With 2024 being a leap year, brides-to-be wanting to pop the question can take advantage not only of this once-in-every-four-year opportunity but some additional incentives at the region’s leading wedding venue.

Tradition was that throughout a whole leap year, women could propose to the man of their dreams however because men felt that a whole year put them at too great a risk, the tradition was tightened to restricting female proposals to the modern leap day!

However, bosses at Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset, have reinstated the old tradition and said they will give a free bottle of champagne to any couple that legitimately gets engaged at the popular wedding venue throughout the whole of 2024.

Matilda Burgess, marketing manager said: “Leap day has been associated with many age-old traditions, superstitions and folklore with the most well-known being proposals by women.

“We're all aware that men can sometimes be a bit slow on the uptake and, occasionally, just need a shove in the right direction, so many women take matters into their own hands and make the most of this once-every-four-year opportunity.

“We’re totally inclusive here at Cadbury House so our offer is open to everyone who wants to pop the question any time of the year. We just want to make, what is no doubt one of the most important days of any couple’s lives, even more special.”

And although this offer is available throughout 2024, for any men who might be feeling a little anxious about being asked out for a bite to eat to Cadbury House on 29 February, Matilda is keen to point out that in comparison to the past men have got it easy nowadays.

She is also keen to highlight that any couples who, having proposed at Cadbury House, then arrange their wedding at the venue will be offered 10 per cent discount off the cost.

She added: “In the past not only could women propose to men throughout a whole year, but should the man refuse the offer of marriage then they were expected to pay a penalty such as a silk gown or hand over some money to soften the blow.

“And this wasn’t some fanciful whim but an actual law which was passed allegedly in 1288 by Queen Mary of Scotland.

“Whatever people’s intentions are this Leap Year those who do visit Cadbury House I’m sure will have a fantastic, relaxing time while we’ll be ready and waiting to help any happy couple celebrate in style!”

For further information about Cadbury House, including its wedding offers, please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/