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

Why Wedding Dog Chaperones Are the Must-Have for Modern I Dos

As couples across the UK continue to personalise their weddings, one heart-melting trend is taking centre stage: including their dogs in the big day. From aisle appearances to wedding portraits, four-legged companions are becoming VIP guests — and making celebrations even more meaningful. But as this trend grows, so does the need for expert support behind the scenes. Enter professional wedding dog chaperones — with trusted providers like Hannah's Wedding Dog Chaperone leading the way. While the idea of having your dog at your wedding sounds idyllic, the reality can be complex. Venues, timings, transport, and your pet's wellbeing all need careful coordination — especially on what is already a busy, emotional day.

Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for. While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7 percent of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality. Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK's 'prenup capital', with 13 percent of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8 percent in London and 11 percent in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.

Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.

The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company launches new products

The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company has launched its Super Nutrient Purple Shampoo and Conditioner (£57.90), a natural, seaweed-powered duo designed to gently tone, brighten and revive blonde, silver, grey and lightened hair without the harsh ingredients often found in traditional purple formulas. At the heart of the formula is nutrient-rich blue Cornish seaweed, sustainably harvested from the Atlantic waters around Cornwall. Naturally packed with minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, the seaweed works alongside plant-derived purple pigments to neutralise brassiness while nourishing both scalp and strands. Unlike many toning products that can leave hair dry or dull, this botanical formula treats hair as it tones. The shampoo and conditioner are also enriched with tuber fleeceflower root, Angelica sinensis root, frankincense and mint leaf.

Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples

The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.

The coast is calling this spring at Newquay's Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa

Shake off winter with a spring getaway to the adults-only Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa in Cornwall's iconic Newquay. The days are growing longer, the evenings are getting lighter, and there's a quiet calm before the buzz of summer. Expect seasonal sips, ocean-view dining in the 2 AA Rosette Dune Restaurant, and feel-good spa time, plus a packed event calendar including Easter weekend celebrations, and the return of surf season from April. With three nights for two until end of March and 15% off midweek escapes until 30th April 2026, spring is the time to answer the call of the coast.

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

Exeter Racecourse set to host Family Raceday on Sunday 22nd March 2026

Exeter Racecourse hosts the Guildhall Shopping Exeter Family Raceday on Sunday 22nd March 2026, offering an Easter day out packed with excitement for all ages. Gates open at 12.30pm for an afternoon of thrilling live jump racing with free children's entertainment running throughout the day. One of the highlights is the famous children's running race when young racegoers take to the track themselves and race for the finish line to cheers from the crowd. The popular Shetland pony race also returns which is always a favourite with families. Free goody bags add to the excitement for younger visitors and South West Wildlife will be on-site with an information stand.

Valleyside Barn scoops Gold for Wedding Venue of the Year

Bickleigh-based Valleyside Barn recently won Gold for Wedding Venue of the Year at the Devon Tourism awards (2025/26). This marks the venue's second award in consecutive years after achieving Highly Commended in the Country/Barn Venue category at the South West Wedding Awards in 2024. Emma Wright, co-owner, said, "We are so proud to receive this award. Hosting weddings is a huge responsibility, and we are dedicated to giving couples a perfect and relaxed wedding day. This award recognises our fantastic team and all the amazing couples that have chosen to get married at Valleyside Barn – a huge thank you to them."

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Prezzo Italian says Cheers to all the Mums with free Prosecco

Mother's Day in style at Prezzo Italian with restaurants in Devon, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire as well as nationwide. Highlights will include an exclusive menu, free prosecco and a special gift! Mother's Day is all about taking a moment to say thank you, and the more delicious and generous the thank you, the better! Treat Mum early - visit on Saturday 14th March and upgrade your Mother's Day set menu from two courses to three. On Sunday 15th March, Prezzo Italian will be serving an exclusive Mother's Day set menu specially curated for the occasion and designed to make the day truly memorable.

Make Mother’s Day Extra Sweet with Flapjackery’s Indulgent Devon-Made Gifts

Baked in Tavistock on the edge of Dartmoor, Flapjackery is known for its thick, buttery, gluten-free flapjacks – generously layered, deeply indulgent and made using British oats and locally sourced ingredients. For Mother's Day, there's a collection of beautifully presented gift boxes and hampers designed to feel thoughtful, abundant and ready to share. These are not dainty slices. They're generous, comforting and made to be enjoyed properly – whether that's with a quiet cup of tea or shared around the table on Mother's Day. The Mother's Day Flapjack Trio (£19.50) includes three full-sized flapjacks in salted caramel fudge, chocolate fudge and white chocolate millionaire, finished with a raspberry chocolate-piped flower.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

South Devon’s Delamore Estate set to host Arts & Sculpture Exhibition

Throughout May, the beautiful Delamore Estate opens to the public for its much-anticipated annual art and sculpture exhibition. Open every day from the 1st to the 31st of the month including Bank Holidays, Delamore Arts in Ivybridge welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience the largest Contemporary Art event in the South West. Set against the romantic Gothic architecture of Delamore House, more than 100 sculptures by British and international artists will be on show in the estate's formal gardens, situated amongst Delamore's spectacular floral borders, fountains, and specimen trees and shrubs. In the Main Gallery of the house, visitors can admire the elegant 19th-century interior, with its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, whilst exploring a curated exhibition of painting and sculptural works.

The Old Quay House encourages travellers to book direct

A luxury, boutique hotel in Cornwall is aiming to re-educate travellers about the benefits of booking direct. With the continued rise of online travel agents (OTAs), many travellers are drawn to the perceived convenience of third-party booking platforms. However, commissions charged to accommodation providers often result in higher overall rates, meaning travellers may not always secure the best possible deal. The Old Quay House in the classically picturesque town of Fowey, Cornwall is encouraging guests to break from this modern booking habit and return to booking directly through the hotel's own channels, where the best rates and exclusive benefits are guaranteed.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.