All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North East, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Dream wedding vibes - but make it legal!
The wedding industry has undergone a seismic shift in the last few years. As a result of changing family structures, as well as the impact of the Covid pandemic, what we know as 'traditional' weddings are becoming less common.
What we are seeing instead is a move towards alternative weddings which couples feel better fit with their personal tastes. Restrictions have meant that smaller weddings have been chosen, sometimes in favour of waiting out the lockdowns. Thankfully, as things start to return to normal, larger weddings are back on the market.
However, at Stowe Family Law, we are seeing a considerable change in the approaches couples are taking to their nuptials. Our experts have recently conducted a survey on the changing views around marriage and the popularity, among younger couples in particular, of non-traditional weddings. The survey polled 500 people across the UK to understand more fully how the concept of marriage is shifting to better reflect modern familial demands.
Posted: 7 February 2022
Prioritising your health before the big day is more important than ever, and if you've just been inspired by dry January, and are now rethinking your hen and stag do plans, then there's ample benefits to a healthier lifestyle especially with your wedding fast-approaching!
From yoga to clubbercise, there's a huge range of healthy hen and stag do activities which cater to all age ranges and capabilities; so here are hen and stag do experts Fizzbox.com and their suggestions
Posted: 3 February 2022
The hen and stag trends of 2022
Personalisation brand Printster has obtained exclusive Google trend data to determine the hen and stag do trends of 2022. Unsurprisingly, as with many wedding planning aspects, the events of the past 18 months has led to couples reevaluating what is important to them. The data reveals, new phenomenon's such as the "sten do", and with what feels like never ending lockdowns the 'at home hen/stag do' as seen increased searches, while the search term 'hen do after wedding', being the most googled question of them all with couples looking to change the proceedings of events pre- and post-vows...
Posted: 31 January 2022
The top destination for both budget and luxury spa breaks across the UK
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we certainly love a spa day! Perfect for some true R&R on your own, with friends or loved ones, and spa break is a must during the wedding planning; perfect for a day with your best pals pre-wedding, or a post-wedding indulgent getaway as a newly married couple.
Mira Showers have looked at TripAdvisor to create the ultimate guide of spas across the UK so that you can find the perfect spa break in your area. Whether you want to keep the cost low or are after a touch of luxury, there is something to suit every budget.
Posted: 27 January 2022
Some can seem old hat. Others stand the test of time. But wedding traditions are the cornerstones of a wedding day. They are what set a wedding apart from any other party. One of the things that makes a wedding day extra special. So, whilst updating wedding traditions might seem like a great idea in 2022, your decision needs careful thought and planning.
Many modern couples want to put a new spin on wedding traditions. Giving old customs new interpretations and putting their own stamp on the format of the day. Here we caught up with Liz Taylor, a luxury wedding planner of over thirty years' experience, who has seen first-hand how wedding traditions have transformed over the years. She shares her ideas on how to nod to the old, while bringing in the new. Here is Liz's guide to updating wedding traditions.
Posted: 24 January 2022
Can you really plan a wedding in a few short weeks?
Celebrating a festive proposal? Already caught the wedding planning bug? Don't want to wait two years? Having assisted couples previously with their short lead time weddings, experienced and down to earth UK wedding planner Mary Briscoe gives some food for thought if you are considering tying the knot as soon as possible.
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it even planning a wedding within a few short weeks.
Posted: 19 January 2022
The flower language of roses: the hidden meaning behind each shade
Roses are still one of the most prominent wedding flowers chosen couples to feature in their big-day styling. But how do you know which colour rose to get? Luckily for you, each colour has a specific meaning, and depending on the occasion, one will be better suited than the other.
During the Victorian era, flower language, also known as floriography, gained prominence. Flowers, especially roses, were used to convey a secret message without having to speak. This tradition has carried through today, and roses are much appreciated as a stand-alone gift, as well as a sentimental complement to a main present.
The gemstone jeweller Angelic Diamonds has ranked the most popular colour roses in the UK based on Google search volumes and reveals the hidden messages behind each to help you find the perfect one.
Posted: 17 January 2022
7 unique wedding traditions from around the world
Weddings come in all different shapes and sizes, and there are so many unique traditions that make them special in different countries. There are many customs you are likely already familiar with, such as proposing with a diamond engagement ring and throwing your bouquet on the big day. However, there are so many other interesting traditions from around the globe that you're sure to love.
New research from engagement ring retailer, Angelic Diamonds, takes us on a trip around the world to find out more about wedding traditions and costs in every corner of the globe. Today, we're taking a closer look at some of our very favourite traditions. Despite their differences, there is one thing that all these traditions have in common. They are all in place to bring luck, happiness, and love to a union between the happy couple.
Posted: 14 January 2022
How to incorporate a slideshow into your best man’s speech
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've heard it many times before "they could relax once the speeches were given".
This anxiety of the wedding speeches affects not only the groom but also the groomsmen. Whether you enjoy public speaking or not, there's a lot of pressure on the best man to remember to thank the bride, do justice to the groom without revealing his worst stories, and crucially be funny - but not so funny you ruin the big day!
No matter how confident the bestman is, or how often they may do presentations at work, this is still a daunting task. If you've a wedding on the horizon and need some tips, James Robinson, Marketing Manager at presentation design agency Buffalo 7 offers his top tips on incorporating a slideshow in to the speech to help with proceedings...
Posted: 11 January 2022
The most popular and beautiful hotspots to propose in the UK
New research by London cornerstone jewellery brand, ABELINI, has revealed that even a global pandemic can't stop romantics tying the knot, as it is revealed that 79% of Brits would be happy to get engaged in the UK.
If you're reading this after having a festive proposal at the end of 2021 - did your very own engagement location make one of the top listed?
Whether your loved one is an ocean-obsessed water sign or a glamorous city slicker who would love to be proposed to with views over the capital, here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're loving these winners.
Posted: 7 January 2022
How to plan a sustainable wedding
The ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode have put together a guide on how to plan a sustainable wedding without compromising on that luxury feeling on your big day. With the world becoming more environmentally conscious, a spokesperson for Ingle & Rhode said: "We're very passionate about ethical sourcing and we know through our customers that there are so many people out there who are interested in the idea of having a more sustainable wedding.
"Weddings often include a lot of single use items wrapped in plastic which of course isn't great for our environment."
Posted: 3 January 2022
Ring in the New Year - bottoms up!
If you had a festival proposal last weekend - lucky you - and it means this New Year there will be double celebrations now you're embarking on your wedding planning journey and entering 2022 as an engaged couple!
These delightful Gin cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate and bring in the New Year, restrictions maybe looming once again, but gin can travel!
Pinkster is locally grown and distilled in Cambridgeshire, Mermaid is crafted in the sea air of the Isle of Wight, Aviation American Gin is produced under Ryan Reynolds' watchful eye in Portland, Oregon and Jaisalmer Gin, inspired by the imperial age of Maharajas and Maharanis has flown all the way from Jaisalmer, India!
Posted: 28 December 2021
How to style your outfit for weddings this winter
Renowned high street footwear brand Clarks, analysed search volume data to reveal what wedding outfit colours the nation are searching for the most this winter. Blue wedding outfits came out on top, followed by black, pink, red and green! What's more, Clarks spoke to Lindsay from Lindsay Punch Styling to give her top tips on what shoes to pair with our upcoming wedding outfits, from styles to different colours. Read on for advice on winter wedding styling...
Posted: 24 December 2021
Whether it's a winter wedding, getting hitched in spring or a summertime country affair – Evercreatures' 'Weddies' offer the bride and her girl squad eye-catching footwear. These stylish cream coloured IDO wellington boots complete with bow come in short and tall options and could just be the perfect 'surprise' gift for the bride-to-be.
They are unique, funky and a fun fashion item for brides who dare to be different. Weddies, which are exclusively designed by Evercreatures, keep you looking and feeling bright and cheerful whatever the conditions!
The boots are made from natural, sustainable rubber and are coupled with Evercreatures' unique moulded design and padded inner to be super soft and comfortable enough to wear even when the elements aren't.
Posted: 21 December 2021
Dalton Old Pump House welcomes a new member to its team
Located only a stone's throw away from both the coast and countryside, Dalton Old Pump House is a glamorous wedding venue situated in tranquil settings. Built between 1873 to 1879, the house is an imposing Grade II listed building designed by the renowned engineer Thomas Hawksley and showcases grand architecture, ornate machinery and landscaped grounds.
The team is so excited to announce their newest member, executive chef Nick Kimber, who has a wealth of experience with a career spanning almost two decades. He has been awarded 2 AA rosettes and has even worked at a michelin star level restaurant.
Posted: 21 December 2021
Yeti & The Fox is a simple yet effective pharmaceutical-free solution to the dreaded hangover. With many couples choosing to opt for hangover survival kit-style wedding favours (we love this idea) Yeti & The Fox is a must-have addition. Here comes the science bit! S-acetyl gluthione is the body's main natural antioxidant and immune system booster helping the body stay healthy. When combined with N-acetyl cysteine and vitamin B6, it becomes highly effective and fighting toxins ingested via food and drink. Glutathione is in fact needed by our bodies to break down toxic substance acetaldehyde the offending substance produced as alcohol is broken down by the liver. It's also to blame for liver damage and many of the most hideous symptoms experienced during a hangover. So, with the acetaldehyde-busting ingredient glutathione being at the core of Yeti & Fox it's clear to see why it works!
Posted: 16 December 2021
Perfectly plan your wedding with Pantone's Very Peri
Very Peri, Pantone Colour of the Year 2022, is a gorgeous shade that can inspire your wedding theme and colour scheme.
The Pantone Institute says of this new hue: Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.
We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing.
Posted: 16 December 2021
Exchange vows in Grey Street Hotel
Situated in the heart of the city centre on Grey Street, renowned as being the most iconic street in Newcastle upon Tyne, Grey Street Hotel offers an atmospheric experience for all types of weddings. The Grade II listed building features many stylish and elegant spaces. The stunning Monument Suite offers the perfect backdrop for ceremonies and receptions with 25 to 80 guests and wedding breakfasts for up to 60 – it even features a private bar. After dancing the night away, couples can retreat to any of the 49 contemporary bedrooms, including fi ve stunning suites.
Posted: 30 November 2021
Discover the perfect location for a UK honeymoon
A honeymoon is arguably the most important holiday for couples to share, whether it's an around-the-world trip or a short break away, it's all about making memories that last a lifetime. If newlyweds are celebrating this special occasion closer to home, there can be no better location than The Impeccable Pig. Situated in Stockton-on-Tees, the wow-factor venue has a bistro-style restaurant and 10 rooms full of character and charm. The team's so excited that their hard work has paid off as the property has just won the AA Inn of the Year award. The 25th annual AA B&B Awards has highlighted the best locations in England, Scotland and Wales for food, beautiful gardens and luxurious furnishings along with a friendly service.
Posted: 25 November 2021
Discover this hidden gem in the heart of Teesdale
Located in the heart of Teesdale, The Bowes Museum is a hidden gem with a selection of beautiful, elegant and opulent rooms. The French chateau-style building was built from local stone and opened to the public in 1892. Fast forward to now, the property hosts all sorts of weddings from traditional to quirky, formal and informal days. The museum's wedding coordinators help couples throughout the planning experience from their fi rst inquiry, right through to waving them off at the end of the night. To ensure pairs receive total attention, the team only holds one wedding per day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Posted: 23 November 2021
Discover the perfect elopement wedding guide
Nestled in Northumberland, Langley Castle Hotel is the ultimate English wedding venue with magnificent views, authentic features and endless photographic opportunities. The 14th-century property has created a step-to-step booklet to help couples create the perfect elopement wedding. This helpful guide will contain all the information that lovebirds need, including the pros and cons of eloping, plenty of advice, suggestions and what to do with unhappy feedback or objections from loved ones. The guide even contains romantic places in Northumberland to enjoy after the "I dos" at the castle for the honeymoon.
Posted: 18 November 2021
This traditional wedding venue is perfect for any special day
Situated in the heart of the beautiful city, the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County is a romantic setting steeped in history, character and charm. The hotel's exterior blends beautifully with its traditional surroundings and creates the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Make a grand entrance on the special day with the Edwardian staircase and exchange vows in one of the newly refurbished wedding spaces. The Bowes Suite has incredible views overlooking the city and can host 70 loved ones for ceremonies or 40 for wedding breakfasts. Continue the celebrations in The Cromwell Suite, a romantic setting that boasts floor-to-ceiling windows.
Posted: 16 November 2021
Halton Grove: Discover this new wedding venue in the North East
Located in a beautiful woodland location in Northumberland, Halton Grove is a new wedding venue that has just opened for tours and bookings. The property's perfect for guests travelling in as it's only 20 minutes from Newcastle International Airport. The spaces are currently being refurbished and designer Kerry Lockwood will be decorating the venue's interior. Once everything is complete, exclusive use of the spaces can take place. Guests will get to view the whole property, including accommodation in the Victorian farmhouse plus the Bridesmaid's Cottage – both locations are perfect for resting after dancing the night away!
Posted: 11 November 2021
Check out Duns Castle, a historic wedding venue in Durham
Located in 1800-acres, Duns Castle is an exclusive-use wedding venue in Durham that dates back to 1320. The castle sits within a nature reserve with a beautiful lake, different wildlife species, extensive lawns, forest trails and areas for bespoke activities. The celebrated architect James Gillespie Graham remodelled the castle's exterior in 1820; he added a gothic-revival style with castellated turrets, a series of gargoyles and a crown arch. The grand entrance makes the perfect backdrop to wedding photography, with two eagles standing guard on either side of the door and a stone staircase leading guests to the main rooms.
Posted: 9 November 2021
What's that? Even MORE wedspiration from CWM!
Here at CMW HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. Find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings - after all, if we're honest, who doesn't love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.
Posted: 5 November 2021
