Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Langdale Chase has announced a series of activities for couples

With the evenings drawing in, Langdale Chase in the Lake District has announced a series of activities for couples that are perfect for wintry mini-moons. From hiking across the hills with a guide to e-bike safaris and bushcraft survival, these new adventures are guaranteed to get you up and out.

After a day of adventure, couples can unwind in the cinema room with popcorn, sweets and ice cream, or curl up with a good book in the hotel's reading nooks overlooking the lake. Wine tastings with the sommelier, an afternoon tea inspired by the adventures in Swallows and Amazons, cocktails in the Art Deco bar, and dining at the two AA Rosette restaurant are also on offer.

Hobbit Hill in the Ribble Valley has several wedding spaces to choose from

The barn at Hobbit Hill is a rustic, oak-beamed building with bi-folding glass doors that span the entire front of the barn, giving couples unbroken panoramic views of the Ribble Valley. The in-keeping natural wood of the barn's exterior perfectly suits its woodland setting.

Surrounded by woodland and large grassed areas that are perfectly suited for garden games, the grounds are the prime location for outdoor drink receptions. The Indian-flagged terrace has plenty of seating to toast the newlyweds while enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

King Street Townhouse has opened its new luxury ESPA Suite

King Street Townhouse has announced the opening of its new luxury ESPA Suite, the ultimate sanctuary crafted in collaboration with ESPA's 30 years of holistic spa knowledge. The ESPA Suite is the first ESPA-branded bedroom worldwide and has been designed to redefine the traditional hotel stay as an indulgent wellness retreat.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester city centre in a historic Grade II listed Italian Renaissance building, King Street Townhouse Hotel boasts a fusion of luxury and wellness from the moment you step through the doors.

The Glass House is a blank canvas perfect for couples who want to add personal touches

The Glass House is a blank canvas decorated with wooden beams draped with fairylights, chandeliers, mirrored bi-folding internal doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The exterior is modern, with brick and glass frames and clean lines, creating a contemporary space to tie the knot. The venue offers picturesque views of the countryside stretching across the Pennines. The bi-folding doors lead directly onto the enclosed garden, which creates the perfect set-up for group shots, or the wooded areas and fields of wildflowers make a fantastic alternative.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

Simmons Bar Manchester is a new bar that's perfect for hen and stag dos

Simmons Bar Manchester is a new bar that's notorious for its happy hour. Embarking on a mission to bring fun and value back to the world of bars, Simmons Bar has been throwing epic parties for over a decade, with its Manchester opening set to be its biggest yet.

Perfect for hen and stag dos, Simmons Bar offers a blend of nostalgic charm and lively nightlife, making it a favourite among partygoers and nearlyweds.

Owner Nick Campbell explains: "Manchester leads the way when it comes to nightlife and we're excited to be able to be a part of it. We were keen to launch as we mean to go on, with a series of high-energy parties, including our famous free bar."

The Red Pump Inn is a historic country inn dating back to 1756

Nestled in the heart of Lancashire's Ribble Valley, The Red Pump Inn is a historic country inn dating back to 1756. Surrounded by open fields and with panoramic views of Pendle Hill and Longridge Fell, this idyllic setting offers an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding celebration.

After owners Jonathan and Fran built their daughter Ciara the yurt for her wedding in 2021, the couple were delighted that guests told them to keep it up because their 'your wedding, your way' approach was just what the area needed.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

PoB Hotels has named the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House as one of the most relaxing places to visit

PoB Hotels has named the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Cumbria as one of the most relaxing places to visit. Gilpin Hotel and Lake House offers a spectrum of bespoke spa experiences across its two distinct properties. The Spa Suites at Gilpin Hotel provide the ultimate privacy, boasting 100 square meters of luxury with private treatment areas, saunas, and outdoor hot tubs. For a more social retreat, the Swedish-style Jetty Spa at Lake House sits high in the tree canopy, offering ESPA treatments with stunning lake views. Hotel guests can enjoy the spa space with its steam room and relaxation areas, while Lake House residents have exclusive access to an indoor pool and traditional sauna. The ESPA Gilpin Signature Experience is a must-try, embodying the essence of relaxation in the Lake District's serene setting.

Eleven Didsbury Park is a wedding venue nestled away in Didsbury

Nestled away in the leafy suburb of Didsbury, Eleven Didsbury Park offers a homely feel with calming neutral tones intertwined with stunning artwork, open fireplaces and exposed brickwork. The Walled Victorian Garden invites lovebirds to relax and unwind with an abundance of wonderful flora and fauna to explore. The Victorian villa has 20 on-site bedrooms for guests to choose from, comfy sofas and a neutral décor throughout, ideal for those of you wanting to add your own touches.

The property isn't licensed for ceremonies, so the service can take place at the venue's sister hotel, Didsbury Park Hotel. However, the on-site Garden Lounge and Victorian Walled Gardens will create the perfect backdrop for a more informal reception, seating up to 80 guests under the heated canopy.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Storrs Hall in the Lake District has launched a new Wellbeing Package

Storrs Hall on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District has launched a Wellbeing Package to be enjoyed with stays in its Lakeside Hot Tub Suites close to the waters of England's largest lake, making for a perfect, private DIY retreat.

The Wellbeing Package provides guests with seven full-sized, award-winning Pure Lakes products – all natural and handmade on the hill just across the lake. These include a gentle facial exfoliator, a body salt scrub, a foaming shaving gel, a bentonite clay face mask, a moisturising balm, a silken bath foam, and a sleep-inducing room spray, so guests can enjoy a full-body pamper in the privacy of their own suite.

Eaves Hall is an exclusive-use venue located in the heart of the Ribble Valley

Eaves Hall is a breathtaking, exclusive-use venue located in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Standing amid 13 acres of award-winning gardens, this magnificent Georgian mansion has been refurbished and redecorated to create a contemporary country house ambience. The building, with its pavilion and lavish gardens, makes Eaves Hall a stunning backdrop for your big day.

Fully licensed for civil ceremonies both inside and outside, Eaves Hall has two suites available indoors: The Ballroom, which can hold 60 guests, and the Dining Room which can accommodate 120 people.