Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has launched a summer afternoon tea spa day

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has launched a new summer afternoon tea spa day to celebrate its newly refurbished spa. Nestled in the beauty of the Norfolk countryside, Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is a historic mansion that seamlessly blends traditional splendour, timeless elegance, and modern amenities. The property promises a luxury retreat and a truly unforgettable experience for those seeking heavenly relaxation.

From the relaxing spa and the challenging golf course to the indoor swimming pool, brasserie restaurant and recently renovated bedrooms, the resort has so much to offer.

County Wedding Events coming Kimberley Hall, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kimberley Hall, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 15th September 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. Built in 1712 during the reign of Queen Anne, Kimberley sits at the centre of a 700 acre park laid out in 1778. The house boasts spectacular views past grazing cattle and Norfolk's greatest concentration of ancient oaks, to a large lake at the bottom of the River Tiffey valley. Centrally located in Norfolk, 9 miles west of Norwich and close to arterial road, rail and air links (plus a private airstrip), Kimberley is ideally positioned.

County Wedding Events coming to Orsett Hall, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Orsett Hall, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

Curds Hall Barn offers uninterrupted views of the Norfolk countryside

Curds Hall Barn is set within 12 acres of luscious parkland and surrounded by uninterrupted views of the Norfolk countryside. The venue is made up of two conjoined rooms: the 17th-century Main Barn is light and airy, with whitewashed walls showcasing chequered brick and flint work, high vaulted ceilings with original beams and contemporary lighting. While the Woodshed provides a contrasting space with darker wood cladding and atmospheric lighting, creating the perfect blank canvas for a romantic and intimate wedding breakfast.

Ceremonies of up to 120 loved ones take place in The Main Barn. As previously described, it's a bright room with huge, glazed doors and underfloor heating.

For al fresco nuptials, you can tie the knot under the Old Oak Tree, positioned on the edge of the woodland, or outside on the lawn, which has an adjoining open-fronted cartshed with upright beams that can be decorated.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

Gemma C Photography is now flying a drone for all things wedding related

Gemma C Photography is a talented wedding photographer based in Suffolk. Owner Gemma Cook tells us more about her business:

"What got me into photography? I would first say my dad. I'm 27 and, at the age of 14, my dad took my sister and I to some photography workshops and from there I never left the camera. I have since learnt different techniques that have helped develop my small photography business. For example, I recently bought a drone and learnt how to use it for a wedding at Langham Hall in Essex. The groom's brother owns Langham Hall and it was an honour to photograph there. The couple told me they wanted a heart under the drone and they immediately got themselves into this heart without any of my help."

The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa is hosting an open day

The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa is hosting an open day on Sunday 8th September to help newly engaged couples plan their dream weddings. Surrounded by lush, open countryside in the heart of Lavenham, the 15th-century hotel is a magical venue perfect for large and small celebrations all year around.

For intimate weddings, The Swan has three elegant private rooms catering between four and 40 guests. Each room will be set up with displays from wedding suppliers ranging from florists to make-up artists and photographers, as well as wedding dress and cake specialists. The McCallum room will also be dressed for a wedding breakfast, while the Woolhall will be set up for a ceremony.

Couples planning larger, more lavish affairs for up to 100 friends and family can discover more about The Swan's exclusive wedding package, where the entire hotel is reserved just for their party.

Applewood Hall is nestled in the village of Banham in Norfolk

Nestled in the quaint village of Banham in Norfolk, Applewood Hall is conveniently located next to the award-winning Banham Zoo and Applewood Countryside Park, providing glamping accommodation and a special attraction for those in search of a wedding day with a difference.

Your guests will be impressed as they enter the marquee-lined hall, a blank canvas with stunning chandeliers and a starlight canopy. This spacious hall can seat up to 200 guests and has a central dancefloor, a stage and a fully-stocked licensed bar all in one place. The hall has access to a modern ceremony room that can seat up to 90 guests and comes with lime-washed Chivari chairs, colour-changing downlighters and fairylights.

Ufford Park Resort has introduced new spa experiences

Ufford Park Resort, a wedding venue nestled in historic parkland on the heritage coast near Ipswich, has introduced new spa experiences. With the full-day experience, you will arrive at 9am, sip a nutritional shot and step into a fluffy robe and flip-flops to begin your day in the Thermal Suite Spa. Tapas platters, a blissful 50-minute massage or facial, and a therapist-free experience are all included, as well as a Templespa gift to continue pampering yourself at home.

Alternatively, the half-day option means you'll arrive from 8.30am and stay until after lunch, or you can begin with lunch and stay until 7.30pm. Sip a chilled nutritional shot, step into a robe and flip flops, and immerse yourself in the Thermal Suite Spa. This option also includes tapas platters for lunch, a blissful 50-minute massage or facial and a Templespa gift.

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 1st September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples in touch with local professionals for face-to-face wedding planning. 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'.

Visit a Signature Wedding Show to win a mini-break with Classic Lodges

County Wedding Events, in association with Classic Lodges, is offering two overnight stays for two people to include a glass of Lanson Champagne on arrival, a three-course dinner and either a full English Breakfast or continental. What's more, the break can be taken at any Classic Lodges-owned property! Visitors must pre-register and attend a Signature Wedding Show to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges. Terms and conditions apply.

Instant photos make for lasting memories!

poignant keepsake for guests or a photo album. Instant photos make for lasting memories! The INSTAX mini 12 (£79.99) is the perfect product for guest use. Place on tables or dot them around the venue to allow for guests to personalise their memories, and most importantly, take them home. The INSTAX mini Evo (£174.99) is another great option for capturing what's important. The retro-themed exterior is fitting for those vintage-themed weddings – place next to the guest book so photos can be added straight in. The INSTAX SQUARE (£129.99) is a modern option for those photographic keepsakes. Connect the devise to phones and print polaroid straight from the camera roll. Instant photos are irreplaceable.

Bruisyard Barn is a wedding venue 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 criss-cross 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

Elope in style - expert advice

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months, searches for 'elopement weddings UK' are up +83%, 'elopement wedding packages UK' increased by +85%, and 'intimate weddings UK' have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for intimate weddings. To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like. Why are elopements becoming more popular? Topping the list of factors driving couples towards intimate weddings is the quest to manage expenses. More than a third (32%) of respondents highlighted financial constraints as the primary factor influencing their decision to opt for a smaller celebration.

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

The Harper Hotel is a contemporary take on the English country escape

The Harper Hotel is located in Langham, a pretty village just a mile inland from the coast at Blakeney, Norfolk. After a transformation of the original well-known brick and flint-built barns, this charming coastal retreat is a contemporary take on the English country escape. Retaining the fabric of the building and retelling its story with a bold, industrial aesthetic in its public areas, The Harper combines modernity with continuity, marrying past and present.

The Harper's 32 bedrooms beckon for weekend breaks. Find the room that's right for you, enjoy some Norfolk nibbles and a cocktail, and relax.