Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

Bable & Co.’s new audio guest book allows your guests to leave you a message

Launched this year, Bable & Co.'s audio guest book will literally be the talk of your guests as they leave you a message on your big day! Based on a retro GPO telephone, the new guest book from this Suffolk-based company is easy to use, simply pick up the receiver and leave your message after the newlyweds' pre-recorded greeting. Clients are supplied with a link to listen back to messages, or you can have them on a USB or even a bespoke vinyl LP – keep the voices of your wedding day forever!

Thorpeness Country Club is located just a stone’s throw from Suffolk’s pebble beach

Located just a stone's throw from Suffolk's pebble beach, Thorpeness Country Club was built over 100 years ago in 1912. Boasting not only superb sea views, but also day-long sunshine during the summer months thanks to its South-East facing position, it's the only beach side wedding venue across the whole of Suffolk and Norfolk.

There are two ceremony options to choose from. The first is the sea view lawn, with views stretching down the coastline of Aldeburgh, it's a real dream come true for those whose life-long wish is to wed outdoors.

The Pantry Bridalwear has relocated to Cambridge city centre

From showstopping separates to head-turning accessories, British brand The Pantry Bridalwear is doing things differently. First opening in the leafy town of Saffron Walden in 2019, its new home, as of September 2022, is in Cambridge city centre. Founded by Eloise Rigby, also the force behind The Pantry Underwear, the store stocks a modern edit of British designers such as Rita Colson and Bon Bridé. However, excitingly, The Pantry Bridalwear has unveiled its first-ever own label collection aiming to help the contemporary bride make a statement on her wedding day.

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

Holkham Hall is an 18th-century mansion with the grandest of staterooms

Nestled amid a 3,000-acre rolling deer park, you'll find Holkham Hall, an 18th-century mansion with the grandest of staterooms, each as captivating as the next. From the sumptuous Saloon with its gilded coffered ceiling and rich caffoy walls, and the suitably roman Statue Gallery, to the showstopping Marble Hall with its 50ft domed ceiling, towering columns and sweeping staircase. Its splendid colonnade was inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis, while the breathtaking ceiling is reminiscent of the Pantheon, both in Rome. Overseeing your ceremony from the niches above are statues of ancient Greek and Roman Gods, brought home from Italy by the first Earl of Leiceste.

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

Albert Rose Floral Design has won Florist of the Year 2023

Located in the beautiful countryside of Sandringham, Alison Mortlock has been serving her community with great distinction over the years. She offers simple yet unique designs for all occasions and includes nature in many of her designs by using naturally grown materials from the gardens of Norfolk.

Albert Rose Floral Design is the latest recipient of the Award of Excellence for Florist of the Year 2023 from South East Star – congratulations! Flowers have always been a real passion for Alison so in many ways being able to work with them every day is the fulfillment of a dream and something she finds very rewarding. It also gives her a real outlet for her natural creative flair, creating different styles and designs to meet the individual requirements of her customers.

Cambridge Wine Merchants is celebrating its 30th birthday

I'm sure we've all sat in restaurants with wine lists longer than the entire series of The Lord of the Rings wondering what all these odd words mean and what on earth does a particular grape taste like. Luckily for you there is a sommelier on hand to guide you to wine heaven.

Fast forward to a few months before your wedding, and now imagine doing that for hundreds of people, who have different tastes, different menus and all need to be served at the same time! That's where Cambridge Wine Merchants come in; no more head scratching, Google searches and flicking through wine books for hours to find 'the one', let their wine geeks all who are highly trained and experienced do the hard work for you.

The only true way to find your perfect wine is to taste it, and after a consultation to narrow things down, you have a drink at their Kings Parade Store in Cambridge to find your favourite. The epitome of 'try before you buy'! With over 1,000 wines, 200 gins and 400 whiskeys, there is plenty to chose from and something for everyone! The best bit - as long as your spend over £250, you are able to get discounted prices.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

Histon Manor is set within 11 acres of grounds

Only three-miles from Cambridge, Histon Manor is set within 11 acres of grounds, boasting formal gardens, lawns and woodlands.

The imposing Grade ll listed Georgian house is situated at the top a winding gravel drive, framed by two huge 300-year-old yew trees with views of several acres of lawns. Its windows are surrounded by roses in early summer and Virginia creeper turning golden in early autumn. The site aspect looks on to the formal topiary garden and pond.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Hungarian Hall are launching several new outdoor ceremony areas

This year Hungarian Hall are launching several new outside areas where couples can tie the knot. These include under the large, ancient oak tree on the meadow, in front of the pond with water fountains in the background, or the Victorian Summerhouse. Hungarian Hall offer inside wedding ceremonies for up to 170 or outside ceremonies for larger Asian weddings over 300 guests.

All weddings held at Hungarian Hall are exclusive use based on two and a half day hire.

What's more Hungarian Hall will be attending the 'Wedding Extravaganza' at Venue 16 on the 26th March, 2023. Come and have a chat with the team about your upcoming wedding. They can discuss your wedding in depth to find the best solution for you. Whether this be a 'DIY' wedding or a package offer.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

The Grade I listed Hanse House is the last surviving Hanseatic Warehouse in England

Situated in historic King's Lynn, Grade I listed Hanse House is the last surviving Hanseatic Warehouse in England. It has a delightful, enclosed courtyard for photos, canapés and drinks! Ceremonies take place in the Hanse Suite Ceremony Room with 40 guests which boasts gorgeous beams with a view over the quay and the courtyard.

Post-vows the Hanse Suite Ceremony Room can host 40 people, and the Gallery 80 for seated receptions and evening dos of up to 100 loved ones.

What's more, when tying the knot here there's also on-site accommodation available

Becky's Cake Bakes is a talented cake maker in Cambridgeshire

Becky's Cake Bakes is a talented cake maker based in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The owner Becky Coverdale offers a bespoke service and works closely with her clients to create their dream wedding cake.

"I handmake all of the flowers that I use in the designs out of wafer paper, which makes them very lightweight, realistic and a beautiful keepsake from your wedding day," says Becky. "I also love to make bride and groom cake toppers. I use photos of the couple and details of what they will be wearing on the day to create the topper. If the couple chooses, I can also include bridesmaids, pageboy or pets. Toppers make a lovely keepsake from your special day that you can keep for many years to come."

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...