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

Devon Air Ambulance open brand new charity shop on Crediton High Street

Devon Air Ambulance has just opened its doors to a new charity shop on Crediton High Street this month stocked with pre-loved garments, accessories, bric-a-brac and more. A sustainable way to buy wedding gifts, decor and occasion wea routfits, charity shops are treasure troves for couples planning a celebration. This new charity shop was previously occupied by Exeter Leukemia Fund (ELF). It has neem kitted out with repurposed and reused materials left by the previous tenant, demonstrating the charity's commitment to sustainability. The charity's retail shops make a significant difference, not only to the local people in the communities they serve, but as a vital income stream to support the lifesaving service it provides.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Padstow Distilling Launches Bespoke Wedding Batches After Award-Winning Year

Padstow Distilling, the Cornish distillery that secured four standout awards at this year's IWSC awards, is now supplying bespoke batches of premium spirits to couples celebrating their weddings in the UK. The artisan drinks brand opened new premises in the Cornish town of Padstow in April, where local founder and head distiller David McWilliam has been hand-crafting small batches of gin and vodka using ingredients from the romantic shores of North Cornwall's coast. Despite increased production capabilities in the new distillery, batch size is kept purposefully small at 60 bottles, allowing David to closely oversee every element of distillation. This means that small trial or bespoke batches are only ever a day away and these are perfect for wedding favours, and similar specialist celebrations.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

PoB Hotels latest brand ambassador George Clarke encourages guests to live an inspired life

The latest brand ambassador for PoB Hotels, the architect, designer and presenter George Clarke encourages guests to live an inspired life. Whether travellers are marvelling at nature's beauty, carving out moments for wellness and tranquility, embracing the simple pleasures of a delicious meal, or simply relishing the present moment, there's no better place to do this than one of Britain's most magical hotels with properties in Devon, Berkshire, Oxfordshire as well as nationwide. PoB Hotels is proud to announce its latest brand ambassador: national treasure George Clarke. Through his ambassadorship with PoB Hotels, George will be celebrating all things modern design and architecture.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Cornwall-based Sara Price Celebrant offers top tips for sustainable weddings

Cornwall-based Sara Price Celebrant offers top tips for hosting a wow-factor sustainable and eco-friendly wedding. Sara tells us, "Most of us have become more aware that we should try to do more to be sustainable and eco-friendly, and couples planning their weddings are no different." Sara adds, "Some of my top suggestions include picking plants instead of flowers. Using potted plants instead of imported cut flowers will save on air miles and cost, and the plants could be given to key people as thank you gifts." Sara also explains how another alternative is to choose garden flowers. "Arrange them in vases, jugs, bottles and decanters from charity shops, or hire from companies who will deliver them and collect them again afterwards," she says.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Newquay Harbour Festival set to return on Saturday the 7th of September

Newquay Harbour Festival returns for the third year on Saturday 7th of September from 10 am until 9 pm. It celebrates the food, culture and community of the harbour. The Boathouse, Newquay BID, Cornwall Shop Small and Newquay Farmers Market have collaborated to host a day full of family fun with live music, delicious food and chef's demos. Amie Bradshaw, general manager of The Boathouse says, "We're incredibly proud to be part of such a great community event. The Newquay Harbour Festival is all about coming together to enjoy the unique charm of our harbour and celebrate the local talent and produce that make our town so special. We can't wait to welcome everyone for a fun-filled day out that the whole family will enjoy."

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Enjoy these upcoming diary dates in Cornwall this summer

With a fantastic line-up of events scheduled in Cornwall this September for visitors to enjoy the final rays of summer, Cornwall Hideaways is excited to offer a range of charming holiday accommodations situated close by. The St Ives September Festival is taking place from the 14th until the 28th of September 2024. This action-packed, two-week festival celebrates arts and culture in the beautiful coastal town of St Ives that's perfect for a honeymoon, mini-moon or a staycation in the region. Featuring live music, theatrical performances, poetry, arts and crafts and various workshops, it attracts artists and performers from all over the UK and beyond.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

Two Cornish Parkdean Resorts holiday parks celebrate Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

Two Parkdean Resorts holiday parks in Cornwall – Sea Acres and St Minver – are celebrating winning prestigious awards after both earned TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2024. The TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards recognise businesses that earn consistently great reviews, and honour select accommodations, attractions and restaurants in the top 10% of listings which consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. Parkdean Resorts is the UK's leading holiday park operator, and 2024 marks the company's best-ever performance in the awards, with 23 of its holiday parks receiving awards from the world's largest travel guidance platform. This is the second time that St Minver has won the award, while Sea Acres celebrates its third consecutive award.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

The Leaping Trout is now a boutique private-hire holiday home

The Leaping Trout in Bickleigh, Tiverton is a spacious former pub steeped in history, with white-washed stone walls and a thatched roof, that has been transformed into a boutique private hire holiday home, ideal for wedding guests and hen and stag get-togethers. Sleeping up to 32 guests in 12 beautifully furnished bedrooms, the property is divided into five separate two to three-bedroom areas so that individual groups can be private. There are fully equipped kitchens and large dining areas available, plus a vintage-inspired, 20-seater cinema with a popcorn machine and authentic pub bar with beer pumps and a pool table as well as cosy lounge areas with inglenook fireplaces.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Newquay Harbour Festival returns for its third year on Saturday the 7th of September

The Boathouse Newquay is teaming up with Newquay BID, Cornwall Shop Small, and Newquay Farmers Market for the Newquay Harbour Festival taking place on Saturday the 7th of September. This festival isn't just about entertainment; it's a celebration of community spirit and local enterprise showcasing the best that Newquay has to offer. The Boathouse is incredibly proud to be part of such a great community event. The Newquay Harbour Festival is all about coming together to enjoy the unique charm of the harbour and celebrate the local talent and produce that make the town special. It's set to be a fun-filled day out that the whole family can enjoy.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.