Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

Experts share 5 tips on accommodating deaf guests at your wedding

Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially when there are so many decisions to be made and so many things to be considered. Whilst this is your big day, considering your guests can go a long way, especially for those who have disabilities or are hard of hearing. In the UK, one in five adults is deaf, has hearing loss or tinnitus, so the likelihood of having someone who may need additional help when it comes to hearing in attendance is quite likely. Ashish Shah, Audiologist at The Hearing Care Partnership has offered his expert advice on how you can better accommodate your deaf and hard-of-hearing guests.

Bramall Hall is nestled within 70 acres of beautiful parkland

The first marriage at Bramall Hall took place on the 30th October 1599, when William Davenport, the heir to Bramall, was married at the age of 15 to Frances Wilbraham of Woodhey. Full of wonderful history, the property is nestled within 70 acres of beautiful parkland and is perfect for weddings.

The Chapel is available for ceremonies. With oak pews and authentic stone flag flooring, your ceremony will take place in front of the grand alter, with stained glass providing a picturesque backdrop. The Chapel can accommodate up to 75 guests for a civil ceremony only, or up to 60 people for a civil ceremony in conjunction with a wedding breakfast.

These daily habits are ruining your wedding ring

If you've been the lucky recipient of a diamond ring or a piece of jewellery, Nilesh Rakholia, jewellery expert and founder of Abelini, has shared exactly how to care for your precious diamonds to ensure they last a lifetime... Nilesh says: "While it can be tempting to wear precious items such as an engagement ring all the time, daily habits such as cooking and cleaning can damage your jewellery. To avoid this, we always recommend removing jewellery before showering or washing up because the soap can cause a film to form, which can leave rings and bracelets looking dull.

Wedding traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations

Researchers surveyed Gen Z couples and found many traditional wedding and proposal traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations. But it's good news for the father-of-the-bride, as 54 percent said expecting parents to cough up for the big day was no longer necessary. Other things which are likely to fall out of favour are asking the bride's father for permission to propose (43 percent), sleeping apart the night before the wedding (38 percent) and the bride taking their partner's name (35 percent).

Of the 2,000 18- to 27-year-olds, surveyed by Churchill, as many as 86 percent believe the traditional stereotype of men proposing to women is old hat – and women should be able to pop the question too.

A third (29 percent) think that being given away is no longer necessary, while 27 percent say that tossing the bouquet is out of style. Being carried over the threshold (26 percent), promising to obey in the vows (25 percent) and wearing a veil (19 percent) are also falling out of favour.

A third of Brits decline wedding invites due to cost Klarna finds

The wedding season is just around the corner! What is normally a cause for joy can often become a financial strain for guests. Travel, outfits, gifts – the costs can quickly soar to unexpected heights. This is also confirmed by a recent survey by Klarna*, the flexible choice for smart, secure payments: One third (36.4%) of those surveyed said they had declined wedding invitations in the past due to associated costs. Moreover, 30.2% of respondents said they have not attended a Stag or Hen party due to the expenses involved.

Hawkshead Relish in the Lake District has received four national awards

Hawkshead Relish, based in the heart of the English Lake District, has received four national awards in the Great British Food Awards 2023. Launched earlier in 2023, the company offers slow-cooking sauces and jams that are perfect as wedding favours.

Maria Whitehead, MBE, co-owner of Hawkshead Relish, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have collected these four prestigious awards, not only for the products but for our whole team creating our new slow cooker sauce range. We are also incredibly proud to have been selected as the North of England regional winner against so many other amazing top producers, making this a truly exceptional achievement."