Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding news and ideas from around the area

The Garden Café Newquay picks up National Good Food Award

The Garden Café, based at the Heritage Cottages in Newquay's stunning Trenance Gardens recently won a National Good Food Award for the second year running. "We celebrate top-notch food, service, and value, basing our awards on what matters most: customer opinion. By using customer feedback, online reviews, nominations and votes, we ensure our awards reflect genuine dining experiences. Many awardees continue to shine by maintaining the high standards that first earned them recognition." says the Good Food Awards. This was very much the case with The Garden Café, which won for a second year and has also won Newquay in Bloom for Best Café.

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Devon-based jewellers Irene & Jenny celebrate Valentine's Day

Devon-based mother-and-daughter duo Amalia Brightley-Gillott and Anita Brightley-Hodges founded jewellery brand Irene & Jenny, transforming old jewellery into new modern pieces keeping memories precious. As Valentine's Day approaches, we are reminded not only of romantic love but of all the love stories that shape our lives. From the tender devotion of a grandmother to the passionate promise of an engagement, jewellery has always been a symbol of love's endurance. Throughout history, jewellery has played an essential role in marking life's most significant moments. Engagements and weddings have long been associated with rings, a tradition dating back to ancient Egypt, where circles symbolised eternity. The custom of diamond engagement rings became popular in the 1940s, spurred by the De Beers campaign declaring, 'A diamond is forever.

Tavistock Town Hall set to host Wedding Fair in March

Devon's Tavistock Town Hall is hosting a Wedding Fair on Sunday 9th March from 10 am until 4 pm with free admission. The Wedding Fair will feature a wide selection of talented local wedding suppliers for couples to meet. Located in Bedford Square, Tavistock, this iconic town hall venue offers exclusive use of its facilities for weddings and events. The historic stone building boasts elegant Gothic windows and dark wood panelling, perfect for year-round weddings. The venue provides a flexible space with seating for up to 190 guests or 400 loved ones standing. There's a staging area for wedding entertainment and performances, plus up-to-date kitchen facilities including the use of crockery and cutlery available for any catering supplier of the couple's choice.

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

The Good Hotel Guide announces its 2025 award winners including Devon-based hotels

The Good Hotel Guide has revealed its annual list of César winners. The 20 Césars (named after famous Swiss hotelier César Ritz) are given to the hotels, inns and B&Bs considered outstanding in their particular category. The latest version of The Good Hotel Guide: Great Britain & Ireland is now live online, featuring more than 700 hotels, including 76 new entries. Now in its 48th year, The Good Hotel Guide is the only truly independent hotel guide in the United Kingdom as it does not accept payment for inclusion or free hospitality in return for coverage. This year, they include three properties in Devon:

PoB Hotels Unveils Nurture Your Soul: A New Chapter in Wellness Travel

PoB Hotels proudly unveils Nurture Your Soul, the theme of its 2025 annual coffee table book. This special edition invites travellers on a journey that speaks to the heart of wellbeing - an exploration of wellness in its many forms, from spiritual serenity and cognitive clarity to environmental harmony and physical vitality. More than ever, wellness is a deeply personal pursuit, and Nurture Your Soul reflects the diverse and enriching experiences available across PoB Hotels' collection. Whether seeking tranquillity in meditation, mindful movement through cycling, or the restorative indulgence of a spa retreat, guests can discover a wealth of opportunities to nourish the body, mind, and soul. From countryside sanctuaries to invigorating coastal escapes, each hotel embodies the essence of holistic well-being.

WoodWick® new Vapour Trails collection for the big day and beyond

Introducing the Vapour Trails Collection from Woodwick which celebrates the subtle beauty in everyday movement. There are fewer greater life moments than your wedding day, and whether it's to scent the big day itself or to give a gorgeous gift to loved ones, the new Woodwick Vapour Trails Collection would be ideal. Terra Haze: Petrichor, the refreshingly vivid scent of rain on soil, evokes the sense of nature being stripped down to its molecules. Notes of aldehydes, cedarwood, and mossy earth climb toward the sky, dancing back into the atmosphere like mist.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Newquay's The Tartan Fox pub

Celebrate love and friendship at The Tartan Fox this Valentine's weekend, nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening with someone special or sharing a delicious feast with your friends, The Tartan Fox offers the perfect setting for both occasions. For Valentine's Day, indulge in a hearty luxurious meal from the pub's regular menu, complemented by a selection of sharing steaks available exclusively for Valentine's weekend. Choose from a 600g sirloin on the bone (£60) or a 1kg T-bone (£80) – ideal for sharing. Set against the backdrop of the pub's stunning, rustic charm, these dishes embody the best of Cornish produce, with a refined twist on classic pub fare that Chef Adam Handling is known for.

Padstow Distilling introduces refillable options

Padstow Distilling, the award-winning Cornish distillery that took home three awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2024, has introduced refillable options using an innovative pouch as part of a gradual commitment to a programme of 'reduce and reuse'. As well as a step forward in terms of waste reduction, this initiative offers customers economic savings of £6 per 70cl when choosing from the British brand's core range of small-batch spirits. After careful research, founder David and his design team selected these durable PVC pouches which feature Padstow Distilling's distinctive turquoise band, inspired by the Camel Estuary a theme embraced by David McWilliam when launching his inaugural Padstow Gin, St George's Well, in 2020.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.