Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

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.

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.

Adella Bridal is hosting a bridal sale on Sunday 10th November

Award-winning bridal boutique Adella Bridal in Wymondham, Norfolk, has teamed up with The Bottom Drawer Bridal and White Reflections to run a huge bridal sale.

Now in its third year, the sale has grown year on year with queues of 200 brides throughout the city. Last year it was hosted at The Assembly House and this year's exciting event will be held at the Maids Head Hotel.

The event is called 'I said yes at the Maids Head' and there is a competition running for 10 lucky brides to skip the queue and have private viewing time along with a glass of champagne and a trip around the city in the Maids Head Hotel's iconic Bentley.

Jane Stewart Photography is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Jane Stewart Photography is made up of a talented team of photographers with more than 40 years of experience. Owners Sarah and Nigel tell us more: "Here at Jane Stewart Photography, we always appreciate the trust that every couple places in us when they book us to photograph their wedding. With qualifications from the Royal Photographic Society and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, we are quietly confident that we are well placed to repay that trust.

The Boathouse is set in a picturesque spot on Norfolk’s Ormesby Broad

Just a few miles from the coast and the popular seaside town of Yarmouth is The Boathouse. Set in an idyllic spot on Norfolk's Ormesby Broad, the venue is in a picturesque location where your guests can relax on the terrace and take in the stunning views while waiting for you to arrive for the ceremony.

The Boathouse offers six bedrooms on the first and second floors of the main building, which are all individually decorated and styled as boutique boltholes. In the grounds are three fully equipped Woodland Lodges that are available to hire for short breaks. There's also a further lodge where newlyweds can enjoy their first night of wedded bliss among the beautiful surroundings.

The Kesgrave Hall Wedding Show is taking place on Sunday 27th October

Whether you've recently gotten engaged or are at the end of your wedding planning journey, trying to find the perfect suppliers can be stressful. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams, why not visit a local wedding fair? This is the ideal chance to meet some of the region's best companies and discuss your big day.

The Kesgrave Hall Wedding Show will be taking place on Sunday 27th October 2024 between 11am and 3pm. Pre-register to attend this event, where you'll have the opportunity to view Kesgrave Hall, learn more about the venue and meet a variety of suppliers ready to help plan your special day. Entry is free of charge.

Retreat East is set within a wellness retreat in the heart of Suffolk

Set within a tranquil wellness retreat in the heart of Suffolk, Retreat East offers a taste of wedding heaven. Designed by owner and architect Dominic Richards, the beautifully restored dairy farm includes an original 16th-century farmhouse and 16 stylishly converted barns with beamed ceilings, freestanding bathtubs and a country chic vibe – perfect for pre- or post-wedding rest and relaxation.

Surrounded by 35 acres of countryside and wildflower meadows, it's a quintessentially English setting. Whether you're looking for an exclusive- use wedding or a smaller, more intimate affair, you can enjoy a tailor- made experience for your special day.

Norfolk Hideaways has partnered with The Coastal Exploration Company

Norfolk Hideaways has partnered with The Coastal Exploration Company to launch a one-of-a-kind sailing adventure. Inspired by Arthur Ransome's children's classic Swallows and Amazons, the adventure will see families sail out into the wilderness of the Norfolk salt marshes in search of treasure! This collaboration aims to offer a unique experience for younger guests, bringing the thrill of exploration and adventure to their Norfolk holiday – perfect for those of you planning a family-moon or pre-wedding getaway with the kids.

The Red House is a new wedding venue in Cambridgeshire

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. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, The Red House could be your ideal setting.

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.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Upthorpe Wood is the perfect setting for free-spirited couples

Upthorpe Wood is the perfect setting for free-spirited couples who like to think outside the box. This intimate woodland venue is licensed for weddings inside and out and is available on a dry-hire basis, so you're free to make it your own for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

You can tie the knot under the Cartlodge or in the Woodland Barn; both look magical lit with twinkling fairylights and are perfect for dining and enjoying the evening entertainment.

The Maltings in North Norfolk has opened its doors

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 and drink, sleep and play, explore and discover more, 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 spectacular double-height restaurant, The Grain Store.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens

Nestled on the edge of the River Lark, the Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens. The historic building, originally constructed in 1720, exudes timeless elegance. Its picturesque setting includes outdoor seating areas in the garden, perfect for enjoying scenic views during the warmer months. The classic architecture harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere.

The garden overlooking the River Lark provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photographs and is the ideal environment in which to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés with your guests. Here, you can relax and capture the scenes of the day.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Salon Nine has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024

Salon Nine, a hair and beauty salon based in Suffolk, has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024 at the illustrious Hair and Beauty Awards (The HBA). Founded in 2021, Salon Nine has quickly established itself as a premier destination for brides-to-be, offering hair and beauty services tailored to create unforgettable wedding day experiences.

Rebecca Clark, the owner of Salon Nine, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award: "Winning the Bridal Salon of the Year award is an incredible honour for our team at Salon Nine. We are passionate about making every bride feel beautiful and special on their wedding day, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work."

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.