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

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Check out Sheer Perfection's current wedding offer

Based in Biggleswade, Sheer Perfection provides beauty services in and around Bedfordshire. With a natural make-up style, the team offer tailor-made packages to help clients look and feel their best, including beauty treatments such as nails, brow shaping and tinting, lash lifts, brow lamination and more. Owner Nikki Smith says, "I started Sheer Perfection to enhance the natural beauty of all women and help them feel beautiful both inside and out. I like to get to know each individual and look forward to continuing ongoing relationships. "Planning your wedding is such an exciting and special experience. You'll want to look back and feel the best version of yourself.

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Take a step back in time with wedding venue Toddington Park

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.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Discover Little Vintage Teacup in Tring

For some, wedding planning can be a little daunting and overwhelming. That's why it's so important to work with trustworthy, reputable suppliers who are not only experts in their field but will also work with couples every step of the way to bring visions to life. At Little Vintage Teacup, the team offers a range of services alongside vintage china hire. Their services are available for special occasions, including weddings and bridal showers, with a selection of hire packages, delicious afternoon tea (served on beautiful vintage china), tea and coffee service, buffet stations, setting up, clearing down, delivery, collection and complimentary washing up with all bookings. The team has everything covered so couples can sit back and relax, knowing everything is in good hands.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Exchange vows at Woburn Orangery Weddings

The Woburn Coffee House, with the picturesque Woburn Orangery overlooking the private walled garden, is a beautiful boutique wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of Woburn, the excellent combination of elegant décor and friendly atmosphere offers a truly special location. Woburn Orangery Weddings has exclusive use of the entire Woburn Coffee House. The White Room is a secluded and characterful setting on the upper floor for the bridal party to be pampered by hair and make-up artists on their special day. Exchange vows in The Woburn Orangery, a romantic space that can host ceremonies and receptions with 48 loved ones. The Walled Garden is an enchanting private setting for photographs, reception drinks and canapés – it's the perfect setting for guests to enjoy. The Old Front Restaurant welcomes loved ones and can be used as a reception drinks area should the weather be inclement, while the Snug is the heart of the home for the formal meeting with the registrars.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Discover the team behind George Pittas Photography

A great image can evoke beautiful memories about a person or a special occasion. This remarkable quality encouraged Laura Pittas to pursue a career as a photographer, and George Pittas Photography was born! The company specialises in traditional and natural wedding photography, offering a unique and relaxed feel. Based in Hertfordshire but also covering Essex, Kent and the surrounding area, Laura works with couples to capture their dream weddings. With more than 10 years of experience working behind the lens, her passion is capturing the perfect moments when the angle and light converge to create a striking moment unlike any other. As a photographer, there's no greater frill than finding that split-second that can be frozen and treasured for a lifetime.

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure 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 to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Learn about weddings at Priory House Heritage Centre

Situated in Dunstable town centre, Priory House Heritage Centre is the perfect setting for intimate weddings. Within the historic Grade II listed building with a Medieval undercroft is the stunning Jacobean Room, which features stunning paintings and can host 30 people for ceremonies. Or exchange vows in front of a beautiful rose pergola in the awardwinning gardens. Here, couples will find wedding chairs dressed in white covers with gold sashes and an aisle runner, all of which are provided. The space is the ideal backdrop to photographs, especially when the flowers are blooming. The stunning grounds are an ancient scheduled monument that achieved Gold in Anglia and Britain in Bloom.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Check out Elegance China Hire's new wedding discount

Wedding breakfasts date back to the 17th-century, but many couples want to break away from the traditional three-course meal. The food choice is vast and couples can get creative with grazing tables, street food vendors or barbecues. Or why take a step back in time with a traditional afternoon tea? Elegance China Hire can provide a beautiful selection of vintage china for special events covering Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties. The company offers a beautiful selection of vintage items to grace wedding tables for wowfactor events. Owner Caroline Inglis arranges consultations with couples and liaises with caterers and event planners to develop a hire package to suit different budgets.