Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Happy Valley Norfolk is a secluded woodland venue

Happy Valley Norfolk is a secluded woodland venue, boasting a lake and wide-sky views. The woodland gardens and open glades make a picture-perfect setting for weddings. The site comprises of a traditional carrstone and flint barn with an indoor bar and a larger industrial-style barn with a cocktail bar plus an undercover adjoining courtyard, perfect for al fresco celebrations.

For vows, the woodland and bridged island are very popular, followed by a reception utilising the outdoor areas for a wedding breakfast of up to 180 guests and a reception of 300 friends and family. If the weather is not suitable, there are plenty of indoor spaces to choose from.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

County Wedding Events coming to Channels Golf Club, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Channels Golf Club, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 21st April 2024! 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. The beautifully restored, 17th-century, thatched Essex Barn is an idyllic wedding venue for your special day. Tie the knot with your soulmate in surroundings full of character with up to 100 of your loved ones there to share the moment.

County Wedding Events coming to Ravenwood Hall Hotel, Suffolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Ravenwood Hall Hotel, for inspiration on Sunday 21st April 2024! 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. Ravenwood Hall is the perfect setting for your dream wedding in Suffolk. The Hall, parts of which date back to Henry VIII, is conveniently located just three miles from the ancient market town of Bury St Edmunds. Set in seven acres of secluded, tranquil gardens in the lovely Suffolk countryside, the Hall makes the perfect backdrop for a country house wedding.

County Wedding Events coming to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 14th April 2024! 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.

County Wedding Events coming to That Amazing Place, Harlow, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at That Amazing Place, in Harlow, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 14th April 2024! 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.

Local Ely businesses are being encouraged to celebrate their achievements by the SME Ely Business Awards

Local Ely businesses are being encouraged to celebrate their achievements by the prestigious SME Ely Business Awards, which have launched for 2024. The SME Ely Business Awards are made up of 20 categories that any successful business in Ely can enter. Entries are judged by a panel of local expert judges and the pinnacle of the awards is the Grand Celebration, a black-tie evening taking place in May 2024.

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is a charming 17th-century Georgian house

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is a 17th-century Georgian house built originally as a hunting lodge for the sixth Duke of Bedford. Set back from the road, the impressive entrance draws you around the sweeping driveway past the perfectly manicured lawns to the elegant white stucco building entrance. The hotel provides the perfect blend between old and new, retaining the charm and character of a country house but with the modern luxury and comfort of an exquisite boutique hotel.

Set in three acres of perfectly manicured gardens, the hotel has established rose gardens and a wisteria-clad, ivory-pillared walkway to The Spa. The Classics Suite Garden is a formal garden that can be exclusive to you. This space allows your guests the freedom to relax during the day in quiet surroundings.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".

Five myths about Champagne

For centuries, great occasions in life have been punctuated with Champagne. However, there are several myths surrounding the drinking, storing and essence of Champagne. As a result, the Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to bust those myths to separate fact from fiction and demonstrate how best to enjoy the pinnacle of sparkling wine, as well as ensure that you aren't fooled by some of the most common Champagne myths. Myth: Pop the cork and spray Champagne in times of celebrations. The blunt pop of the cork and the fizz of the fine bubbles – instantly reminiscent of celebration – is a sparkling start to any special occasion.

The Business Awards UK has announced the winners and finalists of the 2023 Wedding Services Awards

The Business Awards UK has announced the winners and finalists of the 2023 Wedding Services Awards. These awards recognise the exceptional talent and dedication of professionals in the wedding industry, celebrating those who have demonstrated excellence in their services and contributed significantly to making wedding experiences memorable. The 2023 Wedding Services Awards honour these distinguished companies and individuals who have set high standards in the wedding industry, showcasing exceptional creativity, professionalism and passion. These awards not only recognise their outstanding achievements but also celebrate their role in creating dream weddings and unforgettable moments for couples.

Moonpig reveals weddings cards are the hardest to write

Greeting cards have been a popular way to express celebrations and affection for our loved ones. We're used to purchasing cards for milestones from birthdays, weddings, new jobs and more, but how often do we struggle with what to write in a card? With the recent growth in popularity of AI models like ChatGPT, Moonpig has launched its "Smart Text" tool, a feature which uses generative AI as a writing assistant for customers who need help in those moments where they don't know what to put in a card to their loved ones.

Sennowe Park is an impressive Edwardian Grade II* listed house

Sennowe Park is a large and impressive Edwardian Grade II* listed house set on a knoll overlooking terraced gardens and sweeping parkland. Offering picture-perfect settings in abundance, its Edwardian Garden statuary, flower-filled urns and topiary make for a stunning location for a marquee. While the Italianate gardens overlook rolling parkland and offer glimpses of the romantic boathouse on the park lake.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

Magical Events LTD is hosting an open weekend in April

Magical Events LTD, based in Norfolk, offers giant hat tipis, bell tents, furniture and lighting for weddings and events. The team at Magical Events LTD is hosting an open weekend on Saturday 27th April and alongside the Quirky Wedding Fayre at Hubbard's Farm in Norfolk on Sunday 28th April 2024. Doors open from 11am to 3pm both days and will feature a handpicked group of wedding professionals who all offer something different from standard wedding packages.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 28th April, 2024! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Old Essex Barn, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Old Essex Barn Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 28th April 2024! 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. Old Essex Barn is a simply stunning renovated barn from the 15th century, located on the outskirts of the quiet village of Kelvedon. The barn oozes character with beautiful historic oak timbers and vaulted ceilings, it truly is a special place to say 'I do'.