Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has welcomed a new Executive Head Chef

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, a wedding venue in Newmarket, Suffolk, has welcomed a new Executive Head Chef, Robert Newall, to its award-winning, two AA Rosette Squires Restaurant. With a passion for seasonality, sustainability, and the finest local ingredients, Robert brings a fresh vision to the hotel's dining experience – one that celebrates the very best of British cuisine and Suffolk's exceptional produce.

Robert tells us more: "Seasonality and locality are at the heart of everything I do. My menus are built on local, sustainable produce – from Suffolk blue cheese and high-welfare Suffolk chicken and pork to the incredible range of vegetables grown right here in the region. Suffolk offers some of the finest ingredients in the country, and I'm proud to showcase them on our menus."

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Local supplier spotlight: Hardesty Event Design

Hardesty Event Design is a luxury wedding and event planning company based in Norfolk and London, led by UK planner and coordinator Emily Hardesty. Specialising in full-service wedding planning, on the day coordination, elegant venue styling, corporate events, and private celebrations, Emily and her team bring meticulous design and heartfelt care to events across the UK and beyond.

Emily shares: "At the heart of Hardesty Event Design is a creative partnership with you. I promise to truly listen, understand your vision, and work tirelessly to bring it to life. My Bespoke Planning service is crafted for couples who want to stay hands-on, yet value expert guidance to make their celebration everything they dream of. My goal is to ensure you feel supported and stress-free while we thoughtfully curate every detail of your day."

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Why you should have a wedding rehearsal

We spoke to Heather Bartsch from Your Choice Ceremonies and asked for her advice on having a wedding rehearsal.

As an Independent Celebrant, I believe a wedding rehearsal is one of the most valuable elements of wedding preparation. That's why it's included in my package—it ensures your ceremony feels effortless and joyful. Here's why I strongly recommend it.

Even though most people have attended a wedding in the past, not everyone has played a key role in one. Standing in front of guests, reading aloud, or walking down the aisle can feel daunting. A rehearsal helps everyone feel confident and prepared.

Caley Hall Hotel has unveiled its new wedding brochure

Exciting news for couples planning their special day: Caley Hall Hotel in Norfolk has unveiled its new wedding brochure, along with a refreshed selection of menus designed to make every celebration unforgettable.

The updated brochure showcases the timeless elegance and charm of Caley Hall Hotel as a wedding destination. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions, it highlights a wide range of spaces, each with its own distinctive character.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Local supplier spotlight: Bayfield Catering

Bayfield Catering, a wedding caterer based in Holt, Norfolk, attended The Wedding Industry Awards at the end of November as nominees for a prestigious category. This nomination is a testament to the outstanding service the company has provided to brides and grooms throughout the year.

Owner Emma Boubaker shares her story: "I am a local girl from the North Norfolk Coast, born in Blakeney, and I have worked in the catering industry all my life. I trained at Norwich City College, where I achieved my Catering City & Guilds Diploma. My first job was under Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall, where I trained for a couple of years. I continued my career in various local establishments along the Norfolk coast, gaining experience in different working environments.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Riverhills launches 'Invest in You' workshops and spa days

Ipswich's Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa is unveiling a new experience for the new year: the Riverhills Invest in You Days (£380 per person). Designed to help you recharge and refocus, these immersive one-day retreats combine inspiring workshops from leading wellbeing experts, with a restorative spa experience, delicious two-course lunch, and valuable personal reflection time.

The first Invest in You Days will take place in early 2026: Friday 23rd January – "Food as Fuel" with Health & Wellness Coach Clair Mackenzie. Friday 13th March – "How to Awaken Refreshed" with Wellbeing Consultant Kate Pigeon-Owen

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Easy self-care ideas from The Spa at Bedford Lodge

As the festive season approaches, calendars quickly fill with shopping trips, wedding planning, celebrations, and family gatherings - often leaving little time for rest and rejuvenation. At Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, the team believes that self-care is essential, especially at this busy time of year. Even small restorative moments can make a big difference in how people experience the joy and magic of the season.

Carla Belmonte, Spa Manager at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, shares her top self-care recommendations to help guests feel calm, centred, and resilient throughout the holidays:

The colder months and festive indulgences can take a toll on the body. Carla encourages guests to focus on nutrition that supports wellbeing and immunity. "Looking after your body from the inside helps you feel more energised, alert, and ready to enjoy the festive season," says Carla.

April Dace Jewellery is hosting Christmas workshops

Christmas is just around the corner and April Dace Jewellery, a jewel in Dereham, Norfolk, is hosting a range of Christmas workshops.

April tells us: "There's something extra magical about being in the workshop at this time of year... the tools on the bench, the cosy environment and that warm, festive buzz as everyone creates something meaningful with their own hands. If you'd love to enjoy a creative moment this December (or gift the experience to someone who'd love it), I have a handful of workshop dates available up until Christmas. 'll be releasing 2026 workshop dates very soon, and I can't wait to share what's coming. Keep an eye on your inbox for brand-new workshops too, including Wax Carve A Ring and Silver Bangle Making!"

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Give the gift of time this Christmas with Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa

This Christmas, Ipswich's Riverhills Health Club and Day Spa is offering the ultimate present for those who cherish wellbeing: the gift of time. With its innovative 'Book Time, Not Treatments' concept, Riverhills is making it easier than ever to give a thoughtful and personalised gift with a Riverhills Gift Voucher.

Spa days at Riverhills start from £85 and include four hours of unlimited access to the luxurious facilities, plus a 30-minute treatment of choice from the face, body, or massage menu. Instead of selecting treatments weeks in advance, guests simply book their preferred treatment time and choose their treatment on the day, following a relaxed consultation with their therapist. Whether it's a tension-melting massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or a restorative body treatment, the decision is theirs.

Local supplier spotlight: Posh Plants

Sue Huckle, from Posh Plants, shares her top tips on why you should choose plants for your wedding décor, "Your wedding day deserves nothing less than extraordinary, and Posh Plants deliver botanical elegance that will help to transform any venue into a breathtaking celebration space. "Our sustainable commitment is really important...hiring Posh Plants for decoration means you are helping! Our beautiful trees work hard, so when they have helped at your special day they return to the nursery where they are looked after and pampered so they're in tip-top condition for their next outing."

Our team visits Riverhills Health Club & Spa for a day of fire and ice relaxation

A spa trip has always been, and always will be, the best way to unwind – be it after a period of high stress or just from the general tension of everyday life. Riverhills has created a space for you to completely shut off from the outside world.

The breathtaking views are a fantastic first impression of what your day is going to look like; Riverhills makes you feel uplifted as soon as you arrive – generous parking is a small bonus but offers peace of mind! As you walk through the doors, you're greeted with friendly staff with cheery smiles. Riverhills is not only a spa but also as a sports facility; so, if you're lucky enough to live near it, it can also be your regular gym.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced an exciting new phase of reinvestment

Newmarket's Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the start of an exciting new phase of reinvestment of some of its facilities and guest experiences. The hotel's Roxana Bar has already seen the space modernised, work is also underway on updating 25 of the hotel's bathrooms, ensuring guests continue to enjoy the highest standards of comfort and luxury, whilst also maintaining the hotel's sustainability promises.