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

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Newquay's The Tartan Fox pub

Celebrate love and friendship at The Tartan Fox this Valentine's weekend, nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening with someone special or sharing a delicious feast with your friends, The Tartan Fox offers the perfect setting for both occasions. For Valentine's Day, indulge in a hearty luxurious meal from the pub's regular menu, complemented by a selection of sharing steaks available exclusively for Valentine's weekend. Choose from a 600g sirloin on the bone (£60) or a 1kg T-bone (£80) – ideal for sharing. Set against the backdrop of the pub's stunning, rustic charm, these dishes embody the best of Cornish produce, with a refined twist on classic pub fare that Chef Adam Handling is known for.

Padstow Distilling introduces refillable options

Padstow Distilling, the award-winning Cornish distillery that took home three awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2024, has introduced refillable options using an innovative pouch as part of a gradual commitment to a programme of 'reduce and reuse'. As well as a step forward in terms of waste reduction, this initiative offers customers economic savings of £6 per 70cl when choosing from the British brand's core range of small-batch spirits. After careful research, founder David and his design team selected these durable PVC pouches which feature Padstow Distilling's distinctive turquoise band, inspired by the Camel Estuary a theme embraced by David McWilliam when launching his inaugural Padstow Gin, St George's Well, in 2020.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

Celebrate Burns Night at The Tartan Fox in Newquay

Guests looking for an evening out this January are invited to don their tartan for a Burns Night celebration with a Scottish feast and bagpipes at Chef Adam Handling MBE's pub, The Tartan Fox in Newquay, Cornwall. Adam and his talented team have created a one-off feasting menu available in the pub's tipi at 7 pm on Saturday 25th January, alongside a selection of delicious Burns Night cocktails, whilst the main pub will be serving its usual menu. In keeping with Chef Adam's proud Scottish heritage, the Burns Night menu includes a variety of well-loved Caledonian flavours, with their own sustainable and innovative twist including haggis bon bons, Loch Duart salmon pastrami and Balmoral chicken.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Ugly Butterfly in St. Ives

From Valentine's menus and exclusive feasting celebrations to rosé champagne trolleys, love is most definitely in the air at Chef Adam Handling's Cornish restaurants located in St. Ives and also in Newquay. Adam and his team are pulling out all the stops to create unforgettable experiences at his stunning venues. Whether you're drawn to the cosy charm of The Tartan Fox pub in Newquay or captivated by the panoramic coastal views at award-winning restaurant Ugly Butterfly in St. Ives, celebrate this special occasion with the Adam Handling Collection for an unforgettable dining experience, inspired by the beauty and bounty of Cornwall.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Newquay shops set to enjoy a revamp for the new year

The new year will see a refurbishment for shops and businesses in Newquay, a great place for a hen weekend or a mini-moon. Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) has secured £9,500 from Cornwall Council's Town Delivery Fund. This will support 13 businesses with shop front improvements and allow the creation of a storytelling trail to increase footfall to the Trenance area of Newquay. Many businesses in the town pay an annual levy into the BID and this is reinvested into the town. Newquay BID focuses the reinvestments on four main areas: events; cleaner, greener, safer; business support and representation; and marketing. Its overarching aim is to support businesses by making the town vibrant and marketing Newquay both locally and nationally.

Reconnect and Recharge with a Luxury Escape in Britain’s Most Healing Landscapes with Luxury Lodges Collection

Those looking to plan an escape with the Luxury Lodges Collection can still take advantage of their sale with 10% off stays until 31st December 2025 using the code Boxingday10 with bookings made until the 31st of January 2025. Luxury Lodges Collection provides stylish, five-star self-catering resorts across the country, in Britain's best-loved holiday locations including Clowance in South Cornwall and Bude Coastal Resort in North Cornwall. These cosy yet modern self-catering getaways are designed to appeal to all generations including families, couples and groups of friends. Surrounded by nature and coastline, each location offers a sanctuary for relaxation and exploration.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Enjoy a glamping wedding this summer at Cornwall's Lydcott Glamping

Lydcott Glamping located in Widegates, Cornwall has recently entered the wedding market, offering intimate weddings that are bespoke to each couple. The outdoorsy, rustic-inspired venue boasts stunning surroundings with far-flung views stretching across the fields and out to sea. It's the perfect pick for couples dreaming of warmer days and a summer wedding celebration. The talented team has recently partnered with a local celebrant and can help to coordinate other local suppliers for flowers, catering, venue styling, props and more. By collaborating with these local wedding businesses, they can offer anything from outdoor firepit feast-style events to Cornish wine tastings.

Cornwall's Polurrian on the Lizard set to host 2025 Wedding Fairs

Cornwall's Polurrian on the Lizard located in Helston is set to host Wedding Fairs this year in February and October. This award-winning Cornish wedding venue, hotel and spa, part of the Loxley Collection, offers the space, facilities and freedom to create an unforgettable day in a spectacular setting. There's fantastic food and drink, impressive reception rooms boasting sea views and 41 individually styled bedrooms to wow guests. Both intimate weddings and large parties can be catered for, with a choice of exclusive and non-exclusive packages and the experienced wedding and events team is on hand to help couples realise their dream day.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Two for Joy Bridal launch sister business, Three for a Girl!

Two for Joy Bridal has announced the launch of its sister business, Three for a Girl! The team tell us, "Three for a Girl has grown from our helping many stressed and self-conscious brides. We wanted to continue our support by finding inspirational and self-care products. Our brides who find their dress with us are given a fantastic positivity tote bag filled with an array of goodies as a thank you." The team strive to make the dress shopping experience fun and relaxing and wants to extend that further. Three for a Girl! offer well-being products concentrating on positivity and relaxation with more exciting gifts being added to the collection soon.

Enjoy the new Mulled Winter Warmer from Luscombe Drinks this New Year's Eve

Enjoy the new Mulled Winter Warmer from Luscombe Drinks this New Year's Eve available in convenient 27cl bottles. It's made with delicious hand-selected organic ingredients by the Luscombe Drinks brand, famed for its commitment to creating soft drinks using only the finest ingredients. A harmonious blend of organic fruit and traditional mulling spices, the winter warmer perfectly balances cherry juice which provides a slight tartness and the floral yet cranberry-like flavour of hibiscus with an infusion of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to create an inviting drink that captures the rich and festive flavours of the season, perfect for New year's Eve.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Curl up this winter with a seasonal escape at Devon's Boringdon Hall

Curl up this winter with a Revive & Restore Winter Spa Break at Devon's Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa. From the moment guests step foot into the luxurious hotel, they will be enveloped in the warmth and sophistication of the exquisitely designed accommodations, each offering a unique fusion of classic charm and modern comfort. Relax with an invigorating spa treatment tailored to refresh the senses and revitalise the spirit during the winter months, complemented by access to the award-winning, adult-only spa facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Delight in a delicious dinner at the acclaimed Mayflower Brasserie or Michelin Star Àclèaf restaurant, where culinary artistry meets impeccable service. Complete the indulgent stay with an afternoon tea for two, featuring delectable festive delights.