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Spring is quickly becoming one of the most popular seasons to get hitched in; such a beautiful time of year with so many flowers in bloom, the sun is beginning to shine again and the days beginning to get longer once again.
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’ve decided to take on many of the main responsibilities yourself. Whether you’re a couple looking to adhere to a tight budget or simply love all the DIY possibilities that come with planning a wedding, it is certainly possible to plan the wedding of your dreams.

Forget paintballing or go-karting, there are so many exciting and unique activities available for your stag weekend, so why not break the trend and pick something you’ll remember forever.

A MOVE towards more sustainable and ethical weddings is helping ensure one historically important property is preserved for future generations. 

Grade I-listed Samlesbury Hall, in Lancashire, has long offered a timeless, romantic setting for couples looking to tie the knot.

 But ceremonies held at the venue every year are now helping to protect the unique heritage of the eye-catching 700-year-old building - with the income generated contributing to its upkeep in order to keep it safe for years to come.

Samlesbury Hall director Sharon Jones explained more couples are looking to incorporate elements to their wedding that leave a longer-term benefit to the venue or local area.

Traditionally, wedding guests would receive wedding keepsakes in the form of a bag or box filled with five sugared almonds representing the five blessings - Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility.

Given to guests as a token of gratitude, wedding favours are still as popular as ever but these days there are a whole host of fun, funky and unique items to choose from. 

The pre-wedding send-off is a pricey affair with average man forking out £7,997 across 11 stag dos in their lifetime and women heading on ten hens at a cost of £5,510. Researchers from the social money app Pingit polled Brits to reveal that the average stag or hen do kitty, where shared expenses such as drinks and taxis are paid from, is worth a whopping £928.

However, while the costs and activities may differ, one thing remains consistent - no one wants to be left holding the communal kitty. With every man contributing an average of £104, compared to £68 from women, it’s no surprise that cautious Brits are worried about taking charge of it - 73 per cent saying they hate being the one designated to look after the central pot of cash.

For many brides, wedding planning involves getting into a good health and beauty routine before the big day. Vows & Venues’ Wendy Allen-Smith gave herself a facial by testing the Talented Twosome beauty products from Arbonne which promise to prep your skin and give it a boost in time for the photos…

Arbonne beauty products review

I was recently sent some fabulously luxurious premium beauty products supplied by Arbonne to review. The products arrived in a beautiful presentation box and contained two of their new products; RE9 Advanced Prepwork Micellular Water (£19) and Overnight Face Jelly (£36). This duo is named the Talented Twosome on their website www.arbonne.com. 

Vows & Venues editor Victoria Galligan headed off to Leeds to review a wedding venue but soon felt she was holidaying on the Med…

If you live in or around Leeds you’ll know what a bustling, vibrant and cultural city it is. For shopping, meals and a good night out, it’s the perfect location. Situated just outside the thriving city, close to the M1 and easily accessible from the north, lies Thorpe Park hotel – and it’s here where the pace of life slows down a little.

A venue bathed in sunshine, drinks on the terrace, garden parties and dining al fresco… summer weddings can be picture perfect. Yet the squinty eyes, red faces and difficult light conditions could mean your wedding photos are less so. Jo Critchley-Saville from Mosborough Hall Hotel, a restored 12th Century Manor House just outside Sheffield, shares this advice on ensuring your summer wedding snaps shine (whatever the weather).

Cheadle House - A Cheshire Victorian Mansion 

£500.00 Bar Tab for all remaining 2019 & Spring/Autumn 2020 Wedding Dates

Cheadle House is positioned on the border of Manchester and Cheshire, surrounded by beautiful scenery. The House boasts original character mixed with stylish and modern interiors, offering fantastic photo opportunities with the historic charm of the building and a picturesque lake.What could be more idyllic than saying ‘I do’at a stunning venue that offers a wonderful setting for your wedding day from your ceremony right through to your evening reception.