Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Everything you need to know about prenups

Prenups are fast becoming a key part of wedding planning for many Brits, with new data from leading law firm Mills & Reeve showing a sharp surge in demand during the second quarter of the year, dubbed by the law firm as 'prenup season'. Brett Frankle, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains how the trend has developed and why more couples are choosing to put agreements in place ahead of their wedding. Over the last five years, we have seen a sharp rise in prenups between April and July, linked to summer weddings, preholiday planning and timesensitive instructions before ceremonies, with July proving particularly popular.

The ‘I Do’ Dilemma: Why Couples Struggle to Sign Their New Names

More couples than ever are choosing to combine their surnames after marriage, but many are running into one unexpected problem: they can't sign their new name. Searches for "combined surnames" have risen by 37% in the past month, according to new data analysed by luxury pen brand Scriveiner. Interest has been steadily increasing over the past year, with a clear spike in the lead-up to wedding season between late spring and early autumn.

Catch The Wellbeing Farm on Channel 5’s Rich Wedding Poor Wedding.

Lancashire's award-winning The Wellbeing Farm is set to appear on Channel 5's Rich Wedding Poor Wedding on 3rd May, showcasing its distinctive approach to luxury weddings that combines premium experiences with sustainability. Located in Lancashire, The Wellbeing Farm has built a reputation as a standout wedding venue, known not only for its picturesque setting and signature bow tie-wearing llamas, but also for its commitment to ethical business practices as a certified B Corp venue.

The Overlooked Legal Steps That Could Invalidate Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in the UK comes with a surprising number of legal "gotchas" that couples often overlook. Following reports that Olivia Attwood and Stacey Solomon had elements of their weddings deemed non-legal, along with summer being peak wedding season, jewellers Queensmith are reminding couples of the most common legal pitfalls so they can enjoy their big day with peace of mind. From giving notice at the register office to having the right witnesses in place, missing just one requirement could mean your dream wedding isn't legally binding.

The wedding favours taking off for 2026 - from socks to seed packets

Loved by nearlywed couples planning their big day, wedding favours are a wedding staple, with new data revealing searches are up significantly ahead of the 2026 wedding season. But industry experts say 2026 weddings will shift away from one-size-fits-all gifting favours, with a stronger focus on personalised touches that guests actually want to keep. With this in mind, gifting and accessories brand Sayers London has revealed the most in-demand wedding-favour ideas for 2026, alongside insights into how fiancés are rethinking tradition to create more memorable experiences for their guests.

Wedding gift ideas for newlyweds - what fragrance is for you?

As we're fast approaching wedding season, according to Google trends, 'wedding day gifts' is seeing a 70% increase in searches! Yankee Candle and WoodWick, are the perfect gift for any wedding. Fragrance is the perfect way to add that personal touch and showcase how scent is perfect for making memories, creating a sensory experience that couples and guests can associate with the day long after it's over. Experts from Yankee Candle and WoodWick discuss the power of fragrance for moments like weddings. Jennifer Genson, WoodWick R&D Director of Fragrance & Sensory Science at Newell Brands say...

House of Janneke, a new lifestyle brand, launches Book of Special Days

The Book of Special Days is a keepsake journal that gives special moments a home. This isn't a diary. There are no rules, no schedules, no need to write in it every day.  There is a page for every day of the year, but no printed years. After a special day, you find the date, add the year and write down what made it worth remembering. Over time, this book will become something more: a living archive of your days, a weave of stories across the years, a place for little joys, victories big and small, laughter shared and milestones you cherish. It holds what you don't want to forget, a trove of the ordinary and the extraordinary, all treasured alike.

Iconic Wedding Gift Ideas from Dualit

Iconic British brand Dualit presents a curated selection of wedding gifts designed to be cherished for years, and in some cases, generations to come. From romantic, café-style mornings to shared moments over hot chocolate, each gift will be enjoyed well beyond the wedding day. A thoughtful gift for couples who love to bake and a must have for every kitchen. The Dualit Hand Mixer is a firm favourite among top chefs and seen on TV, combining high performance and a chic retro design, this versatile tool is available in Copper or Chrome finish.

Tagvenue Reveals Its 2026 Event Predictions

As the events sector continues to evolve, 2026 is set to mark a clear turning point for UK venues. Leading event booking platform Tagvenue has released its predictions for how the UK events and hospitality sector will evolve in 2026, pointing to a decisive shift away from scale, standardisation and fixed packages, and towards experience-led formats, wellbeing and clearer communication of value. Drawing on booking behaviour across thousands of UK venues, alongside insights from independent hospitality operators, Tagvenue predicts that the most successful event spaces in 2026 will be those that combine strong identity with flexibility, visual appeal and transparency around pricing and experience.

Experts Warn Against Using AI for Wedding Vows

With peak wedding season approaching, experts are warning couples not to rely on AI to write one of the most personal parts of their big day – their vows. A survey by jewellers Queensmith has revealed that more than half (55%) of UK brides and grooms are now using AI tools to help write their wedding vows and speeches, raising questions about authenticity, originality and even potential legal grey areas. The findings come amid a growing debate around AI-written vows after a registrar in the eastern Netherlands saw a marriage called into question when AI was used to help write the ceremony script. In the case, the District Court of Overijssel ruled that "no marriage has been established" after it emerged the registrar had relied on ChatGPT to draft parts of the ceremony. The case has sparked wider concerns that AI-generated wording could unintentionally mirror existing vows or scripts found online, raising questions about originality and authenticity.

Marriage, Money, and Modern Love: Gen Z and Millennials

"As a family barrister, I spend much of my professional life dealing with what happens when relationships break down," says Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, Family Barrister at 4PB. "That vantage point inevitably shapes how I think about marriage — not cynically, but realistically. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that one of the most notable trends I have observed in recent years is the growing interest in prenuptial agreements among Gen Z and younger Millennial couples.

Win an Engaged Couple a Dublin Minimoon with GoHen & StagWeb

Leading UK stag and hen party providers, StagWeb and GoHen, have launched a brand-new competition offering one lucky engaged couple the chance to win a Dublin minimoon - completely free. Whether it's a little pre-wedding trip to escape the planning stress or a post-wedding adventure before the honeymoon, it could be the perfect little wedding gift for the happy couple - read here now!

King Street Townhouse has announced plans to refurbish two of its event spaces

To celebrate its upcoming 10th anniversary, King Street Townhouse has announced plans to refurbish two of its event spaces and 10 guest rooms, with completion scheduled for April 2026. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance architecture of the original Edward Salomons design, the renovation introduces a contemporary perspective while preserving the hotel's distinctive character and charm.

The South Terrace and Lounge will feature a new bar with mirrored detailing to enhance natural light, alongside flexible room dividers and an adjoining rooftop space offering panoramic views of Manchester's skyline. The Mezzanine Lounge will be transformed into an intimate, elegant hideaway, with a refined palette of navy, brass, and soft neutrals, complemented by bespoke seating and a dedicated bar.

Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for. While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7 percent of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality. Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK's 'prenup capital', with 13 percent of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8 percent in London and 11 percent in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.

Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.

Farlam Hall is offering a Regency-era escape

With the new season of Bridgerton, it's the perfect moment for a Regency-era-inspired escape. Farlam Hall, a charming country house hotel in Cumbria, offers an elegant blend of comfort, romance, and heritage. Dating back to 1428, the hall was originally owned by the Thompson family, local gentry whose wealth and refinement echo the opulence of the Bridgerton world.

Before dinner, guests can stroll through the gardens, building anticipation for a meal at the Michelin-starred Cedar Tree Restaurant. Led by Chef Patron Hrishikesh Desai, the restaurant delivers refined, seasonal cuisine worthy of the most discerning palates. Afterward, the Cocktail Bar invites guests to linger over imaginative serves, including cocktails crafted with the hotel's own gin.

Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples

The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.

Hancocks Jewellers shares pieces to wear to mark the Year of the Horse

Hancocks Jewellers Manchester, the renowned retailer of exquisite jewellery, has released its highly-anticipated recommendations for Chinese New Year.

The Year of the Fire Horse began on 17 February 2026, giving jewellery lovers the chance to wear something to mark the occasion.

Roy Lunt, the managing director of Hancocks Jewellers said: "If you are a Horse, this is your year, and we think you are allowed to lean into it. Horses are known for being energetic, independent, and always ready for what's next. What that means for jewellery is it needs to be easy, wearable, and a little lucky."

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.