Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The Forest Side is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1853

Built using typical Lake District slate and stone, The Forest Side is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1853. The Forest Side was originally built on the site of an earlier farm in the magical Lake District for notable Manchester solicitor Stephen Heelis as a statement of position and wealth. He didn't stint on the gardens, planting extensive pleasure gardens with rhododendrons as the dominant planting scheme, the very height of fashion, with rare and exotic specimens brought back to these shores from China and the Himalayas by some of the great Victorian plant hunters.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Gretna Green has announced a new space for weddings

Gretna Green, the award-winning, family-owned wedding, tourism, and hospitality destination, has announced a new space for weddings. The Elopement Marriage Room offers a modern and intimate space to say your vows. It can hold up to 20 guests, providing a cosy atmosphere for couples and their closest loved ones to share in their joy.

The executive chairman of Gretna Green, John Holliday, said: "Gretna Green has always been a place of love and celebration. With our new Elopement Marriage Room, we're taking that tradition to new heights, creating an even more special experience for couples."

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

New House Farm is a Grade II-listed property in Cumbria

Dating back to 1650, New House Farm is a Grade II-listed property offering picturesque views of the Lakeland Fells. The venue has a contemporary décor throughout, luxurious fireplaces and on-site bedrooms with roll-top baths and four-poster beds.

Ceremonies take place in the new Cart Shed or, weather permitting, in the grounds with impressive views of the surrounding countryside.

The Hayloft, a stunning space with a bar, a kitchen and five en suite bedrooms, is available for up to 130 loved ones.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".

Five myths about Champagne

For centuries, great occasions in life have been punctuated with Champagne. However, there are several myths surrounding the drinking, storing and essence of Champagne. As a result, the Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to bust those myths to separate fact from fiction and demonstrate how best to enjoy the pinnacle of sparkling wine, as well as ensure that you aren't fooled by some of the most common Champagne myths. Myth: Pop the cork and spray Champagne in times of celebrations. The blunt pop of the cork and the fizz of the fine bubbles – instantly reminiscent of celebration – is a sparkling start to any special occasion.

Saxophonist Simon Levi is offering a new wedding package

Simon Levi, based in Manchester, is a saxophonist who has been awarded 'Best Musician' by Hitched twice and is hoping to win again later this year. Simon has an exceptional musical background and a wealth of experience. He can play anything from house and jazz to funk and soul, with something to please all of your wedding guests and keep the dancefloor packed all night.

New for 2024, Simon is offering a saxophone, DJ, singer and percussion package, perfect for couples who want to keep their guests glued to the dancefloor.

Moonpig reveals weddings cards are the hardest to write

Greeting cards have been a popular way to express celebrations and affection for our loved ones. We're used to purchasing cards for milestones from birthdays, weddings, new jobs and more, but how often do we struggle with what to write in a card? With the recent growth in popularity of AI models like ChatGPT, Moonpig has launched its "Smart Text" tool, a feature which uses generative AI as a writing assistant for customers who need help in those moments where they don't know what to put in a card to their loved ones.

Skitby is a rustic barn surrounded by acres of Cumbrian countryside

Skitby is a rustic barn with exposed timber and traditional sandstone walls, surrounded by acres of Cumbrian countryside. Boasting impressive views of the Lake District, the property has a contemporary interior, well-manicured gardens and an outdoor seating area, creating plenty of places to explore and take those all-important photographs.

Ceremonies can take place in the Ceremony Wing, which can accommodate 100 of your friends and family for the service and 45 for an intimate reception, whereas the Main Dining Space can hold 140 of your nearest and dearest.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

Lifestyle hotel brand Malmaison has announced the launch of Malmaison Manchester Deansgate

Lifestyle hotel brand Malmaison has announced the launch of Malmaison Manchester Deansgate. Located a stone's throw from the bustling Deansgate thoroughfare that connects the city's many neighbourhoods, this four-star property offers 70 rooms and suites, many with views over the picturesque Albert Square.

The signature restaurant, Malmaison Bar & Grill, seats 114 guests and serves a stylish fusion grill menu, offering contemporary takes on classic and seasonal dishes carefully curated by chef director John Woodward, served alongside a curated wine list and bar menu. Manchester Deansgate also plays host to Malmaison's second rooftop bar and restaurant in the UK, seating 116 guests across its intimate terrace that overlooks the historic Manchester Town Hall.

Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list

Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition equals a winning recipe for an amazing time for your pre-wedding get together! How does a side of shuffleboard or darts with your cocktails sound? Whether you're looking for a daytime plan or something to keep you partying into the early hours, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are great options. Both have resident DJs banging out the tunes, and both offer fab bottomless brunch packages if an afternoon booze session is more what you're after. They're also perfectly designed for the most amazing insta-worthy pics

The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is located within one of the most picturesque areas of the Lake District

The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is located within one of the most picturesque areas of the Lake District, overlooking Derwentwater. Set amidst acres of natural beauty, the venue's grounds are landscaped and complete with an abundance of flowerbeds, an on-site waterfall and panoramic views of the surrounding fells.

The main building was erected in 1870 and is made from a local slate, which stands out against the luscious green scenery. Inside is the perfect blend of contemporary chic and traditional charm. Over recent years, the property has been modernised to offer a more sophisticated appearance, including the conservatory, award-winning Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant and the remainder of the ground floor, which is due to be completed in spring 2024.

Revealed the UK’s best venues with woodlands to achieve dreamy cottage-core weddings

A recent study revealed the UK's highest-rated venues for woodland-themed weddings, with Creeksea Place being named the best. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analysed user-generated review data to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated woodlands venues by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Creeksea Place is the most highly rated woodland in the nation. Located in Essex, the manor house, which includes picturesque woodland, has been rated five stars over 220 times giving it a perfect score of ten out of ten.

The new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection

Find an oasis this spring with the new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection, Under the Desert Sun. The new collection will brighten the home with fragrances that exude memories of warmer days, including four refreshingly light and bright fragrances including, Desert Blooms, Aloe & Agave, Sweet Vanilla & Horchata, and Stargazing. Inspired by the unique beauty of the desert, the new collection has been designed to help escape the ordinary and satisfy wanderlust, immersing the home in sun-drenched scents. The Under The Desert Sun collection features exotic fragrances such as aguaro cactus, aloe and blue lotus, as well as soothing lavender and eucalyptus.

Three spicy but sophisticated hen party ideas

Throwing a hen party that will please all attendees can be tricky. Striking a balance between risque and tame activities can be one of the most controversial challenges you'll face when planning. In fact, some of the more crude hen party gimmicks came out in the top 10 most hated parts of a hen party in this report. However, you can create a hen party that strikes the perfect balance between spice and sophistication, ensuring a night to remember for both the bride and her friends. Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared three amazing themes for the perfect spicy but sophisticated hen party:

Lakeside Hotel & Spa has refurbished its lodges

Lakeside Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel on the southern shore of Lake Windermere. The hotel's lodges have been refurbished to create romantic accommodation for couples looking to stay the night after their big day. The two lodges have their own adjoining lounge, a huge picture window brimming with views of Lake Windermere and a luxurious outdoor bath.

Set by the lakeshore, with private patios and gardens within easy reach of the Aveda Spa and hotel's facilities, The Lodge is a private retreat in an envied position, yet only a few steps away from the hotel. It offers the best of two worlds: the peace and seclusion of your own place, with personal service, superb facilities and fine food.