Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Handmade in Yorkshire: Lillibets Millinery

Lillibets Millinery offers a range of ready-to-wear and bespoke millinery and jewellery designs handmade by Isobel Robinson. From her home studio in the heart of Brontë country, Isobel undertakes all aspects of her designs from initial concept to final creation. Her designs feature regularly at Royal Ascot, investitures and adorned the Mayor of West Yorkshire at the Coronation of King Charles III. With a passion for creating contemporary pieces that enhance the natural beauty of the wearer, Lillibets Millinery provides a unique opportunity to work directly with the artist to personalise the design by colour matching or creating a fully bespoke piece.

Handmade in Yorkshire: Jacqueline & Edward

Jacqueline & Edward is a family-owned artisan jewellery business run by husband-and-wife team, Mark and Jacqueline. "Our name, Jacqueline & Edward, is simple and heartfelt – named after Mark's two loves – his father and his wife," Jessica from the jewellers shares. The business has been creating handmade engagement and wedding rings since 2014 and was born out of Mark's passion for gold panning. He's a world gold panning finalist and British and Scottish gold panning champion as well as a chartered environmentalist and Scientist. Having previously worked in the environmental sector as a contaminated land consultant (like a land doctor) some of the projects Mark managed involved the restoration of mining areas.

Wood Hall Hotel offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern elegance

Wood Hall Hotel & Spa is a beautiful county house in Wetherby, with stunning views over the Wharfe Valley and Yorkshire countryside. This luxury hotel offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Choose from a variety of stunning ceremony locations as well as pre-wedding celebration options such as afternoon tea or spa treatments. Your ceremony can be held in The Georgian (80 guests). A lovingly restored room with wonderful views this is a beautiful space in which to exchange your wedding vows. With its large picture windows and fireplace it offers something for all seasons.

16th-century Woodsome Hall is bursting with charm and character

Woodsome Hall is a Grade I listed manor house steeped in history with the current building dating from the early 1500s. The Hall is bursting with charm and character, and offers a fairytale setting for your wedding with elegant oak-panelled rooms, vistas overlooking the Yorkshire countryside and a warm and welcoming club house. The grounds feature an enclosed courtyard with the original fountain, which is still functional. The greenery the course offers and the outer stonework of the Hall offer the perfect backdrop for your big day. Ceremonies take place in a variety of rooms available for you to choose from. The largest option is the Dining Room with space for 60 loved ones.

Yorkshire’s Titanic Spa shines with three wins at 2024 LUXE Global Awards

West Yorkshire-based Titanic Spa, the UK's first eco-spa, has been honoured with three prestigious awards at the 2024 LUXE Global Awards. The LUXE Global Awards recognise excellence in the hospitality industry, including hotels, spas, restaurants, and travel providers. These awards celebrate establishments that offer exceptional experiences to its guests and strive to elevate the industry as a whole. Titanic Spa is honoured to have received National Winner: Best Luxury Adult Only Spa, National Winner: Best Spa Team and Global Winner: Best Luxury Eco Spa. This recognition is an indication to the hard work and dedication of Titanic Spa's team. Showcasing its commitment to providing its guests with the highest quality spa experiences.

Hetty & Betty embarks on expansion with £25,000 backing from NatWest

Hetty & Betty, a family-run restaurant in the heart of Whitby, North Yorkshire, has received a business loan of £25,000 from NatWest. Lois Kirtlan, Founder and Director of Hetty & Betty dreamed of running a business, and after accumulating 17 years of hospitality experience, took the leap and established Hetty & Betty, named after her daughter Harriett, in 2018. Famous for its Fish and Chip Afternoon Tea, family-run Hetty & Betty is an award-winning local restaurant and wedding venue. The £25,000 business loan has enabled significant investment in the wedding venue, with renovations to maintain the stunning Georgian Ballroom, which has hosted weddings and functions since 1928.

It's Halloween at Spooky Towers!

It's spooky time at Carlton Towers! Bring the little ones in their best fancy dress to the Spooky Kids Disco this Halloween. Taking place on Sunday 27 October between 5pm and 7.30pm youngsters from tots to teens can show off their best dance moves during a set of classic spooky tunes. Entry per child is £10 and includes juice, chocolate, or toffee apple. Adult entry is £5 per person. Food for purchase on the evening includes Woodfired Pizza, plus a bar for the grown-ups. Carlton Towers is also hosting a Halloween Ball for over 18's on Friday 1st November. Guests can get dressed up for the witching hour and enjoy a Halloween inspired three course menu followed by dancing until midnight in the magical Gothic style state rooms.

Broughton Sanctuary to host the opening celebration of the 10th Dark Skies Festival

Broughton Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that it will host the opening celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park's Dark Skies Festival. The event next February promises to be a stellar celebration of the region's breathtaking night skies and the wonders of the cosmos. The Yorkshire Dales - a Dark Sky Reserve The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, offering stunning views of the Milky Way, planets, meteors and even the Northern Lights. Designated a Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky International, the park is a haven for stargazers and an area of significant scientific, educational, cultural, heritage and public value.