All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North East, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Want to say 'no' to being a maid-of-honour? Here’s how!
Being a maid-of-honour or even a bridesmaid can be hugely exciting and a big honour, however, it takes responsibility, a lot of time, money and energy, all dedicated to making someone else happy. So if you really don't want to be a bridesmaid, plucking up the courage to turn down an invite might seem like a nightmare. A new survey from Ginger Ray which seeks to answer some of weddings' trickiest questions reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits think it was acceptable to say no to being a member of the wedding party based on the financial burden and additional responsibilities it poses.
Posted: 31 May 2023
Introducing Jigger Cocktails: your online cocktail delivery service
Jigger Cocktails, a leading online cocktail delivery service, takes your cocktail experience to new heights with its amazing cocktail box sets. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious cocktail at home, Jigger Cocktails has got you covered. Understanding the importance of a perfectly crafted cocktail, its talented mixologists will create your custom cocktail boxset of your choice. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, the box sets offer an effortless way to have exquisite drinks in the comfort of your own home - perfect for a stag/hen/sten do at home!
Posted: 29 May 2023
Browns launch champagne bottomless brunch
This month, Browns Restaurants will be adding a Champagne bottomless brunch to their signature weekend menus, as part of this year's festivities to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary. From Friday to Sunday until 2pm, guests can enjoy free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, alongside signature brunch dishes such as Browns Lobster Benedict, a satisfying stack of Pancetta Buttermilk Pancakes, Smoked Salmon, Smashed Avocado, Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough and a variety of classic egg dishes. Alternatively, opt for more substantial dishes, like the Browns Burger and Chargrilled Chicken & Bacon Club.
Posted: 27 May 2023
David’s Bridal commences ‘everything must go’ closing down sale
Bridal store chain, David's Bridal has confirmed that all UK stores are launching a closing down sale, with dramatic reductions across wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and more. Following its administration announcement last month, David's Bridal is closing all four of it's UK stores, with all stock discounted. David's Bridal's extensive closing down sale will commence with at least 40% off everything in-store.
Posted: 26 May 2023
Jo Stott, an award-winning North East celebrant, shares her top tips
Wedding season is upon us. As couples across the UK plan their ceremonies, many are choosing to celebrate their love in unique and personalised ways, rather than sticking to the traditional according to leading expert and celebrant. Choosing a celebrant to perform your ceremony allows you to create a day that is all about you and your partner, giving you a way to weave in the stories, jokes, memories and moments that make up the fabric of your relationship and invite your family and friends to share in your journey with you.
Posted: 26 May 2023
One4all Gift Cards expands partnerships
Popular wedding gifting brand leading multi-store gift card, One4all Gift Cards, has announced two exciting new partnerships with global fashion retailer, ASOS, and premium e-commerce marketplace, Secret Sales - making it an even more appealing choice for wedding day gifting. ASOS, one of the largest international e-commerce retailers, is now accepting the One4all Gift Card for all online purchases, meaning customers can access all their favourite brands at the touch of a button. With over 850 brands to choose from as well as their own ASOS ranges, which include Collusion and Topshop, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. As a forward-thinking brand, ASOS interpret the latest trends into more than 30 different sizes, allowing all customers to find something they love. As well as the chance to shop for clothing, accessories and beauty products from a variety of brands.
Posted: 24 May 2023
South Of England wins battle of the spas reveals Spabreaks.com
Spabreaks.com 2022 booking data has revealed that spas in the South totalled 57.4% of all bookings made in 2022, winning the battle of the spas against the north of England. The UK spa industry has a lot to offer, whether you're looking to escape to the countryside or fancy break in the city. Whether it's in the north or south, there's a place in the UK that will accommodate whatever spa break you're looking for.
Posted: 22 May 2023
Northumberland’s Sticky Sponge Cake Studio
How incredible are these creations from Graeme Venus of Northumberland's Sticky Sponge Cake Studio? "We create something amazing for your special day, from traditional wedding cakes and hand painted bakes to highly sculpted designs," says Graeme. "For the third year running we've also recently been announced as one of the country's top 50 wedding cake designers by Go Hen. With us, anything is possible, as we take your ideas and create a design that flows to enhance your day. We've also now launched options to give couples that something extra. As a lot of the cakes we make are highly sculpted designs, many customers don't want to cut into such a work of art. That's why we're putting our past skills in illustration and sculpture to offer finished illustrations of the cakes that can be framed at an extra cost. Another option for couples is a small model replica of the cake, which we sculpt from clay and can be treasured for years to come."
Posted: 22 May 2023
Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected
A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up and even run into the tens of thousands. And with the current cost of living, couples will also be navigating rising costs. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.
Posted: 19 May 2023
Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May
Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.
Posted: 17 May 2023
After some R&R in the run-up to your big day? We don't blame you! With a much-needed dose of you-time needed, we caught up with Europe's leading spa experience pabreaks.com to find out which made it to the top five in Newcastle. The results are in... now all you have to do is choose where to head... 1. Macdonald Linden Hall On a spa break at Linden Hall you can choose everything from holistic healing therapy to a pampering treat aimed at making you look and feel glowing.
Posted: 15 May 2023
Maileg Wedding Mice back at Bluebell's Burrow
Award-winning, family-run toy business, Bluebell's Burrow, is one of the UK's leading stockists of Maileg toys. These super-stylish, picture-perfect collectable toys are loved by both children and adults. With the wedding season fast-approaching, Maileg Wedding Mice Set (priced at £64) comes in a pretty presentation box, which opens up to reveal the bride and groom on their wedding day. Their clothes and accessories are removable, providing dress-up opportunities and imaginative play for children.
Posted: 15 May 2023
Bizarre wedding traditions: The Eurovision edition
Wedding traditions are dramatically different around the world. From the type of cake served to the attire of the bride, you'll be amazed at what happens on wedding days around the continent. To celebrate Eurovision 2023 taking place in the vibrant city of Liverpool, engagement and wedding ring experts at Steven Stone have rounded up some of the most bizarre traditions from participating countries – including the Big 5.
Posted: 13 May 2023
The do's and don'ts of having pets at weddings
Are you considering including your dog in your wedding festivities? While it can be a lovely way to honour your furry best friend, there are some important considerations to remember to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, shares the do's and don'ts of including your dog in your wedding, from making sure your dog is properly trained and socialised to creating a comfortable and safe space for them during the event. These tips will help ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout the celebration...
Posted: 12 May 2023
Introducing Story Locker’s wedding podcast
With the ever growing popularity of podcasting, welcome to the next big thing which makes podcasting accessible. Story Locker, a one of a kind in the UK podcast recording service that lets participants create a personal podcast based on their life story or to celebrate other special moments in life. The couple can choose to either record their podcast before their wedding day and recall the journey of their love story – from when they first met & the engagement (how it all happened!) to setting the date, the planning and build up to the big day or record their podcast after their wedding day to include memories of the big day too!
Posted: 10 May 2023
Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!
Posted: 9 May 2023
Austen & Blake’s Newcastle sees trend influx
In the past month interest in 'timeless engagement rings' has increased by 200%; so, if you, too, are searching for something similar consider the following advice from Austen & Blake diamond expert Tony French: "An engagement ring is an investment you will hopefully wear for a lifetime, so the fact that people are looking for timeless pieces is great. Current engagement ring trends have seen a return of more classic stone cuts and settings and a preference for minimalist and simple features, all of which make for a classic, timeless piece. Round diamonds are considered by many to be the most timeless diamond cut for engagement rings. Thanks to their cut, round diamond engagement rings generate maximum sparkle due to their large number of facets and are an increasingly popular choice, likely due to their versatile design."
Posted: 8 May 2023
Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations
Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.
Posted: 8 May 2023
#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful
thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'
Posted: 5 May 2023
Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup
Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.
Posted: 3 May 2023
Ready to wed in Northumberland? ? Consider Lairds House
Ready to wed in Northumberland but looking for something to wow guests? Consider Lairds House, a bespoke, intimate and lovingly restored Georgian House, with 11 luxury bedrooms and spacious enclosed rear garden and sun terrace. Licensed for up to 65 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 125 for an evening reception, this family run business works with you every step of the way to ensure your celebration is as individual as you are. Offering several bespoke options, you're free to select the perfect combination for your special day, meaning no two Lairds House weddings need ever be the same. Included in each package is exclusive access to the garden terrace for drinks, a dedicated wedding coordinator, large cinema screen for rotating images, bespoke lighting for the dancefloor, a 12am bar licence and lots more!
Posted: 1 May 2023
5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal
Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.
Posted: 1 May 2023
Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season
Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.
Posted: 28 April 2023
Darlington Hippodrome’s Forbidden Nights
After something different for your last proper night out as a singleton? Darlington Hippodrome's Forbidden Nights combines superlative circus and acrobatic skills with finely honed physiques. It showcases stunt-orientated routines and explosive choreography, performed by a cast hand-picked from across the UK which featured on Britain's Got Talent. The show is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as the cast perform heart racing tricks including aerial straps, fire, acrobatics and live musicians... not forgetting a few men in uniform thrown in for good measure.
Posted: 24 April 2023
How to throw a Hen Do on a budget
A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.
Posted: 19 April 2023
