Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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."

Six Stories has launched a store inside Manchester Trafford Centre

Six Stories, a fashion brand renowned for its contemporary bridal wear and accessories, is captivating brides-to-be worldwide with its stunning collections. Founded in 2019 by childhood sweethearts Lucy and Ross Menghini, Six Stories has become a celebrated name in the bridal fashion industry.

The brand has recently launched a store inside Manchester Trafford Centre, which features the Sweats Collection, stunning bridesmaids' dresses and the new White Edit Collection.

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...

Askham Hall is a stunning Grade I listed wedding venue

Askham Hall dates back to the late 12th century and was originally a Grade I listed castellated Pele Tower building. The main house was extended in the 1400s with various annexes and again in the 16th and 17th centuries when it was transformed into a grand Elizabethan mansion.

There are plenty of places to take photographs in the Grade II listed terraced gardens, which are full of stunning features, including a 230ft long double herbaceous border, unusual species of plants, formal lawns, kitchen gardens, meadows and ponds.

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."

SJS Smith Jewellery is offering a new wedding ring workshop

SJS Smith Jewellery, a jewellery school based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is offering a new wedding ring workshop.

Owner Sam Smith tells us: "Our workshop is designed to provide couples with a unique and romantic jewellery journey by allowing them to make their own wedding rings. The service is perfect for couples who want to add a personal touch to their special day."

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.

Leeming House is a grand Georgian property within 22 acres of gardens

Leeming House is a grand Georgian property within 22 acres of mature and tended gardens. Boasting impressive views of the surrounding lakes and fells, this is truly a magical setting for weddings in the Lake District. You and your guests will receive the best personal attention and care on your big day with exclusive use of the hotel and its gardens.

The Blue Room, a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and room for 30 friends and family, is perfect for intimate weddings.

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.

Louisa Jackson Bridal is a new company offering eco-friendly wedding dresses

Louisa Jackson Bridal is a new company based in Fleetwood, Lancashire, offering a stunning collection of eco-friendly wedding dresses. Designed to bring beauty and versatility to brides of all shapes and sizes, the team at Louisa Jackson Bridal pride itself on being inclusive.

Susie from Louisa Jackson Bridal tells us more: "We stock beautiful dresses from size four to 36 and offer custom options outside of these sizes. Our dresses can be customised to suit your requirements, and we also stock off-the-peg gowns from other top designers in a range of styles and sizes, so there's something to suit everyone."

Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian manor

Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian manor set within 192 acres of Lancashire countryside. The award-winning property is situated off Preston Road in Whittle-le-Woods and is accessible via a private driveway that is sure to impress guests when the grand house comes into view. The on-site 18-hole golf course surrounding the building is ideal for taking a few minutes away from the wedding and capturing memorable photographs.

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.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

INNSiDE by Meliá has revealed an in-house dog sitting service

INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Meliá Hotels International, has revealed an in-house dog sitting service at its Manchester location. The new service will give couples the flexibility to travel with their dog, whilst also enjoying nonpooch-appropriate activities and attractions in the city.

To complement this new service, Manchester-based company Sticks & Socks have created pet hampers available to purchase at INNSiDE's kiosk. The hampers contain grooming items such as a pampering nose and paw balm, eco-friendly organic shampoo, travel pack dog wipes and snacks, including organic and natural dog treats, a box of sausages and tasty biscuit bites. It's also full of useful accessories to make your dog's stay at INNSiDE more comfortable, such as a collapsible bowl, dog blanket and toys.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.