Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Hancocks Jewellers shares pieces to wear to mark the Year of the Horse

Hancocks Jewellers Manchester, the renowned retailer of exquisite jewellery, has released its highly-anticipated recommendations for Chinese New Year.

The Year of the Fire Horse began on 17 February 2026, giving jewellery lovers the chance to wear something to mark the occasion.

Roy Lunt, the managing director of Hancocks Jewellers said: "If you are a Horse, this is your year, and we think you are allowed to lean into it. Horses are known for being energetic, independent, and always ready for what's next. What that means for jewellery is it needs to be easy, wearable, and a little lucky."

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa is running a Win a Wedding competition

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, located on the shore of Grasmere Lake in the heart of the Lake District, is running a Win a Wedding competition.

The four-star hotel, which is part of the award-winning Crerar Hotels Group, has relaunched its wedding offering and is giving couples the opportunity to get married on the stunning shores of Grasmere – with one couple set to win the wedding they've always dreamed of, valued at £8,300.

Couples who are willing to share their love stories and the reasons why they deserve to win can apply themselves or can be nominated by family and friends, with nominations set to close on Tuesday 31 March.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa reveals 2026 wedding trends

We spoke to Lynsey Meades, Wedding Coordinator at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa a luxury Lake District hotel and wedding venue, to identify the trends we can expect to see at celebrity weddings in 2026.

Understated elegance will continue to dominate wedding fashion this year. Selena Gomez showcased this look in her 2025 wedding with a simple yet glamorous gown, glowing makeup and delicate detailing. Lynsey explains, "Soft glam is all about enhancing the bride's natural beauty. It's understated but still utterly romantic, and we're seeing a lot of couples gravitate towards it."

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Storrs Hall has launched a collection of Proposal Packages

Storrs Hall, set on the shores of England's largest lake, has launched a collection of Proposal Packages designed to make popping the question effortless. The Grade II* listed Georgian mansion now offers three thoughtfully curated options, available in conjunction with any overnight stay.

The Simply Timeless Package sets the scene at the hotel's iconic Temple of Heroes, perched over the water, and includes chairs, blankets, a single rose, chocolates, and a bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne. The Unmissable Package transforms a chosen bedroom, including the Lakeside Hot Tub Suites or Boathouse, with personalised photo balloons, seasonal flowers, Champagne, chocolates, LED tea lights, and a bespoke message display. For a truly memorable moment, The Grand Gesture Package can be enjoyed in a guest bedroom or the Garden Pavilion and features rose petals, a dozen roses, Joseph Perrier Rosé, personalised signage, and a luxury hamper. Guests can also organise a private skippered cruise on Storrs Hall's vintage Thames slipper launch.

Holland Hall has won an award

Holland Hall, a Grade II listed manor in Lancashire, has been named Hotel of the Year in the North West at The Wedding Industry Awards. Dating back to 1654, the venue offers a perfect blend of history and elegance, with many original features lovingly preserved to captivate couples and their guests. From beautifully appointed wedding suites to luxurious bedrooms, every detail has been carefully designed to make your special day unforgettable.

Following an extensive restoration, Holland Hall now combines heritage with modern luxury, retaining its original period charm while offering the contemporary amenities needed to create the perfect day.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Local supplier spotlight: Wedinsure

Wedding insurance is one of those things couples often hear about, but don't always fully understand or think they need. It's also hardly the most exciting part of planning a wedding – but when you consider how much is being spent, it can be one of the most important items on the to-do list. We spoke to Mark Brown from Wedinsure to find out what wedding insurance actually covers, and what people often misunderstand.

Mark explains, "At its core, wedding insurance is designed to protect you financially if something unexpected happens that's outside your control. This might include a key supplier going out of business, a venue becoming unavailable, or serious illness or injury affecting the couple or close family, leading to the wedding being cancelled or rearranged. Policies can also extend to loss or damage to important items such as rings, outfits or gifts, as well as personal and public liability, which many venues now require.

Ocean Edge Holiday Park in Lancashire is introducing a new all-inclusive upgrade

Ocean Edge Holiday Park in Lancashire, owned by Parkdean Resorts, is introducing a new all-inclusive upgrade. Ideal for a family-moon, the offer is designed to deliver a hassle-free getaway, including three meals a day and unlimited soft drinks, including Costa Coffee, all within one cost.

Andy Edge, the chief marketing officer at Parkdean Resorts, said: "Following the huge success of our trial at 10 parks in 2025, we are rolling out our all-inclusive offer to a total of 42 holiday parks this year, including Ocean Edge Holiday Park. Families of four can save over £300 by going all-inclusive, making this an extremely cost-effective option for families seeking action-packed breaks in Lancashire."

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Local supplier spotlight: Lee Tombling Photography

Lee Tombling Photography is a wedding photographer based in Lancashire. He offers comprehensive wedding photography that captures both intimate and grand moments, transforming them into timeless treasures. In addition to weddings, Lee also provides event photography, portraits, charity work, motorsport photography and fashion shoots – offering a diverse range of services with something for everyone.

Lee offers a wedding package that includes full-day coverage, an online gallery, and a selection of high-resolution, beautifully edited images, along with a complimentary keepsake photo book and a specially presented memory card containing your wedding images, allowing you to look back on your special day with fond and lasting memories.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

Storrs Hall is offering a second night free

Those looking for February luxury without breaking the bank can enjoy an indulgent two-night stay at Storrs Hall.

From now until the end of February, Storrs Hall is offering the second night of a stay for free for all guests booking on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. This applies to all rooms, including the hotel's luxurious Lakeside Suites which stand close to the water and come complete with private terraces and hot tubs, and its Boathouse which stands in its own gated area right over the water.

With this offer a two-night stay in a Superior Double in the Main House on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis costs from £496 for two people, presenting a saving of £126. The same stay in a Lakeside Suite costs from £881 for two people, presenting a saving of £509, and in The Boathouse the cost would be from £1024 for two people, presenting a saving of £652.