Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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.

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.

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.

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!

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

Swap the noise for nature this half term: The best Yorkshire family breaks

Yorkshire has cracked the half term code, with VisitEngland's latest research revealing an impressive 40% of visits coming from families - more than anywhere else in the UK! So why not join them? Leave behind the everyday chaos and rally the troops this October holiday to explore everything Yorkshire's beautiful countryside has to offer. These expert-picked stays from Yorkshire Hideaways promise the perfect balance: adrenaline filled adventure that actually tires the kids out, followed by evenings gathered round the fire together. The result? Not a single "I'm bored" to be heard and parents who can finally enjoy their holiday too, because sometimes the best family time happens the furthest away from the rush, where you can slow it down and live like a local.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

The Yorkshire Spa That's Become Celebrities' Go-To Wellness Retreat

Escape to Yorkshire's Titanic Spa, a luxurious wellness retreat beloved by Britain's top celebrities. From Coronation Street star Denise Welch enjoying sisterly bonding time, to Sair Khan's relaxing babymoon and Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi indulging in the spa's signature Heat & Ice experience, Titanic Spa has become the go-to destination for those seeking tranquility, rejuvenation, and top-tier treatments. Nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, this award-winning spa offers a perfect blend of luxury, eco-conscious design, and expert therapy. Guests can enjoy the Twilight Evening Spa, immersive Heat & Ice Experience, or pampering Nurture Spa Day packages, complete with serene surroundings and delicious dining options. Experience the celebrity-approved wellness escape at Titanic Spa, where cutting-edge treatments meet relaxation in a stunning natural setting.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

Yorkshire born and bred Navy Professional launches in SpaceNK

Navy Professional, the Yorkshire-founded luxury beauty brand renowned for its iconic gold manicure tools, is set to make its first-ever bricks-and-mortar debut with leading British beauty retailer Space NK. Navy's precision-crafted tools and treatments will be available in six flagship Space NK stores, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Canary Wharf, Kingston, Meadowhall Sheffield, Hans Crescent London, and Birmingham Bullring. With a curated edit of 16 professional-grade products, this milestone marks a major expansion for Navy, whose tools are already trusted by celebrity manicurists and shipped to over 150 countries. Rooted in craftsmanship, hygiene-first design, and sustainability, Navy continues to revolutionise nail care—securing its place among global beauty leaders while championing the movement that "nail care is the new skincare."

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Rise Hall Mid-Week Wedding Offer 2025/2026 – Free Afternoon Tea or Cocktail Class for 20 Guests!

Looking to book a romantic and budget-friendly wedding in 2025 or 2026? Take advantage of Rise Hall's exclusive Mid-Week Wedding Offer, perfect for couples planning a unique celebration. Book a two-night mid-week stay and receive a complimentary Afternoon Tea or Cocktail Making Class for 20 guests; an unforgettable experience your guests will love. This offer is valid for new bookings only during low season months: January, February, March, April, October, and November. A minimum of 40 day guests is required on your wedding day for the offer to apply. Additional guests are welcome for a supplementary fee, and upgrade options are available. Celebrate in style with this limited-time wedding deal and make your special day truly exceptional.

County Durham wedding destination Ramside Hall Hotel Unveils Rustic Barn Marquee

Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa in County Durham has enhanced its reputation as one of the North East's top wedding destinations with the launch of a brand-new rustic barn marquee. Ideal for couples dreaming of a countryside celebration, the timber-framed marquee features a canvas roof, festoon lighting, private bar, BBQ area, and pizza van, seating up to 160 guests. This new addition complements Ramside's existing luxury wedding options, including the stunning Treehouse Suites, the elegant Ballroom, and the romantic Fountain Room. With a luxury spa, on-site hair and beauty experts, accommodation, and a new entertainment complex underway, Ramside Hall offers everything needed for a dream wedding—all in one scenic location near Durham and Newcastle. Discover more at ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.

Leeds is named one of the UK's beauty capitals

As #glowup culture dominates TikTok and Instagram, a new study by MattressNextDay reveals the UK's best cities for achieving a natural, confident glow this summer. Analysing factors like green space, sleep quality, spa availability, and pharmacy access, Leeds emerges as one of the UK's top glow-up destinations. With over 41.9% green space, low air pollution, and 5.3 hours of average daily sunlight, Leeds promotes healthier skin and mental well-being. It also boasts one of the highest spa counts and easy access to beauty products via 28.5 pharmacies per 100,000 people. As sleep and self-care trends like "ugly-to-bed, pretty-to-wake" gain traction, experts highlight the importance of night-time skincare routines and quality rest—making Leeds the ideal city for beauty and wellness all year round.

It’s a Family Love Affair for Mosborough Hall Hotel

This summer, Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel in Sheffield marks a heartwarming milestone as wedding and events coordinator Alison Gibson celebrates her 30th wedding anniversary—at the very venue where she tied the knot in 1995. Alison's connection to Mosborough Hall runs deep, from family gatherings and supplying produce through the family business, to saying "I do" and now planning weddings for other couples. Nestled near the Peak District, this 12th-century manor-turned-hotel offers timeless charm and modern facilities. Alison's full-circle journey is a testament to Mosborough Hall's place in generations of love stories. As she helps others plan their big day, Alison's own memories add a personal touch to every celebration, making Mosborough Hall Hotel truly a family love affair.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Bradley’s Jewellers York Adds to Best-Selling York Rose Collection with Diamond Rings and the Exclusive York Rose Tiara

Independent, multi-award-winning jewellery retailer Bradley's Jewellers York has launched exquisite new additions to its York Rose collection, including the breathtaking York Rose Tiara, crafted in recycled 9ct white gold and set with over 1,000 fancy-cut diamonds. Inspired by Yorkshire heritage and designed by owner Kay Bradley, this masterpiece celebrates local pride and British craftsmanship with the prestigious Created in the UK hallmark. The collection also introduces the York Rose Brontë ring and a gentleman's signet ring, all handcrafted in the UK. The tiara marks the first in "The Seasons" series, honouring Yorkshire's landscape across spring, summer, autumn, and winter. As a passionate tribute to Yorkshire's beauty, literature, and legacy, the York Rose Tiara elevates the jeweller's mission to surprise and inspire with every new creation.