Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The rise of the celebrant with Sophie Wilcockson

"When it comes to getting married, it's church or registrar, right? Wrong! There's another option," says local wedding celebrant Sophie Wilcockson. Here, she explains why using a celebrant is rapidly becoming one of the hottest wedding trends of 2024. "Back in 2003 when I got married, I'd never heard of a wedding celebrant. When we booked the venue we were told we'd also need to book a registar, which we duly did. This involved half an hour in a cramped office at the town hall with a bored-looking man who asked us to choose the wording for our vows (which consisted solely of deciding whether or not we wanted to obey each other) and select a reading from three options.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Tweedies Bar & Lodge is a rustic wedding venue in Grasmere, Cumbria

Tweedies Bar & Lodge is a rustic wedding venue in Grasmere. Nestled amongst some of the most famous Lake District fells, guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for taking photographs. The venue's grounds play host to the Lake District's largest beer and music festival and have a great reputation for its food and drink.

There are three areas that are licensed for ceremonies. The Lodge features tweed made by local Herdwick sheep farmer Charlotte Harnby and is capable of holding 70 guests for the vows and sit-down meal.

Alternatively, the Lounge can be used by up to 25 loved ones for the service.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Wild Shore Blackpool is now open

Wild Shore Blackpool is now open for unforgettable aqua adventures and wondrous water sports. There is fun to be had for all ages, with the site offering wakeboarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming, ringo rides, and an aqua park – perfect for hen or stag dos.

Callum Mark, the co-director of Wild Shore, said: "We are delighted to open Wild Shore Blackpool to the public and the effort shown by the whole team to ensure the sight is ready for all to enjoy has been outstanding. The location gives us an amazing opportunity to not only welcome locals but also those visiting the Lancashire area and we look forward to helping them create some unforgettable memories."

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Kilhey Court Hotel is set within 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds

Set within 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Kilhey Court Hotel offers fabulous scenery and is conveniently located just a 30- minute drive from Manchester and Liverpool. Back in the Victorian era, this grand house was built as a wedding gift by a husband for his new bride. The fairytale continues today as the venue's luxurious accommodation provides a wonderful base for anyone seeking a Wigan wedding venue.

The Lakeside and Tennyson Suites feature spectacular views of the gardens and the lakes beyond. With a range of flexible wedding packages to choose from, the team can cater for both intimate weddings and lavish celebrations of up to 300 guests.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design is offering one lucky reader a bouquet worth £120

Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design, based in Preston, Lancashire, is an award-winning creative florist. Owner Sarah Lawton creates bespoke designs that are suited to all budgets and can be tailored to any theme or colour scheme. Whether you're looking for bouquets, buttonholes, venue styling or flower crowns, Sarah and her team can create the perfect arrangement for you.

Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design is offering one lucky reader a bridal bouquet in your chosen colour worth £120.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

Broadoaks Country House occupies one of the most stunning spots in the Lake District

Not too far off the beaten path, but just enough to feel a world away, Broadoaks Country House occupies one of the most stunning spots in the Lake District. Surrounded by well manicured gardens and majestic woodland, and framed by the flush of the river that tumbles into Lake Windermere, this grand wedding venue is a special place that you will never forget.

A sweeping driveway guides guests through seven acres of glorious gardens to a fountain settled at the front of this traditional Lakeland stone and ivy-clad country home. Originally a Victorian summer residence, Broadoaks Country House offers grandeur on a human scale, with every inch a home, but with all of the best bits of a five-star hotel. The proportioned inside spaces are warm and inviting, mixing stylish modernity with inglenook fireplaces and period furniture. There are five licensed areas to host ceremonies, 20 individually designed boutique bedrooms and award-winning dog-friendly facilities.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Barrecore has launched bespoke packages for brides-to-be

Barrecore in Hale, Greater Manchester, renowned for its transformative fitness experience, has announced the launch of its exclusive bridal packages designed to help brides-to-be achieve their fitness goals and feel the best on their wedding day. 

Barrecore's new bridal packages offer tailored fitness plans, combined with the studio's signature classes, online access, and nutritional support, ensuring that brides and their bridal parties are in peak condition for the wedding day. Whether brides are looking to tone up, de-stress, or boost their confidence, Barrecore has a package to suit every need.

The University of Manchester is made up of several stunning properties

The University of Manchester is made up of several properties, all of which can be used for weddings. Manchester Museum, Christie's Library and Whitworth Hall centre around the Old Quadrangle, a beautifully maintained courtyard with space for private parking and drinks receptions. Dating back to 1873, these neo-Gothic properties were designed by the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse and his son.

Whitworth Hall has an impressive stained-glass window, a hammer-beam ceiling, a fully-working organ and room for 650 guests for the ceremony and 360 for the wedding breakfast.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

Katie Loxton has launched a new bridal weekend bag

When it comes to bridal accessories, Katie Loxton has a wide selection of options available. From beautifully crafted personalised pouches with hidden sentiments to luxurious jewellery, every piece is designed to make you feel your very best.

Elevate your big day with Katie Loxton's latest launch, the Fold-Out Garment Weekend Bag. Featuring multiple pockets for storage, this versatile travel essential transforms into a hangable garment cover, perfect for storing your special dress.

Lancashire Manor Hotel is a Grade II-listed property with plenty of spaces to tie the knot

Lancashire Manor Hotel is a Grade II-listed property with plenty of spaces to tie the knot. The original stone manor house is at the heart of the hotel and contains a lounge area and above it, in the original farmhouse bedrooms, is a honeymoon suite.

The Lathom Suite, seating up to 100 guests, is decorated in a mixture of traditional and contemporary décor and has a bar, natural light, a movable dancefloor, and can be divided into a smaller reception room for more intimate celebrations.