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

Harefield Barn launches All Inclusive Package for 2024

The talented team at Devon's Harefield Barn have launched the All Inclusive Package for 2024. They've gathered the key elements of a wedding day and included them in this all-inclusive deal, which offers couples significant savings and gives them a better idea of what the cost will be. The offer can be booked on any available date in 2024 and includes exclusive use of the venue from 8 am on the day of the wedding until half past midnight. Cars may be left overnight and items can be collected the following day. There's access from 1 pm until 5 pm the day before to decorate plus four drinks per adult, a delicious wedding breakfast and evening food.

Don’t like your engagement ring? Relationship experts reveal what you need to do!

A marriage proposal is filled with an overwhelming amount of emotion and is a moment both you and your partner will remember forever. But once the initial rush fades, what if you come to terms with the fact that the ring placed on your finger isn't what you envisioned it to look like? Leading diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, teamed up with relationship experts Georgia Sturmer and Sharin Shafer, who have shared their top 3 tips on how to handle this delicate situation in the best way possible.

Enjoy a Time to Golf break at Devon's Bovey Castle

Needing a bit of time out together from all the wedding planning? Then head to Bovey Castle, part of the collection of PoB Hotels this autumn for a 'Time to Golf' break priced from £464 per person, based upon two people sharing a classic room. Set in an unrivalled position within a 275-acre estate on Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a luxurious retreat of the highest standard. The curated 'Time to Golf' Breaks package includes two rounds of golf per person on a championship golf course; accommodation for two nights and a full English breakfast. Guests can rest and relax between games with the one-night 'Golf and Spa Package' which pairs one round of golf with a special spa treatment and daily breakfast.

Fraser Hart launches its stunning lab-grown diamond collection

Fraser Hart, one of the UK's leading purveyors of fine jewellery, is redefining affordable luxury with the launch of its Born Lab Grown Diamonds collection in 10 new stores nationwide. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, here cutting-edge technology is used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, Born Lab Grown Diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow-factor as traditionally mined gems, but with a more accessible price tag. The Born collection includes a stunning choice of "buy now, treasure forever" heirloom jewellery pieces. With exquisite diamond rings starting at just £799, diamond and white gold stud earrings from £799, classic diamond encrusted tennis bracelets from £5,250, and diamond pendant necklaces from £850, investing in luxurious, exceptional quality and utterly timeless diamond jewellery pieces has never been more attractive.

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.

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.

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.

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...