All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North East, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Bespoke wedding gifting for celebrity-loving couples
Wedding season is here and to mark the occasion Cameo, the celebrity engagement platform, has analysed data from the site over the past 12 months, finding star James Buckley as the most booked when it comes to helping a couple pop the big question, nail a cheeky hen/stag party video, or to help deliver the perfect message for a wedding gift. Buckley, known best for his performance as Jay Cartwright in the hit comedy series The Inbetweeners has been involved in hundreds of wedding-related Cameo messages, making him the most booked celeb on the platform across all three occasions (engagements, stag / hen parties, wedding gifts).
Posted: 25 June 2022
What to do if your wedding day doesn’t go as planned
Many couples plan their wedding down to even the most minute of details, but ethical jewellery experts at Ingle & Rhode understand that unfortunately no one's big day goes exactly as planned. You may forget something at home, some guests may be late or the day just might not be going how you envisioned it. That's why the team at Ingle & Rhode are giving their advice on what to do if your wedding day doesn't go exactly how you thought it would as well as providing tips on planning ahead with things like photography and weather - we do live n the UK after all!
Posted: 24 June 2022
Start saving for your hen and stag do
According to a study by Hotels.com®, 2022 is the year to go bigger and bolder than ever when it comes to planning your hen/sten/stag do - we're all making up for lost time over the past two years! After 2020/21 nearlyweds had to reschedule a stag or hen party, this year revellers are using more holiday days and spending more money than ever to celebrate their friend's final months of unmarried life in style. The study found the average pre-wedding celebration now costs a whopping £242 compared to the more subtle cost of £150 in 2012. Nearly 47% of those surveyed believe that these pre-wedding celebrations have become more extravagant over the last decade, with 46% of travellers believing it's because people have been saving up and have larger budgets to spend on these special occasions over the pandemic.
Posted: 22 June 2022
Scotland to run out of kilts this summer as wedding bookings soar
Scotland could run out of kilts this summer with many suppliers already closing their books due to record demand. With two years of delayed weddings now able to go ahead, along with this year's planned ceremonies, the iconic ceremonial dress is in short supply meaning the unthinkable could happen; Scotland may actually run out of kilts! David Dalrymple of A1 Kilt Hire said, "We have never seen such a high level of demand for kilt hire. The pandemic has created a record number of wedding bookings for the summer; some people have been waiting since early 2020 to tie the knot, there's also those people who cancelled in 2021 plus couples who had always planned to get married in 2022 all trying to secure a kilt for their big day. Everyone needs one at the same time and although we've managed to accommodate all requests so far, others have already reached their capacity for the whole summer."
Posted: 20 June 2022
The songs millennials want played for their first dance
Over the past year, UK searches for 'first dance songs 2022' have increased by +1,300%, whilst searches for 'first dance ideas for non-dancers have increased by +300% showing that more couples are looking for inspiration. The first dance is likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your wedding, so naturally, newlyweds are determined to pick the most suitable song. A decision needs to be made whether to choose an old classic or maybe the new love song that's currently in the charts.
Posted: 19 June 2022
World Martini Day 18th June - shaken or stirred?
World Martini Day - which could also be James Bond day! - is on the 18th June. And whether you like it shaken like Mr Bond himself, or stirred for something different, wet or dry, however you like your favourite tipple celebrate with five Gin Martini cocktails from Aviation Gin, Cotswolds Dry Gin, Mermaid Gin, Pinkster Gin and Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit. What's more, the following provides drinks-piration for wedding day cocktails you might want to try... here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we can't pick our fav! Bottoms up!
Posted: 18 June 2022
Author of new book Wedding Toasts 101 The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech, Pete Honsberger, walks the reader through the building blocks of making a great speech, anecdotes and advice from past weddings, and an easy-to-follow checklist to make sure you hit all your points. An essential read for the wedding couple and the bridal party, this humorous guide will take the fear out of public speaking - what's more you might even enjoy it!
Posted: 17 June 2022
Yes you can! New launch from Vin du Can
Newly launched Vin du Can, is a convenient single serve wine in a can perfect for al fresco drinking this summer at wedding celebrations. Whether it's on the day itself, or a pre- or post-wedding get-togethers, the range includes three varietals, Pale Rosé, French Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec. All three are vegan friendly and packaged in aluminium cans which are fast to chill and 100% recyclable. The Vin du Can logo sits prominently at the front of the can and is surrounded by etched wine glasses and a number of these represent fun line drawings of people and animals.
Posted: 15 June 2022
UK wedding guests to spend £15.6 billion in 2022
Spending by wedding guests has risen again this year as they enjoy a return to restriction-free ceremonies across the UK in 2022. New research from American Express reveals that British wedding goers will spend £883 on average to attend each wedding this year equating to £15.6 billion across the population, with guests spending more on accommodation, travel, outfits and hair, beauty & grooming compared to 2021. Of those who have or are planning to spend more on weddings this year, a third (33%) say this is because they want to celebrate with friends and family who they haven't seen as much due to the pandemic, while 27% say they are happier to spend more now that restrictions have been removed.
Posted: 13 June 2022
Top ways to save money and have that dream wedding
With wedding season now in full swing, brides and grooms to be will all agree that with so much to plan for, from clothes and shoes to flowers and photography, costs can soon escalate. But saying 'I do' doesn't mean you have to break the bank, Anita Naik, Consumer Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk shares this brilliant money saving tip to help make your dream big day a little more cost effective... and it's all in the timing!
Posted: 11 June 2022
Durham's Seaham Hall Hotel wins award
The North East's top tourism businesses were celebrating last night after picking up Bronze, Silver and Gold awards at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Seaham Hall Hotel, County Durham, was named England's Small Hotel of the Year when they won Gold at the awards.This success was followed with two Silver awards for Hotel Indigo Durham in the Large Hotel of the Year category and Triple A Food Tours, Newcastle, for the New Tourism Business Award. Seaham Hall Hotel beat off stiff competition from No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath and The Idle Rocks, Cornwall, who both received silver.
Posted: 9 June 2022
7 things to consider when planning a same-sex wedding
June is Pride month! Unbelievably, same-sex weddings are fairly new in the UK, having only become legal in 2014, so for LGBTQ+ couples planning their big day, it's about doing what feels right for you as a couple. Lisa Forde, wedding expert and founder of stationery favourites Tree of Hearts, said: "A wedding is all about celebrating your special love for one another so if anything that is deemed a 'wedding tradition' that doesn't make sense to you or feels outdated then you can simply ignore it.
Posted: 9 June 2022
Loving all things wedding? Check out this new novel
If while planning your wedding day you have fallen in love with the wonderful world of weddings, then this new release from Katy Birchall, The Wedding Season will certainly keep you in the wedding bubble. The perfect accompaniment when taking a break from the wed min, this will have you laughing out loud! Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organised, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember....
Posted: 6 June 2022
Top hen and stag do destinations revealed for 2022
Following research, findings by the UK's leading savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk reveal that, when it comes to stag, hen and sten parties, there are several cities that go hand in hand with these pre-wedding celebrations. Many of those painting the town white this year are set to make their mark in London (21%), with Manchester (11%) and Liverpool (9%) following closely behind. Those travelling further afield, are set to hit the streets of Dublin (5%) and Ibiza (4%). Despite such glam locations making it to the list of most popular destinations, a third of disgruntled guests say costs have now gotten out of hand. Almost one in three (32%) say the cost of a UK party is almost the same as going abroad, while 24% feel an expectation from the happy couple to go overseas.
Posted: 4 June 2022
How much to spend on wedding day gifting?
The average cost of being a wedding guest is £541.90 which includes a new outfit, somewhere to stay, drinks and, of course, a gift. To help cut down some of this cost, the personal finance experts at Ocean Finance have run the numbers to reveal how much is appropriate to spend on a wedding present, depending on where you sit in the wedding party and whether you have an invite to the whole day or just the evening!
Posted: 3 June 2022
Gift etiquette: top tips from Denby
As many couples can finally get married after two years of disruptions, wedding planning is once again underway. If you and your partner are unsure about how to make a registry or ask for contributions to the honeymoon fund, Carole Robinson — Head of Retail at Denby — has shared some top tips and gift etiquette to help your day run smoothly. When it comes to wedding planning, some tasks can be more enjoyable than others: while you may not get too excited about picking out the colour of your napkins, making a gift registry with your partner is more fun! However, as with most big celebrations, there's always an element of etiquette and expectation that surrounds wedding gifts. Read on for our top tips on making the ideal wedding list for you and your partner.
Posted: 1 June 2022
LooseFest 2022 - this summer's hottest music event in Newcastle upon Tyne
In need of some epic plans for your hen/stag or sten do? Promising huge festival production and an even bigger atmosphere, LooseFest will be one of the largest music festivals ever to take place in the North of England and will be located on the city of Newcastle's famous Town Moor. Festival goers can expect a stream of talented artists including Mabel, who is set to take to the stage on Sunday 31st July, Joel Corry who will join the Saturday 30th July headliner Black Eyed Peas, Patrick Topping, Paul Woolford, Disciples, Flip n Fill, Clean Bandit and Tinchy Stryder, at what is expected to be a major event on the UK music calendar this summer.
Posted: 31 May 2022
New stationery for big-day planning
Whether you're planning your own nuptials or are celebrating a newly engaged couple, London-based stationery and lifestyle brand Martha Brooks has lots of new ideas to help. The beautiful, personalised pieces will inspire and delight its recipients. Founded by Martha Keith, the successful business has grown from humble beginnings in 2013 to the inspirational, feel-good lifestyle brand that it is today. Here at County Wedding Magazine HQ we're stationery lovers (stationery addicts more like) so we can't help swooning over the latest offerings from this stylish brand.
Posted: 30 May 2022
The biggest trends set to dominate weddings in 2022
A new study by financial comparison company money.co.uk has revealed the biggest trends set to dominate weddings in 2022 and beyond. Three trends are all tied in first place for the biggest trend of the year, with searches for pets at weddings, multi-coloured weddings and in-season wedding flowers all seeing a 200% year-on-year increase. With so many people adding a four-legged companion to their family over the past couple of years, it's no surprise that so many brides and grooms would want them to play a special part such as a ring bearer or just being a VIP guest. However, it's not just our beloved pets making an appearance, with some couples looking to hire slightly more interesting animals for their guests to marvel at, such as llamas. These friendly and gentle animals will certainly add a touch of uniqueness to the big day.
Posted: 28 May 2022
New wedding range from Timothy Taylor's
With 2022 set to be a big year for weddings, with many delayed due to the pandemic, personalised details have been named as a big trend by Etsy, who reported a 107% increase in searches for custom wedding favours[1]. This is clear from what people are searching for on social as well, with the hashtag #weddingfavours featuring in over 450,000 Instagram posts. People are looking for ways to make their big day extra special, whether that's finding gifts for those who've helped with the planning, exploring unique ways to decorate tables, or looking for presents for brides and grooms. Timothy Taylor's personalised range can be appreciated by all lovers of great-tasting, Yorkshire ale.
Posted: 27 May 2022
Langley Castle experiencing a boom in ‘elopement-moons'
Logged on to Your North East Wedding with thoughts of the two of you eloping?
Consider Northumberland's Langley Castle, currently experiencing a boom in 'elopement-moons' – that's an elopement wedding and honeymoon rolled into one. Located in Langley-on-Tyne, near Hexham, the venue has seen a surge in enquiries for its'Weddings for Two' package, a speciality at the Medieval castle since creating its How to Enjoy the Perfect UK Elopement guide. This means you can marry at Langley and then stay on for your honeymoon, having no guests to escape from or stress of getting to the airport on time. The 14th century fairy-tale castle has many romantic nooks and crannies to explore, including raised window seats in the drawing room and castle bedrooms perfect for 'we' time. The 2AA Josephine's dining room has tables nestled in alcoves, ideal for an intimate candlelit dinner, while you can also enjoy the 10-acre grounds, choosing to say 'I do' in the woodland weddings area, adorned with fairylights and decorated with floral bouquets.
Posted: 26 May 2022
A personal touch: 5 tips for customising your wedding drinks
Amidst all the planning and organisation in the months beforehand, it's easy to forget that your wedding day should just be about eating, drinking, and dancing with the people you love most in the world. If you want to bring a unique touch to your celebrations among all the trends and traditional menus, Ben Turnbull — Director and Head Wine Buyer at House of Malt — shares his top tips on personalising the drinks offering on your special day.
Posted: 25 May 2022
Award-winning Middlesbrough venue - and special offer to boot!
Still searching for the perfect wedding venue? Step forward Middlesbrough's Acklam Hall, voted the number one romantic space to get married in the English Wedding Awards.
The only Grade I listed building in the area, the Hall was built in 1683 and underwent a multi-million-pound makeover in 2016. Its most recently updated space, the Queen's Room, was completed in February, and has now been transformed into an elegant bridal suite, with both four-poster bed and freestanding bath.
Acklam Hall also houses the award-winning Tomahawk Steakhouse as its resident restaurant, with menu options including the Tomahawk Feast for steak lovers, or more traditional wedding cuisine.
Posted: 24 May 2022
Check out Seaham Hall’s exclusive new bungalow suites
Couples looking for a relaxing getaway – or wedding night to remember – should take advantage of Seaham Hall's exclusive new bungalow suites, which come complete with coastal views, hot tub, firepit and your very own golf buggy.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and large terrace areas, five-star Seaham's new suites boast an enviable cliff-top position, with stunning views towards Durham's heritage coastline. Each suite has a beautifully landscaped patio, featuring a sunken hot tub, BBQ kitchen and large outdoor lounge space with pergola and stone firepit. Set within the Georgian manor house's 37 acres of grounds, each suite has a stylish lounge area and kitchen, two premium designed bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Posted: 24 May 2022
The ultimate guide to wedding favours
Looking for ideas on what to include in your wedding favour bags? This guide is a helpful resource for couples who want to make their guests feel really special. Find out the best wedding favour ideas to make your own unique table favours and browse our curated list of some popular items that can be included in the favour bags so you can make an inspired choice. The experts at Arches Beach Weddings have also included some helpful tips on how to go about choosing the wedding favours that will best suit your theme and guest needs.
Posted: 23 May 2022
