Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Local supplier spotlight: Heacham Manor Hotel

Heacham Manor Hotel boasts a 400-year-old mulberry tree, tranquil pond and peaceful grove, all framed by a beautifully maintained 18-hole golf course, creating a picturesque backdrop for weddings.

The Dove Suite offers a bright, contemporary setting for up to 120 guests. With elegant neutral tones, wood floors and soft lighting, it exudes modern sophistication. Its flexible, soundproof layout adapts easily for intimate ceremonies and grand receptions, with stylish décor and abundant natural daylight.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Bayfield Catering were nominated for a prestigious award

Bayfield Catering, a wedding caterer based in Holt, Norfolk, attended The Wedding Industry Awards at the end of November as nominees for a prestigious award. This nomination is a testament to the work Bayfield Catering has done this year in delivering top-notch service to its brides and grooms.

Run by Emma Boubaker, Bayfield Catering is a family business with a passion for quality food. "We use local produce and have good relationships with local suppliers," says Emma. "Bayfield Catering can help you with your special day, making sure it is as stress-free as possible. Whether you're hosting your wedding in a large or small venue, we can accommodate your needs and offer advice on what works well."

Local supplier spotlight: Riverside House Hotel

Nestled on the edge of the River Lark, the Riverside House Hotel features a historic exterior surrounded by lush gardens. Built in 1720, the building exudes timeless elegance, with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the picturesque setting in the warmer months. The classic architecture blends beautifully with the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The garden overlooking the River Lark provides a perfect backdrop for your photographs and an ideal place to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés with your guests. Inside, a striking staircase offers a fantastic photo opportunity before you walk down the aisle, while a back gate leads directly to the river for more scenic shots.

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

Micklefield Hall Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa has partnered with spa house Tribe517

Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa in Ipswich has expanded its treatment range by partnering with award-winning spa house Tribe517 to launch two exclusive signature rituals: The Art of Sleep and The Art of Happiness. Both are 45-minute treatments; The Art of Sleep is designed to relax and quiet the mind, while The Art of Happiness aims to invigorate and uplift. These new additions complement the already impressive collection of spa facilities at Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, including a vitality pool, SnowSky, a sensory spa garden, and much more. Both treatments are perfect for de-stressing in the run-up to your big day.

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

Local supplier spotlight: Kimberley Hall

Kimberley was built in 1712 and set in private parkland in the River Tiffey Valley designed by the nation's most famous landscape architect, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The house offers breathtaking views of a 20-acre lake and ancient oaks and is ideally located in Norfolk and for those coming by road and rail from further afield. Its distinctive classical red brick façade, curved colonnades, wings, architectural features and combination of traditional and contemporary elegance give it unique character both inside and out.

Parkdean Resorts reveals East Anglia has been the most popular destination of 2025

Over the past year, lodge holiday provider Parkdean Resorts has seen a notable rise in demand for romantic breaks closer to home. After analysing sales data, it was revealed that East Anglia has been the most popular destination for couples in 2025 so far. With open beaches, quaint seaside towns, and easy access from major cities, the region is a top destination for families and couples alike.

Based on this, Parkdean Resorts has identified two key drivers behind the growing staycation trend among couples: value for money and convenience. "One of the biggest factors driving the growth in demand for UK staycations is the value for money they offer," says a spokesperson for Parkdean Resorts. "Our research shows that 61 per cent of UK holidaymakers believe domestic holidays provide better value than trips abroad, with 54 per cent citing cost as the primary reason for choosing a destination closer to home. Convenience is another key factor, with 70 per cent of UK holidaymakers saying ease of travel is a top reason to staycation."

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Local supplier spotlight: Cley Windmill

Cley Windmill is a wonderfully romantic wedding venue dating back to the 19 century. Now cherished as a local landmark, its striking 56-foot windmill, complete with sails and fan tail, creates a dreamy backdrop for those all-important photographs. The windmill's gardens offer a beautiful setting for ceremonies, and just beyond the garden wall lies the River Glaven, flowing gently beside the windmill and surrounded by marshland and countryside.

At the windmill's base, the rounded Ceremony Room provides an intimate and truly special scene for weddings and celebrations, with its original beams and woodwork and space for up to 26 guests.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

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.

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.

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."