Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa celebrates 12 years of AA Red Stars and Two Rosettes for Squires

Newmarket's Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced it has retained its prestigious AA 4 Red Star status for 2026, which makes 12 consecutive years of holding this distinguished accolade. In addition, its award-winning restaurant, Squires Restaurant, has once again been awarded Two AA Rosettes, reaffirming its reputation for culinary excellence.

The AA Red Star rating is reserved for hotels that consistently exceed expectations in service, hospitality and overall guest experience, placing Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa among an elite group of luxury properties across the UK.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Revive with a weekend of wellness in Cambridge

Cambridge is the ideal destination for a restorative wellness escape. In addition to its incredible restaurants, insightful museums and colleges, and rich history, the city provides an array of options for a rejuvenating weekend - whether that involves a relaxing hotel stay, a nourishing meal out, or activities designed to help visitors unwind.

Cambridge is full of idyllic settings, offering no shortage of places to stay for a relaxing weekend away. From comfortable rooms that leave guests feeling refreshed each morning to cosy nooks perfect for putting their feet up and unwinding, the city provides an abundance of suitable spaces.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Middleton Castle is now available for private hire

Middleton Castle, an iconic symbol of elegance and heritage, is now available for private hire for the first time in over 600 years. Set in the heart of the beautiful Norfolk countryside, Middleton Castle offers an exclusive venue for weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, and other special occasions.

Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the castle seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Its grand architecture, striking moat, maintained gardens, and state-of-the-art amenities combine to create an unforgettable setting for your wedding day.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Local supplier spotlight: The Boathouse in Norfolk

Nestled right on the banks of Ormesby Broad, The Boathouse is surrounded by tranquil water, native reedbeds and rich wildlife – creating a beautiful, idyllic backdrop.

The structure includes a spacious decked terrace that extends over the water, offering ample space for ceremonies, photos and al fresco receptions. From the gentle water reflections to the wildlife backdrop, every element feels intentionally curated to create a vivid, memorable experience

The Boathouse interior exudes a serene contemporary style with cool, calming colours, clean lines and elegance – harmonising with the natural surroundings.

The ceremony takes place under a charming outdoor arbour, tucked right beside the tranquil Ormesby Broad surrounded by lush reedbeds, creating a naturally romantic setting for up to 120 loved ones.

The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire is taking place this September

Taking place from 11th–13th September 2026 at the Abbots Ripton Estate, The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire brings together wellness, live music, creativity, exceptional food, and nature-led experiences for a restorative late-summer festival weekend. Designed around the ethos "Feel Good Your Way", the event offers a flexible and uplifting escape tailored to individual wellbeing journeys.

Now in its seventh year, The Big Retreat has established itself as one of the UK's most loved and respected wellness festivals, having previously been held exclusively in Pembrokeshire. The Cambridgeshire edition marks a significant milestone for the festival, introducing its distinctive retreat-meets-festival format to a new location and audience for the very first time.

The Harper has announced a new partnership with Fairfax & Favor

The Harper, one of North Norfolk's leading luxury country hotels, has announced an exclusive new partnership with the award-winning British lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor. The new Harper Hotel x Fairfax & Favor Shopping Package invites guests to enjoy an indulgent overnight stay at The Harper on a bed-and-breakfast basis, paired with a personal shopping experience at Fairfax & Favor's flagship boutique in Holt.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne on arrival at The Harper, before settling into one of the hotel's beautifully designed rooms. After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, guests can head to Holt for their shopping appointment. Here, Fairfax & Favor's in-store stylists will curate a personalised session, offering expert advice and styling across the brand's coveted range of exquisitely crafted boots, bags, and accessories.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Local supplier spotlight: Foxearth Hall Barn

Nestled on the outskirts of the charming village of Foxearth, just minutes from Long Melford and Sudbury, Foxearth Hall Barn is a beautifully restored 16th-century barn offering modern comforts within a relaxed, rustic setting. Set amidst rolling countryside on the Suffolk–Essex border, the barn can accommodate up to 200 guests and provides an idyllic backdrop for weddings and celebrations of all kinds.

The venue is run by Pam Pluck, whose wealth of experience in hospitality ensures every event is seamless and stress-free. Pam's aim is to allow couples to focus on enjoying their big day, offering as much or as little involvement as they wish. From floral arrangements and themed décor to wedding cakes, stationery and hand-written place cards, Pam's extensive skills and trusted contacts allow every detail to be tailored with professionalism, while enhancing the barn's natural charm.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

Riverhills has launched two new romantic offerings

Riverhills in Ipswich has launched two new romantic offerings, guaranteed to please this Valentine's Day. Afterall, nothing beats a blissful spa escape to celebrate love or to celebrate Galentine's with friends!

The Sweet Valentine Package includes a 30-minute treatment in one of the newly refurbished double treatment rooms, up to four hours of exclusive access to the luxurious spa facilities, a robe, towel, and slippers provided for complete comfort finished with a warming hot chocolate and a homemade chocolate truffle.

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has launched a new spa package

This February, the award-winning Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel invites couples to unwind with its Time for Each Other spa packages – thoughtfully designed for relaxation, indulgence and quality time together. Whether it's a luxurious spa day or a complete getaway with dinner and an overnight stay, there's an option to suit every style of Valentine's celebration.

Guests will unwind together with a glass of Prosecco on arrival at the Time for Each Other Spa Day before slipping into robes and enjoying a private Rasul mud treatment and a 60-minute ESPA personalised couples massage. They'll also have full access to the luxury heat and hydrotherapy facilities, including the hydrotherapy pool, rooftop hot tub, sauna and steam room. A one-course lunch in the Spa Lounge completes this indulgent day.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.