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

National Art Pass - perfect wedding gift for culture lovers

A National Art Pass is a great way to enjoy time at hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, and the Double Membership makes the perfect wedding gift for any culture lovers! Annual membership is only £88.50* and lets the happy couple enjoy free entry to hundreds of cultural destinations, plus 50% off major exhibitions, and special shop and café discounts. What's more, two cards will be issued for the happy couple!

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Tie the knot at Knebworth Park

Set on 250 acres, Knebworth Park has been home to grazing herds of deer for even longer than the Lytton family. The 28-acre formal gardens are delightful every season and offer a perfect backdrop for beautiful wedding photography. The romantic exterior of Knebworth House, with its turrets, domes and gargoyles silhouetted against the sky, does little to prepare visitors for what to expect. As well as being a beautiful setting, guests may be intrigued to learn about Knebworth House & Park, also known as The Stately Home of Rock. The Rolling Stones, Queen, Oasis and more than 100 other major artists have played at Knebworth Festivals. The site has also made starring appearances on the big screen in major feature films, series and music videos, including Batman, The Crown and The King's Speech.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall announced new chef

Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall is proud to announce its continued evolution in the culinary world with the celebrated Chef John Barber at its helm. Reopened in May 2023 after a three-year hiatus, the restaurant is experiencing a renaissance, blending tradition with innovative culinary concepts. Chef John Barber's impressive career is highlighted by international experiences and a deep-seated passion for cooking inspired by his mother's home cooking. His culinary journey, beginning at UCB College of Food, has taken him through prestigious kitchens from the Belfry Hotel to the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, extending to global experiences in Thailand and Paris.

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Exchange vows The Tithe Barn

Combining historic charm with rustic elegance, The Tithe Barn is an 800-year-old venue that will embrace lovebirds and their guests. Full of period features and with manicured gardens, pairs will struggle to find a better venue for their special day as the dedicated wedding team prides itself on delivering experiences that couples will always remember. The venue can accommodate up to 85 guests for ceremonies and 90 for wedding breakfasts. The 13th-century tithe barn is filled with historic charm. Oak beams and traditional features create an elegant backdrop to evening receptions with 120 people or 150 when combined with the marquee.

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

Feast Events is delighted to announce the return of Feast on Cloud 9

Feast Events is delighted to announce the return of Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove this summer. Landing within the picturesque grounds of the luxury Hertfordshire hotel from May 25th until September 1st, the immersive dining pop-up will take guests on a culinary journey from the comfort of a custom-made hot-air balloon. Whilst the balloons remain stationary, diners' taste buds will soar as they enjoy an unforgettable experience. Guests can choose between afternoon tea in the company of butterflies and honeybees or a nine-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings served under the stars. Available for groups of two to six, afternoon tea is served daily at 12 pm and 3 pm, with the option to upgrade to Champagne afternoon.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.

Check out The Fox & Hounds in Hertfordshire

In the heart of the pretty Hertfordshire village of Hunsdon, The Fox & Hounds is a stylish pub and restaurant set in a Grade II-listed building oozing with character. The venue doesn't have a ceremony license, but most lovebirds choose to get married in a local registry office or church before hosting receptions surrounded by loved ones in this stunning setting. Couples can start celebrations with champagne receptions and bespoke canapés in the bar or pretty garden before wedding breakfasts in the elegant dining room. Choose from formal sit-down meals or fabulous buffets. The team will work closely to plan weddings and menus while ensuring everything runs smoothly. The stunning dining room is perfect for wedding celebrations of up to 45 people.

Creative ways to preserve and display your wedding bouquet

Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so you'll no doubt want to hold onto your memories for as long as possible. Here, Clare Price from framing specialists Wall Space shares their tips for preserving your wedding bouquet for years to come. Preserving your wedding bouquet can be a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. Techniques like drying and pressing are some of the best methods of flower preservation, and there are countless ways to show off your preserved blooms in your home once you're done. With the tips and ideas below, you can create lasting reminders of your cherished moments and remember your special day for years to come.

Discover The Three Horseshoes in Letchmore Heath newest menu

The Three Horseshoes in Letchmore Heath in Radlett, the newest pub to be taken on by the award-winning Peach Pub company, has launched a new menu just in time for the lighter evenings and sunshine.  The beautiful, historic pub is now open seven days a week and serves top-quality dishes, fi ne ales and carefully chosen wine. Step inside the charming, half-timbered inn and experience a heartfelt welcome from the seasoned team dedicated to making every visit a cherished memory. They extend their hospitality to everyone, including four-legged friends.  Sip on a well-made cocktail, a delightfully different Limoncello Spritz or a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, an English sparkling wine from Sussex, while perusing the new seasonal menu packed with options.

Experts reveal five wedding trends set to be huge this Summer

With the new season comes new colours and trends, and with that being said, experts at Diamonds Factory have predicted five wedding trends that are set to be big this Summer. Couples will step away from the traditional colour scheme "Stepping away from the traditional black and white formal attire, we expect to see many wedding parties embrace colour this Summer. We saw the mismatched bridesmaid dresses trend resurge in popularity in late 2023, and predict this trend will take off even further this Summer, especially now it's getting warmer and with people experimenting with colour more.

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long?

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long? Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy explores this. My groom says he's finished his speech and he's really happy with it but it's almost 2,000 words long. Is that too much? Yes. All speeches should be under ten minutes long. It seems obvious but I've seen several speeches (generally the best men) go well over half an hour, oblivious to the yawns or heckling. That's no more than 1,300 words maximum, allowing for pauses or laughter on the day. Remind your fiancé that his first draft is just the start of the writing process.

Wedding favours for Kids: ToyChoc Box

PLAYin CHOC's ToyChoc boxes are a fantastic choice for entertaining kids at weddings. These eco-friendly, vegan, and allergen-free treats come in 100% recyclable packaging. Each box contains two creamy chocolate bars wrapped in compostable packaging, along with a 3D card puzzle toy featuring animals like endangered species, sea creatures, or dinosaurs - there's also a fun animal fact inside. At just £2.25 each on Amazon, these boxes are a budget-friendly addition to your wedding plans.