Valentine’s Day: 9 tips to help you spoil someone special without breaking the bank
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to show someone special how much they mean to you. However, the cost of living crisis means that people are more concerned than ever about money. To help, jewellery specialists, Queensmith have pulled together 9 ways to spoil your partner on a budget...1.Set a budget ahead of Valentine's Day. This is an important first step. The last thing you want is for one of you to spend double the amount of money compared to the other, and fall out over gifts on Valentine's Day.
Posted: 6 February 2023
How to choose your wedding date
You would have thought choosing the date for your wedding would be the easiest part? Simple pick a date that suits you as couple and your venue. Well, yes, that is often the case. But there will always be other factors you should consider before making the final choice. If you're hosting a marquee wedding at private residence, then you're fortunate enough to have a little more flexibility with a date than those opting for a wedding venue. However, whether a marquee or venue it's wise to take into account some of the following factors that may make deciding on the best date for your special day a little easier....
Posted: 6 February 2023
Engagement ring trends for 2023
Whether you're future-gazing about your dream proposal or just like keeping up to date with the latest styles, Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, predicts the new wave of engagement ring trends that will be taking over our Instagram feeds in 2023. Here at County Wedding Magazines it's hard to pick our fav? Really, can we only choose one?
Posted: 3 February 2023
Bird & Blend Tea Co hosts workshops in Exeter perfect for hen parties
Bird & Blend Tea Co. will host its brand new workshop in 2023 for those keen on discovering and learning the mastery of potion making whilst mixing tea, and the science behind the magic. The special two-and-a-half-hour workshop will be taking place at 12 of its stores across the UK including one in Exeter. The workshop invites its guests to take an immersive step into conjuring up shimmering, colour-changing and whimsical potions.
Posted: 2 February 2023
Abroad stag and hen dos not an option due to cost of living crisis
Couples planning stag and hen festivities this year may need to think again as Brits admit they would not attend an abroad celebration. Luxury fashion retailer Fenwick, has surveyed the nation to find out opinions on stag and hen dos, including the amount they'd be willing to spend and whether they'd travel abroad. Many people now take their bridal parties or groomsmen on holiday to celebrate their big day. These trips can often end up costing a lot of money especially if heading to popular destinations such as Marbella, Budapest or even Vegas which when the majority of the UK is being squeezed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, isn't something many can afford. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 50.70% would refuse to attend a stag do abroad, preferring to celebrate closer to home in the UK.
Posted: 1 February 2023
Take Valentine’s Day to new heights on the cliffs of Bedruthan Hotel
Treat yourself and your loved one to the amazing experiences that BedruthanHotel & Spa has to offer for Valentine's Day, from their elegant "Partners in Wine" dining experience at the seasonal Herring restaurant to the unique "Eat, Clay, Love" experience. The hotel, located in Mawgan Porth, is designed with its environment in mind, providing bright, airy, and spacious interiors which celebrate the Cornish landscape. Bedruthan's "Partners in Wine" package, available throughout February and March, offers a break by the sea with dining, yoga and wellbeing classes, use of the swimming pools, steam room, sauna, caldarium, and hydro pool. Guests can look forward to seasonal dishes such as whiskey and black treacle cured trout and delicate cauliflower risotto with walnuts, green sauce and brie.
Posted: 31 January 2023
The most eye-catching wedding decor revealed
A new study, conducted by the wedding financial experts at money.co.uk, involved surveying 1,000 future newlyweds and asking them to estimate how much they will spend on 70 wedding items. Images of these 70 items were then used in an eye-tracking study to reveal the specific elements that people spend the most time gazing at. Fairylights came out on top, with guests staring at them for 5.53 seconds which is impressive considering they are the decorations that those planning a wedding expect to pay the least for (£106.25). So, if you're looking to impress your guests without splurging then try draping your venue in tiny, twinkling fairylights.
Posted: 30 January 2023
A man’s perspective to changing names after marriage
NameSwitch has interviewed some trail blazing men who took a bold step into the future. When you're planning a wedding, whether small and informal or grand-scale, there's a myriad of tasks to organise. And, these days, guys are expected to pull their weight when it comes to sorting everything from flower arrangements and wedding cakes to transport and catering. But, before you even walk down the aisle to say, "I do", there's another important factor to consider – whether you intend to take your partner's surname.
Posted: 27 January 2023
Swim, Soak and Supper at Scarlet hotel in Cornwall this Valentine’s Day
Couples in search of a coastal escape this February will be delighted to discover Scarlet, set within the rugged Cornish clifftops of Mawgan Porth. This adult-only property exudes natural calm, seamlessly bringing the outside in with simple design aesthetic and tall glass walls showcasing the wild natural surroundings. Scarlet Spa Day is the perfect romantic solution this Valentine's Day, with a range of dual treatments available such as the Couples Attuned Massage and Tula Facial. Unique spa features include the use of the hotel's private candlelit copper tub, a shared hammam experience or even a rhassoul (a heat bathing ritual involving bathing in essential oils and applying mineral-rich mud). Alternatively Scarlet's "Swim, Soak & Supper" offer allows guests to arrive from 4:00 pm and enjoy all the best elements of the Scarlet experience, from unwinding in one of the spa's heated indoor and wild outdoor pools to dining on exquisite seasonal cuisine by Head Chef Jack Clayton, all whilst watching the sunset over the Atlantic. A delicate gazpacho will start the three-course dining experience, followed by the 36-day aged pork belly and a variety of irresistible desserts.
Posted: 26 January 2023
Is keeping your maiden name at work right for you?
NameSwitch shares its advice on the dilemma that many women face in the workplace, and that's whether to keep your maiden name? Read on to find out more... The process of getting married comes with a million personal choices to be made along the way – do you want a big white dress or something more minimal? Do you want a DJ at your celebration or a live band? Do you want to keep your maiden name or embrace your married one? Each choice is personal and unique and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Even when it comes to something as momentous as what name you'll be known by for the rest of your life, there are different options and choices to be made. And just like decisions about what kind of dress to buy, the choices you make about your name will also be influenced by your personal preferences and life experiences.
Posted: 25 January 2023
Congratulations to The Little Red Bus on recent award win
Congratulations to The Little Red Bus Company, a chauffeur-driven VW hire and photo booth company that recently won an award at The South West Wedding Awards. Based in Devon, the bus that has been lovingly named Rory is available for weddings throughout the region and in Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Owner Laura Farmer is also the talent behind the lens at the wedding photography business Freeformimages Photography. Turn to page 51 of our latest issue available to download now to see our exclusive shoot from her and a talented team of local suppliers – they even made it on the cover of this issue!
Posted: 24 January 2023
New interactive feature to make hen and stag dos less stressful
A new randomised spinning wheel feature has been launched by Hen Weekends and Stag Weekends in an effort to make the planning process of hen and stag parties easier and less stressful. This comes as their recent study of hen and stag party bookings found that 30% of hen and stag party organisers have no idea which location to book, with so many different options on offer creating quite the predicament.
Posted: 23 January 2023
Free Valentine's wedding with Frankie & Benny’s
Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny's has been swamped with applications after offering a free wedding for Valentine's. The popular restaurant has launched the ultimate cost of living crisis busting wedding and they've already had thousands wanting to say 'I do'. The team at Frankie & Benny's have been astounded by the number of applicants, many of the lovebirds had their first date at one of the restaurants and want to celebrate their special day where they first met. You still have a chance to win, so long as you've just tied the knot, or about to, have a great love story, then you can apply for the free wedding. All applications need to be submitted via Facebook/Instagram by January 29, 2023.
Posted: 23 January 2023
New honeymoon experiences for couples with a conscience
Hotelgift is the ideal way to share the joy of travel with a newlywed couple with a conscience; from uber luxury glamping to wellness journeys for two. For every Hotelgift bought and for every gift card that is redeemed for a new hotel stay, 1,000 litres of water are donated to support local communities in places that need it most through a partnership with Made Blue.
Posted: 20 January 2023
Devon-based Flapjackery launches LOVE YOU and BE MY VALENTINE flapjacks
Spread a little love with Devon-based Flapjackery's LOVE YOU and BE MY VALENTINE flapjacks this Valentine's Day. Either 'Love You' or 'Be My Valentine' is inscribed on the top of a giant piece of delicious handmade flapjack, surrounded by other delectable and unusual flavours making it a Valentine's Day gift to remember! Created by Flapjackery in their kitchens on the edge of Dartmoor in west Devon, these mouth-watering, gluten-free chunks of sugary joy are laden in golden syrup. They have just enough crunch, with the perfect amount of crumble, and absolutely no chewiness at all. A giant slab of Millionaire Flapjack (equivalent to four individual pieces) is the centrepiece inscribed in white chocolate and surrounded by eight other pieces of Flapjackery flapjacks in flavours you choose. Alternatively, choose a smaller box with four, rather than eight, extra pieces of flapjack.
Posted: 19 January 2023
Average ages we are hitting life’s milestones
A new study from Confused.com has revealed the average ages we are hitting life's milestones in England & Wales, including getting married at age 35! So how does your milestone timeline compare? Typically, the first milestone people in the UK reach is moving out of their parent's home at age 20, followed by moving in with their partner at 27. The next life milestone those in the UK usually meet is having their first child, with couples seeming to have children before marriage. The average age for having children is 29, while the average age for getting married is 35. The data also suggests that on average, people are choosing to have children before purchasing a property. This could be a result of house prices continuing to rise making it harder to save for a deposit.
Posted: 18 January 2023
Devon-based drink brand Luscombe sell Passionate Ginger Beer for Valentine's Day
If you're looking for the ideal celebratory non-alcoholic drink to enjoy with a loved one this Valentine's Day then it doesn't get better than Luscombe's Passionate Ginger Beer. This is a beverage with real passion - the delicious organic drink marries the spice of ginger with the sweetness of passion fruit, offering a luxurious twist on a classic, simply serve over ice. Passionate Ginger Beer pairs with a wide range of foods, both savoury and sweet and is crafted using only the finest organic Peruvian fresh root ginger, milled on-site at Luscombe's farm, so it better retains the heat. Blended with organic Sicilian lemons, carbonated Dartmoor spring water and organic passion fruit juice, this tasty tipple is perfect for those looking for something a little different.
Posted: 17 January 2023
Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, featured across four whole page, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!
Posted: 16 January 2023
Couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings
One of the UK's leading waste and recycling management companies BusinessWaste.co.uk collected data, which shows how much attitudes to environmental and sustainable choices in regard to weddings are changing. According to the research searches for 'sustainable wedding' has skyrocketed by 75% over the last year, while 'sustainable wedding venues near me' saw an 80%+ increase along with 'sustainable engagement ring' which saw a staggering 96% search increase. What's more, us Brits came out on top overall for our eco-friendly mindfulness, with France and Greece also seeing the biggest increase in searches for sustainable wedding venues.
Posted: 16 January 2023
Keep your wedding guests warm this winter
Putting the chocolate back into drinking chocolate with their unique fine beads, Cocoa Canopy are making winter weddings super cosy with its sample-szie offering. Perfect for winter wedding favours, they offer the ultimate in comforting hot chocolates, guaranteed to put a smile on the receiver's face! Cocoa Canopy is the only UK drinking chocolate brand to craft unique fine chocolate beads for beautifully smooth, real chocolate drinks made from only a handful of sustainably sourced ingredients.
Posted: 13 January 2023
Fever & Boutique nightclub brings the party back to Exeter
Exeter's Fever & Boutique nightclub has recently opened following a seven-figure refurbishment that has transformed the popular night spot. It has also created more than 40 local jobs. The refurbishment, worth more than £1,500,000 and more than three months in the making, saw the building stripped back to just bricks and mortar, with the extensive refit creating an all-new space that Exeter partygoers, especially hen gatherings and stag groups will love. There are new bars, plus new furniture and atmospheric lighting. Across the club's two rooms, revellers can expect a bigger and better experience than before. In Boutique, the club's largest room, dance podiums provide the ultimate space to enjoy the house, RnB and hip-hop vibes, with VIP booths to enjoy. In Fever, the second room, look forward to a feature light-up dancefloor!
Posted: 12 January 2023
How to throw an insta-worthy engagement party
You never have to scroll too far to stumble upon a celebrity engagement party on instagram and if you've recently got engaged yourself, you're probably thinking - should I throw one too? The short answer is yes, absolutely. While planning the wedding is always top priority, there's no reason why you shouldn't have a party to get all your loved ones together and celebrate the big news straight away - particularly when most weddings take place a good 12 to 18 months post-proposal. However, hosting an engagement party of your dreams can still be quite a daunting task. To help, wedding jewellery experts, Queensmith have pulled together 11 tips for taking your celebratory soirée to the next level.
Posted: 11 January 2023
Newly engaged? Head to the Victoria Sewart Gallery in Plymouth
Did you get engaged over the festive season and want to know where to start looking for rings? At the Victoria Sewart Gallery in Plymouth, an experienced team of jewellers are on hand to help couples pick the perfect engagement and wedding rings. As well as showcasing a wonderful selection of contemporary jewellery, the gallery also accommodates a wide range of hand-crafted rings from more than fifty UK-based jewellery designers. Over Easter every year, the gallery runs an exhibition called Ringing the Changes, a celebration of rings from various designers producing everything from modern and contemporary pieces to traditional and sculptural rings featuring precious stones, art pieces and much more!
Posted: 10 January 2023
Spotify data reveals the most popular wedding songs
Luxury engagement ring retailer, Diamonds Factory, has scraped Spotify to find the top 100 most popular wedding songs to include in your playlists. To do this, Diamonds Factory analysed over 100 Spotify playlists containing the word 'wedding' and found the most featured songs across all playlists. These playlists included 3500 unique songs, and the data scrape also used additional keywords to reveal the top wedding ceremony songs, wedding party songs and top wedding artists, too.
Posted: 9 January 2023
New planner reveals when you can afford to tie the knot
With wedding costs rising by 3,000% since the 1950s, and set to reach an all-time high in the 2020s, making and sticking to a wedding budget can be a real headache for couples. To help would-be newlyweds with the complex task of budget planning their big day, the wedding finance team at money.co.uk have created a new wedding budget planner, to help couples account for all their costs for each stage of their dream wedding. The new planning tool also helps you calculate the earliest date you should set for your big day, based on how long it will take you to save up enough money to pay for your dream wedding. The wedding budget planner page also has lot of tips to help couples save cash, including:
Posted: 6 January 2023
