Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The High Barn at Bressingham Hall is a breathtaking space that's perfect for weddings

The High Barn at Bressingham Hall is a breathtaking space, perfect for both ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. The impressive traditional brick and stone building has a wooden frame with exposed beams and high ceilings. Beautifully renovated, it's a romantic big-day backdrop, full of character with contemporary finishing touches to complement its authentic charm.

You can say 'I do' inside the High Barn with up to 120 guests or outside in the courtyard or gardens. The world-renowned gardens are what really set this Norfolk gem apart, spanning 17 acres, they're bursting with colour, plants, trees and water features, providing a wealth of great photo opportunities.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

Cambridge is the perfect place for a mini-moon

Named the best city in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller in 2022, the stunning city of Cambridge is the perfect place to make the most of a long weekend. Whether you have a love for the outdoors, are a connoisseur of food, interested in culture or desire romance, Cambridge has it all. Boasting top-of-the-range dining, 22 museums and galleries, outdoor adventures and a city full of history, visitors need 72 hours in Cambridge.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

Bruisyard Barn is a 17th century barn tucked away in the Suffolk countryside

Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, the 17th-century barn at Bruisyard is one of the region's treasures. Set in the heart of the country estate, wooden beams crisscross the high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling double doors allow natural light to flood in.

The Banqueting Hall, Medieval Hall and Minstrels' Gallery can accommodate 140 people for the ceremony and wedding breakfast.

You can tie the knot inside the barn or outside. With a mix of formal and informal gardens in more than 700 acres of grounds, there's a wealth of romantic spots and great photo opportunities to choose from.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

Haycock Manor Hotel is offering a new Whirlwind Wedding Package

Haycock Manor Hotel is situated in the idyllic surroundings of Wansford within the glorious Cambridgeshire countryside. The City of Peterborough and the town of Stamford are both within eight miles of the hotel and are brimming with activities for friends, family and couples to enjoy. Positioned on the River Nene, this 16th-century coaching inn offers breath taking scenery and the finest of facilities.

New for 2023, Haycock Manor Hotel is offering a Whirlwind Wedding Package. Based on 60 guests, the package includes room hire for the ceremony, white tablecloths and napkins, a red carpet, a cake stand and knife along with a dedicated wedding coordinator's expertise throughout the planning process.

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.

Should more women taking the wedding speech spotlight

More women should be taking the spotlight at big events, according to new research from learning and development company Good Shout. However, according to a new poll, conducted in partnership with YouGov, the very prospect fills two thirds of women (67%) with dread. Of those women in the UK who would refuse to give speeches at a wedding, 50% said that it was the "cringe factor" that held them back, i.e. being too self-conscious or feeling too awkward or uncomfortable in the situation.

High Lodge is situated within 80 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland

Set in 80 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, High Lodge offers exclusive use to couples and their guests for the big day. Located between Aldeburgh and Southwold, just three miles from the Suffolk coastal village of Dunwich, it's a destination hotspot – perfect for those of you looking to extend your celebration to explore all the area has to offer.

There are also traditional, luxury holiday lodges set in tranquil woodland that are available for weekend-long weddings.

Tips for tying the knot while it’s hot

With Summer wedding season in full-swing and the English weather as unpredictable as ever, happy couples across the country may get more than what they bargained for when it comes to wishing for a sunny day. As temperatures across the UK already reaching highs of 30C and the Met Office predicting even hotter temperatures expected ahead, Samantha Gilchrist, former wedding photographer turned cofounder and CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, the UK's largest wedding venue collection, gives her expert advice gathered from over 15 years in the industry.

Magical Events is hosting an open weekend in September

Magical Events is a Norfolk-based company offering giant hat tipis and bell tent hire throughout the UK. With a great knowledge and experience of the events industry, you can rest assured that from the initial contact through to after your event, the team will give as much or as little input into your big day as you require.

The team at Magical Events are hosting an open weekend on Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st October between 10am and 4pm. This is your chance to see Magical Events' three magnificent giant hat tipis and bell tents furnished with everything the team have to offer, perfect if you're considering tipis for your wedding.

Hen parties in UK more popular now

Hen parties on UK soil are the number one choice for Brits, according to new research from Butlin's Big Weekenders. According to a study commissioned to mark the reopening of Butlin's Big Weekenders breaks in September, over half of Brits (53%) say a hen do in the UK is more appealing than one abroad and almost the same (54%) say a hen do is better on one resort where all the facilities are in one place. On a Butlin's Big Weekender guests can enjoy accommodation, food, drink entertainment, and activities all in one place. The adult-only weekends are available at all three resorts - Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. What's more, organisation is key for British hens, as data reveals the most common time to plan a hen do is 3-4 months in advance, in stark comparison to men, who are most likely to plan a stag do just 2-3 days in advance!

Graduate Cambridge has launched its new garden on the banks of the River Cam

Graduate Cambridge has launched its beautiful garden on the banks of the River Cam. An idyllic spot for al fresco dining, its menu has been designed to delight guests with a selection of seasonal snacks, starters and large plates from the barbecue, great for sharing with friends on a sunny afternoon. Garden Bar, at the heart of the hotel, will offer a menu of summery spritzes or classic cocktails to be enjoyed in the sunshine or indoors on those milder evenings.

Most Instagrammable beach wedding venues in the UK

Wedding invitation company, Aura Print, analysed 70 of the most sought-after beach wedding destinations and discovered the UK's most Instagrammable coastal wedding venues. The stunning spot of Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe, Devon boasts over 13k hashtags on Instagram, making this the study's number one pick. Located on the beautiful North Devon coast, Tunnels Beaches is situated on a cliff top with hand carved tunnels down to a secluded private beach. The venue provides a thatched roof gazebo which overlooks the breathtaking Devon coastline for a picture-perfect backdrop

Elms Barn is a 17th-century barn full of character

If you're dreaming of a quintessential English country wedding, this stunning venue is sure to tick the box. Built using traditional Norfolk red brick, the 17th-century barn is full of character with oak beams and traditional loft windows. It links to an elegant marquee, ideal for hosting your post-vows drinks reception. The picture-perfect setting features a romantic rose garden, flowers and lily ponds. The large patio area with bay trees is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying drinks and a gourmet barbecue. There's a meadow for playing outdoor games too and a woodland walk.

Brits feel judged on wedding gifts

Almost one in five (20%) Brits feel judged by friends and family when they cannot afford wedding gifts and 14% say they feel judged when they can't afford to attend a wedding, stag or hen party. 81% are depending on a form of finance other than their main income to provide for their family New research has revealed that almost one in five Brits (20%) feel judged by friends and family when they cannot afford wedding gifts. A further 14% say they feel judged when they can't afford to attend a wedding, stag or hen party.

Sara Davies, Fred Sirieix and Raj Somaiya revealed as BBC judges

Launching in August, BBC Two's Ultimate Wedding Planner will see eight wedding planners battle it out to prove they are Britain's next best wedding expert as they design spectacular ceremonies for six couples. Dragons' Den star Sara Davies, First Dates favourite Fred Sirieix and wedding industry expert Raj Somaiya will be the judges and mentors - overseeing the planners as they create dream weddings for our couples. Throughout the competition they will send home the weakest planner until just two remain in the final where the planners will face one final challenge to decide who will be crowned the winner.