Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Top tips for having a low waste wedding

Getting married is one of the most exciting days of your life, and you'll want it to be as special as possible. But you might also want your wedding to be kinder to the planet than the usual nuptials — indeed, a study found that British weddings create 18kg of plastic waste per event, adding up to 4,910 tonnes of plastic waste every year. Even for the biggest event of your life, this is a lot of waste to produce during a single day, and many people are increasingly looking to find ways of reducing it and have more sustainable nuptials. If you want to enjoy the big day but also make it more of an eco-friendly event, suppliers of catering equipment Alliance Online have put together some tips for you to take forward in your wedding planning. Even though getting married is a big event, you can still keep the carbon footprint small.

Proposing a prenup? A guide to practical romance this February

Some consider February to be one of the most romantic months of the year. With January finally over, we can start to look forward to Spring, and the warmer months ahead. Each leap year, the 29th of February is traditionally held as a day when the tables can turn and women are supposed to propose marriage to men, instead of the other way around. However, most obviously, February contains Valentine's Day and the celebrations of lovers up and down the country who look to St Valentine for inspiration for their friendships and romantic relationships.

Last year was a bumper year for The Forest Side

Last year was a bumper year for The Forest Side, which last autumn was awarded the coveted title of the 'UK's Best Country Hotel' by the Good Hotels Guide 2023. Now, 2023 looks set to continue in a similar vein as the restaurant with rooms has announced the return of its popular Food February.

Each Monday in the month will find head chef Paul Leonard collaborating with some of the UK's best chefs to deliver a multicourse dining experience. Paul will be lending a hand on each of the evenings, rustling up a dish or two of his own and generally adding to the merriment.

Say ‘I Do’ to a Dry Wedding with Mavrik Alcohol-free Cocktails

With a growing number of people going sober or choosing to moderate their drinking, the traditional wedding 'knees up' may be a thing of the past as today's couples opt for a more sober affair - which everyone can remember! In the past, non-drinkers or designated drivers would be somewhat left out of the celebrations with access to only a sad selection of soft drinks or juices. However, now nearlyweds-to-be are putting as much effort into deciding what alcohol-free drinks to offer as they would apply to sourcing the Champagne for the toasts! Plus, not only are dry weddings a huge money saver, but they also allow guests to enjoy the day with a clear head and leave the event with all those special memories firmly in tact.

Stirk House in the Ribble Valley was built in 1635

Built in 1635, Stirk House exudes character and authentic features, which can still be seen today in the magnificent stone arch above the fireplace and the original doorway that has welcomed guests to this special place for over 300 years.

Stirk House is a historic property with a winding driveway, ivy-clad walls, sparkling stone mullion windows and vibrant and immaculate gardens. Boasting spectacular views of the surrounding Ribble Valley countryside and Lancashire's famous Pendle Hill, guests can enjoy relaxing strolls through the gardens, ancient forest and nature trail.

Looking for bridesmaids' dresses? Check out these collections from Maya Deluxe

With wedding season just around the corner, time is ticking to get your bridesmaids ready for your big day.

For the environmentally-conscious bride, Maya Deluxe's Anaya Icons Collection features eight elegant styles made from recycled materials so your maids can look great and help the environment in the process. Full of timeless elegance, these dresses are available in sizes 8-30.

Tulle and ruffles are set to be some of the biggest bridal trends for 2023 and the Anaya Icons Collection is full of these romantic design details. With three beautiful shades to choose from and two more on the way, there are plenty of ways to mix and match your bridesmaids' dresses.

Five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free)

Dr Rachel Taylor is a neuropsychologist, podcast host and founder of UNBroken. She has this advice on the five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free). "The brain has many different circuitry mechanisms associated with feelings of love. Below are some suggestions that mean more to love than commercial gifts."To appreciate is to raise in value, so the appreciation of another is truly better than a gift. Appreciation of another triggers a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which is directly involved in controlling our circadian rhythm. We also get a dopamine hit which supports us to be more motivated to perform the same behaviour. The more we appreciate a person, the more motivated they are to carry on being the amazing person that we think they are.

5 ways to get your pooch involved in your wedding

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, and if you have a dog, you might want to get them involved in the event too. But how? Here, Lisa Melvin from Webbox offer some ideas. Organising a wedding can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. If you have a dog, you might be wondering if you can involve them in the event too — your pooch is most definitely part of your family, and it's natural to want them to be a part of your special day. Read on to find out some ideas for how you can bring your pooch to the wedding.

Low Graythwaite Hall has re-joined the Graythwaite portfolio

Low Graythwaite Hall, a stunning country house with an adjacent cottage and extensive private grounds, has re-joined the Graythwaite portfolio. Situated opposite the Grade II listed Georgian Silverholme Manor, the magnificent old hall is the perfect place for wedding guests to stay, with space for 24 people and a luxurious hot tub by the river that runs through the grounds.

In addition, Hullet Hall, a couple of minutes' walk from Silverholme Manor, is also available to rent. This 17th-century cottage has a private jetty and can accommodate six guests, meaning you can host 50 people within walking distance of Silverholme.

How to create a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding

Your wedding should be as personalised, luxurious and enjoyable as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception! Here, Steve King, managing director at the drinks retailer Bottled & Boxed, shows you how to bring together a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding. Organising a wedding is as exciting as it is overwhelming: you'll want your day to be as special as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception to this. It's becoming more and more popular to create your own personalised drinks, with Google searches for 'bespoke drinks menu' increasing 10% since the beginning of 2022.

F.Hinds advises on your wedding selection

Jewellers F.Hinds, boasting more than 115 stores across England, advise on what precious metals your wedding rings could be made from... Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life, and we're so happy that you're about to embark on this new chapter, no doubt you are too! With an exciting engagement comes a whole load of happiness and emotion, but with that what also comes is a never-ending list of things you need to do before the big day, and we can bet that one of them is going to be to "find the perfect wedding rings".

Macdonald Kilhey Court is home to 11 acres of breathtaking countryside

Macdonald Kilhey Court is home to glorious gardens, a landscaped lawn at the rear of the property and 11 acres of breathtaking woodland. The four-star venue is a stone's throw away from the tranquil Arley Reservoir and the Worthington Lakes and offers stunning views of the local area. This Victorian manor has a traditional décor throughout, reflecting the building's history and heritage, and a driveway that's sure to wow guests.

The Victorian Garden Suite and Wordsworth Suite are decorated in a traditional style and have space for 50 guests.

How to choose your wedding date

You would have thought choosing the date for your wedding would be the easiest part? Simple pick a date that suits you as couple and your venue. Well, yes, that is often the case. But there will always be other factors you should consider before making the final choice. If you're hosting a marquee wedding at private residence, then you're fortunate enough to have a little more flexibility with a date than those opting for a wedding venue. However, whether a marquee or venue it's wise to take into account some of the following factors that may make deciding on the best date for your special day a little easier....

Valentine’s Day: 9 tips to help you spoil someone special without breaking the bank

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to show someone special how much they mean to you. However, the cost of living crisis means that people are more concerned than ever about money. To help, jewellery specialists, Queensmith have pulled together 9 ways to spoil your partner on a budget...1.Set a budget ahead of Valentine's Day. This is an important first step. The last thing you want is for one of you to spend double the amount of money compared to the other, and fall out over gifts on Valentine's Day.

Engagement ring trends for 2023

Whether you're future-gazing about your dream proposal or just like keeping up to date with the latest styles, Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, predicts the new wave of engagement ring trends that will be taking over our Instagram feeds in 2023. Here at County Wedding Magazines it's hard to pick our fav? Really, can we only choose one?

Manchester’s luxury aparthotels, CitySuites I & II have announced a new bespoke events packages

Manchester's luxury aparthotels, CitySuites I & II have announced the launch of their bespoke events packages. CitySuites Aparthotels offer five versatile event spaces, a range of catering options and luxury accommodation.

Located just off Deansgate in the exclusive Embankment West neighbourhood, CitySuites is comprised of two high-end aparthotels positioned adjacent from one another.

For private dining events, guests can enjoy seasonal delights in the Embankment Kitchen, an intimate and stylish setting. There are two private dining menus available, both of which offer beautifully-crafted dishes.

Abroad stag and hen dos not an option due to cost of living crisis

Couples planning stag and hen festivities this year may need to think again as Brits admit they would not attend an abroad celebration. Luxury fashion retailer Fenwick, has surveyed the nation to find out opinions on stag and hen dos, including the amount they'd be willing to spend and whether they'd travel abroad. Many people now take their bridal parties or groomsmen on holiday to celebrate their big day. These trips can often end up costing a lot of money especially if heading to popular destinations such as Marbella, Budapest or even Vegas which when the majority of the UK is being squeezed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, isn't something many can afford. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 50.70% would refuse to attend a stag do abroad, preferring to celebrate closer to home in the UK.

The grand Stanley House Hotel & Spa is situated within 54 acres of Ribble Valley countryside

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, a spa and breathtaking views.

The Barn Suite is a large, elegant space with a mirrored ceiling, exposed beams, elegant chandeliers and a stone wall. This beautifully-decorated space has room for 180 guests throughout the day.

The most eye-catching wedding decor revealed

A new study, conducted by the wedding financial experts at money.co.uk, involved surveying 1,000 future newlyweds and asking them to estimate how much they will spend on 70 wedding items. Images of these 70 items were then used in an eye-tracking study to reveal the specific elements that people spend the most time gazing at. Fairylights came out on top, with guests staring at them for 5.53 seconds which is impressive considering they are the decorations that those planning a wedding expect to pay the least for (£106.25). So, if you're looking to impress your guests without splurging then try draping your venue in tiny, twinkling fairylights.

A man’s perspective to changing names after marriage

NameSwitch has interviewed some trail blazing men who took a bold step into the future. When you're planning a wedding, whether small and informal or grand-scale, there's a myriad of tasks to organise. And, these days, guys are expected to pull their weight when it comes to sorting everything from flower arrangements and wedding cakes to transport and catering. But, before you even walk down the aisle to say, "I do", there's another important factor to consider – whether you intend to take your partner's surname.