Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

The beautifully rustic Whirlow Hall Farm could be the venue for you

Whirlow Hall Farm is a small working farm on the outskirts of Sheffield. Indeed, this tranquil countryside setting is a mere 15-minute drive from the city centre, making it easily accessible for guests from all over. If you envision your special day with a relaxed and informal vibe with a rustic feel, this could be the place for you. The Farm is an educational charity, existing to support some of Sheffield's most vulnerable children and young people. Behind the scenes, Monday to Friday, the team support students facing a complex combination of difficulties including mental health conditions, learning needs and disabilities, and heartbreaking personal circumstances. Weddings held at the Farm directly contribute to supporting this work.

Healing Summit 2024 comes to Yorkshire

Broughton Sanctuary in Yorkshire, has met the exacting standards of Healing Hotels of the World, earning recognition as the only accredited Healing Hotel in the UK. This accolade celebrates Broughton Sanctuary's dedication to the healing power of wellbeing through activities and retreats, innovative rewilding initiatives, and sustainability. Situated within 3,000 acres of beautiful historical landscape, Broughton Sanctuary provides the perfect setting for transformative experiences that heal body, mind and spirit. It hosts an ever-changing selection of weekly residential retreats and self-guided programmes, enabling visitors to personalise their healing journey. Outdoor activities such as meditation labyrinths, moon bathing, cold water immersion, forest bathing, mountain biking and walking trails as well as woodland saunas, and a hot tub provide immersive experiences in England's inspiring nature recovery project.

The OEC is a must-see for anyone visiting Sheffield

The OEC takes centre stage between two of Sheffield's most iconic leisure and entertainment venues, Owlerton Stadium and Napoleon's Casino and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. A stunning facade welcomes guests to the fully accessible venue with room to accommodate up to 500 guests. What's more, with talented in-house chefs and the finest Yorkshire hospitality, the OEC ticks all the boxes. A convenient 15-minute drive from Sheffield railway station your guests will have no problem reaching you here. There are several transport links nearby making their journey as easy as possible with plenty of options available. Should they wish to travel by car though, they'll find over 400 free car parking spaces, including disabled parking and access.

Finding a make-up artist when you're a 50s and fabulous bride

I'm a more mature bride in my late 50s and am feeling a little anxious about choosing a look and make-up artist for my big day. What advice do you have for me? Pacha Marshall from Makeup by Pacha (www.instagram.com/makeupbypacha) says: As a make-up artist with 18 years' experience, my advice would be to do your research. Ask around to see if anyone you know has used a make-up artist and what they thought of the finished look. Visit social media; does the MUA's page show a variety of ages and make-up styles? Read their reviews; have their clients been communicated with well? Were they happy? Did the make-up last?

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.