Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

Fivefourstudios is a former warehouse transformed into a state-of-the-art studio and events venue

Built in the1970s, fivefourstudios is a former warehouse transformed into a state-of-the-art studio and events venue. Renovated and reopened by acclaimed fashion and beauty photographer David Oldham, the property features three fully serviced photographic studios, including a drive-in studio, a daylight studio, an elegant club bar and a private lounge. Restoring much of the original industrial features and adding a touch of decadence, the result is an elegant mix of styles.

The first floor is the true heart of the building; the luxuriously appointed lounge bar features plush furnishings and subdued lighting, providing a sumptuous spot for guests to enjoy a drink. The private courtyard, situated at the rear of the building, features tree-lined black brick walls and can be accessed via double barn-doors, making it the perfect spot for indoor and outdoor entertainment.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd create spectacular fireworks displays

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd. provides spectacular fireworks displays that create unforgettable moments for couples and their guests. With years of experience and expertise, the company curate bespoke firework displays that reflect each couple's unique love story.

"Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand affair, we ensure a mesmerising experience that will leave a lasting impression," says Andrew Slinn, the operations and displays director. "Our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation sets us apart. We adhere to the highest industry standards and regulations, delivering flawlessly executed displays with the utmost care. Using state-of-the-art fireworks and cutting-edge technology, we create breathtaking visual effects and synchronised musical displays, immersing guests in a truly magical experience."

Meet local magician ACMAGIC

Andrew Cooper from ACMAGIC has been entertaining audiences for over 10 years. "I want to deliver a fun and different experience for people who are looking to hire a magician for their wedding, special occasion, or corporate event," says Andrew. "How many people can say they get to do something they love every day? Well, I can say with my hand on my heart that I do, and I want you to feel that passion when you hire me for your event. My amazing magic will wow your guests and leave them in awe with a blend of jaw-dropping close-up magic and humour. Tailored specifically to your wedding or event."

Embark on a new culinary adventure with the newly opened Firin in Manchester

Embark on a new culinary adventure with the newly opened Firin, a modern Turkish restaurant, bringing a taste of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to jet-setters and locals alike in Manchester.

Located inside the new Holiday Inn Manchester Airport, an IHG Hotel & Resort, food enthusiasts from the city and visitors from all around the world can experience Firin's elevated take on the classic tastes of the Mediterranean.

The perfect way to start your mini-moon or honeymoon, Firin embodies a modern vision of the traditional Istanbul salon. The laid-back luxury interior is centred around the theatre kitchen - boasting an impressive oven - where guests can watch the chefs at work.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa is a 17th-century property situated near Keswick

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa is a 17th-century property situated near Keswick on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. This four-star former stately home is set in the secluded splendour of 400 acres of deer park and woodland and is framed by the dramatic Skiddaw Mountain and Lake District Fells. As you arrive at this privately owned hotel, you will receive a warm welcome within the grand surroundings. Explorers will find luxurious wood-panelled lounges complete with roaring fires, elaborately framed paintings, luxurious bedrooms and an award-winning spa.

On the grounds, there are Meet the Hawk and Alpaca Experiences and the Lake District Wildlife Park, home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals, reptiles, and birds of prey, is close by.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

Leighton Hall is celebrating summer with delightful new wedding locations

The historic Leighton Hall in Carnforth, Lancashire, is celebrating summer with delightful new wedding locations. Romance and weddings have been in abundance for 35 years at this historic hall, which has five indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites designed to sweep you and your guests off your feet. From the moment you arrive in front of the dramatic Gothic façade to saying 'I do' in historic splendour and dancing the night away under the magical Victorian glass, the friendly team will work with you to shape your party and bring your ideas to life.

Thanks to expert-sensitive restoration, the newly refurbished Victorian Conservatory is a truly special location for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Comfortably hosting up to 50 guests for ceremonies and receptions, it's the perfect way to bring the stunning outside in while keeping you feeling snug and serene.

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.

The Fountain House is nestled on Albert Square in the heart of Manchester

The Fountain House, located in the Grade II listed Memorial Hall Building, is nestled on the beloved Albert Square in the heart of Manchester. Albert Square provides plenty of space, is well connected to travel routes and offers beautiful views of the city.

Inside is a traditional and versatile décor designed by the Victorian architect Thomas Worthington. The spaces are naturally lit and the ceiling of lights is customisable to set the mood and theme of your celebration.

Should more women taking the wedding speech spotlight

More women should be taking the spotlight at big events, according to new research from learning and development company Good Shout. However, according to a new poll, conducted in partnership with YouGov, the very prospect fills two thirds of women (67%) with dread. Of those women in the UK who would refuse to give speeches at a wedding, 50% said that it was the "cringe factor" that held them back, i.e. being too self-conscious or feeling too awkward or uncomfortable in the situation.

Tips for tying the knot while it’s hot

With Summer wedding season in full-swing and the English weather as unpredictable as ever, happy couples across the country may get more than what they bargained for when it comes to wishing for a sunny day. As temperatures across the UK already reaching highs of 30C and the Met Office predicting even hotter temperatures expected ahead, Samantha Gilchrist, former wedding photographer turned cofounder and CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, the UK's largest wedding venue collection, gives her expert advice gathered from over 15 years in the industry.

Hen parties in UK more popular now

Hen parties on UK soil are the number one choice for Brits, according to new research from Butlin's Big Weekenders. According to a study commissioned to mark the reopening of Butlin's Big Weekenders breaks in September, over half of Brits (53%) say a hen do in the UK is more appealing than one abroad and almost the same (54%) say a hen do is better on one resort where all the facilities are in one place. On a Butlin's Big Weekender guests can enjoy accommodation, food, drink entertainment, and activities all in one place. The adult-only weekends are available at all three resorts - Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. What's more, organisation is key for British hens, as data reveals the most common time to plan a hen do is 3-4 months in advance, in stark comparison to men, who are most likely to plan a stag do just 2-3 days in advance!

Spabreaks.com has revealed the top five spas in Manchester

Spa experience and booking agency Spabreaks.com has revealed the top five spas in Manchester.

Rena Spa at The Midland was number one. This award- winning spa is an underground haven where you'll be transported into a world of peace and calm with satisfyingly relaxing results. There are several impressive experiences to enjoy, such as the Caribbean Storm and Arctic Rain showers, but the piece de resistance is the relaxation areas. Here, you can choose from discovering sleep in a hanging pod cocoon, in an ergonomic sleep chamber or a sound-cancelling egg chair.

Most Instagrammable beach wedding venues in the UK

Wedding invitation company, Aura Print, analysed 70 of the most sought-after beach wedding destinations and discovered the UK's most Instagrammable coastal wedding venues. The stunning spot of Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe, Devon boasts over 13k hashtags on Instagram, making this the study's number one pick. Located on the beautiful North Devon coast, Tunnels Beaches is situated on a cliff top with hand carved tunnels down to a secluded private beach. The venue provides a thatched roof gazebo which overlooks the breathtaking Devon coastline for a picture-perfect backdrop

Netherwood Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed manor house with glorious gardens

Netherwood Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed manor house with glorious gardens and sweeping views across Morecambe Bay. The hotel is located within extensive grounds that feature a beautiful topiary, landscaping which is sympathetic to its historical past, and woodlands at the back of the hotel that lead into a National Trust walk. Netherwood is filled with traditional features that are a photographer's dream, such as original fireplaces, stained glass windows, impressive ornate carvings and winding staircases.