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

Newquay shops set to enjoy a revamp for the new year

The new year will see a refurbishment for shops and businesses in Newquay, a great place for a hen weekend or a mini-moon. Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) has secured £9,500 from Cornwall Council's Town Delivery Fund. This will support 13 businesses with shop front improvements and allow the creation of a storytelling trail to increase footfall to the Trenance area of Newquay. Many businesses in the town pay an annual levy into the BID and this is reinvested into the town. Newquay BID focuses the reinvestments on four main areas: events; cleaner, greener, safer; business support and representation; and marketing. Its overarching aim is to support businesses by making the town vibrant and marketing Newquay both locally and nationally.

Reconnect and Recharge with a Luxury Escape in Britain’s Most Healing Landscapes with Luxury Lodges Collection

Those looking to plan an escape with the Luxury Lodges Collection can still take advantage of their sale with 10% off stays until 31st December 2025 using the code Boxingday10 with bookings made until the 31st of January 2025. Luxury Lodges Collection provides stylish, five-star self-catering resorts across the country, in Britain's best-loved holiday locations including Clowance in South Cornwall and Bude Coastal Resort in North Cornwall. These cosy yet modern self-catering getaways are designed to appeal to all generations including families, couples and groups of friends. Surrounded by nature and coastline, each location offers a sanctuary for relaxation and exploration.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Enjoy a glamping wedding this summer at Cornwall's Lydcott Glamping

Lydcott Glamping located in Widegates, Cornwall has recently entered the wedding market, offering intimate weddings that are bespoke to each couple. The outdoorsy, rustic-inspired venue boasts stunning surroundings with far-flung views stretching across the fields and out to sea. It's the perfect pick for couples dreaming of warmer days and a summer wedding celebration. The talented team has recently partnered with a local celebrant and can help to coordinate other local suppliers for flowers, catering, venue styling, props and more. By collaborating with these local wedding businesses, they can offer anything from outdoor firepit feast-style events to Cornish wine tastings.

Cornwall's Polurrian on the Lizard set to host 2025 Wedding Fairs

Cornwall's Polurrian on the Lizard located in Helston is set to host Wedding Fairs this year in February and October. This award-winning Cornish wedding venue, hotel and spa, part of the Loxley Collection, offers the space, facilities and freedom to create an unforgettable day in a spectacular setting. There's fantastic food and drink, impressive reception rooms boasting sea views and 41 individually styled bedrooms to wow guests. Both intimate weddings and large parties can be catered for, with a choice of exclusive and non-exclusive packages and the experienced wedding and events team is on hand to help couples realise their dream day.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Two for Joy Bridal launch sister business, Three for a Girl!

Two for Joy Bridal has announced the launch of its sister business, Three for a Girl! The team tell us, "Three for a Girl has grown from our helping many stressed and self-conscious brides. We wanted to continue our support by finding inspirational and self-care products. Our brides who find their dress with us are given a fantastic positivity tote bag filled with an array of goodies as a thank you." The team strive to make the dress shopping experience fun and relaxing and wants to extend that further. Three for a Girl! offer well-being products concentrating on positivity and relaxation with more exciting gifts being added to the collection soon.

Enjoy the new Mulled Winter Warmer from Luscombe Drinks this New Year's Eve

Enjoy the new Mulled Winter Warmer from Luscombe Drinks this New Year's Eve available in convenient 27cl bottles. It's made with delicious hand-selected organic ingredients by the Luscombe Drinks brand, famed for its commitment to creating soft drinks using only the finest ingredients. A harmonious blend of organic fruit and traditional mulling spices, the winter warmer perfectly balances cherry juice which provides a slight tartness and the floral yet cranberry-like flavour of hibiscus with an infusion of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to create an inviting drink that captures the rich and festive flavours of the season, perfect for New year's Eve.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Curl up this winter with a seasonal escape at Devon's Boringdon Hall

Curl up this winter with a Revive & Restore Winter Spa Break at Devon's Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa. From the moment guests step foot into the luxurious hotel, they will be enveloped in the warmth and sophistication of the exquisitely designed accommodations, each offering a unique fusion of classic charm and modern comfort. Relax with an invigorating spa treatment tailored to refresh the senses and revitalise the spirit during the winter months, complemented by access to the award-winning, adult-only spa facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Delight in a delicious dinner at the acclaimed Mayflower Brasserie or Michelin Star Àclèaf restaurant, where culinary artistry meets impeccable service. Complete the indulgent stay with an afternoon tea for two, featuring delectable festive delights.

Bovey Castle announces charity initiatives to provide essentials and gifts during the festive season

Five-star Bovey Castle in Devon plans to give back to the community by supporting charity initiatives with essentials and gifts. The luxury hotel located in Dartmoor National Park is donating gift parcels to the Trussell Trust which supports people in food poverty – every time a room is booked on its Christmas and New Year packages. The award-winning hotel is also donating a wide range of gifts to Mission Christmas which supports children in the community over the festive period, for every child who stays at the venue this Christmas. Bovey Castle has 60 bedrooms in its manor house – along with 22 private lodges – which hotel bosses are aiming to sell out as part of its luxury festive packages.

GIVE BACK WITH A CHRISTMAS TABLE AT BISTROT PIERRE IN PLYMOUTH

Some of Plymouth's most vulnerable residents will enjoy a special Christmas treat this year thanks to a seasonal gift from a popular high street restaurant. French-inspired Bistrot Pierre, in Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Devon is joining forces with Age UK Plymouth to donate festive meals to those in need this winter. As part of the restaurant's Pay It Forward campaign, diners enjoying a Christmas party of eight or more with friends and family will contribute towards a free delicious three-course meal for a resident in their community, who will be nominated by the Leicester branch of Age UK.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Enjoy a Christmas Street Market in Newquay this Sunday 22nd December

Enjoy a Christmas Street Market in Newquay this Sunday 22nd December from midday until 9 pm. It's set to be a spectacular day filled with community spirit, festive cheer and local treasures for last-minute gifting. There'll also be seasonal eats and treats, fresh produce for festive feasting, a bar stocked full of local tipples, a full programme of live music and loads of family-friendly fun all while helping to raise some money for the local Newquay Boardriders group. Rebecca Williams of Milk Cafe says: "Last year, myself and Simon Thompson from Fore Street Cafe, created this event to bring the community Christmas spirit to Fore Street."

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

GIVE BACK WITH A CHRISTMAS TABLE AT BISTROT PIERRE IN TORBAY

Some of Torquay's most vulnerable residents will enjoy a Christmas treat thanks to a seasonal gift from Bistrot Pierre. The popular high street restaurant that's French-inspired and located in a prime position on the seafront in Abbey Crescent, is joining forces with Age UK Plymouth to donate festive meals to those in need this winter. As part of the restaurant's Pay It Forward campaign, diners enjoying a Christmas party of eight or more with friends and family will contribute towards a free three-course meal for a resident in their community, who will be nominated by the Leicester branch of Age UK.

EAST STREET NEWQUAY THROWS A CHRISTMAS EVENT!

The East Street business community have been working closely with the Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) to create its first Christmas event: Eastside Yuletide. The event will take place this Saturday, December 14th 2024. Some of the activities will be held outside the Post Office on East Street and businesses up and down the street will be getting involved in the festivities. Highlights include a dog festive fancy dress competition (judging at 4 pm with prizes donated by The Pet Centre), American Football games held by Cornwall Dukes Youth American Football Team, an elf-on-a-shelf treasure hunt across the street and live music from The Velvets and Orchard Voices.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Spot Rudolph the Reindeer at Flapjackery and win a free chocolate lolly

This Christmas, Flapjackery is bringing the magic of the season to life with a festive game for families – the Spot Rudolph the Reindeer Hunt. From December 16th until December 31st, children under the age of 12, along with a parent or guardian, are invited to search for a tiny, hidden reindeer tucked away among the shelves, keeping an eye on all the handmade flapjacks, chocolates, and other fabulous gluten-free treats. Just let a friendly Flapjackery team member know when Rudolph has been spotted, and they'll hand over a chocolate lolly to add some extra sparkle to your little one's day and spread the cheer of Christmas even further.

ENJOY NEW YEAR’S EVE AT UGLY BUTTERFLY BY ADAM HANDLING AND THE TARTAN FOX

For a New Year's Eve with style, deliciousness and decadence, the Adam Handling Collection has created unforgettable offerings at Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in Carbis Bay, and The Tartan Fox between Newquay and Truro. Those looking for a sustainable option with innovative luxury menus should look no further than Ugly Butterfly transforming local Cornish ingredients into spectacular dishes to help guests kiss goodbye to 2024. With floor-to-ceiling views out to sea, Ugly Butterfly is one of the most stunning restaurants to celebrate this New Year's Eve. The £250pp menu starts with a selection of snacks before dishes such as barbecue Orkney scallop and Wagyu, beef cheek, and green peppercorn are served, followed by a dessert of Sailboat chocolate, hazelnut, and salted clotted cream.