Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

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.

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.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Langdale Chase has announced a series of activities for couples

With the evenings drawing in, Langdale Chase in the Lake District has announced a series of activities for couples that are perfect for wintry mini-moons. From hiking across the hills with a guide to e-bike safaris and bushcraft survival, these new adventures are guaranteed to get you up and out.

After a day of adventure, couples can unwind in the cinema room with popcorn, sweets and ice cream, or curl up with a good book in the hotel's reading nooks overlooking the lake. Wine tastings with the sommelier, an afternoon tea inspired by the adventures in Swallows and Amazons, cocktails in the Art Deco bar, and dining at the two AA Rosette restaurant are also on offer.

Hobbit Hill in the Ribble Valley has several wedding spaces to choose from

The barn at Hobbit Hill is a rustic, oak-beamed building with bi-folding glass doors that span the entire front of the barn, giving couples unbroken panoramic views of the Ribble Valley. The in-keeping natural wood of the barn's exterior perfectly suits its woodland setting.

Surrounded by woodland and large grassed areas that are perfectly suited for garden games, the grounds are the prime location for outdoor drink receptions. The Indian-flagged terrace has plenty of seating to toast the newlyweds while enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

King Street Townhouse has opened its new luxury ESPA Suite

King Street Townhouse has announced the opening of its new luxury ESPA Suite, the ultimate sanctuary crafted in collaboration with ESPA's 30 years of holistic spa knowledge. The ESPA Suite is the first ESPA-branded bedroom worldwide and has been designed to redefine the traditional hotel stay as an indulgent wellness retreat.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester city centre in a historic Grade II listed Italian Renaissance building, King Street Townhouse Hotel boasts a fusion of luxury and wellness from the moment you step through the doors.

The Glass House is a blank canvas perfect for couples who want to add personal touches

The Glass House is a blank canvas decorated with wooden beams draped with fairylights, chandeliers, mirrored bi-folding internal doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The exterior is modern, with brick and glass frames and clean lines, creating a contemporary space to tie the knot. The venue offers picturesque views of the countryside stretching across the Pennines. The bi-folding doors lead directly onto the enclosed garden, which creates the perfect set-up for group shots, or the wooded areas and fields of wildflowers make a fantastic alternative.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Simmons Bar Manchester is a new bar that's perfect for hen and stag dos

Simmons Bar Manchester is a new bar that's notorious for its happy hour. Embarking on a mission to bring fun and value back to the world of bars, Simmons Bar has been throwing epic parties for over a decade, with its Manchester opening set to be its biggest yet.

Perfect for hen and stag dos, Simmons Bar offers a blend of nostalgic charm and lively nightlife, making it a favourite among partygoers and nearlyweds.

Owner Nick Campbell explains: "Manchester leads the way when it comes to nightlife and we're excited to be able to be a part of it. We were keen to launch as we mean to go on, with a series of high-energy parties, including our famous free bar."