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

Here are 10 must-have items to include in a wedding bathroom basket

Luxury bathroom experts at Posh.co.uk have shared ten must-have items to provide to make sure guests are well taken care of. Wedding bathroom baskets can be a really nice touch for couples to show their guests they care by providing them with everything they need for a comfortable evening. Including items like safety pins, deodorant, body tape and antihistamines will mean that guests won't have to worry about a thing. Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk said: "Wedding bathroom baskets can be a really lovely touch at a reception by providing guests with all of those small but important items that they may not necessarily be able to bring with them.

The Speech Surgery: timings!

Unsure of when to have the wedding speeches? Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches has the answer: In the US, speeches are just as common at the rehearsal dinner (the formal dinner prior to the wedding that the 'top table' are invited to) as the wedding day itself. At many British weddings, the speeches are scheduled before the wedding meal; the idea that everyone is officially welcomed to the wedding and the speakers are quickly able to relax (and tuck into the free wine!).

Wedding day wines from leading English wine producer Gusbourne

English wine producer Gusbourne, has a stunning range of the finest vintage sparkling and still wines to elevate any wedding providing guests with an array of exquisite drinks that complement every element, from the welcome drinks to the wedding breakfast and toasts! With Gusbourne wines, every pour becomes a celebration of love and new beginnings, ensuring your wedding day becomes a truly unforgettable affair, brimming with sophistication, charm, and cherished memories. For a spectacular wedding reception, fill your guests' glasses with the exquisite Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018, a sparkling masterpiece that exudes elegance with its delicate bubbles and refreshing, crisp notes. As guests raise their glasses to toast the happy couple, each sip is vibrant and intense, setting the tone for an evening of celebrations.

St Michaels Resort Opens New Hotel Restaurant, Nourish

Proudly Cornish in aesthetic and outlook, the premium Falmouth-based hotel, St Michaels Resort, has opened the doors to its brand-new all-day dining restaurant, Nourish. Combining fresh, local ingredients, with bold and vibrant flavours, the sharing plates at Nourish celebrate the bounties of Cornwall's land and sea in a relaxed and friendly setting. New head chef, Darren Kerley, showcases the flavours of his home county of Cornwall, making his culinary mark on this luxury seaside hotel. The Nourish team works closely with local farmers, brewers and distillers to showcase the best of Cornish produce and the abundance of Cornwall's land and coast – provenance is king.

Biggest wedding faux pas to avoid on your big day

With more than half (53%) of married Brits confessing to having wedding day regrets, wedding expert and CEO of the UK's largest collection of wedding venues, The Gilchrist Collection, Samantha Gilchrist shares her thoughts on the biggest wedding faux pas' couple should steer clear of to guarantee wedding day success. "You've planned everything down to the tiniest detail and finally get to enjoy your day, why risk something spoiling it? While some of these things are a little outside your control, it's important to let your wedding planner and venue know what your boundaries are, and the things you would find unacceptable, were they to happen on your big day. They'll be able to support you in handling issues both ahead of time and on the day itself.

Discover summer events and exclusive stays with Cornwall Hideaways

With a fantastic line-up of events scheduled in Cornwall over the coming summer months, Cornwall Hideaways is excited to offer a range of charming holiday accommodations situated next to the locations for the festivities. From international music and classic local food to cultural celebrations, there are plenty of diverse diary dates for visitors to the region. The Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival is set to take place this weekend, from the 14th until the 16th June of 2024. A vibrant celebration of maritime music, this festival brings together shanty singers from around the world. Enjoy performances in pubs, streets and on the waterfront, it's always a lively and fun atmosphere for locals and visitors alike in the picturesque town of Falmouth.

These are the most popular 'first dance' songs of 2024, as online searches soar!

Scraping over 350 'First Dance' playlists on Spotify and analysing the 12,000 tracks that featured on them, Diamonds Factory ranked the songs that featured the most to determine the most popular first dance song of 2024. 60 years on, and Etta James' At Last is the most popular first dance song of 2024. The data revealed that Etta James' 'At Last' is the most popular first dance song for couples to choose for their wedding, with the song featuring in a whopping 46 'first dance' playlists. Regardless of the song being released over 60 years ago, Etta's love song is still proving to be a timeless classic for couples.

The Speech Surgery: does my wedding speech have to be funny?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: I'm not funny. Does my wedding speech need to be? I've heard some lovely speeches that haven't contained any humour, but here's the thing...they are the exception to the rule. Nearly every speech is better if it contains a little humour. FACT. Generally, folk from the UK and Australia want their speeches to have a lot of humour in them, while clients from other parts of the world, namely the US, lean towards a sweeter speech, with lighter elements, as opposed to all-out funny.

6 bridesmaid proposal ideas from Getting Personal

Once you've said yes to your future spouse, it's time to recruit your future bridal party. To pop the question you can keep it short and sweet or go with something a little more elaborate. A bridesmaid proposal is the perfect way to ensure they know their special role in your life and, more importantly, on your big day itself. There has been an 85% increase in Google searches for 'bridesmaid proposal ideas'¹ over the past year, therefore gifting experts at Getting Personal have shared 6 bridesmaid proposal ideas for those needing a little inspiration for asking their bridesmaids to be part of their bridal party.

Celebrate World Oceans Day in Cornwall on Saturday 8th June

Perched perfectly on the rocks overlooking the spectacular St Mawes' harbour, The Idle Rocks, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, is a home away from home. Spend World Oceans Day in a luxurious bedroom, waking up to the soothing sounds of the ocean, and indulge in a full Cornish breakfast while overlooking the bay. The harbourside, on-site restaurant and terrace promises culinary delights crafted with fresh, local, Cornish produce. The property is a boutique haven featuring 19 individually designed suites and beautiful lounge spaces for guests to relax in, showcasing understated elegance and seaside tranquillity in the utmost comfort and luxury.

Couples counsellor shares 5 key boundaries to set

As technology brings us closer together than ever, it also has changed how relationships work, from meeting your significant other through an online dating app to having the ability to contact other people instantly at your fingertips. Smartphones have revolutionised communication - but do they strengthen or strain romantic relationships? With this in mind, the smartphone experts at Compare and Recycle have surveyed 2,000 people, delving into the complex world of smartphones. They discovered how many Brits trust their partners with phone passcodes, as well as partnering up with couples counsellor, Susan Leigh, to provide healthy passcode-sharing tips for couples.

Chef Adam Handling MBE opens new Cornish pub The Tartan Fox

Chef Adam Handling MBE is excited to announce the opening of his brand-new pub today, The Tartan Fox, in Cornwall. Located in the picturesque countryside between Newquay and Truro, it's Adam's second venture in the region, joining his restaurant and bar Ugly Butterfly in nearby St. Ives. The Tartan Fox marks Adam's second pub opening, following the launch of award-winning The Loch & the Tyne in Old Windsor in 2021. In keeping with Adam Handling Group's ethos, The Tartan Fox embodies Adam's visionary approach to zero-waste, modern British food, underpinned by the philosophy of 'sustainable, local luxury' with all produce sourced in and around Cornwall.

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

West Devon-inspired brand Hurdwick joins Gifts Instead of Flowers

Hurdwick, a handmade bag brand that's inspired by West Devon's quarrying heritage weaving together craftsmanship, history, and beauty, has joined Buckinghamshire-based brand Gifts Instead of Flowers. The beautiful bags (that are perfect for weddings, from fun bridesmaids' gifts to statement pieces for mothers-of-the-bride) are thoughtfully named after quarrying terms like Breccia or Whinstone of Fleuri connecting them to their rugged origins. The stunning Hurdwick bags boast a unique pattern and colour scheme that reflects both their heritage and their commitment to quality and durability. These accessories are more than just bags; they carry the story of West Devon's rugged landscape.

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Spend quality time together by the Cornish coast this summer at Bedruthan

Spend quality time together by the Cornish coast this summer at Bedruthan Hotel & Spa which provides the perfect escape - the hotel has always been a popular choice with families. As the warmer months approach, the coastal Cornish retreat has launched an exciting new programme of kid's activities and enhanced facilities to enable families to make the most of the holidays all year round. With outdoor play areas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Jungle Tumble soft play, holiday evening entertainment, daily family crafting, kid's clubs, and a new Play Space creche offering a chance for much-needed adult time, Bedruthan is the ideal family-friendly retreat, ideal for those looking to book a family-moon.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.