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

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Bradbourne House Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 2nd November, 2025! 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 Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Braxted Park Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 26th October! The 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.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Champneys celebrates 100 years with Week of Wellness offers

Founded in 1925, the beloved Champneys chain is currently celebrating 100 years, marking a huge milestone for the company! To celebrate, they're introducing The Week of Wellness from £155 per person per night across all resorts. Enjoy six nights of restorative bliss with full-board healthy dining and three rejuvenating treatments included for those seeking deep relaxation, a health reset, or simply time for themselves. Check-in from 2 pm on Sunday, check-out by 11 am on Saturday for six dreamy nights of wellness, with nothing on the agenda. Imagine a week where each day begins gently, with wholesome breakfasts followed by a peaceful walk through the grounds, floating effortlessly in the pool, or curling up with a book in one of the lounges.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

The Hertfordshire Registration Service has introduced ‘Anywhere’ ceremonies

The Hertfordshire Registration Service is on a mission to help couples celebrate their love stories in unique settings. In England and Wales, venues need to be licensed for legal marriages, which can sometimes limit couples looking for something different for their big day. Recognising this desire for individuality, Hertfordshire Registration Service has introduced 'Anywhere' ceremonies. This innovative option allows couples to have a brief legal ceremony at a register office, followed by a personalised celebration at a venue of their choice. Kimberley and Joshua recently embraced this idea with their 'Anywhere' ceremony at Country Tipis in Codicote. In Kimberley's words, "Our outdoor festival-themed wedding was a dream come true, and the registrars made it even more special by incorporating a military touch for my husband."

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 19th October, 2025! 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.

Ware Priory Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Ware Priory, for inspiration on Sunday 19th October 2025! Ware Priory offer a historic, yet contemporary setting for a wedding and understand that finding the right wedding venue can be one of the most challenging parts of planning your special day. At Ware Priory they tailor your wedding so that it is as individual as you are, their team help you plan every finishing touch. Whether you are wanting a civil ceremony, a wedding reception or perhaps both, then the Ware Priory team are here to make sure you have the perfect day.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London launches Dark Arts Halloween experience

Get ready for Halloween with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London during the much-loved Dark Arts feature from September 12th to November 9th 2025. Step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting as the team dims the lights and sets the stage.Experience Halloween as if you were a Hogwarts student, by stepping into the Great Hall with more than 100 pumpkins floating and looking out for the Death Eaters' procession through the Studio Tour in a menacing display, showcasing the authentic costumes and sinister choreography seen on-screen. Guests will also be able to learn duelling techniques in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and put their spell-casting to the test against the Death Eaters! Ominous Dementors will also be lurking throughout, so keep a cautious eye out to find them in the Forbidden Forest. The symbol of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters will be projected throughout the Studio Tour for you to discover during your visit. Remember to collect your Studio Tour passport upon arrival to join the hunt for the Dark Mark.

Cheslyn House in Watford opens for weddings and civil partnerships during register office renovations

Cheslyn House in Watford is now available for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, offering a picturesque alternative while the Watford Register Office undergoes renovation. Managed by Watford Borough Council, the historic former residence sits within 3.5 acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands, a tranquil pond, and an aviary. It holds both Green Flag and Green Heritage Site status for its conservation and historic value. Ceremonies can be booked at Cheslyn House until May 7th 2026. Despite the events, the gardens and car park will remain open to the public. Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, says, "Cheslyn House is one of Watford's hidden gems. It's great that it can now host such special moments for couples in our town."

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 12th October! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Layer Marney Tower, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events fair at Layer Marney Tower, Essex on Sunday 12th October 2025! A must-visit event for engaged couples, the show puts you 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 legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Barn at Alswick Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Barn at Alswick, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 5th October 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Forming part of the historic Alswick Hall Estate, the Barn at Alswick has been lovingly restored to a stunning contemporary event space for exclusive hire. Adorned with rustic wooden beams, the light-flooded space is perfect for your wedding vision to come to life.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.