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

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

The White Company teams up with Unique Homestays to offer a Cornish break

Unique Homestays, a curated collection of the UK's most exclusive luxury cottages and large country houses plus self-catering holiday accommodation has teamed up with The White Company to give away the ultimate luxury prize consisting of a short break stay for up to four people at The Fable in Cornwall, plus a £500 gift voucher to spend with The White Company.

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

Chef Adam Handling declared champion on cooking show

The owner of the Adam Handling Restaurant Group which includes the Ugly Butterfly in St. Ives, Cornwall and The Luch & The Tyne in Windsor successfully made his way through to the banquet in this year's highly popular Great British Menu on BBC Two. Following a vote from the banquet guests - members of the British animation and illustration industries - Adam's trifle-inspired 'Food Fight' dessert was declared the best dish at the dinner, resulting in him becoming the Great British Menu Champion of Champions 2023. The dessert was inspired by Dundee publishers, DC Thomson, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Beano and Dandy. With trifle being his favourite dessert, it was only natural for Adam to recreate the chaos with his throwable custard, smashable cake and wobbly jelly. Adam's dishes throughout the 18th series of the programme are based on both classic and contemporary works, with deep-rooted links to his native Scotland. Throughout his menu, Adam created dishes which demonstrate his commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste.

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

Wolsey Lodges unveil 10% Coronation Voucher Offer

Wolsey Lodges is a collection of nationwide residences perfect for honeymoons and mini-moons in various regions including Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Usually, the team at Wolsey Lodges offer a 10% voucher promotion over Easter but this year, it has been extended to cover the weekend of the coronation. Celebrate spring with a stay at a Wolsey Lodge - the gift vouchers also make the perfect present for friends and relatives. With 10% off, they're a clever way of shaving the cost off your next Wolsey Lodge stay by buying vouchers now. Vouchers can be redeemed for accommodation and food at any Wolsey Lodge and are valid for two years. So if you take advantage of this discounted offer - available until the end of 8th of May - there's plenty of time to plan your stay.

St Moritz Hotel in Cornwall hosts Solid as a Rock party this Friday 28th April

Cornwall's coastal St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa has announced that it is relaunching its VIP locals' club, 'Solid As Rock' on Friday 28th April and all Cornish residents are invited to an exclusive cocktail party at the hotel to mark the occasion. New membership reward cards will also be set up during the evening. The innovative 'very important locals' Solid As Rock programme was initially established back in 2013 and a decade later feels like the perfect time to rejuvenate and relaunch the popular programme, post-pandemic. Home to the only Cowshed Spa outside of Soho House properties, the hotel's spacious architecture consists of gargantuan apartments, super-sized suites, comfortable villas, cosy hotel rooms, a state-of-the-art gym and leisure club, tennis courts, an indoor and outdoor pool and two bars and restaurants.

Wickhams showcases sustainability at Toby’s Garden Festival

Toby's Garden Festival is rapidly approaching, taking place in the grounds of Powderham Castle in Devon on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th of April. During the two days, festival sponsor Wickhams will be showcasing sustainability within the wine world, offering free wine tastings with a chance to try and buy a range of wine from vineyards in Devon, England and beyond. Dan Farrell-Wright, the founder of Wickhams, says: "We're looking forward to bringing an exciting array of wines from here in the county, as well as wines produced in other parts of the country and internationally, to this popular festival. We have carefully selected producers which focus on growing the grapes and producing their wines in a highly sustainable way. In her talk, Pip will also be pairing the wines with charcuterie, cake and local cheese from Sharpham Dairy and Quicke's." Dan continues: "It's a brilliant couple of days for everyone who has a strong interest in gardening, food and drink and we're delighted to be sponsoring the festival this year."

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with PoB Hotels

With plans well underway for the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May 2023, many people are considering how best to celebrate this historic event. PoB Hotels, the collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles, has launched the Coronation Concierge to give guests the best royal staycation. Available to book throughout spring until 31st May 2023, PoB Hotels' Coronation Concierge will advise guests on the best-suited hotels for them to book a stay at in order to mark this historic event. Each hotel that the Concierge suggests has a strong Royal link, whether it has been visited by King Charles III, or has a historic connection to the monarchy. As the only dedicated collection of curated, independent hotels within the British Isles, PoB Hotels is perfectly placed to inform guests on the most unique and exciting stays to book in honour of this very British occasion. Just a phone call away, PoB Hotels' Coronation Concierge is a 24-hour service dedicated to guiding guests to book their perfect Coronation trip.

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

New Romantic Getaway package at Cornwall's Wyndham Trenython Manor

Escape everyday life and immerse yourself in nature at Wyndham Trenython Manor, Cornwall. This peaceful seaside retreat is the perfect place to unwind on a romantic couple's getaway. Wyndham Trenython Manor is offering loved one's the chance to treat themselves without breaking the bank, with their Romantic Retreat package. Offering couples a two-night stay with breakfast and one three-course dinner included, guests can check into their superior rooms to find a chilled bottle of prosecco, rose petals, chocolates and balloons.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

Enjoy the new Luscombe Rhubarb Crush this spring

Crafted to be enjoyed as a soft drink or mixer, the new Luscombe Rhubarb Crush is a lightly sparkling blend of organic rhubarb, Madagascan vanilla and soft Devon spring water. Luscombe Rhubarb Crush is fresh and bright, with the tartness of the rhubarb tempered by the soft sweetness of vanilla. As well as organic rhubarb juice, the ingredients of this gently sparkling drink include organic blueberry juice, organic Madagascan vanilla extract and organic lemon oil. With a calorie count of fewer than 60 calories per bottle, it's one for all to savour. To be enjoyed in many ways, Luscombe Rhubarb Crush is delightful over ice and the perfect serve for celebrating in style at upcoming street parties, tea parties and picnics in celebration of His Majesty King Charles III's coronation.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

The Scarlet Hotel offers lunch with a spring view

The new spring lunch menu at The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall celebrates bright and fresh tastes, partnered perfectly with local award-winning Polgoon vineyard and their latest delicious 2022 Vintage release. Enjoy two courses from The Scarlet's lunch menu, Monday to Friday for £30 per person. Think fresh and locally caught seafood, perfectly picked and prepared, vibrant plant-based dishes and no end of sweet sensations to finish with. The Scarlet is delighted to partner their lunchtime offering with an inclusive glass of wine from Polgoon Vineyard which are located further down the coast in Penzance.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.