Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

WOVEN launches the Yorkshire Calico Dress and is calling on community groups across Kirklees to get involved

Following the remarkable success of the Red Dress, West Yorkshire's WOVEN festival has launched the Yorkshire Calico Dress, a new community textile initiative inspired by the Calico Garment Initiative. Building on the collaborative spirit of the Red Dress — which involved hundreds of contributors from 51 countries and attracted over 3,600 visitors — the Yorkshire Calico Dress invites local groups to stitch their stories into a shared garment. Hosted in Kirklees alongside Ravensthorpe Community Centre, organisations including Khooshi Group Heckmondwike and PKWA Women's Group are already on board. The completed dress will be displayed at WOVEN Festival 2027, celebrating diversity, heritage, and creativity. Applications for participating organisations are open until 1 December 2025, with stitching starting in March 2026.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Dorothy Eloise Bridal offers gowns by the most sought-after designers

Dorothy Eloise Bridal in Doncaster is quickly establishing itself as one of South Yorkshire's premier bridal boutiques. Named in honour of owner Samantha Kidd's late nan, Dorothy, and her daughter Eloise, the boutique opened in 2024 and has already expanded to a larger, more luxurious space to showcase an even wider selection of stunning gowns. With nearly a decade of experience in the bridal industry, Sam combines expertise with a genuine passion for helping brides find their dream dress. Located within the Yorkshire Hive at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the boutique offers a private, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. Featuring top designers like Lillian West, Justin Alexander, Evie Young, and Diane Legrand, Dorothy Eloise Bridal delivers style, elegance, and a truly personalised experience for every bride.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

A new take on an old tradition

A quirky new wedding trend is taking Yorkshire and TikTok by storm: brides are burying sausages the night before their wedding to guarantee sunshine on the big day. What began as an old wives' tale has become a playful ritual, with sausages planted in gardens, lawns, and flower beds. Joining in the fun, Yorkshire sausage maker HECK has launched the Bride's Lucky Sausage, crafted from their best-selling pork recipe and designed as a charming wedding-season lucky charm. Brides often share the tradition with their bridesmaids, hoping it brings clear skies and happy memories. As one bride recalls, "I buried one the night before our wedding, and the sun shone all day. It sounds mad, but it worked!"

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

Love in Full Bloom: The Highfield Unveils New Chapter of Luxury Weddings

As autumn colours sweep across the Wolds, The Highfield — Yorkshire's award-winning luxury country house hotel — welcomes a new season of romance and refinement. Blending timeless heritage with contemporary elegance, this historic 1864 estate offers eight acres of gardens, woodland, and boutique accommodation, redefining what modern Yorkshire weddings can be: intimate, personal, and effortlessly luxurious. Co-owner and interior designer Lindsey Lampard now leads The Highfield's expert events team, crafting bespoke celebrations that combine creativity, sustainability, and style. Couples are invited to experience its magic at the Wedding Showcase on 18th January 2026, or at upcoming Open House Evenings. With award-winning dining at The Mill & Vine and exclusive-use stays, The Highfield remains Yorkshire's ultimate romantic destination.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Fling is a fix for fast fashion

Fling, a Leeds-based in-store fashion rental service, is transforming sustainable fashion by making rentals accessible, affordable, and risk-free. Founded by Chloé Mead in September 2024, Fling addresses common challenges of online rentals — uncertain fit, shipping costs, and inflexible rental terms — offering a personal in-store experience instead. Women can book appointments to try, style, and rent pieces that fit perfectly, with rentals available from just one day, ideal for brides, wedding guests, or mothers-of-the-bride and -groom. Fling also empowers local women, its 'Lenders', to profit from their gently loved wardrobe pieces, keeping fashion in circulation while reducing environmental impact. By combining ethical fashion with a boutique experience, Fling is redefining how women shop sustainably in Yorkshire.

Wedding wellbeing with Nourish + Flourish

Yorkshire-based luxury self-care brand Nourish + Flourish is expanding its acclaimed wellness offerings with five new expert-curated boxes designed to support women at every stage of life. Created by registered nutritional therapist Donna Peters, the new additions include The Nourish Box, Menopause Box, Sleep Box, Pregnancy Box, and Female Founders Box, each tailored to meet specific wellbeing needs. Combining high-quality British wellness products with practical expert guidance, the boxes make self-care effortless and luxurious. From mindfulness journals and premium herbal teas to indulgent body oils and supplements, every product is hand-selected with a clear therapeutic purpose. Nourish + Flourish empowers women to prioritise their health and wellbeing in style and with confidence.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Introducing the exclusive Winter Collection at Rise Hall

Introducing the exclusive Winter Collection at Rise Hall, designed for couples seeking a cosy, elegant wedding during the colder months. Available for a limited time, the Winter Collection is based on 60 guests and is priced at £14,000. The package includes a pianist performing on Rise Hall's Grand Piano during the drinks reception, adding a touch of classic sophistication to your special day. With its warm, inviting interiors and historic architecture, Rise Hall provides a stunning backdrop for a winter celebration filled with charm and intimacy. Dates for winter 2025/26 are limited, so do get in touch promptly to secure your preferred day.