Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens was originally a mansion before it was converted into a wedding venue

Originally a mansion designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Abbey House Hotel & Gardens was converted into a luxury wedding venue, blending a contemporary style with impressive architecture to create a beautiful setting to tie the knot. Set within 14 acres of private woodland, the property recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment making every room and suite tastefully modern.

Intimate weddings are held in the charming Garden Room with 20 of your nearest and dearest.

Those of you looking for a traditional setting will love The Great Hall, which has space for 80 guests for the ceremony and reception.

ThinK Wine's retro VW Campervan can now be used for weddings

Healthier choice prosecco and sparkling rosé brand ThinK Wine has announced that its retro VW Campervan can now be used for weddings. It's available to hire with or without staff, serving up not just any prosecco but low-sugar, vegan, organic wines that taste amazing while retaining all of the percentage volume.

ThinK Wine founder Kath Jones tells us: "Until now, we've been using the van for festivals and at venues that want to make a 'wow' moment of their welcome drinks. But we're ready to start hiring her out for weddings, engagement parties and hen dos in the North West, and we couldn't be more excited. The van is so gorgeous. It makes the ideal backdrop for wedding photos, especially when dressed in flowers to match your colour scheme. It's the perfect Instagrammable moment!"

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Stanley House Hotel & Spa is a Grade II-listed manor house that dates back to the 17th century

Situated within 54 acres of Ribble Valley countryside is the grand Stanley House Hotel & Spa. This Grade II-listed manor house dates back to the 17th century and boasts original brickwork, modern features, a restaurant and breathtaking views.

There is space for intimate weddings in the beautiful Loft, and larger celebrations in the Stables and Barn, with the option for outdoor weddings in the gardens.

The Barn Suite is an elegant space boasting neutral tones throughout, with exposed stone walls, beams and chandeliers, and room for 180 guests throughout the day.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Lancashire Manor Hotel has launched a new inclusive package

Lancashire Manor Hotel has launched a new inclusive package. Running throughout 2024 to March 2025, it caters for 50 day and 100 evening guests and includes hire of the beautiful Great Hall, a red or white aisle carpet, chair covers, master of ceremonies and flower arrangements. What's more, you'll also get fizz on arrival, a three-course meal, a DJ, a honeymoon suite and much more all for just £5,950.

This Grade II-listed property has plenty of spaces to tie the knot, seating up to 200 friends and family. The original stone manor house contains a traditional bar, lounge area and stunning restaurant and above it, in the original farmhouse bedrooms, is the honeymoon suite.

The rise of the celebrant with Sophie Wilcockson

"When it comes to getting married, it's church or registrar, right? Wrong! There's another option," says local wedding celebrant Sophie Wilcockson. Here, she explains why using a celebrant is rapidly becoming one of the hottest wedding trends of 2024. "Back in 2003 when I got married, I'd never heard of a wedding celebrant. When we booked the venue we were told we'd also need to book a registar, which we duly did. This involved half an hour in a cramped office at the town hall with a bored-looking man who asked us to choose the wording for our vows (which consisted solely of deciding whether or not we wanted to obey each other) and select a reading from three options.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Tweedies Bar & Lodge is a rustic wedding venue in Grasmere, Cumbria

Tweedies Bar & Lodge is a rustic wedding venue in Grasmere. Nestled amongst some of the most famous Lake District fells, guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for taking photographs. The venue's grounds play host to the Lake District's largest beer and music festival and have a great reputation for its food and drink.

There are three areas that are licensed for ceremonies. The Lodge features tweed made by local Herdwick sheep farmer Charlotte Harnby and is capable of holding 70 guests for the vows and sit-down meal.

Alternatively, the Lounge can be used by up to 25 loved ones for the service.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Wild Shore Blackpool is now open

Wild Shore Blackpool is now open for unforgettable aqua adventures and wondrous water sports. There is fun to be had for all ages, with the site offering wakeboarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming, ringo rides, and an aqua park – perfect for hen or stag dos.

Callum Mark, the co-director of Wild Shore, said: "We are delighted to open Wild Shore Blackpool to the public and the effort shown by the whole team to ensure the sight is ready for all to enjoy has been outstanding. The location gives us an amazing opportunity to not only welcome locals but also those visiting the Lancashire area and we look forward to helping them create some unforgettable memories."

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Kilhey Court Hotel is set within 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds

Set within 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Kilhey Court Hotel offers fabulous scenery and is conveniently located just a 30- minute drive from Manchester and Liverpool. Back in the Victorian era, this grand house was built as a wedding gift by a husband for his new bride. The fairytale continues today as the venue's luxurious accommodation provides a wonderful base for anyone seeking a Wigan wedding venue.

The Lakeside and Tennyson Suites feature spectacular views of the gardens and the lakes beyond. With a range of flexible wedding packages to choose from, the team can cater for both intimate weddings and lavish celebrations of up to 300 guests.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design is offering one lucky reader a bouquet worth £120

Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design, based in Preston, Lancashire, is an award-winning creative florist. Owner Sarah Lawton creates bespoke designs that are suited to all budgets and can be tailored to any theme or colour scheme. Whether you're looking for bouquets, buttonholes, venue styling or flower crowns, Sarah and her team can create the perfect arrangement for you.

Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design is offering one lucky reader a bridal bouquet in your chosen colour worth £120.