Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

York: The gem of UK hen-do destinations

Planning the perfect hen-do in the UK can feel almost as big as organising the wedding itself. From setting a budget and choosing an accessible destination to coordinating activities and managing group logistics, there's a lot to consider. While some bridal parties jet off to sun-soaked or cultural destinations, a stylish UK staycation hen party can be just as memorable. Recent research from immersive cocktail bar Alcotraz has ranked the top hen-do cities across the UK, evaluating safety, affordability, nightlife, and activity options. York has made it into the top 10, offering a mix of vibrant nightlife, unique hen activities, and accessible venues for all groups. For a fun, safe, and stylish celebration, York guarantees the ultimate hen party experience.

New Rituals store coming to York

Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals is delighted to announce the relocation and grand opening of its new, larger store at York Designer Outlet on 9th October 2025. Designed to offer an immersive shopping experience, the new Rituals store will showcase the brand's renowned collection of luxurious bath, body, and home products, each created to inspire mindfulness, relaxation, and self-care. Nestled within the beautifully landscaped surroundings of York Designer Outlet, the store invites visitors to discover Rituals' holistic approach to wellbeing through engaging storytelling and sensory experiences. With exclusive opening day offers on 11th October 2025, shoppers can look forward to luxury gifting, special promotions, and wellness-focused surprises. Visit Rituals at Unit 4-5, York Designer Outlet, YO19 4TA to embrace moments of pure indulgence.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Say I do to an intimate wedding celebration

Since the pandemic, one of the most significant shifts in the wedding industry has been the rise of intimate weddings. Initially born out of necessity during lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, these small wedding celebrations have led many couples to rethink what truly matters on their big day. Far from being a temporary fix, the trend for small, meaningful weddings is here to stay. In this guide, we explore the top benefits of intimate weddings, why they're gaining popularity, and how you can plan a beautiful, personal celebration that reflects your love story. From reduced guest lists to elevated experiences, quality over quantity is our mantra when it comes to planning a memorable micro wedding or elopement.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Local supplier spotlight: Frame & Tailor

Frame & Tailor was founded on years of experience, planning and executing some of the most beautiful weddings and events throughout the UK. The team prides itself on its passion and desire to create the most unique spaces that work in harmony with your vision. Frame & Tailor has had the pleasure of successfully managing more than 3,000 events in both tipi and Sperry tents, so you can have great confidence in the supplier's product and services. The team at Frame & Tailor will be with you from the moment of your first enquiry right through to the final goodbyes. Every aspect of your wedding or event is tailored to make sure it perfectly compliments you and your celebration.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Local supplier spotlight: Lister Horsfall Ltd

The team at Lister Horsfall understands that it's both an emotional and exciting time when someone is about to propose, get married or enter in to a civil partnership, so they make sure couples get the best experience to help you make the moment as perfect as possible. The down-to-earth, personal service ensures that special life moments are given all the ceremony and care they deserve, from engagement to wedding and beyond. Whether you opt to mark the moment over a glass of Champagne, or simply explore the stunning ranges, the expert team is on hand to offer advice and help you make the perfect choice.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Local supplier spotlight: Good Food Story

Good Food Story is a 5-star rated wedding caterer based in Addingham, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Known for hand-prepared dishes crafted with the freshest local produce, the team works with Yorkshire's finest farms and suppliers to deliver true farm-to-plate traceability. Every detail, from sauces to desserts, is made weekly in their catering kitchen, ensuring outstanding quality and flavour. With years of award-winning experience, Good Food Story has catered weddings at stunning venues across Yorkshire and the North, creating unforgettable dining experiences for couples and guests. Offering tailored menus, layout sketches, sample timings, and expert advice, the team ensures every detail reflects your vision. Their collaborative approach makes planning stress-free while delivering exceptional wedding catering.

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Local supplier spotlight: Let's Talk Cake

Julie's wedding cakes are true showstoppers, crafted in tall tiers with elegant ganache finishes. Whether smooth and sharp-edged or textured with a rustic touch, each cake is designed to wow. Julie pairs her creations with fresh, pressed, or dried flowers, delicate stencilling, or subtle colour accents to perfectly match your wedding theme. Every cake is a bespoke design, created in close collaboration with couples to ensure it reflects their style and story. From modern and minimal to bold and joyful, Julie's celebration cakes are always unique. With a passion for creativity and detail, Julie says, "No two cakes are ever the same – I love turning ideas into something unforgettable." Perfect for couples seeking a personalised, luxury wedding cake.

Bride surprises mum with a lifetime supply of favourite crisps

When it comes to unforgettable wedding surprises, few can top bride Chloe's heartfelt gift for her mum, Lorraine – a lifetime supply of her favourite Co-op Irresistible Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar crisps. With help from Central Co-op, Chloe turned a long-running family joke into the ultimate tribute, presenting her mum with a crisp-filled wedding day complete with a bouquet, a feature wall, and a framed certificate confirming unlimited bags for life. The touching gesture, revealed during Chloe's bridal speech at Beeston Manor in Lancashire, left Lorraine speechless and in tears of joy. For Central Co-op, it was the perfect example of how food creates memories, brings families together, and turns everyday favourites into extraordinary celebrations.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

The bouquet residence! Bridal bouquet inspiration

Wedding traditions are full of history, and the bridal bouquet is a beautiful example. What began in ancient Greece and Rome as bundles of herbs, garlic, and spices to ward off evil spirits has evolved into stunning wedding flowers symbolising love, fertility, and new beginnings. Through the medieval period, bouquets added fragrance and meaning, while the Victorians transformed them into works of floral art, using the "language of flowers" to express hidden messages. Today, modern brides are reinventing the tradition, choosing bridal bouquet styles that reflect their personality, theme, and love story. From timeless romance to bold, trend-driven designs, your bouquet can be as unique as your celebration. Discover 20 inspiring modern bridal bouquet ideas to help you create a wedding statement you'll never forget.

25 wedding cake ideas to make you drool

Ah, the wedding cake - a timeless tradition we love for all the right reasons! Historically, sharing a wedding cake symbolised the newlyweds' shared future, happiness, and prosperity. Today, it remains a versatile and beautiful part of your celebration, making it money well spent. Your wedding cake isn't just dessert it's a showstopping centrepiece that ties your wedding theme together. You can serve it as your wedding breakfast dessert, use it as delicious dancefloor fuel, or even package slices as favours. So, if you're searching for wedding cake inspiration or creative alternatives, dive in and find ideas to inspire your consultation with your cake maker. Whether you dream of a classic tiered masterpiece or a completely unique twist, there's something here to spark your imagination.

Bradley’s Jewellers York Hosts Surprise Marriage Proposal

Independent and multi-award-winning Bradley's Jewellers York has become the most romantic jewellery destination in the city, thanks to a magical summer marriage proposal outside its historic Low Petergate store. The much-loved family-run jeweller in York, renowned for its award-winning designs, bespoke engagement rings and bridal jewellery, played host to Yorkshireman James King's unforgettable proposal to Texan-born Heather Bittlestone in June 2025. Choosing Bradley's famous Something Blue floral display as the backdrop, James selected Heather's dream 0.80-carat platinum solitaire diamond engagement ring with the help of Kay Bradley and her expert team. With York Minster standing proudly nearby, the heartfelt proposal marked a new chapter for the jeweller, cementing Bradley's reputation as a destination for love stories, special moments, and timeless jewellery in York.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Without a Hitch: Yorkshire local Portia MacIntosh on Her New Audible-Exclusive RomCom

Romcom royalty Portia MacIntosh chats with Your Yorkshire Wedding editor Kelly Andrews about her hilarious new Audible Original, Without a Hitch, releasing on 21st August 2025. A bestselling Yorkshire-based author with nearly 40 novels to her name, Portia dives into the inspiration behind her latest wedding-themed romantic comedy. Set partly in Maui, Without a Hitch follows jilted bride Holly as she navigates heartbreak, fake relationships, and a second chance at love—all while hiding her past from her ex's new fiancée. In this exclusive interview, Portia shares her love of Yorkshire life, writing rituals, real-life wedding experiences, and why weddings make the perfect backdrop for chaos and comedy. Whether you're planning your big day or just love a juicy romance, you won't want to miss it!