Your North East Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The County Hotel is a city-centre venue with a country-manor vibe

The County Hotel is a city-centre venue with a country-manor vibe. Victorian grandeur and style are the focus of this historical building, with a sweeping staircase and a hung balcony framed with arch windows, perfect for taking those all-important photographs.

Tie the knot in the County Suite in front of 110 of your friends and family, with its gold-etched dome ceiling and hanging mirror-panelled walls, all of which reflect the stained glass windows. There's also the Mozart Suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the iconic station and room for 100 guests.

Hen party dos and don'ts according to brides

Planning a hen party can be a stressful task, and with more and more brides opting for weekends over one last night of single life, there's even more pressure to get it right. To help you create the perfect celebration, Amy Greenshields, party planning expert at cardfactory spoke to 10 recent brides and bride-to-bes, unveiling their hen party dos and don'ts. Using this insight, Amy shares her top tips for 'kissing the miss goodbye' in style.

Expert advice on how to plan a wedding in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on how to plan a wedding in 2024. "Figure out your goals! Every wedding starts very differently and couples want different things. Sit together and decide what is the most important part of your wedding day - are you looking for a big party? Therefore drink and music may be key. Alternatively, if the look of everything is the most important thing, then this is where your money will be spent. Ensure you then allocate the budget and start with these suppliers."

Jesmond Dene House has won an award

The boutique hotel Jesmond Dene House has been selected as one of the esteemed winners of the 'Wedding Hotels Award' from The Good Hotel Guide Editor's Choice 2024. This marks the fourth time that the hotel has been recognised by the publication.

Christina Stephenson, the sales, marketing, and events manager at Jesmond Dene House, said: "We're thrilled to announce our selection as a winner of The Good Hotel Guide Editor's Choice 2024 awards for Wedding Hotels. We feel deeply honoured to have received this prestigious, independent award and extend our gratitude to our dedicated team for consistently upholding the high standards at Jesmond Dene House."

Luxury gifts for all occasions with WOLF

The ultimate gift awaits with WOLF, a family-owned British brand, luxury jewellery boxes, travel jewellery cases, bags, watch winders and cases and a plethora of other accessories. Whether it's a pre-wedding treat for yourself, a thank you gift for your bridal party, or something you want added to your big-day giftlist, WOLF's beautifully designed jewellery boxes and cases are exquisite in design and intricate in detail and make the perfect travel accompaniment for your hen do or honeymooon. The Caroline Large Jewellery Box could be a wonderful maid of honour gift for the wedding season or a timeless classic gift for a mother, while the travel jewellery case Caroline Jewellery Portfolio, available in ivory, black or red, is perfect for securing precious items on your honeymoon.

Blackfriars Restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic River Tyne and quayside

Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Blackfriars Restaurant is just a stone's throw away from the iconic River Tyne and quayside. Established in 1239 as a Dominican friary, its Medieval Banquet Hall once played host to various visiting monarchs and has now been brought back to life following years of research and restoration. Boasting authentic and bespoke banners, distinctive antler chandeliers, stained glass windows and large oak dining tables and chairs designed and created by local craftsmen, Blackfriars Restaurant remains one of the jewels in Newcastle's Medieval crown.

Investment deal set to shake up the stag and hen industry

Brighton-based tour operator The Stag Company has announced an exciting investment deal whereby Danish travel company Awesome Adventures Group has secured a significant shareholding in the company. The partnership will facilitate growth for both businesses within the stag and hen market, acting as a springboard for more competitive pricing and product portfolio expansion. The deal positions Awesome Adventures as the go-to ground agent for The Stag Company customers, which means they will be welcomed into resort via an infrastructure of teams in location, thereby elevating the customer experience.

Mother's Day ideas for the mother-of-the-bride

With Mother's Day just around the corner on Sunday 10th March, it's time to celebrate the unsung hero of weddings, the mother of the bride! It's time to shower her with the love and attention she deserves. From spa days to chocolates, meals out to heartfelt notes, there are countless ways to make her day special. Leading hen party company, Fizzbox dives into treating the mother of the bride this Mother's Day. Get ready for heartwarming ideas, laughter and maybe even a happy tear or two!

Get your caffeine fix at our Signature Wedding Shows

Pop along to any County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show and you'll discover a delicious Beanies sachet in your goody bag. "At Beanies we think life is all about flavour. So we've made a flavour coffee to suit every moment. Because sometimes it's a super Sticky Toffee kinda day. And others it's a cheeky Cherry Chocolate kinda day. You name it, we've got the full-on, all-out flavour to go with it. Every one is full to the brim with the biggest, boldest, most delicious-est tastes you can imagine. And they're sugar free and low in calories too, so it's guilt-free indulgence all the way. Whatever the occasion, we've got the flavour to match. From the moment the jar is popped open and releases the aroma, to the very last sip, we make sure that the experience is full-on and ultimately satisfying."

New data reveals the UK hotspots for wedding bliss

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationary 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.

Tickets are on sale now for The Photography & Video Show

Tickets are on sale now for The Photography & Video Show, the largest event of its kind in the UK and Europe which will be returning in 2024 at the NEC. Taking place between 16 – 19 March, The Photography & Video Show is the destination for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators of all levels, from beginner to advanced amateur, and all the way through to established professional.

Gretna Green is offering a new discount

Gretna Green, a family-owned wedding destination located in Dumfries and Galloway, is offering 30 per cent off its luxury wedding packages for two, six, or 10 guests (including the couple).

Tie the knot in the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, situated at the heart of Gretna Green village. It's the world-famous, historic home of the anvil wedding and has been at the centre of runaway love since the Marriage Act of 1754. Alternatively, you can say your vows in the Gretna Hall Historic Marriage House. Gretna Hall was the venue of choice for the rich and famous runaways of that era. This iconic Gretna Green wedding venue was built as a private manor house in 1710 and a coaching inn later that century.

Blake Lively creates a buzz with UK launch of Betty Buzz cans in Majestic

Hollywood actress, Blake Lively today announces the launch of her new 330ml Betty Buzz cans of premium adult soft drinks in the UK, available from Majestic. The Betty Buzz range of Sparkling Lemon Lime, Sparkling Grapefruit, Ginger Beer and Meyer Lemon Sparkling Sodas are all available from 207 Majestic stores and Majestic online in the UK. Betty Buzz is a collection of healthier gourmet sparkling sodas in new stylish tall slim cans. Within just two-and-a-half years, Betty Buzz has grown to become the world's number one premium adult soft drink on Instagram, with the most followers and highest engagement of any brand in this category globally. Made with fresh ingredients, the range is free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours.

Horton Grange is the perfect venue for those who like classical elegance with a modern twist

Horton Grange is a country house with high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, an emerald-green bar and a large woodburning stove. With a mix of contemporary and traditional decoration, it's the perfect venue for those who like classical elegance with a modern twist.

Set in four acres of Northumberland grounds, outside there's space for a ceremony for up to 100 people under the white bandstand, with its woodland area ideal for photographs, summer drinks or garden games.

Newly launched NimNik Glitter Tattoo Kit ideal for kids at weddings!

Boasting an impressive array of features, with 35 vibrant glitter colours, six fluorescent powders, 204 stencils, three adhesives, five brushes, and 215 rhinestones - the possibilities are limitless and will keep children happy for hours. This comprehensive set ensures that every user can unleash their imagination and bring their temporary tattoo visions to life. This glitter tattoo kit is not limited by age or gender; ideal for kids, girls, teens, men, women, and adults, it's perfect for occasions. The versatility of the kit allows users to explore different applications, such as eye shadow, body painting, DIY crafts, Christmas cards, birthday celebrations, or party decorations. The only limit is your creativity.

Expert insight on upcoming wedding trends in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on upcoming wedding trends in 2024. A beautiful white gown has been the norm for centuries, however, as Georgie explains, 2024 is set to change these traditional bridal tropes: "I think, in 2024, we'll see loads of individuality. Brides will be wearing different designs, colours, necklines with more of a focus on styles that not only make them look and feel good, but won't look like everyone else. I also think they will be very romantic, textured, patterned with touches of colour. Gone are the white dress brides."

Bloom & Wild's exclusive insights into this year’s most anticipated flower trends

Brace yourselves for a vibrant floral revolution as 2024 bids adieu to the serene luxury trends of 2023, welcoming back maximalism with open arms. Bold statement pieces and lively colours are reclaiming their spotlight in the realms of fashion, interiors, and floral arrangements, marking a dynamic shift in the aesthetic landscape. Jo Reason, Director of Brand & Range at Bloom & Wild, predicts a surge in hyper-colour bouquets featuring fuchsia and electric lilac flowers paired with lime yellow foliages.

As the wedding season approaches, turn to Viners for a gift ideas

If you've been invited to a wedding and need some inspiration for what to give as a gift, we're sure you will find something within the Viners® range that the happy couple will enjoy for years to come. Opting for a cutlery set is a guaranteed hit. A sentimental and thoughtful gift to give your loved ones, a cutlery set will take care of any special dinner parties or occasions hosted by the newlyweds.

The Exchange 1856 has completed its seven-figure refurbishment programme

The Exchange 1856 has completed its seven-figure refurbishment programme. The Victorian building, which is located on Howard Street in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, is one of North Tyneside's most stunning architectural landmarks.

Every area of The Exchange 1856 has been updated and improved to create a spectacular and glamorous interior. Original architectural features such as fireplaces, ornate architraves and stained-glass windows have been restored to their former glory and complemented with high-quality fixtures and fittings, new flooring and panelling in soft heritage colours, in keeping with the overall character of the building.

Wedding trends and tablescaping predictions for 2024

We've seen a number of popular wedding trends take centre stage over the past few years, from the soaring popularity of micro weddings to cosy and intimate sweetheart tables for the happy couple. As we step into 2024, the world of weddings is evolving even further, with couples embracing new and exciting trends and reimagining the art of tablescaping. So, what exactly are the latest nuptial trends, and how can brides and grooms emulate them in their own ceremonies and wedding tablescapes? The tableware experts from Burleigh Pottery are here to share their wedding and tablescaping trend predictions for 2024 to give you the inspiration you need ahead of the big day.