Your North East Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Brancepeth Castle is a Medieval castle constructed in the mid-12th century

Brancepeth Castle is a Medieval castle near Durham that was first constructed in the mid-12th century. Over time, the property has changed hands and uses until it became a family home open to visitors on certain days each year and for public events.

If you're looking for a picturesque setting with the opportunity to personalise your day, the castle is ideal. From the moment your guests arrive until the last dance is over, it's up to you to decide the look, the timetable, the menus, the entertainment and all the little details that make your wedding uniquely yours. On the ground floor, there are four principal reception rooms, each with a different character and style. Features include waxed oak floors, high vaulted ceilings and working fireplaces. Linking anterooms and numerous access points to the courtyard let you combine almost any of the spaces to suit the size of your event, whether it's an intimate wedding with 80 guests or a larger guest list of up to 170. For a truly historic atmosphere, there are also two intimate reception rooms in the original Medieval fortress.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Local jeweller, Berry’s Jewellers shares how much couples spend on their wedding jewellery

According to local jeweller Berry's Jewellers, a recent report shows that 20 per cent of Brits spend more than £3,000 on an engagement ring, and for the perfect proposal, millennials believe in spending £4,102, with 74 per cent saying they'd be put off if their partner proposed to them in public.

Proposals aren't the only thing couples are spending more on. Research shows that spending per couple on wedding bands is also on the rise, with the average cost now standing at £1,000.

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

The Bosk is a charming burnt-larch-cladded building set in the grounds of Breamish Valley Cottages

The Bosk is a charming burnt-larch-cladded building set in the grounds of Breamish Valley Cottages. A modern take on country living with handmade tables, wooden sliding doors and gable glass ends to show off the surrounding Cheviot Hills, it includes a bar made from wine boxes, a full-height ceremony room, a private garden and a stone-built pizza oven.

Ceremonies of up to 60 loved ones can take place in any of the outdoor areas within Breamish Valley Cottages or inside the main area of The Bosk itself. Receptions are then held in The Bosk, seating 60 friends and family on long tables.

Georgia and Alex had a glamorous wedding at Woodhill Hall

Georgia and Alex met at school. "I'd always known of him, the loud, confident lad two years above me," says Georgia. "I, on the other hand, was quiet and had a small group of friends, so I wasn't on his radar until September 2011 (or so I thought). We had a mutual friend who was celebrating their 18th birthday party and we were both invited. We started to speak for the first time that night and we shared a kiss! He made lots of effort after that to meet up and continue to see me, but I wasn't so keen to begin with. We started to speak properly again in February, and in March 2012, we became 'official' and have been together ever since. What I later found out was that Alex had noticed me a month or so before the party, and he'd been trying to look for me on Facebook or trying to describe me to his friends! So that night he saw me at the party; he was over the moon; he had finally 'found' me after having no luck. We have grown up together and are best friends."

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

Fraser Hart has launched its new lab-grown diamond collection in Gateshead

Fraser Hart has launched its new lab-grown diamond collection in its Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, store. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, cutting-edge technology has been used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, the diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow factor as traditionally mined gems but with a more accessible price tag.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

Blackwell Grange Hotel is a 17th-century mansion on the outskirts of Darlington

Blackwell Grange Hotel is a 17th-century mansion surrounded by picturesque countryside on the outskirts of Darlington. The property has benefited from an extensive refurbishment of its public areas, giving the venue a contemporary and sophisticated feel. From the moment your guests arrive at the sweeping driveway, they will fall in love with the hotel and its beautiful lawned gardens.

The Gazebo is ideal for fairytale weddings and is set on the lawned gardens, while the Bruhenny Suite is a light and airy room with space for 120 guests.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Must-visit wedding shows this April

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 time to meet some of the region's best companies and discuss your big day.

Taking place at the Hall Garth Hotel on Saturday 13th April is Yorkshire's Sustainable Wedding Fair. Doors open from 1pm to 4pm and entry is free of charge.

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Linden Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house

Linden Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club offers you the charm of a Grade II-listed Georgian manor house surrounded by picture-perfect grounds, a thrilling 18-hole golf course and 450 acres to use and explore for all your wedding snaps. The picturesque, tree-lined drive leading to the pillared main entrance gives you an immediate sense of Linden's history as soon as you arrive. Added to that is the fact that the Hall can cater for weddings of all sizes, budgets and timelines, with its elegant rooms complementing your décor whether you plan a rustic barn vibe or a traditional and luxurious feel.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".