Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up and even run into the tens of thousands. And with the current cost of living, couples will also be navigating rising costs. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure 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.

West View Photography is offering a new elopement package

West View Photography in Kendal, Cumbria, is offering a new Just The Two Of Us Elopement Package. The owner, Sarah Louise Bainbridge, tells us more: "I love to capture special moments for people to cherish forever. I am a big believer in natural photography, and I will help guide you and your wedding party into capturing some beautiful images to cherish forever.

Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May

Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.

Leeming House is a grand Georgian house nestled within 22 acres of gardens

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

The Blue Room is a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and room for 30 friends and family.

Maileg Wedding Mice back at Bluebell's Burrow

Award-winning, family-run toy business, Bluebell's Burrow, is one of the UK's leading stockists of Maileg toys. These super-stylish, picture-perfect collectable toys are loved by both children and adults. With the wedding season fast-approaching, Maileg Wedding Mice Set (priced at £64) comes in a pretty presentation box, which opens up to reveal the bride and groom on their wedding day. Their clothes and accessories are removable, providing dress-up opportunities and imaginative play for children.

Bizarre wedding traditions: The Eurovision edition

Wedding traditions are dramatically different around the world. From the type of cake served to the attire of the bride, you'll be amazed at what happens on wedding days around the continent. To celebrate Eurovision 2023 taking place in the vibrant city of Liverpool, engagement and wedding ring experts at Steven Stone have rounded up some of the most bizarre traditions from participating countries – including the Big 5.

The do's and don'ts of having pets at weddings

Are you considering including your dog in your wedding festivities? While it can be a lovely way to honour your furry best friend, there are some important considerations to remember to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, shares the do's and don'ts of including your dog in your wedding, from making sure your dog is properly trained and socialised to creating a comfortable and safe space for them during the event. These tips will help ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout the celebration...

The Yan is launching a new lakeland cottage for two

The Yan in the Lake District is launching The Smithy – an idyllic lakeland cottage for two that's perfect for a minimoon or a pre-wedding getaway. This detached lakeland stone cottage on The Yan's beautiful former 17th century farm site at the foot of the fells, is just outside the picture-perfect Grasmere village. A peaceful retreat for two, it can be fully serviced with breakfasts and dinners from The Yan, either in the chic bistro or delivered via 'room service' to the cottage door.

Introducing Story Locker’s wedding podcast

With the ever growing popularity of podcasting, welcome to the next big thing which makes podcasting accessible. Story Locker, a one of a kind in the UK podcast recording service that lets participants create a personal podcast based on their life story or to celebrate other special moments in life. The couple can choose to either record their podcast before their wedding day and recall the journey of their love story – from when they first met & the engagement (how it all happened!) to setting the date, the planning and build up to the big day or record their podcast after their wedding day to include memories of the big day too!

Bolton School is situated within 32 acres of finely manicured grounds

Set within 32 acres of finely manicured grounds, Bolton School is full of charm with ornate imperial staircases, stained glass windows and halls with hammer-beam roofs. The iconic turrets and Grade II-listed sandstone buildings provide a striking backdrop, so it's easy to see why weddings are amongst some of the most popular events held here.

The Great Hall is situated in the main building and is the largest of the licenced venues, with room for up to 200 guests. Built at the beginning of the last century, it houses a traditional pipe organ creating an incredible atmosphere for wedding ceremonies. The huge windows offer lots of natural light, and the long aisle ensures a spectacular entrance.

Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations

Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

Check out this exclusive offer

April from Wed in the Wilderness is a wedding photographer based in Greater Manchester. "I'm an adventurer at heart and love to visit and experience new places," says April. "I shoot intimate weddings and elopements in the Peak District as well as Cheshire, the Lake District, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond. My love for photography was sparked at an early age when I used to have a 35mm Teletubbies camera to take photos of all my family members; I've never been without a camera since."

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

The Wild Boar is situated in the leafy woodlands of the Gilpin Valley

Set in the leafy woodlands of the Gilpin Valley, a short drive from Windermere, The Wild Boar includes 72 acres of private grounds, forest trails and a secluded tarn for newlywed couples and their guests to enjoy. The Wild Boar's extensive private grounds and beautiful scenery provide a range of options for weddings with a difference. The venue's Mad Pig Land Rover often features in wedding photographs as couples are driven to their chosen backdrop, or they can enjoy a falconry hawk walk in the woods. The venue also offers 'Wild Wedding' experiences, including clay pigeon shooting, archery or even axe throwing, great for a fun-filled day.

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

Storrs Hall’s slipper launch is back this spring

Storrs Hall has put its exquisite Freebody Slipper Launch 'Abigail Leah' back on England's largest lake for spring.

From April the laid-back country home-from-home, right on the shores of Windermere, will be offering skippered cruises for guests, complete with chilled fizz. Lavish picnics of local provenance are possible too.

Abigail Leah was handcrafted in 2005, from teak and mahogany, using traditional methods by renowned historical boatbuilder Peter Freebody & Co and is 30 feet long. Comfortably seating up to five guests plus the skipper, she's made for celebrating, with an integrated ice cabinet, storage and even little drink holders designed specifically for champagne flutes.

The Spread Eagle is in a scenic location overlooking the River Ribble

Nestled in a scenic location overlooking the River Ribble, The Spread Eagle offers a laid-back and cosy atmosphere for couples who prefer a more rustic and casual style. The indoor space features warm lighting and wooden accents, creating a welcoming and intimate ambiance with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding countryside from the large windows.

The patio and outdoor area is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting that will leave a lasting impression. The space is also perfect for capturing wedding photographs, with the scenery, Abbey Ruins and River Ribble providing a stunning backdrop.

The wedding cake smash is a new trend for 2023

For many people, their wedding cake is an important part of their special day. Typically, people often opt for tiered cakes with unexpected toppers, or fresh florals and unique, delicious flavours. Cakes really can be a work of art!

However, tradition isn't for everyone, and wedding clichés might not be your style. Many couples often want their guests to remember the special day as a day that won't be forgotten.