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

The wellness journals from Lovendu you need in your life

With Mental Health Awareness day falling in October, and as we approach the end of the year, take positive steps to improve your wellbeing in 2024 through journaling. The benefits of daily journaling are huge, from reducing stress and improving your mental health to boosting productivity and providing an opportunity to get in sync with your emotions. It's the ultimate act of self-care – and Lovendu makes it easy to take control of your life and truly thrive.

Finest Retreats offers a dog-friendly Cornish escape this autumn

UK holiday let agency Finest Retreats reveals Bay Views in Widemouth Bay, Cornwall as a great dog-friendly retreat option for cosy stays this autumn. With the number of people owning dogs having risen significantly in the last three years, Finest Retreats has seen a significant increase in the number of dog-friendly properties within its portfolio. In 2019, the holiday let management company estimated that around 30% of the properties it managed accepted dogs, now approximately 60% of the portfolio is pet friendly. With autumn upon us, a visit to Bay Views in Widemouth Bay, Cornwall isn't to be missed! It sleeps up to four people and can be booked from £100 per night.

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Exeter Round Table’s annual firework extravaganza returns for its 40th anniversary

Exeter Round Table's annual firework extravaganza returns for its 40th anniversary, in support of Devon Air Ambulance, on Saturday 4th November 2023. Devon Air Ambulance is delighted that Exeter Round Table has once more chosen to support the charity with this popular event. This year, the spectacular pyrotechnical display will be synchronised to the music from The Greatest Showman when it returns to Westpoint Arena. The display, hosted by Radio Exe, will feature fireworks set to the popular musical by Sonic Fireworks, the 2022 British Champions! Not only that, but the spectacle also promises fun for the whole family with funfair rides, various catering outlets, and licensed bars. This event will support Devon Air Ambulance's lifesaving 365-day-a-year service by attracting visitors from the local area and beyond.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Enjoy a taste of Italy this Autumn with Luscombe Sicilian Citrus Crush

Enjoy a taste of Italy this Autumn with Luscombe Sicilian Citrus Crush. This lightly sparkling citrus drink is crafted using organic Sicilian oranges and lemons grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Having spent nine years living in Sicily, Luscombe's founder Gabriel knows the long days of glorious sunshine give the fruit an intense sweetness to balance their natural acidity. At their home in Devon, Luscombe then expertly blends the juices with their own source of Dartmoor spring water, bringing a rounded depth to the zesty infusion of fresh citrus. Originally created in honour of Gabriel's grandmother's favourite non-alcoholic tipple of orange juice and bitter lemon, Sicilian Citrus Crush can be served over ice or mixed with premium spirits in cocktails.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Enjoy half term at The Mole Resort in Devon

Enjoy family fun and frolics at The Mole Resort in Devon this October with discounted breaks, new jam-packed activity bundles and more! This half term, burrow down at The Mole Resort in North Devon for a one-of-a-kind Autumn experience - and stay an extra night for free when you book a three-night stay*. With the promise of fabulous stays and active days, the luxury resort destination is offering the ultimate October half-term escape to the Devonshire countryside, with stunning eco-conscious self-catering lodges available from £221 per night from 16th-29th October 2023*. The Mole Resort features all you need for an unforgettable half-term break - including great food and active fun; delicious seasonally-inspired dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, and a myriad of activities to keep 'mini moles' engaged and entertained throughout the retreat.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

Discover autumnal bliss this half term at Devon's Lympstone Manor

Discover the ultimate October half-term escape at Lympstone Manor with an exclusive package offering 25 per cent off dinner, bed and breakfast until the 23rd of December, Sunday through to Thursday. A Grade II listed manor house, set amidst 28 acres of picturesque landscaped grounds, Lympstone Manor is the perfect retreat for families looking to relax, reconnect and enjoy nature. With a wealth of activities catering to all ages, guests can find six family-friendly shepherd huts, a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, a Michelin-star restaurant with child-friendly menus, an on-site vineyard and water sports available on the estuary.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Make the most of October half term at Bedruthan in Cornwall

With just a couple of weeks to go until the October half term, it's not too late to book a family getaway and take a well-earned holiday in Cornwall. Escape to the coastal Bedruthan Hotel & Spa for a crafting getaway that caters for all the family. Bedruthan Hotel & Spa's new Family Crafting Break includes experiences for parents and kids, with a surprise gift for each child under nine years on arrival. Crafting workshops at Bedruthan's on-site creative space Create Cornwall include everything from Indigo Dye lessons to Lino Printing, Creative Paper Marbling and Scallop Shell Decoupage. Food and beverages are included, with fresh pastries available each morning from the hotel's artisan bakery and a three-course menu served each evening in the child-friendly Wild Café. The package includes the use of Bedruthan's spa facilities (sea-view hydro pool, sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor pool) and access to well-being classes for parents who need a moment of zen.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Spooky Newquay set to transform this half term for Halloween

With summer festivals and beach days already a distant memory, the team behind Love Newquay, a part of Newquay Business Improvement District (BID), have announced that the holiday resort will be THE place for the whole family to visit this coming October half-term. Over the past few years, Halloween lovers have made their way to the Cornish destination for the crazy Zombie Crawl. For 2023, the Love Newquay team have crafted a week-long itinerary across the town. The Headland Hotel, a grand yet imposing Victorian building that looks proudly over the north Cornish coast, returns to its former situation as the home of The Witches. The hotel became the location for the 1990 film adaptation of the classic novel written in 1983 by children's author Roald Dahl.

St Michaels Resort sponsors Falmouth Oyster Festival for its 25th anniversary

Proudly Cornish in its aesthetic and outlook, St Michaels Resort, Falmouth is delighted to support exciting local festivals and events this autumn, encouraging off-season travel to Falmouth for visitors keen to experience the charming region, away from the summer crowds. Falmouth Oyster Festival is back for its 25th year, and as long-term advocates of this local gourmet event, the St Michaels Resort is supporting as the lead sponsor for 2023. The hotel's AA Rosette-awarded hotel restaurant, Brasserie on the Bay, boasts a menu using the premium Cornish seafood and as the principal sponsor at this year's Falmouth Oyster Festival, the resort will be running its own Seafood and Champagne Bar over the course of the event, offering a blend of brasserie and street food-style dishes, showcasing locally sourced crab, squid and oysters.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.