Your North West Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The Swan Hotel and Spa has announced its late-night summer spa-rties

The Swan Hotel and Spa, in the heart of the Lake District, has announced its late-night, summer spa-rties. Complete with exclusive spa access, a live DJ and cocktails, all set against the stunning backdrop of one of England's most beloved natural wonders.

Running on the last Friday of every month throughout the summer, the party, reminiscent of an upbeat beach club, is guaranteed to transport you to hotter climates. Priced at £65 per person, you will kickstart the evening by sipping a spritz in the hot tub while the resident DJ gets you in the party spirit with an eclectic mix of upbeat summer anthems. Drinks will be flowing from the dedicated outdoor bar while you sit back and soak up the stunning countryside views all around you – perfect for hen dos with a difference.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

The Monastery Manchester is a Grade II* listed venue

The Monastery Manchester is a Grade II* listed venue situated just outside the city centre. Built in the 19th century, it boasts a grand exterior, high ceilings, stained-glass windows and beautiful archways that make the ideal backdrop for photographs.

Tie the knot in the Great Nave, an elegant space with cathedral-like proportions with room for 500 ceremony guests and 350 for the wedding breakfast and evening reception.

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Check out these upcoming wedding shows

Whether you've recently gotten engaged or are at the end of your wedding planning journey, trying to find the perfect suppliers can be stressful. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams, why not visit a local wedding fair? This is the ideal chance to meet some of the region's best companies and discuss your big day.

The Beeston Manor Wedding Open Day will be taking place on 30th June between 11:30am and 4pm. Entry is free of charge.

Taking place on 15th September at the Bolhot Hotel Complex is The Stables Wedding Fayre. Doors open between 11am and 3pm and entry is free of charge.

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

The Ro has a stately façade and chic style that's perfect for weddings

The Ro offers a stately façade and chic style, creating an elegant atmosphere that'll provide the perfect backdrop for your big day. With lake views and outstanding service, the team is dedicated to creating your dream Lake District wedding, taking great care and pride in organising your wedding day, ensuring the lead-up to and the day itself flow with effortless perfection. Relax and enjoy your engagement as your expert wedding coordinator takes you through every step of the wedding journey, ensuring everything is covered, from the big ideas to the tiny details.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.

ACMAGIC takes the wedding industry by storm in 2024

ACMAGIC's Andrew Cooper, the enchanting wedding magician captivating audiences across the region, has been recognised as the Best Wedding Magician in the Northwest at both the Wedding Industry Awards 2024 and the County Brides - Northwest Wedding Awards 2024. This dual accolade solidifies ACMAGIC's reputation as the premier magician for your wedding celebrations. Led by the charismatic and talented magician Andrew Cooper, he has redefined entertainment at weddings with a unique blend of magic, humour, and personal engagement. Couples and guests alike are mesmerised by his performances, making every wedding an unforgettable experience. "Winning these prestigious awards is an incredible honour," said Coops. "Our goal has always been to bring joy and wonder to weddings, creating moments that couples and their guests will cherish forever. This recognition validates our dedication and passion for what we do."

The Gibbon Bridge Hotel has refreshed its outdoor wedding space

Luxury wedding venue, The Gibbon Bridge Hotel has refreshed its outdoor wedding space. The team repainted the bandstand, which is used for weddings, at the start of the year, transforming it from a wood stain with a red carpet to white with a cream carpet to brighten the space and create a more modern vibe. As well as the new look, there are now Twilight Wedding Packages available that can be tailored to suit varying budgets.

ACMAGIC is a must-have magician for your daytime entertainment

In the world of weddings, creating a day that stands out, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments, is every couple's dream. As you plan your special day, consider adding a touch of enchantment that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. Look no further than ACMAGIC, the multi-award-winning magician crowned 'Best Wedding Magician' in the North West at both the Wedding Industry Awards and the County Brides North West Wedding Awards 2024.

Andrew Cooper, the mastermind behind ACMAGIC, brings a personalised approach to wedding entertainment. His captivating performances blend astonishing magic with humour and charm, creating an interactive experience that engages guests of all ages. Whether it's a dazzling display during the reception or intimate close-up magic at the tables, Andrew ensures every moment is filled with wonder and delight.

Creative ways to preserve and display your wedding bouquet

Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so you'll no doubt want to hold onto your memories for as long as possible. Here, Clare Price from framing specialists Wall Space shares their tips for preserving your wedding bouquet for years to come. Preserving your wedding bouquet can be a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. Techniques like drying and pressing are some of the best methods of flower preservation, and there are countless ways to show off your preserved blooms in your home once you're done. With the tips and ideas below, you can create lasting reminders of your cherished moments and remember your special day for years to come.

The Portico Library is a Georgian building in central Manchester

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 are 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, beautiful mural portraits of Milton and Shakespeare and a clock face created by the Big Ben clockmakers.

Experts reveal five wedding trends set to be huge this Summer

With the new season comes new colours and trends, and with that being said, experts at Diamonds Factory have predicted five wedding trends that are set to be big this Summer. Couples will step away from the traditional colour scheme "Stepping away from the traditional black and white formal attire, we expect to see many wedding parties embrace colour this Summer. We saw the mismatched bridesmaid dresses trend resurge in popularity in late 2023, and predict this trend will take off even further this Summer, especially now it's getting warmer and with people experimenting with colour more.

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long?

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long? Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy explores this. My groom says he's finished his speech and he's really happy with it but it's almost 2,000 words long. Is that too much? Yes. All speeches should be under ten minutes long. It seems obvious but I've seen several speeches (generally the best men) go well over half an hour, oblivious to the yawns or heckling. That's no more than 1,300 words maximum, allowing for pauses or laughter on the day. Remind your fiancé that his first draft is just the start of the writing process.

Wedding favours for Kids: ToyChoc Box

PLAYin CHOC's ToyChoc boxes are a fantastic choice for entertaining kids at weddings. These eco-friendly, vegan, and allergen-free treats come in 100% recyclable packaging. Each box contains two creamy chocolate bars wrapped in compostable packaging, along with a 3D card puzzle toy featuring animals like endangered species, sea creatures, or dinosaurs - there's also a fun animal fact inside. At just £2.25 each on Amazon, these boxes are a budget-friendly addition to your wedding plans.