Your North East Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Horton Grange is a beautiful Grade II-listed country house

Horton Grange is a beautiful country house with high ceilings, sweeping staircase, incredible emerald-green bar and 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 under the white bandstand, with its woodland area perfect for photographs, summer drinks or garden games.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Win a stay for two at The Grand Hotel Tynemouth

Looking for a pre- or post- wedding escape? Your North East Wedding has the perfect prize up for grabs – an overnight stay for two in one of The Grand Hotel's Superior sea view rooms, along with complimentary breakfast and late check-out – worth £275!

Located at the mouth of the River Tyne, the Grand Hotel Tynemouth is set upon a clifftop and boasts magnificent views of Longsands beach and the North Sea. Built in the 19th century, this charismatic building epitomises the grandeur and luxury of the era. Throughout its chequered past, the hotel has always been regarded as the most luxurious in the area, with one of its main attractions being the opulent sweeping staircase, still widely recognised today.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Crathorne Hall Hotel is surrounded by acres of glorious countryside

Crathorne Hall Hotel is set within 15 acres of grounds and is surrounded by rolling Yorkshire countryside, making you feel as though you've been transported into another time. Inside is just as spectacular, with a unique blend of historic features and contemporary luxuries. We say choose to stay the night in one of its 37 bedrooms, each spacious and elegant with the character and charm you'll find throughout the building.

Ceremonies for up to 120 take place within the Edwardian Room, with its original fireplace, intricate detailing and feature chandelier giving it incredible grandeur. The floor-to-ceiling windows also provide views over the grounds to the Leven valley and beyond. You can also say your vows under the arched ceiling of Crathorne's wonderful foyer – available for exclusive-use weddings with a ceremony time of 2pm onwards; it's perfect for up to 70.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

Newly-launched Newcastle wedding business

After wedding transport with the wow factor? Check out newly-launched Newcastle wedding business, Daimler Wedding Car Company. Covering the whole of the North East, arrive at your wedding in this elegant six-door Daimler limousine. A handsome seven-seater limousine, it's smart inside and out, with Lotus cream leather upholstery and a rich walnut finish. A glass partition screen separates passengers from driver for privacy, plus there's air-conditioning for when your pre-wedding nerves cause you to break out into a sweat. What's more, you can even 'try before you buy', seeing the Daimler limousine first-hand with a no-obligation appointment at your home! Simply choose a time that suits you, with the limousine arriving to your chosen location for you to check it out for yourself.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Howard Court has a choice of beautiful wedding spaces

Howard Court is situated in North Yorkshire with stunning views of the Cleveland Hills and Roseberry Topping. Set in 12 acres of pasture and woodland, its amazing lawns and Roseberry Topping's peak form a beautiful backdrop for photos. Howard Court's fairy lights, festoons and firepit add light and warmth regardless of the time of year, greeting guests when they arrive or wander out for a breath of fresh air. Once inside the barns, it's always a great temperature, with their ground-source heating keeping loved ones toasty if marrying in the colder months.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

The Blue Bow Bridal Company's new Luxe Lounge

Want your own personal space to try on dresses with your #bridaltribe? Check out Durham's The Blue Bow Bridal Company, who've just added a Luxe Lounge room to their boutique. This gorgeous new addition is a dedicated area for you to relax while finding your perfect gown. Complete with sofa for chilling, tons of natural light and, of course, your very own mini catwalk with fulllength mirror, it's time to come over all supermodel when searching for the wedding dress of your dreams. Visit www.bluebowbridal.co.uk for info, being sure to request the Luxe Lounge at the time of booking to secure your slot.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

Thief Hall is a rustic barn wedding venue

Thief Hall is a rustic barn wedding venue, surrounded by 100 acres of land, with amazing views of the North Yorkshire countryside. Sleeping up to 60 in its private grounds and holiday cottages, if marrying here you get exclusive use for three days, giving you the opportunity to create a wedding weekend you'll never forget. With beautiful glass chivari chairs available, plus options of different tables (and all linen provided), there are no hidden costs – and everything on offer is included in the price.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.