Your North East Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Demand for dry weddings increases

Whether it's teetotallers, the 'sober curious' or simply those wishing to cut back on the amount of alcohol they consume, dry weddings are an emerging growth market according to one leading events planner who has seen a 28% increase in requests for completely alcohol-free weddings, and a notable focus on alcohol free drinks in weddings that aren't forgoing it altogether. Liz Taylor, CEO of leading wedding and events management company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), has been at the forefront of the wedding industry for over thirty-five years and has never seen such demand for no or low alcohol weddings, with requests rising nearly a third in the last two years.

Top trending wedding readings #WeddingTok #PoetryTok

With wedding season upon us, and many people looking for reading inspiration, the experts at Poem Analysis have found the top trending (and least cheesy) wedding readings on TikTok! There are 140.4 million views for the search 'best wedding readings' so you're not the only one if you're struggling with the right words to say on your big day! What's more, there's been 2.6 billion views and counting on #PoetryTok and #WeddingTok has 7.4 billion views and rising with advice for every element of your big day, and 140.4 million of those views are for the search 'best wedding readings'.

Win £2000 towards flowers and venue styling

Northumberland's Made Simply Perfect has launched a social media competition for one lucky couple to win up to £2,000 towards their flowers and venue styling for their wedding. A family-run mother-daughter team, Made Simply Perfect is an award-winning business offering wedding and event floristry, venue styling and stationery. "We have recently won both regional and national in the Wedding Florist category and also the Wedding Venue Stylist category at The Wedding Business Awards," shares Glynis. "The aim of our service is to create a style and design that fits perfectly with each couple, working with them closely during the planning of their wedding to ensure we capture their style and personality throughout the wedding day.

8 actionable tips for a more sustainable wedding

Weddings cause a surprising amount of waste and CO2 emissions. And, as more and more people consider the effect, many couples are starting to plan greener weddings. Lucille, jewellery expert at ethical jewellery brand Sacet shares eight actionable tips for a more sustainable wedding...Use conflict-free rings and jewellery - consider the ethics of your wedding rings and any other jewellery you may wear on the day. Diamond mining has a devastating impact on the environment and communities. So, choosing conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds, particularly diamonds created using Chemical Vapour Deposition or CVD - a method which requires lower temperatures than the first successful High Pressure, High-Temperature process, which requires a great deal of energy, and recycled metals is the way forward, particularly when it comes to the star of the show, your engagement ring.

Love and gin - matchmade in wedding heaven!

Tied the Knot Wedding Gin by Manchester Gin was crafted by founders Seb and Jen to celebrate their own wedding in 2022. Relaunching in time for wedding season as part of the distillery's core range, Tied the Knot contains 11 botanicals in perfect harmony. Juniper-forward, like most of the Manchester Gin range, this very special edition also celebrates the delicate summer flavours of elderflower and hibiscus, which work beautifully with bright lemon and grapefruit.

It's World Gin Day (10th June) celebrate with seven gin cocktails

World Gin Day on the 10th June is a celebration of all things gin. Here's a selection of amazing gin cocktails originating from different countries for you today and for your hen/stag/sten do and wedding day - well why not on the honeymoon too! There's lots you'll be celebrating! Happy World Gin Day! Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin Negroni create at home: 30ml Aviation American Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. Stir all ingredients in a glass, add ice and a fresh twist of orange peel

Macmillan Cancer Support launches letter-box gifting service

GoodPost, is the new online gifting service from Macmillan Cancer Support that allows customers to shop personalised greeting cards, letter box gifts, hampers and more which can be sent straight to a loved one's door at the click of a button. It's really convenient and with every purchase, all proceeds go straight to the charity. As part of the new service, buyers can pick from a new range of exclusive gifts and cards.

Five minutes with award-winning Dash Photography

Award-winning Dash Photography, is based in County Durham but covers Northumberland, Teesside, North Yorkshire and now by popular demand Cumbria and the Northwest! Passionate about providing couples with creative images that tell the story of your day, we hear from the man behind the camera Dash (aka Brendan, Dash is a much-loved nickname so much so he became Dash Photography!) and delve into what drives his approach to wedding photography...

Wedding Gifting with Le Creuset

As we head towards wedding season, here's a selection of suggested gifts from Le Creuset. From the staple Cast Iron Casseroles to Stoneware Mugs and sophisticated Red Wine Glasses Le Creuset has the perfect gift for every newlywed couple. What's more, with varying price points, the ranges are also budget-friendly for guests. The extensive product options come in a wide range of colours making for a personal and thoughtful present.

Luxury pre-wedding get together - the British Grand Prix

Be closer to the action while enjoying more access, more entertainment and more style than ever before with MATCH Hospitality's FORMULA 1® official hospitality offering. MATCH Hospitality offers an incomparable combination of first-class facilities, unrivalled viewing and seamless service worthy of this breathtaking sport. For the first time, Hilton Garden Inn (the world's first Grand Prix start/finish line hotel – owned by Bricks Group) Silverstone is offering an exclusive hospitality package designed with flexible group sizes in mind, including unforgettable views of the track accompanied by incredible hospitality.

Wed-cations are the wedding trend for 2023

While multi-day wedding celebrations are completely common in many cultures, it's something western couples are only just starting to consider. However, the addition of events extending beyond the ceremony and reception is something that Jess Martin, wedding planning expert at Ginger Ray expects to see more of here in the UK, as the Wed-cation is revealed to be a key trend for the wedding industry.

New book launch helps couples speak from the heart

From the ceremony to the speeches, there are elements of a wedding day that require a few special words, whether that's from the couple themselves of perhaps a loved one. If you struggle with putting in to words exactly how you feel, then using an existing quote, reading or poem could help convey your sentiment; step forward 10 Poems for a Wedding, selected and introduced by Kathryn Bevis.

Win a spa day at Rockliffe Hall, County Durham

Planning your big day is super-stressful – we get that. That's why we've teamed up with five-star County Durham hotel Rockliffe Hall, who are offering an incredible 'Spa Your Way' day for one lucky Your North East Wedding reader! The day includes a tranquillity welcome, plus full use of the spa and wellness facilities – swimming pool, thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub, bucket drench, loungers and experience showers from 9am to 3pm.

Give newlyweds the gift of luxury

Across the world, wedding gifts have become a tradition for family, friends and loved ones to show their appreciation to the happy couple and to wish them all the best. A wedding gift is a celebration of their marriage, and to provide them with gifts they may need – or want - to start their new lives together. Although many people still choose to give tangible tokens, many are looking to gift the happy couple an experience that they can enjoy together. PoB Hotels, a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles, offers the perfect solution – a Gift Voucher.

Celebrate in style with picture-perfect table decor

Engagement parties and rehearsal dinners are a great way to kick start your big day celebrations, with many people now opting to host these at home for a more intimate experience. So, how do you make your table stand out? Iconic Rayware brands, Viners and Mason Cash are synonymous with weddings and recognised nationally for their classic tableware products. Read on to discover the top styling trends from Viners and Mason Cash that aren't to be overlooked this wedding season!

Expert tips for creating a unique wedding menu

The traditional three-course wedding breakfast doesn't have to be boring. In this article Nidhi Verma, head of food & founder of The Cookaway, shares a few ideas for alternative food menus for wedding guests. Getting involved with the putting together of your wedding menu can allow you to focus on what's important to you, whether that's only using local produce and seasonal ingredients, incorporating foods you and your partner really like, making sure there are plenty of fun elements, or serving with the utmost style. But if standing out is your priority, how can you ensure your menu is unique? If you're wondering how you can make your special day a little more individual, below are a few ideas to get you started.

The 20 most iconic marryoke songs for a perfect wedding

Are you a couple looking for songs for your wedding this summer? Searches for 'wedding songs karaoke' up +40% and 'best karaoke songs 2023' increasing by +300%, and thortful has put together a list of the most iconic marryoke songs for 2023. The top 20 karaoke songs for your wedding this year Taking the top spot is the absolute belt-it-out classic that is Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams. Given that it has remained a popular song after pretty much four decades, we'd say the score is well-deserved. Just behind in second place is a song that any '90s kid could sing in their sleep – the girl power megahit Wannabe by the Spice Girls.

Want to say 'no' to being a maid-of-honour? Here’s how!

Being a maid-of-honour or even a bridesmaid can be hugely exciting and a big honour, however, it takes responsibility, a lot of time, money and energy, all dedicated to making someone else happy. So if you really don't want to be a bridesmaid, plucking up the courage to turn down an invite might seem like a nightmare. A new survey from Ginger Ray which seeks to answer some of weddings' trickiest questions reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits think it was acceptable to say no to being a member of the wedding party based on the financial burden and additional responsibilities it poses.

Browns launch champagne bottomless brunch

This month, Browns Restaurants will be adding a Champagne bottomless brunch to their signature weekend menus, as part of this year's festivities to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary. From Friday to Sunday until 2pm, guests can enjoy free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, alongside signature brunch dishes such as Browns Lobster Benedict, a satisfying stack of Pancetta Buttermilk Pancakes, Smoked Salmon, Smashed Avocado, Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough and a variety of classic egg dishes. Alternatively, opt for more substantial dishes, like the Browns Burger and Chargrilled Chicken & Bacon Club.

Jo Stott, an award-winning North East celebrant, shares her top tips

Wedding season is upon us. As couples across the UK plan their ceremonies, many are choosing to celebrate their love in unique and personalised ways, rather than sticking to the traditional according to leading expert and celebrant. Choosing a celebrant to perform your ceremony allows you to create a day that is all about you and your partner, giving you a way to weave in the stories, jokes, memories and moments that make up the fabric of your relationship and invite your family and friends to share in your journey with you.