LET THE FUN BEGIN

FUN, FUN, FUN

See off your single days in style

Celebrating with your best girls and boys before the big day is one of the really fun parts of getting married – especially as you don’t have to do all the planning! Leave it to the gang to sort out the arrangements instead, so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. You’re the star of the show and whether you’re the full-on party type or more of a chilled, laid-back soul, there’s plenty of activities available in the region to suit a whole range of tastes. Although a night on the town remains a popular choice, nowadays the celebrations often extend across a whole day, weekend or even a week away at home or abroad, the options are as a big as your imagination and budget!

TOP TIPS

If you’re not used to being the centre of attraction, make sure your besties are aware of anything that might really make you squirm! So if it’s a no to full-on bridal veil, L-plates and willy straws, make your feelings known from the get-go. If you want the itinerary to be kept secret, drop a few subtle hints along the way to avoid any nasty surprises! Play to your friends’ strengths, so if there’s a born leader in the pack, delegate the organising, bookings, money-chasing and other admin stuff to them – it’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Set a budget, it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution, but if you’re looking to push the boat out, it pays to let everyone know the costs involved well in advance so they can save up or politely decline. Try to find a little something for everyone to enjoy, from the adrenalin junkies and active sorts to the laid-back wine lovers and crafty types. Check out what’s on offer in your local area to cut down on transport costs and it’s greener too!

HATS ON

For something fun and practical, why not design your own headwear? Anne Reeder Millinery Events provide the perfect opportunity to make a beautiful headpiece to take home and wear for celebrations, events or even on the big day itself!

Award-winning milliner Anne Reeder hosts the events herself, passing on tricks of the trade to help you make a lasting keepsake and share an experience to remember. She offers a range of packages to suit different tastes and a choice of settings including the prestigious Ipswich and Suffolk Club, her studio in the town and other venues or you can choose your own. At the end of the session everyone can try on their designs, admire each other’s handiwork and take photos. What’s more you can ramp up the feelgood factor by combining the hat making with afternoon tea and bubbles – what’s not to love?

Visit www.annereedermillinery.co.uk

WHO DUNIT?

For all you super sleuths out there, solving a murder mystery could be the perfect way to see off your single days. Norfolk-based To Die For Events can provide a murder mystery for anything from eight to 80 guests, complete with actors, props and even a crime scene for you to look for clues. Lasting around two hours at a venue of your choice, expect plenty of fun and laughter as you and your teams of detectives interview suspects, examine the scene and ultimately solve the murder to deliver your verdict. You can have catering laid on and even a professional firework display to round off the event, provided by the other arm of the business. Visit www.todieforevents.uk

FLOWER POWER

Bubbles & Brides – the perfect combo, add a creative twist and best friends and you’ve got the ideal mix for a fun time. You and your squad can make a floral garter or flower crown while enjoying a glass of bubbly! The two-hour workshop is suitable for between six and 12 people and provides all you need to complete a unique design that can be worn on the big day. Workshops are available at www.instagram.com/toponorfolk or at other venues across East Anglia. Visit www.albertroseflowers.co.uk/workshops

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Turn up in style with wow-factor transport. Suffolk-based BKP Limousines & Wedding Cars has a fleet of headturners for a grand entrance to your hen or stag party and for the big day – great for fab photos! Pictured are their Chrysler limousine which can take up to eight passengers or for larger groups of up to 16, the Hummer H2 fits the bill. Visit www.bkplimousinesandweddingcars.co.uk

ME-TIME

Treat yourself and enjoy some pre-wedding indulgence with the Ultimate Bridal Experience at The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, Newmarket. It includes a Bridal Shower Spa Day, perfect for intimate gatherings for those looking for a luxury experience with up to four guests plus the bride-to-be, of course.

The perfect blend of old and new, Bedford Lodge retains the charm and character of its former hunting lodge days, but with all the luxury and comfort of a modern boutique hotel.

Surrounded by three acres of secluded rose gardens, the elegant white stucco Georgian house was built for the sixth Duke of Bedford and was converted into a hotel in the 1940s. The grand entrance and flower-filled pathways provide a picturesque backdrop - the wisteria-clad pillared walkway over the spa gardens, bursting with colour when it blooms in spring

Visit www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk