Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

Involving your family pet on the big day? Check out this personalised offering

Involving your four-legged friend on your wedding day? Are they taking a staring role walking down the aisle? If so, then you have to take a look at these smart and stylish personalised leather dog ring bearer pouches (£24) from Create Gift Love. Create Gift Love design and make personalised keepsake gifts and accessories to celebrate all of life's special moments, all handmade to order in its UK workshop from sustainable natural materials.

SalonNo.7 is a new salon in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

SalonNo.7 is a new salon in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Owned by award-winning hair stylist Olivia Gregson, the salon has undergone a complete makeover to create a modern and relaxed atmosphere.

Situated on Moorland Road, the salon offers a range of services for brides-to-be and their wedding parties, with something to suit everyone.

Visit www.facebook.com/salonno.7stannes for more information about the salon and what it has to offer.

The most popular 2023 trends according to Pinterest

To provide insight on the most popular wedding trends for spring 2023, the experts at Aura Print compiled a list of 25 popular trends after scouring Pinterest to discover the number of Pins for each. And here are the top 15 most popular spring 2023 wedding trends to be insipired by...First place for the most popular wedding trend for spring 2023 goes to the floral-themed trend. This trend had 22,148 Pins on the image sharing platform. It can include things like floral arches, flower-themed cakes or flower crowns. With a total of 11,765 Pins, the blue-themed wedding trend places second in the study. The trend also appeared on 116 Pinterest boards from 2022 onwards, cementing its popularity for the upcoming season. What is more, there's been a great interest in navy blue wedding invites, which had a whopping 16,725 Pins.

Ponderosa Weddings Cumbria is a blank canvas that can be personalised to include a marquee or tipi

Ponderosa Weddings Cumbria is a blank canvas that can be personalised to include a marquee or tipi. There are two small ponds that look fabulous in photographs and offer impressive views of the surrounding countryside. With little light pollution, the sky explodes in the evening to reveal a night's sky that's a must-see for wedding guests.

With no set building, couples can choose how they want to celebrate their big day. The land can accommodate tipis, marquees and tents with room for up to 250 guests.

Fancy a big-day cocktail bar? Check out Whitebox Cocktails

Whitebox Cocktails, the ready-to-serve cocktail specialists, have everything you need to create the ultimate in wedding cocktail offering. From classic cocktails like the Pocket Negroni and Squeezy's Margarita, to unique and refreshing long drinks like Hippy Fizz and Disco Baby, take the hassle out of the perfect pour on your big day with a wide range of ready-to-serve cocktails to suit every taste. Expertly mixed by the award-winning team of bartenders, Whitebox Cocktails' convenient single-serve cans mean there's no need to limit your cocktail menu, as there's no mixing, no mess and no long wait at the bar. For casual weddings, cocktails can be served in ice buckets for guests to help themselves and enjoy straight from the can. Alternately, for a more elevated occasion, simply chill and serve the cocktail in a glass with ice and a garnish of choice.

The best UK cities for a hen do

With Google search volume data revealing a 402% search increase for 'hen party ideas' since December and 2023 wedding season in touching distance, organising a pre-wedding celebration is already on the bridal party to-do list. Getting all of your nearest and dearest pals together for a hen party can be challenging - whether it's catering to availability, budget, activity preferences or dietary requirements. Hen party decoration supplier, Ginger Ray, has done a little digging to find the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding celebrations.

New book launch: The modern couple's guide to wedding speeches

The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches is for grooms and brides who want their wedding speeches to be memorable for the right reasons and to kick off their marriage with a bang. This book is intended to benefit you whether you are straight or gay, whatever your religious beliefs are, or where you live. Heidi encourages us to reconsider old traditions, and tear up the outdated rulebook to create a modern wedding guide. Because speeches are such an important part of the day, she encourages couples to think about who they want to give speeches and what they want from the speeches.