Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Gretna Green has announced its upcoming Wedding Open Weekend

Gretna Green, a family-owned wedding destination located in Dumfries and Galloway, has announced its upcoming Wedding Open Weekend, which will take place on the 11th and 12th November, 2023.

The access-all-areas event gives couples the chance to visit Gretna Green and see the stunning marriage rooms at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and Gretna Hall Hotel.

Guests will get the chance to wander around Gretna Green and get a glimpse of the stunning settings, divine décor, and magnificent set-ups to see how their wedding might look and feel on their own special day.

Don’t like your engagement ring? Relationship experts reveal what you need to do!

A marriage proposal is filled with an overwhelming amount of emotion and is a moment both you and your partner will remember forever. But once the initial rush fades, what if you come to terms with the fact that the ring placed on your finger isn't what you envisioned it to look like? Leading diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, teamed up with relationship experts Georgia Sturmer and Sharin Shafer, who have shared their top 3 tips on how to handle this delicate situation in the best way possible.

The Spread Eagle offers a laid-back and cosy atmosphere for weddings

Nestled in a scenic location overlooking the River Ribble, The Spread Eagle offers a laid-back and cosy atmosphere for those of you who prefer a more rustic and casual style. The indoor space features warm lighting and wooden accents, creating a welcoming and intimate ambiance with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding countryside from the large windows.

The patio and outdoor area are surrounded by lush greenery that creates a picturesque setting that will leave a lasting impression. The space is also perfect for capturing wedding photographs, with the scenery, Abbey Ruins, and River Ribble providing a stunning backdrop.

Fraser Hart launches its stunning lab-grown diamond collection

Fraser Hart, one of the UK's leading purveyors of fine jewellery, is redefining affordable luxury with the launch of its Born Lab Grown Diamonds collection in 10 new stores nationwide. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, here cutting-edge technology is used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, Born Lab Grown Diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow-factor as traditionally mined gems, but with a more accessible price tag. The Born collection includes a stunning choice of "buy now, treasure forever" heirloom jewellery pieces. With exquisite diamond rings starting at just £799, diamond and white gold stud earrings from £799, classic diamond encrusted tennis bracelets from £5,250, and diamond pendant necklaces from £850, investing in luxurious, exceptional quality and utterly timeless diamond jewellery pieces has never been more attractive.

The wellness journals from Lovendu you need in your life

With Mental Health Awareness day falling in October, and as we approach the end of the year, take positive steps to improve your wellbeing in 2024 through journaling. The benefits of daily journaling are huge, from reducing stress and improving your mental health to boosting productivity and providing an opportunity to get in sync with your emotions. It's the ultimate act of self-care – and Lovendu makes it easy to take control of your life and truly thrive.

Lily Arkwright has designed a new bespoke ring

With the Lionesses recently taking to the pitch once again for the World Cup, ethical jewellery brand Lily Arkwright has taken to the drawing board in support and celebration of women's football.

In the spirit of the World Cup, Lily Arkwright has designed a completely bespoke ring. This one-off design has taken inspiration from the women's away kit, using deep blues of lab-grown sapphires and the lighter blue colours of an aqua spinel.

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

The Portico Library contains an impressive book collection spanning 450 years

The Portico Library is one of the few surviving Georgian buildings in central Manchester still serving its original purpose. Designed in a Neoclassical Greek revival style, this striking Grade II* listed property includes impressive original Greek-style columns and classical stone steps. Inside the enchanting rooms is more than 200 years of history and culture, with a spectacular painted glass dome ceiling surrounded by original Regency-period floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

The gallery space features a working wind dial, mural portraits of Milton and Shakespeare and a clock face created by the Big Ben clockmakers.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Six Stories has launched a store inside Manchester Trafford Centre

Six Stories, a fashion brand renowned for its contemporary bridal wear and accessories, is captivating brides-to-be worldwide with its stunning collections. Founded in 2019 by childhood sweethearts Lucy and Ross Menghini, Six Stories has become a celebrated name in the bridal fashion industry.

The brand has recently launched a store inside Manchester Trafford Centre, which features the Sweats Collection, stunning bridesmaids' dresses and the new White Edit Collection.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Askham Hall is a stunning Grade I listed wedding venue

Askham Hall dates back to the late 12th century and was originally a Grade I listed castellated Pele Tower building. The main house was extended in the 1400s with various annexes and again in the 16th and 17th centuries when it was transformed into a grand Elizabethan mansion.

There are plenty of places to take photographs in the Grade II listed terraced gardens, which are full of stunning features, including a 230ft long double herbaceous border, unusual species of plants, formal lawns, kitchen gardens, meadows and ponds.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

SJS Smith Jewellery is offering a new wedding ring workshop

SJS Smith Jewellery, a jewellery school based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is offering a new wedding ring workshop.

Owner Sam Smith tells us: "Our workshop is designed to provide couples with a unique and romantic jewellery journey by allowing them to make their own wedding rings. The service is perfect for couples who want to add a personal touch to their special day."

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Leeming House is a grand Georgian property within 22 acres of gardens

Leeming House is a grand Georgian property within 22 acres of mature and tended gardens. Boasting impressive views of the surrounding lakes and fells, this is truly a magical setting for weddings in the Lake District. You and your guests will receive the best personal attention and care on your big day with exclusive use of the hotel and its gardens.

The Blue Room, a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and room for 30 friends and family, is perfect for intimate weddings.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...