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

From Flavours to Florals – Cakes as Unique as Your Day

To bring visions to life, Blooms Balloons and Bakes offers a personalised service for couples looking to create their dream wedding cake. The team takes the time to sit down with each couple, discussing their design preferences and flavour choices. They understand the importance of tasting before deciding, so they provide a delightful session to find the perfect flavours. What sets Blooms Balloons and Bakes apart is the love and care infused into every design, along with their keen attention to detail, ensuring each cake is right for the couple's special day. They offer various flavours, including classics like vanilla, chocolate, and fruitcake, as well as some delightful new favourites such as lemon, coffee, apple, carrot, Biscoff, red velvet and coconut. They also cater to various dietary needs, accommodating vegan options, nut allergies, and gluten-free requests.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

Warren James: Brilliantly Crafted, Consciously Chosen

This Spring, Warren James is thrilled to showcase its stunning lab-grown diamond collection, the ideal choice for extraordinary gifting. The response to this new collection has been remarkable, reflecting Warren James' firm belief that a diamond is a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds – physically, optically, thermally, and chemically. Every piece in this collection has been carefully handpicked to ensure optimum clarity, featuring sparkling F-G rare white colour diamonds that shine with mesmerising brilliance and lustre. Choosing lab-grown diamonds doesn't mean compromising quality or beauty; it's an extraordinary option that showcases elegance and sophistication. What's more, lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable choice, requiring significantly less energy and producing minimal waste. This makes them a thoughtful, ethical alternative to traditional mined diamonds.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Tabi Cakes: Creating Moments, One Slice at a Time

The hardworking team at Tabi Cakes is all about turning visions into reality with showstopping, delicious cakes that taste just as good as they look! What sets them apart? Every cake they create is a masterpiece, carefully handcrafted with love, attention to detail and only the finest ingredients. Whether someone is looking for an elegant wedding cake, a quirky design or a fun celebration cake, the team brings that vision to life with style and flair. They offer an exciting range of flavours, from classic vanilla and rich Belgian chocolate to indulgent red velvet, zingy lemon drizzle, and even some unique twists for the more adventurous cake lovers. Their designs span from timelessly and elegant to bold and fun— whatever the style, they make it happen.

Layers & Graces: Where Cake Becomes Art

The team behind Layers & Graces believes cakes should be breathtaking centrepieces that beautifully reflect individual styles and tastes. With a seamless and personalised process, they bring visions to life, creating elegant, one-of-a kind bakes. Taking a highly personalised approach, the team crafts exquisite creations that embody modern elegance and meticulous attention to detail, making the entire experience effortless and enjoyable. Using only the finest ingredients, their cakes are just as delicious as visually stunning, ensuring a lasting impression on clients and guests. Every design showcases the versatility of buttercream, whether it features the smooth, luxurious finish of a fully iced cake or the raw, rustic charm of a naked or semi-naked design. From delicate floral accents to modern, timeless touches, these cakes are crafted to complement every wedding style, perfectly reflecting each couple's unique love story. In addition to cakes, Layers & Graces offers bespoke favours and desserts to enhance the experience for guests.

Sshh... it’s a secret proposal: how ‘ask for harry’ is changing airport security

Queensmith, in partnership with London Luton Airport, has launched "Ask For Harry," a new initiative to help those proposing to navigate airport security without revealing hidden engagement rings. This comes as inquiries about transporting engagement rings through security have surged by 25 per cent over the past year. A survey by Queensmith found that 53 per cent of Brits plan to propose abroad, with many feeling anxious about security checks. While most proposers hide their rings in hand luggage or pockets, many want a discreet way to inform security about their concealed rings. The "Ask for Harry" initiative allows couples to keep their proposals a secret, as airport staff will recognise this signal for careful handling of bags, ensuring a smooth and surprise-filled experience. The aim is to preserve the magic of the moment in a romantic destination, rather than in an airport line.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

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."

Discover the talented team behind Matthew Slater Sketch Artist

As Matthew Slater reflects on the past year, he feels a deep sense of fulfilment in his second year as a wedding sketch artist. It has been a remarkable journey, filled with opportunities to draw in stunning locations and connect with countless joyful couples. His trusty sketchbooks and iPad have accompanied him to nine weddings, a delightful garden party, a wedding awards press launch, and even an Oktoberfest celebration to cap off the year! While he may not capture the thousands of images a photographer would, Matthew has poured his heart into creating more than 450 sketches that bring to life the essence of brides, grooms, cakes, venues, musicians and guests.

Hanbury Manor 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 Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 13th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Accessed by an impressive sweeping driveway and set on 200 sprawling acres of land that once housed some of England's most important historical figures, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is an enchanting venue. Rebuilt in the stately Jacobean style, the stunning hotel surrounds you with timelessly elegant interiors, state-of-the-art amenities and stunningly refurbished function rooms Whether you're planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous Hanbury Manor is the perfect choice.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Enhance your wedding with Blooms Balloons Bakes

After a bustling Christmas season filled with cakes, flowers, and balloons at various corporate and social events across Hertfordshire and Essex, the Blooms Balloons Bakes team is now excitedly looking ahead to a year brimming with beautiful weddings! They have some wedding shows lined up throughout Hertfordshire, so everyone should keep an eye out for their vibrant displays. But it's important to remember that they're not just about weddings; they're here for any occasion that needs a special touch! Plus, they offer great discounts when clients choose multiple services, such as hen dos, making it even easier to celebrate life's special moments. For a closer look at their offerings, be sure to check out their Instagram and website.

Discover Craftygstudio's newest offerings

Craftygstudio is growing from strength to strength, expanding its offerings to include more wedding items. The team is dedicated to providing everything from proposal items to event décor and gifts for all occasions. They're all about making those special moments even more memorable! At the heart of Craftygstudio's mission is the desire to enhance those special moments in life, making them truly unforgettable. The team believes that every detail matters, and they strive to provide high-quality, unique products that resonate with the emotions and significance of occasions with a focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. As they continue to innovate and expand their offerings, Craftygstudio remains dedicated to making every celebration a beautiful and memorable experience.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Coltsfoot Country Retreat 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 Coltsfoot Country Retreat, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 6th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Coltsfoot is a beautiful venue set in the hamlet of Bulls Green in Hertfordshire, situated in close proximity to Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth and Stevenage. We are surrounded by acres of beautiful and blissfully quiet Hertfordshire countryside.

County Wedding Events coming to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 6th April 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.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.