All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North West, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
How to create your own wedding perfume using flowers
Choosing the perfect wedding gift is difficult at the best of times; you want something truly personal and thoughtful. A lovely personalised wedding gift would be to make your own natural and organic perfume using the bride's (or groom's) favourite flowers and wildflowers - all from the comfort of your own home!A simple spritz of perfume is the finishing touch to the wedding morning getting ready routine, a great scent is not only a confidence-booster to start the day, but it will be a fragrance that evokes the memories of such a special event for years to come...While we all have our signature shop-bought scents, natural and organic perfumes can also be created at home with ease using your favourite flowers and wildflowers. If you're looking for a thoughtful and personalised gift for a loved one, or a gorgeous treat for yourself, then take a look at Serenata Flowers' guide to creating your own perfume at home using real flowers:... read more
Posted: 23 October 2020
Natalie and Tom tied the knot in a romantic celebration at St Mary’s Brownedge and Mitton Hall
Natalie and Tom met at work and instantly hit it off. "I was attracted to his eyes and dry sense of humour," says Natalie. "After a couple of months, Tom asked me to go on our first date to Cartmel Racecourse, and the rest is history." Tom proposed on New Year's Eve in front of Lytham Windmill. "He almost lost his nerve when a coach party arrived just as he was about to pop the question," shares the bride. "Luckily, the crowds dispersed, and he was able to ask me to marry him. We celebrated with friends, fizz and fireworks that night and started wedding planning the next day. We got married a year and a day after Tom proposed."... read more
Posted: 23 October 2020
5 ways to treat your loved one this Champagne Day (today 23 October!)
Françoise Peretti, Director of Champagne Bureau UK shares her expert tips on how to safely celebrate at home and make this Champagne Day special.If there is anything that 2020 has taught us, is that it's important to celebrate those little moments of pleasure whenever we can. It's been a tough run, and there can be no doubt that we all deserve a joyful lift to start the weekend – wherever you find yourself this Friday. Each year on the third Friday of October is Champagne Day, an international day dedicated to Champagne: the original and pinnacle of sparkling wine. This year we are not able to throw lavish and bustling 20 guests soirées (how far-fetched does that seem now?), but spoiling a loved one at home and opening a bottle together is a familiar tradition that will definitely bring a smile to the face of the special person in your life. Here are my top tips (and remarkably easy ways!) to mark the occasion:... read more
Posted: 23 October 2020
Victoria Baths in Manchester has won an award for Best Wedding Venue
Victoria Baths in Manchester has won an award for Best Wedding Venue at the 2020 UK Heritage Awards. The ceremony is designed to honour the very best historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites in the UK. The property houses five unusual spaces for weddings that include the option to get married in the deep end of one of the empty pools or against the stained glass backdrop of the Turkish Rest Room. Each couple has exclusive use of the entire building during the service and reception and has the day before to set up and the day afterwards to take everything down.... read more
Posted: 22 October 2020
Fun, quirky and thortful - just what we need right now!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we adore this range of cards for couples who have had to postpone their big day! With a whole host of different designs thortful.com has something for everyone; yes nothing can take away from the upset of a cancelled or postponed wedding, but a thoughtful card will certainly go a long way and put a little smile on someone's face. Check out this range of delightful cards to be inspired to send one to someone you know... read more
Posted: 21 October 2020
How to incorporate a red colour scheme into your hair and make-up
Depending on the time of year you're getting married, red can be a beautiful, vibrant option. For autumnal vibes, deep, bold versions can be used throughout your make-up but look particularly incredible on lips with a simple eye. Alternatively, if you're having a winter celebration, pair a bright scarlet lip with a little bit of sparkle on the eyes. This colour works best with gold, champagne and neutral shades. For the hue to flow throughout your wedding, my top tip is to take note of the undertone of your items, be it flowers, bridesmaids' dresses or venue dressing. The undertone is crucial and can be cool with a blue undertone or warm with an orange undertone.... read more
Posted: 21 October 2020
Say 'I do' at the modern Red Hall Hotel
The Red Hall Hotel is a modern and contemporary venue set down a private road in a tranquil setting. The garden terrace overlooks the hills and is the perfect spot for outdoor drinks reception and photographs. Inside the property has recently been refurbished to include luxurious bedrooms and an impressive honeymoon suite. There's also an on-site restaurant, overlooking the countryside, that's available for pre-wedding celebrations. Weddings can take place in the Holcombe Suite, its the largestfunction room and is decorated in neutral tones with three chandeliers and soft lighting. It's perfectly suited to any theme and is capable of holding 120 loved ones for the ceremony and meal and 150 for the evening celebration.... read more
Posted: 20 October 2020
Get wedding-ready with Institut Esthederm - prize giveaway
French skincare brand, Institut Esthederm's Cellular Water Fresh Moisturising Gel is the ideal moisturiser for skin exposed to urban aggressors and essential for use in your pre-wedding beauty regime. Suitable for all skin type, it acts as a shield against pollution, creating an invisible film that traps particles and pollutants. In addition to the urban defence benefit, this lightweight moisturiser provides all day-long water diffusion between skin cells for dynamic hydration. The skin is revitalized and glows with lasting radiance. Last but not least, it's quick-absorbing texture and practical packaging make it a men's favourite moisturiser too!... read more
Posted: 19 October 2020
We adore animals here at Your North West Wedding, so when we saw this gorgeous set of images included a horse, we just had to feature it. This shoot has everything from a showstopping dress to romantic flowers and a luxurious suit. The photographers were taken by the talented Peter Ostrowski Photographer Cumbria, the dress was from Simply Koko Bridal, the suit was provided by Carol's Bridal Boutique and lastly the beautiful blooms came from Wild Ivy Floral Design, Flower World Penrith.... read more
Posted: 16 October 2020
Manchester-based dessert cafe, Black Milk has teamed up with Ramsbottom's The Chocolate Café to develop its own range of chocolate bars, that are ideal for wedding favours. Olly Taylor, the founder, said: "The Chocolate Café has always been a huge inspiration to us as a food brand, so the chance to collaborate with one of Manchester's most creative chocolatiers has been a really fun experience. We're always looking for new ways to adapt our flavours, so to have the opportunity to make our own chocolate bar has been exciting. With so many events postponed or cancelled, we have had to adapt to ensure we still make the magic happen."... read more
Posted: 15 October 2020
How to entertain guests of all ages
There are lots of different types of entertainment available for weddings from DJs and singers to bands and magicians. The choice is vast, so start by making a list of what is important to you and what you want from your entertainment. Next, talk to friends and family, go to wedding fayres and discuss your ideas. The best entertainers will be more than happy to talk and meet up. Consult with your other suppliers, as they will see weddings regularly and have lots of great ideas.... read more
Posted: 14 October 2020
Tie the knot at the historic University of Manchester
Dating back to 1873, the grand University of Manchester is made up of several stunning properties, all of which can be used for weddings. Manchester Museum, Christie's Library and Whitworth Hall centre around the Old Quadrangle, a beautifully maintained courtyard with space for private parking and drinks receptions. These neo-Gothic properties were designed by the famous architect, Alfred Waterhouse and his talented son. Each has striking Victorian features and offers plenty of places to take photographs.... read more
Posted: 13 October 2020
Laura and Samuel shared their big day with friends and family at the Shireburn Arms
Laura and Samuel first met while working at Preston Hospital. "We were introduced in passing but never really spoke," says Laura. "Years later, I was working as a nurse at Blackburn Hospital, and Sam sent me a Facebook message asking what it was like to work there as he was thinking of applying for a position. He told me later that he made it all up and never had any intention of working there but wanted a reason to speak to me. We talked for a while and met up for a coffee, which went really well, so we continued seeing each other."... read more
Posted: 9 October 2020
Get married now, party later! Top tips for a micro wedding
Last month County Wedding Magazines shared with our readers bridalwear designer Sabina Motasem's intimate lockdown wedding - which we loved! This month, here's Sabina's top tips on hosting a personal, intimate, micro wedding.... weddings aren't gone, and they're certainly not forgotten!Sabina says, "Embracing a small and intimate wedding now and having a larger reception later can be intimately beautiful and you get to celebrate again with your guests. After our wedding date was postponed several times and it became clear a ceremony and reception were off the cards. We had a small wedding in September with 15 of our nearest and dearest. "The new wedding restrictions are for legally recognised weddings only in the UK, which means all 'non-legally' recognised weddings are sadly not and follows the 'Rule of 6'. In these instances, many weddings may have a cultural ceremony now followed by a civil ceremony and reception later.... read more
Posted: 9 October 2020
Just Cuts, a hair salon in Blackburn has recently opened
Just Cuts, a hair salon in Blackburn has recently opened giving local stylists new job opportunities. David Mathie, the general manager, said: "Even at this difficult time, hair still grows – no matter what situation the world is in. What's even more exciting is becoming such an integral part of the community. We've got a solid team in place, with strict hygiene procedures and steps to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. To manager customer levels and ensure that it's a comfortable environment for everyone, customers are encouraged to use our app."... read more
Posted: 8 October 2020
Win a gorgeous necklace from Jana Reinhardt jewellery
County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win this gorgeous necklace! The perfect meaningful gift for your bridesmaid or maid-of-honour, this ultra dainty pendant features a finely carved tiny hummingbird. As well as looking super pretty, the hummingbird symbolises joy coming into your life and new beginnings, perfect sentiments to remember your special day by. Delicate and subtle, this gorgeous necklace will add glamour and sparkle to any bridesmaid dress and is classic enough to be worn long after the big day.... read more
Posted: 8 October 2020
How to add seasonal touches to your wedding dress
My best advice would be to purchase a shawl or over-the-shoulder faux fur in an autumnal shade. This would look amazing and be practical as the weather starts to turn a little cooler. You could also add a red petticoat underneath your dress, so when your photographer takes photos you can show a splash of colour when you twirl or lift your dress. Lastly, don't forget your shoes! They don't have to be white or ivory and are a fun way of incorporating your theme.... read more
Posted: 7 October 2020
Newly married? Make sure you’re both financially protected for the future
Major life events, such as getting married, provide an ideal time to take a closer look at your finances. For example, tying the knot is a good prompt for couples to assess their current financial setup and examine what financial protection is necessary for them, not just individually but also as a married couple. Often, couples are uncertain about what type of life insurance or cover is necessary or when it's best to start planning for it. To help newlyweds, Zoe Bailey, Chartered Financial Planner and Director at Tilney, shares some financial considerations:... read more
Posted: 7 October 2020
Andy K Wedding & Events DJ is offering our readers an exclusive 10% discount
I was born and raised in Bolton and have been a professional DJ for weddings and corporate functions for six years now. I first began my DJ career in 1986 in clubs and pubs and am very passionate about getting your ideas to match your personality. You can count on me to play the music you love and that your audience will want to hear. I'll build a bespoke playlist for you and your guests so you can party the night away." Andy offers a range of packages, so whether you're looking for all-day entertainment or something to keep your guests going in the evening, there's something to suit you.... read more
Posted: 6 October 2020
We adore this shoot at Manchester Hall and desperately want to purchase the gold headpiece. We spoke to the coordinator and stylist, Stacey Hartley from To Be Revealed Styling, to see what her inspiration was: "The concept for the shoot was modern Victorian. I wanted to show off the incredible detailing from all the suppliers by creating a capsule of images that showcased a traditional style.... read more
Posted: 2 October 2020
Visit Heritage has introduced virtual tours and consultations
Visit Heritage (www.visitheritage.co.uk), one of the UK's leading heritage, tourism and destination marketing companies, has a stunning collection of wedding venues to explore during the lockdown. Many venues have introduced virtual tours and consultations to ensure all your questions are answered.... read more
Posted: 1 October 2020
Zymshire is a hidden valley just outside of Manchester city centre that's ideal for a socially distanced wedding. As the Government is looking at changing the regulations to allow outdoor weddings, the owners of Manchester's first gin distillery - Zymurgorium - are offering their 200 acre farm as the perfect outdoor hidden hideaway venue. The farm which is just off the M60, on the outskirts of the Peak district national park, is staggeringly beautiful and almost entirely hidden from civilisation. From wildflower pastures to ancient woodland the site has everything a bride and groom could want. The owners are offering the site completely free of charge to anyone who has lost a venue for a wedding in 2020 or 2021.... read more
Posted: 1 October 2020
How to save money on your DJ entertainment
This is a tough question as I see entertainment as one of the most important parts of the day. Most professional DJs will have a proven track record and will be able to put together a package around your budget. Sometimes a bigger package is down to the size of the equipment, the setup and the fact an extra person will be needed to set everything up.... read more
Posted: 30 September 2020
16 plants to improve health and wellbeing for your wedding
As brides and grooms adapt to even more wedding restrictions, Serenata Flowers has identified 16 plants with qualities that can aid health, improve wellbeing and ease anxiety - the perfect choice for wedding venues and receptions this year, and in to 2021. While the health benefits of plant-based diets are well documented, such as lavender, mint, basil and so on, new research uncovers the lesser-known uses of the nature around us, read on to find out more...... read more
Posted: 30 September 2020
Discover what makes West Tower such a popular wedding venue
West Tower is a romantic hideaway in the Lancashire countryside. The grand 18th-century hotel was built as a family home in 1885 before being transformed into the current premises. The property has a charming apex covered entrance, a secluded driveway and is surrounded by 10 acres of grounds and uninterrupted views.... read more
Posted: 29 September 2020