Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

New venue alert! Hotham Hall

Hotham Hall has opened its doors as Yorkshire's newest weddings and events venue. The 117-acre estate, based in the East Yorkshire village of Hotham, has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur over the last three years in a heritage-focused regeneration. The elegant Georgian Estate was built in 1720 by William Burton and became a symbol of luxury and splendour for many years. Three hundred years later in 2020 it was purchased by Hull businesswoman, Linda Kilburn and her husband, David Kilburn CBE , founders of MKM Building Suppliers, who set about bringing the home and gardens back to life together with marketing and events director, Rachel Waugh.

Howsham Hall is ready to party!

Howsham Hall in Malton, North Yorkshire has recently announced the transformation of its evening event space, and the results are magical! Unusually for such a historical property, Howsham has been kitted out with a modern bar space and separate dancefloor area, both with access onto the riverside terrace. What's more, the venue offers you the opportunity to extend your special day into a full weekend of celebrations. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding or a larger affair, a sumptuous feast of a wedding breakfast or a relaxed summer buffet, Howsham Hall is the ideal location to create your dream wedding. Find out more at www.dine.co.uk/venues/howsham-hall/weddings

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Birdsall House completes state-of-the-art renovation

One of Yorkshire's most remarkable stately homes has completed a state-of-the-art renovation to create an exclusive event and party space unlike anything else in the region. Birdsall House, home to the Willoughby family for more than 300 years, opened to the public for the first time in April 2018 for weddings and events. The Old Kitchens represent a total transformation of the building's large abandoned Victorian kitchen complex of rooms. Found in the basement of the house, they stopped being used after WWII. The project has taken more than two years to complete. Now available to hire for events and parties as a standalone space, it also provides a wonderful area for wedding receptions.

Meet local wedding photographer, Scott Antcliffe

Scott Antcliffe is a professional wedding photographer who has recently left the teaching profession where he was a primary school teacher and senior leader for the last ten years, due to increasing demand for his photography services. For the past two years Scott worked as a specialist specials needs teacher for Derbyshire County Council. Now being able to concentrate on the business fully, Scott has an increased availability to take on more bookings. Outside of weddings, Scott has recently been named Wanderlust Magazine's Travel Photographer of the Year and has since worked with the Singapore Tourism board, Malawi Tourism Board and other travel publications within the UK, including The Times, The Telegraph and others.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

The Yorkshire Nanny Company has been busy this summer

Founder of The Yorkshire Nanny Company, Lyndsey, adopted the business in 2016 after working with children both within nurseries and private homes for more than a decade. We caught up with this local wedding childcare provider to find out what the summer has looked like for her. "It's been a very busy summer so far for wedding and event nannies at many beautiful venues across Yorkshire. These have included Grantley Hall, Swinton Park Hotel, Rudding Park, The Yorkshire Wedding Barn, Yorebridge House, Alexander Weddings and Woodsome Hall, just to name a few. All the brides, grooms and guests have been so grateful to the wonderful nannies who've kept their little guests entertained, safe and happy throughout the days and into the evenings.

Hotel Chocolat due to open new store in Ikley

Chocolate fans are in for a cocoa powered treat as Hotel Chocolat, the luxury cacao grower and chocolatier, confirms a new store in Ilkley as part of its Yorkshire expansion. The team will be able to help you find your chocolate 'Love Match' based on your preferred flavour profiles including smooth pralines, patisserie-inspired flavours or something tipsy that packs a punch. Hotel Chocolat says, "From the mellow notes of white and milk chocolate to nuanced dark, pink ruby chocolate and even vegan options, the choices for your chocolate favours are endless. Whether you're navigating your guests' dietary requirements or preferences, it's good to be able to offer an option for everyone to enjoy. Luckily, this is something you can ensure with chocolate gifts.

New luxury wellness retreat launches in Ilkley: The Old Reservoir Retreat

The Old Reservoir Retreat, a luxurious wellness sanctuary nestled in the scenic Ilkley countryside, is set to welcome its first guests this month. This extraordinary retreat promises to be the ultimate escape for those seeking relaxation, offering a seamless blend of luxury accommodation, ESPA beauty treatments, gourmet dining, and access to cutting-edge therapies like cryotherapy, ozone therapy, and thermotherapy. Guests can curate their perfect wellness journey with the help of a personalised concierge service, ensuring a unique and tailored experience. From sound baths, yoga, and pilates to breath work, fitness, and fine dining, the retreat offers an array of activities to suit every need.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

The Samuel Worth Chapel offers fine architecture set against a wooded hillside

The Samuel Worth Chapel is a beautiful and intimate venue set in the heart of a nature reserve. Designed by Samuel Worth in 1836, the building was completely restored in 2016 winning a Georgian Group Award. Its grand entrance leads you into a simple and elegant interior, flooded with natural light. What's more, the fine architecture set against the wooded hillside provides a stunning backdrop for those all-important photos. Hire of this venue supports the work of Sheffield General Cemetery Trust who look after the site for everyone to enjoy. The Chapel is surrounded by the picture-perfect meandering wilderness of Sheffield General Cemetery, a historical Georgian garden cemetery designed by Robert Marnock.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Tie the knot at Yorkshire Lavender

Across the grounds, different varieties of lavender bloom from mid-June until the end of August, while specialist areas such as the sensory garden, Mediterranean garden and wildflower meadow provide beautiful splashes of colour and stunning photo opportunities throughout your special day. Yorkshire Lavender wedding packages include the use of giant tipis set up overlooking the beautiful panoramic views. All the key inclusions you could need plus exclusive use of the grounds offer you a picture-perfect setting for your celebrations.

The Garrison Hotel is a former military guardhouse

The Garrison Hotel Sheffield is a Grade II listed building, most noteworthy as a former military guardhouse and ammunition base completed in 1854. Located within Hillsborough Barracks, the Garrison is steeped in more than 160 years of history and is bursting with unique features. Forged in the Victorian era, the grounds still hold many of their original walls, turret towers and arch keystones due to their listed status. Lying in wait throughout the grounds are a wealth of wonderful photo opportunities to make the most of, including the beautiful courtyard, roof terrace and historical turret house.

Steel City Chapel, the ultimate Vegas-inspired elopement chapel venue!

Welcome to one of Sheffield's newest venues, which opened in 2023: Steel City Chapel, the ultimate Vegas-inspired elopement chapel venue! Nestled in the heart of Kelham Island, this funky and vibrant space is where dreams become reality and love takes centre stage. Whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony or a lively vow renewal, this oh-so cool space has you covered. So, step into a world of glitz, glamour and electric energy, where the spirit of Sin City meets the undeniable charm of Yorkshire's very own Sheffield. Get ready to say "I do" accompanied by 16 of your nearest and dearest in a place where every moment is a celebration.

Lip service

I never wear lipstick, but I'm worried my look might feel unfinished without on my wedding day... What advice can you offer me for feeling comfortable while wearing lippy? Anna Dickes from MAY – Make-up Artists Yorkshire (www.makeupartistsyorkshire.com) says: Make-up trials are an excellent way to try out new things and determine what works best for you. A skilled make-up artist can select shades that complement your complexion, achieving a natural yet defined look that still feels authentically you. Understanding your skin's undertone is crucial for maintaining a natural look. Here's a quick method to determine your undertone: if your veins appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones.