Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

Sarah Gallivan and her husband visited The Ro Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere

My husband and I love a trip to the Lake District so when we were invited to stay at The Ro Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere, we jumped at the chance.

With its relaxed atmosphere, stately home feel and chic interiors, it's a beautiful backdrop for a break away and also for your special day.

Sitting proudly on the hill overlooking Lake Windermere, you benefit from stunning views of the lake and another bonus is how close it is to the picturesque town and local attractions. We walked into the town a few times during our stay, and it was great knowing that you could take in the fresh air rather than having the hassle of finding somewhere to park!

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

Inspired by Helen Dimmick is a new bridal boutique in Blackburn town centre

Inspired by Helen Dimmick is a new bridal boutique in the heart of Blackburn town centre.

Inspired offers a great collection of new and pre-owned gowns curated by Helen and her decades of retail experience in the bridal industry. Helen had a vision and passion to bring bridal retail back to Blackburn and as part of a two-phase development programme, has launched within the existing Ainsworth Jewellery premises to complement the footfall the store already attracts.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

St Bees School is a sandstone building that dates back to 1583

St Bees School is a sandstone building that dates back to 1583. It's the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding and is steeped in history and boasts grounds overlooking the fells, with the sea a short stroll away. With a gorgeous terrace, state-of-the art kitchen, quad and lawn, there are ample opportunities to take memorable photographs.

Couples will adore the historic Dining Hall with wood panelling and the on-site Chapel, providing a traditional-yet-unique setting for the special day.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Ethical jeweller Lily Arkwright has opened a new showroom in Manchester

Ethical jeweller Lily Arkwright has opened a new showroom in Manchester. The company has completed its head office relocation to the prestigious Towers Mansion within the Towers Business Park. The move encompasses new office space complete with a newly fitted-out showroom to showcase the company's expanding collections.

"We're thrilled to have completed our office move as we deliver on our strategic five-year plan," says the team at Lily Arkwright. "This new office space will house our eCommerce, bespoke and marketing teams alongside our jewellery consultancy team all under one roof. Additionally, we're thrilled to launch our new showroom which is something very special after a summer-long renovation and fit-out programme."

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

The Old England Hotel & Spa provides stunning views across the Lake District

Set in its own gardens, The Old England Hotel & Spa provides stunning views over the fells and beyond. There are on-site jetties that lead onto Windermere Lakefront, which provides a fabulous backdrop for those all-important photographs. This former Edwardian mansion is a mixture of modern and traditional décor, with an award-winning Lakeside Restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Traditionally built with Lakeland Slate, this proud building stands in the centre of Bowness. The main house is in keeping with the period that it was built in, while the Lake Wing addition is a more modern extension that's draped in seasonal ivy. There's also an outdoor terrace with seating that's ideal for drinks receptions or admiring the surrounding countryside.

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...

INNSiDE Manchester has collaborated with SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewery

INNSiDE Manchester, part of Meliá Hotels International group, has collaborated with Salford-based independent SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewery.

In selected suites at INNSiDE Manchester, guests can now enjoy complimentary drinks from the bedroom fridge, including refreshing craft beer from the SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewery, juices, and bottled water. Guests can also purchase an add-on package when booking their visit to INNSiDE Manchester, providing them with a fully-stocked SEVEN BRO7HERS beer fridge, including 12 cans to enjoy with friends.

Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA

Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.

The romantic grounds at Knott Estate are filled with delightful flowers

The romantic grounds at Knott Estate are filled with delightful flowers, a charming apple tree and a 17th-century cottage coated in graceful leaves throughout the summer and autumn months. These private grounds are truly picturesque with relaxing views that make the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony in the Lake District.

The pops of colour are mixed into the bespoke interior and continued in the cosy five-bedroom country home.

Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed

Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!

The Wedding Industry Awards has announced the North West Regional Winners for 2023

The Wedding Industry Awards has announced the North West Regional Winners for 2023. Couples were asked to vote for their favourite wedding suppliers, choosing from 27 different categories.

Some of the winners include Exceed Events for 'Best DJ in the North West', Mitton Hall for 'Best Team', Stories of Events won 'Best Venue Stylist' and Holmes Mill was awarded 'Best Other Venue'.

The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is surrounded by picturesque views

The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is located within one of the most picturesque areas of the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater. Set amidst acres of natural beauty, the venue's grounds are landscaped and complete with an abundance of flowerbeds, an on-site waterfall and panoramic views of the surrounding fells.

The main building was erected in 1870 and is made from a local slate, which stands out against the luscious green scenery. Inside is the perfect blend of contemporary chic and traditional charm.