Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

The Fleece at Ruleholme is hosting a wedding showcase on Sunday 10th November

The Fleece at Ruleholme, a traditional country inn located in North Cumbria, is hosting a wedding showcase on Sunday 10th November, 2024, from 1pm to 3pm. Step into a world of wedding inspiration and join the wedding team as they open the doors of their stunning hotel, where you'll have the chance to meet the venue's recommended suppliers, who are ready to bring your dream wedding to life. From exquisite florals to delectable cakes and everything in between, explore a curated selection of services to tailor your special day. Let the wedding team guide you on this journey to crafting memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are free of charge.

Fallbarrow Hall is perfectly situated by the most scenic lakes in England

Perfectly situated by the most scenic lakes in England, Fallbarrow Hall is a hidden gem. Combining cutting-edge design with traditional and stunning interiors thanks to the recent renovation, the high ceilings and remarkable features will escort you back to its Victorian heritage. Accommodating up to 36 guests to revel in all its beauty, Fallbarrow Hall is perfect for large family get-togethers, group holidays, special occasions and surprise celebrations. All 18 bedrooms are appointed with the latest design and decadence that blend seamlessly with contemporary details. Featuring William Morris wallpaper, king-size beds and chandeliers, a number of the bedrooms are able to be made up as twin beds, and not forgetting there is also a bunk-bed room available in one of the apartments which is perfect for children.

ThinK Wine is Freebies offering our readers an exclusive discount

ThinK Wine is a healthier prosecco and sparkling rosé brand. A glass of ThinK Wine has just 75 calories, low carbs, and 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml. That's a significant reduction in sugar for the award-winning wine that aims to offer an alternative to sugar-filled competitors. The product contains no artificial sweeteners or ingredients while still retaining an ABV of 11%. ThinK Wine has a fresh and revitalising finish, despite the health-conscious benefits. All of the brand's wines are 100 per cent vegan and organic and are low in sulphites, meaning less of a hangover too. The brand currently has two main product lines, with more product development in the pipeline for 2024.

The newly refurbished four-star Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly is perfect for weddings

The newly refurbished four-star Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, part of Marriott's portfolio, is situated next to Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and Metrolink. Set in the world-class urban neighbourhood of Mayfield, the hotel offers 338 spacious rooms and family suites, blending modern design with comfort for a stay in the heart of Manchester city centre.

The hotel features a bistro-style restaurant and bar, a large function room, 11 meeting rooms, a 24/7 MClub Lounge, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa.

Check out Askham Hall’s October retreat

A Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, Askham Hall in the Lake District, is running the third in its series of Wild and Mindful Retreats this October. The three-night retreat begins on Sunday 13th October. It will be led by ex-SAS mountaineer and spiritual guide Krish Thapa, providing guided meditations, forest bathing, walking and award-winning food, all in the setting of a beautiful historic country home.

The retreat, the penultimate of four this year, is suitable for everyone, including those who have never tried meditation before, and will offer a peaceful, nurturing and nourishing escape.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Macdonald Leeming House is a grand Georgian property

Macdonald Leeming House is a grand Georgian property nestled within 22 acres of mature and well-tended gardens. Boasting impressive views of the surrounding lakes and fells, this is truly a magical setting for weddings in the Lake District. You and your guests will receive the best personal attention and care on your big day with exclusive use of the hotel and its gardens.

The Blue Room, a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and room for 30 of your friends and family, is perfect for intimate weddings.

Alternatively, The Regency is available. This large, elegant room has five windows, a traditional décor throughout and space for 80 guests.

Askham Hall has won the Taste of England Award

Askham Hall has won the Taste of England Award at the Visit England Awards for Excellence. The wedding venue's Michelin- starred restaurant was one of 48 finalists to make it to the awards, following a rigorous judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts from over 300 eligible local winners.

Richard Swale, the head chef at Askham Hall, said: "We are over the moon with this achievement. The food at Askham Hall is a real passion for our entire team – a complete labour of love. We nurture our produce, literally, from field to fork, and play a part in every step of the process, from growing our own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers to rearing our own meat, so you can imagine the pride that we're feeling at this recognition. To be named as one of the best food offerings in England is a dream come true. I'd like to thank our team for all their hard work and dedication in getting us here."

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Lancashire Manor Hotel is a charming Grade II-listed property with plenty of spaces to tie the knot

Lancashire Manor Hotel is a Grade II-listed property with plenty of spaces to tie the knot. The original stone manor house is at the heart of the hotel and contains a lounge area and above it, in the original farmhouse bedrooms, is a honeymoon suite.

The Lathom Suite, seating up to 100 guests, is decorated in a mixture of traditional and contemporary décor and has a bar, natural light, a movable dancefloor, and can be divided into a smaller reception room for more intimate celebrations.

Alternatively, The Great Hall is a picturesque space, complete with a galleried balcony, crystal chandeliers, and a golden bar. It seats up to 200 people and has its own kitchen to ensure the meal is served on time.

Stove Restaurant and Bar is offering afternoon tea for the first time

Stove Restaurant and Bar on the Langdale Estate, home to the Brimstone Hotel, is offering afternoon tea for the very first time. Stove's new afternoon tea comes served in a traditional wooden picnic hamper and is packed with savoury goodies. There is a selection of sweet treats too, including cheese and fruit scones served with preserves and clotted cream, macarons, mini choux buns, chocolate French fancies and red velvet cake. It's served with a wide selection of teas and gluten-free and vegan options are also available.

Brimstone Hotel is in the Lake District and offers 16 suites, vast in size, with private terraces, wood-burning stoves and bathing experiences. As standard, guests at Brimstone Hotel will enjoy complimentary beer, wine and nibbles in the Reading Room, complimentary Brimstone Spa access and outdoor kit hire from the Epicentre Boot Room, perfect for pre-wedding getaways or mini-moons.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

The Fleece at Ruleholme is a traditional country inn

The Fleece at Ruleholme is a traditional country inn that marries rural charm and comfort with luxury, decadence and quality. Located in the stunning countryside of North Cumbria, the property features a range of amenities, including skylit balcony lounges, Lakeland stone fireplaces and two oak-framed AA-Rosette-winning restaurants. The site is surrounded by rolling green fields, protected woodland, a beautiful tarn and quaint, picturesque villages, perfect for taking those big-day photographs.

The Royal Toby in Rochdale has unveiled a £1 million refurbishment

The Royal Toby in Rochdale has unveiled a £1 million refurbishment. The Deckers Group, which has owned the property for more than 30 years, has invested in a total refit of The Royal Toby's hotel rooms, including its bridal suites and the Rhyddings function suite for weddings.

Retail director at The Deckers Group, Rob Walker, said: "Our schedule might have been interrupted by the pandemic, but we're now proud to show off what this investment has led to and we're sure our guests will agree it was worth the wait."

In the hotel, 50 of The Royal Toby's 53 rooms were stripped completely and replaced with modern, high-spec furniture, carpets, curtains and bathrooms.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

West Tower is a luxurious wedding venue boasting views of the Lancashire countryside

West Tower is a luxurious wedding venue boasting uninterrupted views of the Lancashire countryside. The hotel is home to 27 beautifully decorated bedrooms, a bridal suite, a state-of-the-art dressing room, a wooden staircase, a glass skylight, a terrace, an apex-covered entrance and a secluded patio.

Weddings of up to 145 day and 250 evening guests take place in the Ballroom. Full of natural light, this space has wooden floors, PA facilities, breathtaking views and an elegant décor throughout.

Outdoor celebrations are available on the manicured lawns under the charming pagoda.

Dahlia and Dot Florals is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Kelly is the lead florist at Dahlia and Dot Florals, which is based in Heaton Moor, Cheshire. "My background and previous profession was in teaching; I was a primary school teacher for 13 years. But after falling pregnant with my daughter, I knew I wanted to do something that always interested me, something where I knew I could create beauty and enjoy what I did every day. So I took the leap, and here I am, working with fabulous couples to make their dream florals a reality.

"Throughout my floral journey, I have worked with other floral designers and wedding creatives that have totally inspired me and ignited my passion for the industry. I can honestly say I've never looked back. I adore what I do, and I'm happiest when surrounded by flowers in my studio, creating nature's beauty."

Lindeth Fell Country House has launched a new Just for Two Wedding Package

Lindeth Fell Country House, overlooking Windermere in the Lake District, has launched a new Just for Two Wedding Package, perfect for couples looking to elope. The venue has a secret garden vibe, with seven acres of lush gardens and high terraces with views out over England's largest lake and the Coniston Mountains. It boasts two licensed outdoor spaces for intimate weddings and two of its beautiful arts-and-crafts-style guest spaces inside the house are licensed too.

The Just for Two Wedding Package includes two nights' accommodation in a luxury master bedroom, a full English breakfast both days, a private licensed space for the wedding ceremony along with two witnesses, a glass of post- wedding champagne each, dinner on the day of arrival and a three-course dinner with a bottle of wine on the wedding day, a cream tea when desired, plus wedding planning support. It costs as little as £799 per night for everything and is available all year round.