Your Herts and Beds Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Omboo at Sopwell House has a new head chef

Sopwell House, a lavish country house hotel located in Hertfordshire, has elevated its pan-Asian dining experience at Omboo with the arrival of Head Chef Benny Lee. Guests can look forward to vibrant and flavourful dishes that highlight the rich culinary traditions of Far-East Asian cuisine. The gastronomic journey begins with small bites such as Soft-Shell Crab expertly seasoned with dried chilli, black bean and garlic, Fried Chicken with sriracha honey mayo and Truffle Spring Rolls sitting alongside an array of meticulously crafted sushi and sashimi. For larger plates, there's Grilled Lamb Chops with fried potato and coriander mint sauce, Lobster tail with asparagus and onions, and Miso-glazed Black Cod. To finish, indulge in a Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with wild strawberry sorbet or Mango Yuzu Panna Cota with honeycomb.

Get wed at Toddington Park within a picturesque countryside setting

Set on 30 acres, Toddington Park is a Georgian manor house that creates the perfect backdrop to weddings and events. Just south of Woburn, the Grade II listed property has a grand entranceway and magnificent views at every turn. As couples drive down the impressive driveway, they'll love the formal lawns, delightful meadows and the stunning lake. Available only for exclusive use, the family-owned property hosts only a handful of annual weddings, meaning guests can expect all the care and attention needed to create memorable events. Built in 1826, the Park House is an impressive manor house with plenty of character and charm. Couples can have celebrant-led ceremonies or blessings with 68 loved ones in the Drawing Room, which features natural lighting and can be dressed to match any wedding theme. Continue the celebrations in the Drawing Room, Entrance Hall and Dining Room, with 55 people for wedding breakfasts and 100 for evening receptions.

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."

Discover the team behind The Gift of Poems

Emma Frost, the creative force behind The Gift of Poems, is a devoted wife, mother and passionate poet based in Bedfordshire. She specialises in crafting custom poems that beautifully enhance weddings to tell personal love stories and be read during ceremonies. They also make wonderful gifts for special individuals at the wedding party or for the parents. Each poem is uniquely created to meet specific needs. Emma shares, "Writing poems has been my passion since childhood. I've transformed my hobby into a career, and I'm here to write for you. Every poem is one-of-a-kind and tailored just for you. All I need is information about your loved ones, and I'll create something truly memorable. It often brings tears of joy, which is a beautiful thing. We may think our loved ones know how we feel, but there's something incredibly impactful about seeing those feelings expressed in writing. With my touch of poetic magic, it becomes a keepsake to cherish forever."

Learn all about outdoor weddings at The Gardens at Polehanger

As couples travel down the beautiful tree-lined driveway, they'll discover The Gardens at Polehanger. The well-manicured gardens provide a secluded spot to host memorable wedding celebrations. There are flowerbeds full of colour and uninterrupted countryside views. The blank canvas venue allows couples to bring in their own structure and all other suppliers, meaning they can get creative to bring their vision to life – the bigger the imagination, the better! Pairs can have a celebrant-led blessing and receptions in the beautiful gardens with 120 people, or couples might opt for structures such as marquees, yurts, stretch tents or tipis – there are many possibilities. Pairs will have exclusively use of the site for their wedding day, including the six-bedroom farmhouse. Dating back to the 18th century, the space has been refurbished with new bathrooms and furniture throughout. Each room is spacious, with comfy king-size beds and unique décor.

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

The Bountiful Table in Bedfordshire wins award

The Bountiful Table, a luxury grazing company, was recently awarded the title of the most trusted caterer in Bedfordshire for 2024. The team is thrilled to receive this recognition, which reflects their commitment, hard work and passion for crafting exquisite experiences.Grazing tables bring a sense of sophistication and abundance to weddings, offering a relaxed and engaging dining atmosphere that will impress guests. These set-ups are adaptable to fit various wedding themes. Additionally, grazing isn't confined to tables anymore; stunning grazing table runners can elegantly adorn long tables, while individual grazing cones offer a chic, grab-and-go option that maintains an air of luxury, making them ideal for evening receptions.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Discover al fresco weddings at Treewell Farm

Treewell Farm is situated between Moggerhanger and Willington in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside. The secluded farm is located along a 400-metre tree-lined drive. It's available to hire exclusively with access to the field (including an orchard) for marquee set-up, a car parking field, a small wedding lodge, a converted horsebox bar, the walled garden and the greenhouse. As the CPRE 2021 Living Countryside Awards winner, the farm is the perfect choice to hold beautifully romantic, festival-inspired and sustainable weddings. It provides the ideal blank canvas to create beautiful and personalised events. The natural and rustic landscape features stunning views over the surrounding farmers' fields and many photo opportunities to discover. Imagine sitting on hay bales and drinking gin cocktails overlooking a wedding marquee or tipi.

Discover Fold Me Close's current wedding offer

Great vibes and wonderful friends call for the finest pizza, and Fold Me Close is all about celebrating weddings! Their award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza is crafted by hand using a unique 48-hour slow-rise dough, before being topped with the finest British and Italian ingredients. Couples can customise their own wedding pizza and inquire about boxed pizzas for the ultimate hangover breakfast! The team has served delicious slices in all kinds of settings – whether it's sunny or rainy, by lakes, on beaches, in fields or at castles. Pam, the charming vintage VW horse-lorry-pizza-truck, adds a delightful touch, while the staff ensures a fantastic atmosphere at all events.

Get wed at Edworth Manor in Bedfordshire

Just one mile south of Biggleswade, Edworth Manor is a working farm that one family has run for more than 200 years. Nearlyweds can expect personal service and practical experience from the team, who will help guide pairs through the planning process. Guests get a glimpse of farm life as they travel up the drive past grass meadows and tractors before reaching the venue. Couples often comment on how peaceful and tucked away the setting is. The meadow offers a perfect space for photos with a rural backdrop, with many often snapped underneath the trees or in front of the timber-clad barns. The venue doesn't have a ceremony license, but the 12th-century church is available for blessings with permission of the Churches Conservation Trust. Celebrant-led ceremonies occur in the 18th-century barn at Edworth Manor, a genuinely rustic space that's one of the largest in the area with plenty of historic character. Guests are taken back by the oak timbers and attractive alcoves, which offer a fantastic canvas for couples to personalise as little or as much as they like. The barn is only available for a limited number of occasions during the summer months each year.

Don't miss Ware Priory's next wedding show

Ware Priory, a remarkable Grade I listed building dating back to 1338, is filled with charming rooms and historical elements. Set in a beautiful location, it provides a unique wedding backdrop. Couples are invited to explore the venue in person during the on-site wedding show hosted by County Wedding Events, which is dedicated to helping couples find the perfect venue and wedding vendors. This event will occur on November 17th 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm. Lovebirds can enjoy free entry to tour the property, meet the team and connect with other industry professionals to ask plenty of questions. Attendees can also enter a honeymoon competition, receive a goody bag and grab a complimentary copy of Your Herts & Beds Wedding. Plus, there will be exclusive offers and discounts available on the day!

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Find your big-day musicians at Ascot Racecourse

Gwenllian is an acclaimed and established Wedding harpist, ready to accommodate all your musical needs for your special day. From performances at the National Portrait Gallery to St David's Hall, Cardiff and the Barbican, London, she has toured the East Coast of America with concerts in New York and Boston. She has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and her work has been performed and recorded by Ensemble Cymru. Gwenllian is an award-winning and experienced harpist in demand for luxury events for distinguished venues such as Saddler's Hall, Vintner's Hall and Loseley Park. She is passionate about creating bespoke musical arrangements to add that personal touch to your wedding day.

With an exclusive discount for this event only, come and meet her at the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Discover this luxury romantic venue at Ascot Racecourse

Based in Sunninghill, Ascot, the team from Royal Berkshire will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. 'Romantic, quiet luxury and homely. Royal Berkshire is the perfect place to marry and celebrate exclusively. This winter, we're offering special rates for weddings taking place from January – end of March 2025. Why not have a chat with us at the wedding show on the 27th of October to find out more? We can't wait to meet you!'

Plan your stag and hen do (or sten do) with County Wedding events

Dorset-based adventure company, Land & Wave, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, and Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. Visit Tilly at the Land & Wave stand to find out about magical Hen, Stag and 'Sten' Do's in the woods. Perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy couples looking for unique experiences to share with friends. Show Offer: Pay your deposit at the show and the Stag/Hen goes FREE!

Find those finishing touches with Harper Rose at Ascot Racecourse

Berkshire-based Harper Rose Events is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. "Delivering Stationery, Signage and Props for your event or wedding. At Harper Rose we offer not only the props, backdrops and frames for hire but also bespoke, personalised signs for hire too!," shares designer Lydia. "Meaning you don't have to pay the full purchase price for a bespoke sign and worry about where you are going to keep it afterwards. "Allow us to take your inspiration and bring it to life for your occasions, helping you design and create all the elegant touches to your event or wedding day! Come & see us for your chance to win your wedding signage for free!"

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi