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

Erishia of Your Forever After Celebrant creates inclusive and deeply personal ceremonies

Based in Hertfordshire, Erishia of Your Forever After Celebrant is renowned for creating inclusive and meaningful ceremonies for couples from all backgrounds. She works closely with every couple from the first chat to "I Do," ensuring they feel fully supported and heard. With celebrant-led ceremonies, couples enjoy complete freedom of venue, whether a garden, beach, or any place with personal significance. Erishia incorporates symbolic rituals such as handfasting, candle lighting, sand ceremonies, or ring blessings, tailoring each ceremony to reflect values, traditions, and personalities. In the week leading up to the wedding, she dedicates herself entirely to the couple to create memories that last a lifetime.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Amy’s Bakehouse celebrates move to larger premises and exciting new chapter

Amy's Bakehouse is celebrating an exciting new chapter with its move into a larger, fully equipped premises. The new kitchen provides space for more beautiful, handcrafted cakes, including a growing number of wedding orders across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London. With extra room to explore new techniques and ambitious designs, the team continues to combine creativity with their signature attention to detail. Couples can now book up to six months ahead, and the 2026 wedding calendar is officially open. Amy's Bakehouse remains dedicated to bringing every couple's cake vision to life with stunning designs and unforgettable flavours. Discover more at amysbakehouse.co.uk.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

Tim Payne shares expert tips for affordable wedding photography without compromising quality

Wedding photography doesn't have to break the bank, says photographer Tim Payne, who shares expert tips for couples on a budget. From digital-only packages to off-peak wedding dates, couples can reduce costs while still capturing stunning images. Tim advises focusing on key moments, considering half-day coverage, and ensuring one skilled photographer is enough unless multiple venues or large guest lists are involved. Meeting your photographer beforehand, reviewing full galleries, and clarifying any extra costs are essential. Hybrid packages with short videos are an option. For tighter budgets, photography students or assistants can provide high-quality work while keeping costs manageable.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

Inderpreet Jass of Indi Jass Designs offers bridal henna and bespoke canvas keepsakes

Inderpreet Jass of Indi Jass Designs is renowned for her exquisite bridal henna creations. Brides can now have their bespoke wedding-day henna designs transformed into canvases, creating lasting keepsakes for their homes. She also offers henna-inspired canvases perfect for display. For inspiration, her book Sketch to Henna: Bridal Henna Designs features 30 hand-drawn designs, available on Amazon for £34.99 or £24.99 for Kindle. For a mindful creative experience, Inderpreet has produced MEDIART: Colouring Book for Relaxation, priced at £7.19. Her work combines artistry and sentiment, giving brides a beautiful way to celebrate and remember their special day. Explore more on instagram.com/indi_jass_designs.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Dough with the Flow celebrates five years of family-run wedding catering excellence

Dough with the Flow, the family-run catering business from Hertfordshire, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Founded by Lara and Charlie Walton during lockdown in 2020, the business was born from their shared love of pizza and passion for great food. Specialising in Italian-style sourdough pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked in real wood-fired ovens, they create authentic and delicious flavours for weddings. With options including gluten-free, Dough with the Flow goes above and beyond to help couples design a relaxed and memorable dining experience for their big day. Discover more at doughwiththeflow.co.uk.

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.

Sopwell House invites couples to Wedding Fair and Showcase 2025

Sopwell House is excited to welcome couples to its Wedding Fair & Showcase 2025 on Sunday, 26th October, from 11 am to 3 pm. Located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, just 25 minutes from London, the event provides an ideal opportunity for couples to explore a luxurious wedding or honeymoon venue while connecting with leading local suppliers. Nestled in 12 acres of beautiful countryside, Sopwell House combines classic Georgian splendour with the charm and warmth of a family-run hotel and spa. Couples can discover venue options, gain wedding planning inspiration, and register online at sopwellhouse.co.uk/event/wedding-open-day.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

Rituals opens new luxury wellbeing store at The Maltings St Albans

Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has opened a new store at The Maltings Shopping Centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The 128.5 sqm space immerses shoppers in Rituals' signature range of luxurious bath, body, and home products designed to promote mindfulness and self-care. Annemarie Forsyth, Managing Director at Rituals Cosmetics UK & Ireland, says the store will help customers pause, relax, and enjoy everyday life. The opening represents a key step in Rituals' UK expansion strategy, bringing luxury wellbeing experiences to regional lifestyle destinations. Discover more at rituals.com.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

Darling Buds hosts festive wreath-making workshops and bespoke wedding floral designs

Darling Buds, based in Hoddesdon, is renowned for its bespoke floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions. This winter, the team is hosting festive wreath-making workshops, perfect for pre-wedding celebrations or creative time with friends, at Mayhem Function Hall on 29th November (11am–1pm), 4th December (7pm–9pm), and 6th December (11am–1pm), with tickets from £66 per person. Owner Sam Eccleston, inspired by a lifelong love of floristry and a transformative trip to Australia, founded Darling Buds in 2021. Today, the business specialises in personal, meaningful wedding flowers, helping couples bring their floral vision to life. More details at darlingbudsflorists.co.uk.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."