and short stays and provides access to everything the historic city has to offer.

Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection

The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.

A Classic Christmas at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

Just under two hours from London, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, nestled in Newmarket, Suffolk, is celebrating the festive season in style, with experiences ranging from traditional menus across its two AA rosette restaurant and bar; festive parties, overnight packages and, of course, a gala celebration to see in the New Year! Originally built as a Georgian hunting lodge for the 6th Duke of Bedford, who built Bedford Lodge, the property was then passed to his eldest son Francis Russell, the 7th Duke of Bedford, on his death in 1839. Incidentally, his wife, Anna Maria, is accredited with creating the much-loved concept of Afternoon Tea in 1845. True to its roots, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa excels at afternoon tea and, throughout December, guests can indulge in a traditional Festive Afternoon Tea knowing that the hotel is closely linked to this British phenomenon. Besides elegant finger sandwiches, beautifully-designed pastries with a festive twist will be created by the Head Chef and his team. The festive afternoon tea is just £23pp - the perfect treat. A champagne tea option with a glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial is priced at £34.50pp.

New hen party ideas at Bird & Blend Tea Co. venues

On various dates throughout December and January '23, and into 2023, Bird & Blend Tea Co. will host its two brand new workshops. A magic potions brewing & tea mixology workshop at Bird & Blend Tea Co - is for those keen on discovering and learning the mastery of potion making whilst mixing tea, and the science behind the magic. The special two-and-a-half hour workshop invites its guests to take an immersive step in to conjuring up shimmering, colour changing and whimsical potions...all whilst the smoke swirls, the smells take over and the senses awaken. As a VIP guest, wannabe magic and mixology makers will be treated to unlimited amounts of tea from an exciting selection of blends or tea cocktails.

New designers at Norwich boutique

On the hunt for your dream dress? Check out some of the latest lovelies at Pure Brides of Norwich. The award-winning, city-centre boutique has introduced some fabulous new designers including Milla Nova in-store now with collections from Wona and Monreal due to arrive in the new year. Alongside the store's existing Evie Young, Abella, Rebecca Ingram and Allure ranges, brides-to-be will be spoilt for choice.

Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!

Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!

New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection

Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.

New woodland ceremony space in Suffolk

If you love the idea of walking up a tree-lined aisle under dappled sunshine to say 'I do', with birds singing in the trees overhead, this could be your dream come true. The new woodland ceremony glade at Alpheton Hall Barns in Suffolk is an idyllic spot for romantic al-fresco weddings and you don't need to worry if the weather's bad as there's always the beautiful Ceremony Barn as backup. The woodland glade includes a hand-crafted oak ceremony feature, completed in spring this year by owner Nic Willcocks, providing cover for the registrars, the happy couple and witnesses.

Luxe gifting brand launches

Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.

Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape

Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.

Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers

Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.

How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?

We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.

Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you

It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.

Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding

Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.