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

Discover Voyager FlightSimulation at Luton International Airport

Have you ever dreamed of piloting a jetliner or helicopter? Voyager FlightSimulation, the only centre of its kind based at London Luton International Airport, can turn that dream into a reality. With a state-of-the-art fixed-base flight simulation, people can experience the thrill of flying like never before. This experience is not just for aviation enthusiasts but is an ideal gift for grooms or couples who love to travel.  Howard Atkins and Paul Lang met several years ago whilst training to be instructors in the Boeing 737-800 fl ight simulator. It's their mission to bring the fun of fl ying to everyone. Their instructors are patient, approachable and friendly, combining years of experience and genuine enthusiasm. The company has two simulators: a jetliner and a helicopter.

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.

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.

County Wedding Events comes to Chenies Manor, Buckinghamshire

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Chenies Manor in Rickmansworth, for inspiration on Sunday 1st 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.

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.

Niki Lawrence MUA in Harpenden wins wedding award

Creative Oceanic, powered by Oceanic Awards, has proudly unveiled the victors of The English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, Chapter 4.  These illustrious accolades, a beacon of excellence in the hair and beauty industry, have been a testament to the skill and dedication of stylists and salons across England for more than a decade. Located in Harpenden, Niki Lawrence MUA was ecstatic to be named a finalist in the Makeup Artist category. The competition was intense, but Niki's exceptional talent shone through, earning her the prestigious trophy. She shares, "I'm over the moon to have won in this category! I'm deeply appreciative to be acknowledged for a career that I'm passionate about and thoroughly enjoy.  Thank you to all who have supported me on this journey."

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.

Discover rustic weddings at The Barns at Redcoats

Located in landscaped gardens and surrounded by Hertfordshire countryside, The Barns at Redcoats offers the ultimate wedding setting with beautiful views. Built-in 1771, the Barns are the original buildings of The Farmhouse at Redcoats Green. Refurbished in 2018, the spaces now boast all the quirky historic features intertwined with stylish design and the latest technology – purposely built with weddings in mind. The adjoining Cowshed Bar and Lounge is stylish, quirky and fun, making it the perfect place for ceremonies and receptions with 120 loved ones. Whatever the tipple, the experienced bar team will shake couples' favourite cocktails and recommend the best whisky and gin.

Most popular TikTok wedding car revealed

Gone are the days of a horse-drawn carriage or a Rolls Royce pulling up to the wedding chapel, now it's all about modern cars! Couples across the UK are planning their dream weddings, with a twist. Searches for 'modern wedding cars' have surged by 60% in the last month according to Google Trends, signalling a shift from traditional vintage choices to sleek, contemporary vehicles that add a touch of modern elegance to the special day. ATS Euromaster, the tyre, MOT and vehicle services provider, has analysed TikTok hashtags and trends to reveal the changing popularity of wedding cars, both vintage and modern. Additionally, ATS has estimated rental costs for three-hour periods to help couples choose the perfect car for their special day.

Voyager FlightSimulation offers the ideal gift for couples who love to travel

Have you ever dreamed of piloting a jetliner or helicopter? Voyager FlightSimulation, the only centre of its kind based at London Luton International Airport, can make that dream a reality. With a state-of-the-art fixed-base flight simulation, people can experience the thrill of flying like never before. This experience is not just for aviation enthusiasts but is an ideal gift for grooms or couples who love to travel. Howard Atkins and Paul Lang met several years ago whilst training to be instructors in the Boeing 737-800 flight simulator. It's their mission to bring the fun of flying to everyone. Their instructors are patient, approachable and friendly, combining years of experience and genuine enthusiasm.

National Art Pass - perfect wedding gift for culture lovers

A National Art Pass is a great way to enjoy time at hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, and the Double Membership makes the perfect wedding gift for any culture lovers! Annual membership is only £88.50* and lets the happy couple enjoy free entry to hundreds of cultural destinations, plus 50% off major exhibitions, and special shop and café discounts. What's more, two cards will be issued for the happy couple!

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Tie the knot at Knebworth Park

Set on 250 acres, Knebworth Park has been home to grazing herds of deer for even longer than the Lytton family. The 28-acre formal gardens are delightful every season and offer a perfect backdrop for beautiful wedding photography. The romantic exterior of Knebworth House, with its turrets, domes and gargoyles silhouetted against the sky, does little to prepare visitors for what to expect. As well as being a beautiful setting, guests may be intrigued to learn about Knebworth House & Park, also known as The Stately Home of Rock. The Rolling Stones, Queen, Oasis and more than 100 other major artists have played at Knebworth Festivals. The site has also made starring appearances on the big screen in major feature films, series and music videos, including Batman, The Crown and The King's Speech.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall announced new chef

Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall is proud to announce its continued evolution in the culinary world with the celebrated Chef John Barber at its helm. Reopened in May 2023 after a three-year hiatus, the restaurant is experiencing a renaissance, blending tradition with innovative culinary concepts. Chef John Barber's impressive career is highlighted by international experiences and a deep-seated passion for cooking inspired by his mother's home cooking. His culinary journey, beginning at UCB College of Food, has taken him through prestigious kitchens from the Belfry Hotel to the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, extending to global experiences in Thailand and Paris.