Your Cheshire and Merseyside Wedding news and ideas from around the area

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Booker Flowers and Gifts recognised as Good Small Business Award winner

Liverpool-based Booker Flowers and Gifts is proud to have been recognised nationally as The Good Small Business Award winner in the Industry Champion in the Retail and Wholesale Category. This is in recognition of the continued work it does to reduce the environmental impact of the business and the active participation it has in its community. The Good Small Business Awards is the UK's first national sustainability awards exclusively for small businesses. A representative told us, "We celebrate the work of small businesses doing the right things for people and the planet, something in small but highly effective ways.

DeVere Cranage and Jodrell Bank Join Forces for Wedding Fair

Pop the 3rd November in your diaries for a spectacular wedding fair hosted by DeVere Cranage Estate and the iconic Jodrell Bank. Wedding showcase and stalls at Cranage Hall – meet top local wedding suppliers and vendors. Planetarium ceremonies – take a tour of the stunning new spaces at Jodrell Bank. 35-acre estate and grounds – immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the UK's most scenic venues. Whether you're looking for an elegant estate setting or a one-of-a-kind planetarium ceremony, this event has it all. Experience firsthand how these extraordinary venues can bring your dream wedding to life with joint packages starting from just £10,000! Date: 3rd November.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Couples of Oak Tree of Peover plan with kindness

At the Oak Tree of Peover in Knutsford, the weddings team are actively encouraging their couples to think more sustainably when it comes to their big day. The venue's Chloe Rensch says, "Choosing out of season flowers means transporting them from overseas, which is an added cost and results in higher levels of CO2 emissions, as well as the use of potentially harmful chemical fertilisers. Opting for flowers that are in season for your wedding month and grown within the UK is a much more sustainable choice. "Many couples buy everything brand new; items that are often never worn or used again. Why not buy a pre-loved wedding dress or create something completely unique from a loved one's old wedding dress?

Tie the knot at Nunsmere Hall

Located in the Delamere Forest in Cheshire, Nunsmere Hall Hotel is a stunning Edwardian building. Built in 1900, it exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Equally as beautiful outside as it is in, wisteria-clad walkways, lakeside views and neatly manicured gardens envelop this charming country house. The Crystal Suite is the venue's most popular room for ceremonies with its beautiful carved ceiling and impressive windows overlooking the manicured grounds. It can play host to 120 of your loved ones. You can also tie the knot al fresco amongst the beautiful Italian gardens. Walking down the aisle to your awaiting guests and soon-to-be spouse in these romantic surroundings is an experience you'll never forget.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Check out our West Cheshire venue picks

The award-winning Chester Grosvenor combines historical architecture with modern facilities. Dating back to the 18th century, it stands next to the landmark Eastgate Clock. This, along with the pillared entrance and black and white timbered exterior, provide an eye-catching backdrop for a fairytale wedding. Bedrooms here offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Each room has been individually designed and beautifully furnished to offer you and your guests a sumptuous stay. The hotel is also home to two exciting restaurants.

Host your ceremony among 15 acres of romantic woodland

If you have your sights set on something different for your big day, check out Cheshire Woodland Weddings. Located in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, this 15-acre woodland can host your ceremony in a romantic outdoor cabana for a truly relaxed rustic wedding experience and atmosphere. Alongside use of the fully-licensed venue, including large luxury barn (with outdoor and indoor bars), and waterside gazebo, is a range of fun activities for you and your guests from falconry to Segway, to make your day unforgettable. You have the choice of several spaces in which to tie the knot. The Woodland Ceremony Area is a quaint thatched hut with bench-style seating for 150 guests among the private woodland.

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.

Be the first to check out new North Wales wedding venue, Marchwiel Hall

Introducing the magnificent Marchwiel Hall. Nestled in the North Wales countryside bordering Cheshire and Shropshire, surrounded by private woodland, manicured gardens and its own cricket ground. Marchwiel Hall is an opulent and historic family home, with a team dedicated to deliver special events. Marchwiel Hall stands as a testament to Georgian elegance, nestled on a 165-acre estate that includes established parkland, mature woodland, and a tranquil three-acre lake. The estate's landscaped gardens, stables, and two picturesque gamekeepers' cottages, along with a charming walled garden and its famous cricket pitch, provide an idyllic backdrop for any occasion.

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.

The rise of the celebrant with Sophie Wilcockson

"When it comes to getting married, it's church or registrar, right? Wrong! There's another option," says local wedding celebrant Sophie Wilcockson. Here, she explains why using a celebrant is rapidly becoming one of the hottest wedding trends of 2024. "Back in 2003 when I got married, I'd never heard of a wedding celebrant. When we booked the venue we were told we'd also need to book a registar, which we duly did. This involved half an hour in a cramped office at the town hall with a bored-looking man who asked us to choose the wording for our vows (which consisted solely of deciding whether or not we wanted to obey each other) and select a reading from three options.

Delamere Manor, a seamless blend of enchantment and elegance

At Delamere Manor enchantment and elegance blend seamlessly to create an idyllic backdrop for any wedding. Nestled amid picturesque landscapes in the heart of Cheshire, this venue offers a captivating experience. In addition to its incredible ceremony and reception spaces, Delamere Manor offers an array of amenities from beautifully appointed bedrooms, a beauty parlour, to top-notch catering services with customisable menu options. Ceremonies take place in any one of a number of locations across the venue. The Courtyard is an enchanting inside/outside space that can host up to 140 seated guests. On sunny days, the roof is fully retractable for a flexible dining experience and when day turns to dusk, thousands of twinkling lights give the space a magical feel.

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.

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.