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

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.

From cold feet to no-show suppliers: Protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

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

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

The Fields Wedding Venue: rustic, relaxed and a little bit rebellious!

Discover The Chester Fields, an award-winning country pub and wedding venue just minutes from Chester. Combining rustic charm with award-winning food and service, this converted red-brick barn offers a unique and flexible setting for your big day. The Fields avoids restrictive packages, allowing you to create a wedding that reflects your personality and style, from the flow of the day to the smallest details. With indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, breathtaking views over the Cheshire Plains, and a double-height party room with exposed beams and wooden floors, it's the perfect blend of romance and character. Paired with acclaimed menus celebrating local produce, The Chester Fields delivers unforgettable celebrations. Voted Event Venue of the Year, it's a truly magical Cheshire wedding venue.

A spooktacular evening awaits at Pale Hall

This Halloween, step into a world of magic and mystery at Palé Hall, one of Wales's most enchanting country house hotels. From 5pm, the historic estate transforms into a spellbinding wonderland, alive with fire breathers, roaming performers, and seasonal delights to captivate all ages. Families will enjoy festive activities, spooky entertainment, and hearty autumn food and drink from outdoor stalls. For those seeking something extraordinary, the exclusive Halloween Banquet in The Henry Robertson dining room offers a candlelit feast of seasonal dishes served in gothic elegance. As night falls, gather in the gardens for a spectacular firework finale, casting Palé Hall in a breathtaking glow. Spaces are limited, so book now to celebrate Halloween in true style at this unforgettable Welsh retreat.

Oddfellows Autumn Escape for two - just £99!

Experience a luxurious autumn getaway in Chester with Oddfellows Chester's exclusive overnight offer for two. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay, a hearty cooked breakfast, and 25% off dining in the venue's stylish new restaurant, Alice's Parlour. Autumn is the perfect season to explore Chester, with vibrant events and cultural experiences happening throughout the city. Highlights include Queen by Candlelight at Chester Cathedral, Jason Manford's "A Manford All Seasons," Little Women at Storyhouse, Cheshire Fashion Week 2025, and Ibiza Anthems Live at Chester Cathedral. This limited-time offer provides the perfect combination of relaxation, fine dining, and access to the city's autumn festivities. Book your Chester autumn break today by emailing reception@oddfellowschester.com and quoting AUTUMNSTAY, while availability lasts.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Liverpool: The gem of UK hen-do destinations

Planning the perfect hen-do in the UK can feel almost as big as organising the wedding itself. From setting a budget and choosing an accessible destination to coordinating activities and managing group logistics, there's plenty to consider. While some bridal parties jet off to sun-soaked or cultural destinations, a stylish UK staycation hen party can be just as memorable. Recent research from immersive cocktail bar Alcotraz has ranked the top hen-do cities across the UK, assessing safety, affordability, nightlife, and activity options. Liverpool shines as one of the top 10 cities, offering vibrant nightlife, fun hen activities, and accessible venues for groups of all sizes. For a safe, stylish, and unforgettable hen party, Liverpool guarantees the ultimate celebration for every bride-to-be.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Cheshire's Carden Park unveils its new enchanced wedding packages

Carden Park, the luxury Cheshire wedding venue set in 1,000 acres of stunning countryside, has unveiled an exciting new range of wedding packages for 2025 and beyond. Designed to suit every couple's vision, these packages include bespoke multicultural weddings, intimate gatherings, elegant afternoon teas, vibrant twilight celebrations, and grand outdoor ceremonies. With versatile spaces such as the Carden Suite, Shooting Suite, and romantic gazebo settings, Carden Park caters to celebrations from six to 400 guests. Couples can enjoy exceptional catering, boutique accommodation, and expert wedding planning for a seamless, stress-free experience. On 24th July, the Cheshire Wedding Open Evening offers a chance to explore it all. Plus, the incredible 2025 Wedding Package delivers the perfect day for just £5,995 — without compromising on style or quality.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Say I do to an intimate wedding celebration

Since the pandemic, one of the most significant shifts in the wedding industry has been the rise of intimate weddings. Initially born out of necessity during lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, these small wedding celebrations have led many couples to rethink what truly matters on their big day. Far from being a temporary fix, the trend for small, meaningful weddings is here to stay. In this guide, we explore the top benefits of intimate weddings, why they're gaining popularity, and how you can plan a beautiful, personal celebration that reflects your love story. From reduced guest lists to elevated experiences, quality over quantity is our mantra when it comes to planning a memorable micro wedding or elopement.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

An Escape for the Senses this Autumn at Palé Hall in North Wales

Palé Hall Hotel, the five-star country retreat in North Wales on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), is inviting guests to embrace the season with a new collection of immersive experiences set against a backdrop of autumn colours and mountain views. From creative ceramic workshops in a new Pottery & Art Studio to guided wine tastings in the sleek subterranean Wine Cellar, and traditional clay pigeon shooting on the historic estate, each designed to inspire, restore, and delight the senses. These exciting new offerings are part of the rejuvenation of Palé Hall, brought to life by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney and their ongoing vision to expand the estate and deliver a refined and immersive experience for guests to treasure.