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

Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Ugly Butterfly restaurant in Cornwall

With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views stretching across the stunning St. Ives coastline, the Ugly Butterfly restaurant located within the popular Carbis Bay Hotel is hosting couples for their Valentine's Day celebrations this year. Using only the finest quality local produce, Ugly Butterfly offers a Cornish dining experience like no other, with an exclusive tasting menu, guaranteed to make this Valentine's Day unforgettable. The Valentine's menu starts with oysters and includes decadent dishes such as lobster and butternut, curry, turbot, mussels and kaffir and, for the main event, a delicious roast ex-dairy beef rib designed to share. The perfectly pink dessert is ruby chocolate, rose and rhubarb and guests will receive a cute little chocolate cake to take home with them.

How to create a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding

Your wedding should be as personalised, luxurious and enjoyable as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception! Here, Steve King, managing director at the drinks retailer Bottled & Boxed, shows you how to bring together a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding. Organising a wedding is as exciting as it is overwhelming: you'll want your day to be as special as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception to this. It's becoming more and more popular to create your own personalised drinks, with Google searches for 'bespoke drinks menu' increasing 10% since the beginning of 2022.

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Devon and Cornwall with the Michael Caines Collection

With just 7 days to go until Valentine's Day, the Michael Caines Collection has launched a number of exciting offers in Devon and Cornwall that are perfect for couples looking to enjoy the most romantic day of the year. Celebrate with delicious dishes from Michelin-star chef Michael Caines and a sparkling glass of fizz. There's nowhere more romantic in Devon than Lympstone Manor that's situated on the foreshore of the tranquil Exe estuary with breathtaking views stretching across the estuary and the hotel's vineyard. Guests can enjoy an intimate one or two-night stay in the hotel's selection of luxury accommodations or spend the special day or evening indulging in signature dishes on the menu with the Valentine's Day eight-course lunch or dinner tasting menu. This boasts highlights including Scottish langoustine; salted Newlyn cod, Darts Farm free range chicken and a white chocolate candle, accompanied with a complimentary glass of Moet Vintage Rose Champagne.

F.Hinds advises on your wedding selection

Jewellers F.Hinds, boasting more than 115 stores across England, advise on what precious metals your wedding rings could be made from... Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life, and we're so happy that you're about to embark on this new chapter, no doubt you are too! With an exciting engagement comes a whole load of happiness and emotion, but with that what also comes is a never-ending list of things you need to do before the big day, and we can bet that one of them is going to be to "find the perfect wedding rings".

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....

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.