Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has launched new twilight ceremonies

Nestled in the heart of Suffolk in the horse racing town of Newmarket, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is redefining the traditional wedding experience with the launch of its enchanting new Twilight Ceremonies, a perfect choice for winter celebrations. As couples increasingly seek intimate celebrations that reflect their unique love stories, the hotel offers a magical alternative that balances romance and value without sacrificing elegance.

Designed for gatherings of 10 or more guests, these enchanting receptions allow couples to create magical moments as twilight deepens over rural Suffolk, enveloped by the warmth and elegance of the hotel's Georgian architecture and classically designed interiors.

Hungarian Hall Estate is set in the unspoilt Suffolk countryside

Hungarian Hall Estate is set in the unspoilt Suffolk countryside, just a few minutes from Woodbridge and a short drive away from the heritage coast. The venue offers couples and their guests the chance to roam freely through the large grounds, taking in the sounds and smells of a truly rural and countryside setting.

The venue is exclusive, so you and your guests will have it all to yourselves. It's extremely adaptable, with plenty of different options for both your wedding ceremony and the reception afterwards.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Manor of Groves 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 Manor Of Groves, Hertfordshire, for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 26th January 2025! 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.

Nogard Creations is offering our readers 15 per cent off flower preservation

Nogard Creations, a flower preservation company in Cambridgeshire, is run by husband-and-wife team Laura and Jamie McGrath. The duo works together to design and create precious keepsakes using quality materials. The company offers a range of designs, including coasters, tealight holders, paperweights and frames, with a choice of shapes available such as spheres, letters, display blocks, hearts and cubes. When booking, wedding couples will receive transparent progress updates, convenient flower drop-offs, insured postage and custom pieces.

Huntingdon Town Hall is a restored Grade II*-listed building

Built in 1745, the beautifully restored Grade II*-listed Georgian Town Hall is situated in the heart of Huntingdon on the historic Market Square. The building features authentic Georgian sash windows and a first-floor balcony surrounded by floral displays in the summer. As a former courthouse, the building is full of character and original features.

Huntingdon Town Hall boasts four licensed spaces for ceremonies, including two renovated courtrooms, great for intimate 'I dos' with up to 60 guests. For larger affairs, the Assembly Hall on the second floor is a grand ballroom with space for up to 120 family and friends. Complete with three crystal chandeliers and portraits on the walls, it oozes elegance and style. The Council Chamber can host 75 loved ones, and receptions of up to 150 guests can be catered for across the two larger rooms, while the courtrooms are also available for more intimate parties.

Dutch Flower Parade has recently hired a new installation florist

Dutch Flower Parade, a florist in Norfolk, has recently hired a new installation florist. "Her job is to organise and run big installations at weddings," shares Sarah from Dutch Flower Parade. "The company has been in operation for 19 years but has recently changed owners. Our team of talented florists brings a wealth of experience and expertise and nothing is too much trouble. Our delivery drivers cover a very large area of Norfolk and we deliver your thoughts for every occasion. Every order is unique and each one is made with care and empathy so that the recipient is delighted. If you would like to order something unusual or specific, we can, of course, fulfil your needs.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Ipswich County Library is located in a Grade II-listed building in Suffolk

Ipswich County Library is located in the centre of the town in a Grade II-listed red-brick building.

The striking Northgate Room, normally used as a study and reference area, is available for weddings. With a vaulted ceiling featuring decorative plaster mouldings, old oak bookshelves, and tables, the 100-foot-long room is full of beautiful details. In celebration of Suffolk's cultural heritage, the space has coloured-glass windows that depict famous historic figures with links to the county. You can tie the knot at the end of the room between two of the stunning windows against a backdrop of oak bookcases filled with books. The room can also be used for receptions with up to 72 of your nearest and dearest.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

A group of strangers helped reunite a bridesmaid with her lost dress

Caitlin Daly, who was a bridesmaid at her best friend's wedding, has recounted how The Wedding Travel Company in Cambridgeshire and a host of strangers helped reunite her with the bridesmaid dress she had accidentally left at home, just in time for the wedding.

After several phone calls and attempts to get the dress to the Cyprus wedding, ultimately, it was a stranger named Katrina who saved the day. "Katrina made bringing the dress on holiday with her seem like the smallest favour. She waited for my taxi to arrive at her villa, having just travelled with her family, to hand over the dress. My entire wedding party can't stop singing her praises."

10% off for wedding photography with Jane Stewart Photography

Planning your wedding is going to be so exciting. Choosing the dress to the delicate flowers, venue, entertainment and so on. It can also become strained as your budget starts to grow. Jane Stewart Photography shares some advice, "The first thing people think about when it comes to the photographer is the cost, but you may be quite surprised at the range of packages we offer, starting from only £700. We also offer wedding albums (subject to package) ranging from the traditional album through to the latest digital albums.

Cley Windmill is a charming wedding venue on the North Norfolk coast

Cley Windmill is a beautiful wedding venue situated on the North Norfolk coast that's considered a local landmark. Instead of a traditional garden, the venue is surrounded by reeds and marshland with the sea in the distance, creating an idyllic setting for those in search of an original big-day backdrop.

You can take over the whole windmill for your big day, with space for up to 22 people to stay the night across 10 bedrooms.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Nogard Creations is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Nogard Creations, a flower preservation company in Cambridgeshire, has started framing flowers as well as providing resin flower preservation. Run by a husband-and-wife-run team, they work together to design and create your precious keepsakes. The duo uses quality materials and will provide transparent progress updates, convenient flower drop-offs, insured postage and custom pieces.

Exclusively for Your East Anglian Wedding readers, Nogard Creations is offering our readers 10 per cent off any flower preservation when you use the code 'NEARLYWED10'. This discount can be used to book your date and the code will be honoured when the rest of the balance is due later on in the preservation process.

Hadleigh Guildhall is set in the heart of an ancient market town in Suffolk

Hadleigh Guildhall is set in the heart of the ancient market town and is flanked by St. Mary's Church and the Deanery Tower. This beautiful building is Grade I listed, dating back to Medieval times, with a Grade II listed Victorian addition.

The rooms at Hadleigh Guildhall provide a range of options for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The choice of stunning backdrops allows you to decorate the venue to create your perfect day.

The Maltings, a new venue in Weybourne, has opened its doors

The Maltings, a new venue in Weybourne, has opened its doors. Perfect for mini-moons, 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, drink, sleep, play, explore and discover, 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 double-height restaurant, The Grain Store.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Hintlesham Hall is a Suffolk gem that's sure to wow your guests

Surrounded by peaceful gardens, Hintlesham Hall has an impressive Georgian frontage and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. This Suffolk gem is sure to wow your guests as they wind their way down the treelined drive and discover the impressive hall. Those of you looking to stay the night can choose from the 32 individually designed bedrooms, each a unique blend of classic charm and modern elegance.

There's a choice of distinctive rooms where you can tie the knot, including the Georgian-style Salon, which has an impressive chandelier, an ornate gold-leaf ceiling and space for up to 100 friends and family.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the arrival of a new executive head chef

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has announced the arrival of its new executive head chef, Mark Tomeo. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, chef Tomeo brings his culinary expertise and passion for locally sourced ingredients to the hotel's esteemed two-AA Rosette restaurant.

Squires Restaurant at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is renowned for its traditional, locally sourced, and delicious menu. Guests can enjoy the classic bar menu, à la carte and indulgent afternoon teas. Designed as a haven for food lovers, the eclectic menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from within a 50-mile radius, supporting the community and reducing the carbon footprint. Complementing the dining experience, the extensive wine menu features champagnes and locally sourced Suffolk wines and spirits.