Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Make-up artist Megan Hartley is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Megan Hartley is a make-up artist based in Lancaster, Lancashire, who covers all of the UK. "With over eight years of industry experience, I am a fully qualified and insured make-up artist who is passionate about creating unique looks that ensure you feel amazing on your special day," says Megan. "Graduating from the Central College of Health & Beauty in Leeds in late 2015, I trained with the iconic brand MAC. This is where my early passion for creative and expressive make-up first started. I quickly fell in love with how make-up can enhance, alter and help portray certain elements and aspects of the face. I love seeing my brides' reactions and how they are not only now wearing make-up but also wearing confidence. There really is no bigger honour than getting to spend part of your special day with you. I truly understand the importance of my role on your wedding morning and it's such a privilege to be involved. I put my heart and soul into my work. I pride myself on being down to earth, easy to talk to and incredibly committed."

Young Brits looking to get hitched face saving for 30 Months

Young couples are faced with saving for over 30 months to reach their wedding savings goals, according to new research from Nationwide that charts what Brits are saving for in 2024.One in six young people are currently putting money away for their dream wedding. On average, these love birds are aiming to save £17,000 in preparation for their wedding – although the costs will likely be higher as many will also benefit from contributions from family and friends. Based on average monthly individual savings of £282, it would take a typical couple saving a combined £564 around 31 months to reach their target.*

The Cumbria Grand Hotel is nestled within the Lake District National Park

Set within the Lake District National Park, the Cumbria Grand Hotel is a dreamy base to go and explore one of the most picturesque parts of England. Set in 20 acres of private gardens and woodlands and overlooking Morecambe Bay, you will receive a warm and friendly welcome at this charming AA three-star Victorian hotel.

There are two dining options to choose from: the Hazelwood Restaurant and the relaxing Jacobean Bar, both with stunning views out to the gardens and Morecambe Bay estuary.

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa has launched two new wedding offers

The four-star Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa has launched two new wedding offers. Save up to £2,800 with the Off-Peak All-Year Round Offer. With this discount, you can celebrate your special day until the end of 2025, during the summer months, at out-of-season prices.

Are you planning your nuptials for 2024? Book your off- peak wedding at the Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa and enjoy savings of £1,000. The dedicated team of wedding experts will help you craft a day tailored to your vision and desires.

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

Lancashire wedding venue Holmes Mill is home to several establishments with something for everyone

Holmes Mill is home to several establishments with something for everyone. At the heart of the complex stands The Boiler House, a vibrant all-day destination featuring a beer hall, brewery, ice cream parlour, and Duck Pin Bowling Alley.

The Bowland Food Hall, part of the Boiler House complex, showcases some of the best food and drink from Lancashire and beyond. While The Spinning Block houses a boutique hotel alongside the Bar & Grill.

Full of fascinating architectural features, each contributing to the ambience and atmosphere, this spectacular wedding venue has been lovingly restored to proudly showcase its heritage while still retaining a luxurious and modern feel.

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

Ghyll Bar is planning to open a new ceremony space in 2024

Nestled in the peaceful rural landscape of the Eden Valley, close to the edge of the Lake District, Ghyll Barn is a stunning wedding venue that has been handmade with love. L'arl Barn, originally the owner's grandfather's old stables and hayloft, is a sandstone barn with a traditional Westwell and slate roof. The owners are hoping to get L'arl Barn licensed for ceremonies in 2024.

Ghyll Barn is set within 70 acres. This soulful space is rich in texture and heritage, with a building that connects you to local history and the natural landscape beyond, creating a deeply grounded sense of place.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

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.