Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

How to avoid overspending on your wedding budget

It is a special time for you and your partner, planning the perfect event to celebrate your love with friends and family. However, it can often become stressful as people try to fit such a big event into their budgets. With the average wedding for 2025 coming to a total of £20,822, getting everything from drinks to décor can be a chore. Lake District Country Hotels, providers of wedding venues in the Lake District, pair with James Beckett, financial coach and founder of MoneyStocker.com, to help you budget your way to your big day.

Lily Arkwright donates wedding rings to terminally ill Manchester groom

In a touching display of generosity, Lily Arkwright Jewellers has stepped forward to support a very special couple by donating a pair of wedding bands to a terminally ill groom and his fiancée, ensuring they can celebrate their dream wedding despite their circumstances. The ethical and sustainable jeweller was contacted by Gift of a Wedding, a UK charity that arranges weddings for individuals facing a terminal diagnosis. The couple, based in Withington, Manchester, had hoped to marry but faced financial barriers. Their wedding was set for Friday, 28th February 2025, leaving little time to secure the rings needed for their big day. After learning about their story, the team at Lily Arkwright was honoured to help, donating two plain gold wedding bands, which were delivered ahead of the wedding date.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

Rucomfy has launched a new range of photo cushions

Family-run textile brand Rucomfy has launched a new range of photo cushions that would make the perfect wedding gift. Digitally printed at Rucomfy's Lancashire factory onto strong, vibrant fabric, each cushion is finished with a charcoal grey back and a fibre-filled inside, which will remain plump for years to come.

Nicole Hussey, the creative manager of Rucomfy, said: "These photo cushions were created to capture those special moments in life. They are the ideal gift for all occasions and give the opportunity to hug your memories. Personalised homewares are the ultimate thoughtful gift and we have something for everyone – even the family pet – in our handpicked collection of customisable products."

Browsholme Hall is the oldest family home and historic estate in Lancashire

A venue with a story, Browsholme Hall is the oldest family home and historic estate in Lancashire. Set in more than 600 acres of countryside, this glorious wedding venue is in the heart of an area of outstanding beauty. Robert and Amanda took over the running of the hall and estate in the 1970s. Continuing the work his parents started, they concentrated on developing Browsholme Hall within the community and making it economically sound and sustainable. The hall is now relevant to the 21st century with biomass-fuelled hot water and heating, energy-saving lighting and clean spring water. More than 20 local people now work in the hall, gardens, the Tithe Barn and the estate as employees or volunteer guides, making Browsholme Hall a significant contributor to the local economy.

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.

The Forest Side, Grasmere, has been presented with a new type of award

The Forest Side, Grasmere, has been given a new type of award called One Michelin Key. The hotel already has a Michelin Star for its restaurant, headed by head chef Paul Leonard, and now it is one of only 72 hotels across the UK to receive One Michelin Key.

The Michelin Guide revealed the new One, Two and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in the UK and Ireland. Like the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys are awarded to the Guide's most outstanding hotels.

Alasdair Elwick, the general manager of The Forest Side, says: "The whole hotel is absolutely delighted with the announcement; it's great for the team to be recognised for the fantastic work that they do."

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Didsbury House is a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the 1890s

Didsbury House is a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the 1890s. This luxury Victorian townhouse is a statement in individual design, bringing influences from around the world to the fashionable suburb of Didsbury. The property features 27 bedrooms, a residents' bar and lounges that reflect the hotel's electric design and provide a chic urban retreat for weddings. The owner and designer worked with the original features of the house to maintain and showcase the wonderful work that originally went into creating the property.

Situated in leafy surroundings, the hotel is just four miles from the city centre and Manchester Airport, with easy access to the M60.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Broadoaks Country House in Cumbria has been nominated for an award

Boutique wedding venue, Broadoaks Country House has been recognised as one of the top locations for couples to say 'I do' in Cumbria after being nominated at the County Brides North West Wedding Awards.

A Victorian manor house originally built in 1836, Broadoaks Country House is steeped in history and boasts a romantic charm that enables couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams while overlooking the picturesque Lake District hills. Situated in five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Broadoaks Country House offers five different areas for civil ceremonies, ranging from an intimate orangery through to an outdoor setting with views across Troutbeck and the surrounding valleys.

Stirk House is a historic wedding venue 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 more than 300 years.

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

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

Stationery company Jeccabox has reopened after closing its doors in 2019

Jeccabox, a stationery company based in Forton, Lancashire, has reopened after closing its doors in 2019.

Owner Jess Firth tells us: "Having previously won awards and been featured in Vogue, I'm hoping to build on the previous success of Jeccabox, working with couples both nationally and internationally. I create before, on, and after-the-day stationery and work with each couple to create an invitation suite that is unique to them, perfectly complementing their wedding colour palette, theme and vision. Here at Jeccabox, I supply invitations on a large range of luxury paper types, digital foiling in an array of colours, and offer premium print processes and accessories to match where required, so there's something for every taste."

The Fleece at Ruleholme is a traditional country inn in North Cumbria

The Fleece at Ruleholme is a traditional country inn that marries rural charm and comfort with luxury, decadence and quality. Located in the stunning countryside of North Cumbria, the property features a range of amenities, including skylit balcony lounges, Lakeland stone fireplaces and two oak-framed AA-Rosette-winning restaurants. The site is surrounded by rolling green fields, protected woodland, a beautiful tarn and quaint, picturesque villages, perfect for taking those big-day photographs.

An overnight stay at The Fleece at Ruleholme promises a refreshing, rejuvenating and replenishing experience. Each of the 23 bedrooms has been meticulously designed to provide comfort, luxury and relaxation, as reflected in every feature and amenity. The rooms showcase oak beam detailing, farmhouse-style doors, Lakeland stone feature walls and impressive views of the rolling countryside, ensuring an atmosphere of rustic elegance.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

WoodWick® new Vapour Trails collection for the big day and beyond

Introducing the Vapour Trails Collection from Woodwick which celebrates the subtle beauty in everyday movement. There are fewer greater life moments than your wedding day, and whether it's to scent the big day itself or to give a gorgeous gift to loved ones, the new Woodwick Vapour Trails Collection would be ideal. Terra Haze: Petrichor, the refreshingly vivid scent of rain on soil, evokes the sense of nature being stripped down to its molecules. Notes of aldehydes, cedarwood, and mossy earth climb toward the sky, dancing back into the atmosphere like mist.