All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North West, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Allure Venue Styling is collaborating with The Creative Cup
Allure Venue Styling, an event styling company in Cumbria, is collaborating with a new business called The Creative Cup. This creative café provides a variety of workshops for the community, and Allure Venue Styling will soon be providing wedding workshops to help couples plan their special days.
Dai Watson, the owner, said: "I have had a lot happen since the relaunch of the business in October last year. The company has suddenly exploded, and I've gone from working out of my own home to having a dedicated office and enough work that I've reluctantly had to turn events down. The new premises in Cleator Moor, from which Allure Venue Styling and The Creative Cup will be based, gives me the opportunity to run bridal workshops and small hen parties."
Posted: 29 September 2022
Lindeth Howe Hotel is a country house originally owned by Beatrix Potter
Originally owned by Beatrix Potter, Lindeth Howe Hotel is a traditional country house situated in six acres of stunning countryside. The owners have invested £1million and combined the original décor with modern amenities to create a grand venue that's perfect for weddings. The property has a private drive, free parking for guests, outdoor seating and space for a grand fireworks display.
The largest space available is the Restaurant which can hold 120 people. Couples can walk down the red carpet and admire the beautiful magnolia tree that's visible through the windows.
Posted: 27 September 2022
Supergroup Claire Richards & Duncan James surprise couple on their wedding day
Pop royalty, Claire Richards and Duncan James, joined forces on Saturday 17th September, as the ultimate wedding band - Simply Wed - to surprise one lucky couple with a performance of poptastic floor-filling songs on their wedding day. Anna Novelli and Samuel Hold from Bournemouth were delighted when the power duo 'crashed the wedding' at the Larmer Street in Wiltshire, to surprise guests and the lucky couple with the performance of a lifetime. The couple - both Steps and Blue superfans - were overwhelmed with joy to have the newly minted wedding supergroup perform, having known all the routines to Claire and Duncan's biggest hits since childhood!
Posted: 26 September 2022
Meet the team at the Writing Forge
The Writing Forge is a new company based in Lancashire.
"My wedding was planned for June 2020, bad timing - Yes, I know," says Adam Doyle, the director and head writer of The Writing Forge. "Like thousands of couples across the country, we faced the stress of cancelling suppliers and rearranging dates. We had gone for a very simple rustic outdoor wedding celebration, with a ceremony at the registry as we had both been married before. A year later, we were ready to go despite having half the number of guests we had originally planned.
"We wanted a more intimate ceremony during the day in front of all our guests, but finding the right kind of ceremony and vows proved to be a challenge. We are not particularly religious and wanted something that reflected us, our personality, and what we had been through. We settled on a hand-binding ceremony and set about finding the right words. When planning a wedding, you think of all the big stuff, dress, photographer, cake, venue, etc, but how much time do you set aside for vows, speeches, and toasts? It's one of the things that people remember the most and can make the day extra special.
Posted: 23 September 2022
Desert Diamonds Cumbria is launching a range of friendship/mother-daughter rings
Desert Diamonds Cumbria, a local jeweller, is launching a range of friendship/mother-daughter rings which will make the perfect gift for your bridal party.
The owner, Sue Mounsey, tells us more about the company: "Our stones are of the highest quality available, we start by hand-cutting them and then hand-polishing to create a lasting lustre. All our items can be made from a variety of golds and sterling silver with gold/rhodium plating. For bespoke items, we discuss the customer's dream ring and draw a computer-aided design to meet their specifications. Once they're happy, we will manufacture the ring, which will take approximately six to eight weeks.
Posted: 22 September 2022
Top tips on how to save money on a hen-do
Hen-dos provide a great opportunity to bring together your nearest and dearest for pre-wedding celebration and excitement. However, with many brides now opting for more exotic or expensive locations for their celebrations, the cost of a hen-do can quickly add up. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to make savings on your upcoming hen-party: Take advantage of drinks packages – Nightclubs are synonymous with hen-dos, however entry and drinks can get pretty pricey. Venues will often offer discounts on pre-purchased drinks packages so it's worth checking what deals you can strike before getting there.
Posted: 21 September 2022
Rydal Mount & Gardens is a historic property with plenty of photograph opportunities
Rydal Mount & Gardens, which was a focus for romantic literature, continues to be owned by the Wordsworth family and retains the feel of a lived-in family home. Wordsworth was a keen landscape gardener, and the five-acre garden remains very much as he designed it. It consists of fell-side terraces, rock pools, an ancient mound and plenty of secret spaces to explore. This historic property has plenty of photograph opportunities, including Rydal Water, the fells and Dora's field, which hosts an abundance of daffodils in the spring.
Posted: 20 September 2022
How to wear pink when attending weddings
With Breast Cancer Awareness month approaching, Cliff Bashforth, managing director of Colour Me Beautiful, shares his top tips on how to wear pink!
"The key to wearing pink is to ensure that it doesn't wear you, says Cliff, "Cooler skin tones look amazing in cerise or hot pinks, indeed most shades from dusty rose to bright fuchsia, whilst warmer skin tones will always look their best in coral or salmon pinks. Dark hair and bright eyes - opt for the boldest, brightest hues you can find. Hot pink (cool), mango (warm). If your eyes are dark choose a deeper shade such as fuchsia (cool) or salmon pink (warm).
Posted: 20 September 2022
The Photography Show & The Video Show is open today!
Multi award-winning wedding and portrait photographer Roberto Valenzuela, marine biologist and explorer Cristina Mittermeier and renowned landscape photographer Colin Prior are among the compelling line-up of global speakers at The Photography Show & The Video Show. They will be joined by Jack Harries, Christina Ebenezer, Kaylee Greer and Chase Jarvis among others, who all will share their expertise during this unmissable four-day event showcasing photography, taking place 17th to 20th September 2022 at Birmingham's NEC venue.
Posted: 17 September 2022
The Photography Show & The Video Show launches its First Ever Wedding Album of The Year competition
The Photography Show & The Video Show is launching its first ever Wedding Album of the Year competition to celebrate the best of the best from all around the country; showcasing the talent and craft of professional photographers and album makers in the UK and championing the power of print. There's nothing like a beautifully designed and presented wedding album to immortalise a couple's special day - a permanent and tangible reminder of those happy memories and moments, to be enjoyed for years to come. Wedding Album of the Year will celebrate these memories and the photographers that captured them.
Posted: 16 September 2022
Roberto Valenzuela - Super Stage speaker at The Photography Show this weekend!
At The Photography Show this weekend, Roberto Valenzuela - a photographer, author, and educator based in Beverly Hills, CA - will discuss and demonstrate what to do to transform your photography, and photography business, from average to remarkable. Roberto will share some powerful personal stories that propelled his business into the spotlight in the US and around the world and how to turn your business into a career you can rely on. As a member of the prestigious Canon Explorers of Light group, Roberto is one of the most influential photographers in the world. He's developed his unique teaching style by following the same rigorous regimen he developed as a professional concert classical guitarist and educator before becoming a photographer - he believes that it's not talent but deliberate practice that is at the core of skill and achievement!
Posted: 16 September 2022
The best ways to save money as a wedding guest
Attending a wedding can be one of the most joyous times of the year but it can also be one of the most expensive too, from things such as gifts to drinks. The frugal team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have explored special ways for wedding guests to enjoy the festivities without the worry of overspending. Taking on group initiatives such as splitting the taxi costs and getting a group gift can cut wedding expenses in half. Rebecca Bobbington, online consumer expert from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: "We wanted to give those attending a wedding some useful tricks to make the big day less of a financial burden....
Posted: 16 September 2022
Lakeside Travel Services offers luxury wedding cars for hire
The Lake District is known for its breathtaking scenery, peaceful walks, and luxurious hotels, making it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. If you're planning to pop that all-important question to your other half, Lakeside Travel Services knows the best and most romantic locations for you to get down on one knee.
Lakeside Travel Services can provide chauffeured luxury wedding cars for hire, so you can arrive in style on your big day. The team also offer 38 exclusive tours, so you can explore and make the most of The Lake District.
Posted: 15 September 2022
Your big day: six tablescaping trends to look out for in 2023
Your wedding day is such a big event, and you'll want the table to really look it's best. Here, Kate Cartwright from the tableware brand Burleigh Pottery offers some tips on the trends coming up in 2023, so you can gain some inspiration for your tablescape. Your wedding is one of the most important events of your life, and so you'll naturally want everything to be as close to perfect as possible. The tablescape is no exception — your wedding table is where everyone will sit down and celebrate together at your special day, so you'll want it to look beautiful, both for the meal itself and the photos you'll keep to look back on in years to come. Here, we'll go through some new trends in wedding tablescapes for 2023, so that you can get a range of new ideas for how you might design your ideal place settings for yourself and your guests.
Posted: 14 September 2022
Askham Hall is a Grade I listed building that dates back to the late 12th-century
Askham Hall is a late 12th century 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. Bank Barn is one of the largest vernacular Cumbrian bank barns ever built. The terraced gardens are Grade II listed and full of stunning features, including colourful terraces, a 230ft long double herbaceous border, unusual species of plants, formal lawns, kitchen gardens, woodland, meadows and ponds.
Inside, the property combines modern furnishings and fresh décor with the charm and character of this historic house. Featuring a stunning barn, outdoor pavilion, Michelin starred restaurant, 19 bedrooms, terraced gardens and an outdoor heated pool.
Posted: 13 September 2022
Planning a Hen Do? Here are 6 ways to do it on a budget
With wedding traditions dying fast, modern couples are truly setting the bar for what's possible at contemporary nuptials. What will always be popular though, is the hen/stag or ('sten' if you're joining forces) do! Although, even these have altered in their format, gone are pub and nightclub crawls till the early morning, and in are wellness breaks, pottery and classes and the much-loved British Brunch! The UK's leading bottomless brunch platform, Bottomless Brunch, has compiled a list of ways you can save costs whilst planning an unforgettable hen party.
Posted: 12 September 2022
Wedding gift list ideas from designer Emma Britton
Decorative Glass Designer Emma Britton has launched a new glassware collection, Exotic Floral, which is proving very popular amongst guests looking for wedding day gifting ideas.Exotic Floral adds a touch tropical splendour to your table featuring dahlias, red hot pokers, canna lilies and digitalis firebird. This new floral design is inspired by the geometrics and structural beauty of these flowers and is etched on to various glassware items such as high balls, tumblers, wine glasses and champagne coupes - the latter is the perfect gift set of two for newlyweds.
Posted: 9 September 2022
Ribblesdale Park at Gisburne Park Estate has launched a new glamping village
Ribblesdale Park at Gisburne Park Estate is one of Lancashire's finest historic estates, set in the ancient and mythical Ribble Valley. This summer, discover the new exclusive glamping village, featuring 10 luxurious, fully-furnished bell tents. Wake up to wild deer outside your tent, as the grounds are home to 1,000 acres of wildlife; relax with the on-site masseuse for treatments in your tent or by the river; and kick back with live music at the atmospheric Hindelinis Restaurant and Bar.
Posted: 8 September 2022
West Tower is a luxury wedding venue that offers uninterrupted views of the Lancashire countryside
West Tower is a luxury wedding venue that offers uninterrupted views of the Lancashire countryside. Nestled within eight acres, the property sits proudly at the end of a secluded driveway surrounded by well-kept gardens. Guests will be wowed by the 27 beautifully appointed guest bedrooms, the bridal suite, state-of-the-art dressing room, glass skylight, grand wooden staircase, charming apex covered entrance, secluded patio and terrace.
Weddings of up to 145 day and 250 evening guests take place in The Ballroom. Full of natural light, the room has wooden floors, PA facilities, impressive views and an elegant décor throughout.
Posted: 6 September 2022
Top five wedding cars from Avis car hire
There's no better way to live up to the wedding excitement than making a grand entrance. With over 508K #weddingcar posts on Instagram, there are endless options for couples to be spoilt for choice when picking their dream wedding car. From vintage classics to chic campervans, Avis has analysed and rounded up the most Instagram-worthy cars for your wedding day. These top five wedding cars have also been carefully selected by celebrities to honour their big day, so they have the power to make the couples the 'talk of the town,' on their special day.
Posted: 5 September 2022
Pink Diesel, from the iconic Rosé region of Provence, France, has launched a bespoke label offering to help transform the wine selection on your big day. Personalised with a beautiful illustration these bottles will create a memory that can be cherished and shared with your family and friends. This one of a kind service is designed to help couples #FuelGoodTimes with magnum bottles of expertly crafted light rosé which serve 10 generous glasses for only £32.95 per bottle, plus a £70 design fee.
Posted: 2 September 2022
The Belsfield Hotel is hosting a Wedding Inspiration Day on the 4th September
The Belsfield Hotel, an idyllic 4-star hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere, will host its Wedding Inspiration Day on the 4th of September, allowing couples to tour the enchanting hotel and grounds, meet a range of suppliers, and gather inspiration for their big day.
Between 12pm and 4pm, guests can explore the luxury boutique hotel to see a variety of different wedding set-ups and stylishly-designed bedrooms, plus meet the hotel's dedicated wedding planning team, all while enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz with canapés from the hotel's 2AA Rosette Lake View Restaurant. Guests who arrive between 1pm and 2pm will also receive a goody bag.
The Inspiration Day will include live music from Classic Ensembles string quartet and Windermere-based harpist AnnaKate Pearson. Selected suppliers will be on hand to answer questions, including Brackens of Bowness florists, Huttons Chocolates and Party Project.
Posted: 1 September 2022
Set in the Eden Valley, Long Acre Barn is discretely located on a working farm
Set in the Eden Valley, Long Acre Barn is discretely located on a working farm amongst pastoral countryside with stunning views across ancient woodland and a flower meadow. There's a rustic, Victorian charm throughout, with a long drive through open fields and the sandstone barn and granary lovingly restored in a natural, pared back way to create an authentic venue. The exterior is welcoming with a large patio and pergola, and the windows and doorways framing the barn are flooded with natural light.
Long Acre Barn has been in the Addison family since 1859, and like many farming businesses, the owners explored several diversification options before deciding to transform the space into a wedding venue. After two years of planning and a further two years in renovation, the barn was completed, with the first weddings successfully taking place.
Posted: 30 August 2022
Budget friendly ways to propose to your bridesmaids
Weddings are one of the costliest events in life which get more expensive year on year. Asking your besties to be your bridesmaids is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of the process, however, this can soon chip away at your budget when looking at personalised presents or expensive goodie bags to pop the question to them. To help save some costs, greetings card specialist thortful (thortful.com) has shared five budget-friendly, yet fun and creative ways, to ask your besties to be your bridesmaids. From having a spa day at home to custom fortune cookies, these bridesmaid proposal ideas are sure to get the reaction you want without breaking the bank.
Posted: 29 August 2022
Before I Do - the honeymoon must-have, you won't put it down!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we do love a good book to get our teeth into - not literally of course, cake's great for that - and the description for this new novel Before I Do from Sophie Cousens already has us hooked! What would you do if the one that got away turned up the night before your wedding? Audrey is marrying Josh; steady, dependable Josh, the love of her life. They share a flat and a bank account, and it's the only relationship that Audrey's ever had that feels like something she can put her trust in. But romance should be full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is 'the one'. So, when Josh's sister Miranda arrives at their rehearsal dinner with Fred - Audrey's 'What If?' guy, the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with but never saw again - Audrey can't help but see it as a sign.
Posted: 26 August 2022