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

Meet Sally Brown of Perfect Memories Photography, capturing relaxed, award-winning wedding moments across the UK

Introducing Sally Brown, the photographer behind Perfect Memories Photography. With years of experience behind the lens, Sally has become known for her relaxed, friendly approach that helps couples feel confident, comfortable and completely themselves. Based in Hertfordshire and capturing weddings across the UK, her style blends timeless artistry with authentic storytelling, focusing on genuine, unposed moments filled with emotion. Sally works discreetly throughout the day, building strong rapport with each couple to ensure natural portraits that feel warm, elegant and deeply personal, preserving not just how the day looked, but how it truly felt.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Darling Buds hosts festive wreath-making workshops alongside bespoke wedding florals in Hoddesdon

Based in Hoddesdon, Darling Buds creates beautiful, bespoke floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions. This winter, the team is inviting guests to enjoy festive wreath-making workshops, perfect for pre-wedding gatherings or creative time with friends. Hosted at Mayhem Function Hall, sessions take place on Saturday 29 November, Thursday 4 December and Saturday 6 December, with tickets starting from £66 per person. Founded in 2021 by owner Sam Eccleston, Darling Buds specialises in designing meaningful wedding flowers that reflect each couple's unique vision and story.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

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.