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

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

Talhenbont Hall brings home the wins

Beautiful Talhenbont Hall has had quite the auspicious start to 2025 with awards and accolades flying in from all directions. This popular spot has recently won the Best Wedding Venue (Non-Hotel) in the North Wales Wedding awards, as well as a Platinum Award from Bridebook for five-star reviews from its 2024 couples. But that's not all! The team has recently discovered that they've been announced as finalists in the Guides for Brides customer service awards, and also for the Welsh Wedding Awards. They'll find out soon at the award ceremony whether they've won. "We're so delighted with the accolades we're receiving," says owner Alicia Cox.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Mini-moon in North Wales armed with these local tips from Quay Hotel and Spa

With spring in full bloom, what better way to spend a mini-moon than exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of North Wales? Nestled on the picturesque Conwy Estuary, Quay Hotel and Spa offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxed comfort. Here are some of the Hotel's suggestions on how to enjoy the region this spring. Experience the great outdoors with an exhilarating hike in Snowdonia National Park, where trails such as Cwm Idwal Aber Falls showcase North Wales' stunning natural beauty. What's more, North Wales is steeped in history, boasting some of the most well-preserved castles in the UK. Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just minutes away from the Hotel.

Delamere Manor makes the Elite Business 100

Amid hundreds of entries from a diverse range of sectors, Delamere Manor has been ranked 27th overall in the Elite Business 100. The EB100 are ranked on a series of categories, from community engagement to innovation and growth. These businesses are highlighted as sheer excellence within the SME community and showcased for their dedication to a thriving entrepreneurial Britain. "We're absolutely delighted to be recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 SMEs," says the venue's Michelle Stubbs. "At Delamere Manor, we're passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for our clients, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team.

Liverpool Wedding Edit Returns: A Virtual Wedding Fair of Local Wedding Talent

On Sunday, April 27th, from 6pm to 9pm, the Liverpool Wedding Edit (LWE) will return for its highly anticipated virtual showcase, bringing together the region's top wedding suppliers and engaged couples in an innovative online format. Organised by Vicky King, founder of the Liverpool Wedding Network (LWN), the Liverpool Wedding Edit offers couples an opportunity to connect with trusted local vendors from the comfort of their own homes. The event features live Instagram sessions, exclusive offers, and a complimentary digital goody bag filled with planning resources and supplier discounts. Vicky King, a seasoned make-up artist and owner of Glamorama Makeup, established the Liverpool Wedding Network in 2024 to foster collaboration among local wedding professionals. The network has since become a vibrant community.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau is a honeymooner's haven

The award-winning Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, has announced the much anticipated second phase of its exciting two-part refurbishment project, set for completion by March 2025. Following completion of phase one in June 2023, which unveiled four beautifully designed suites on the top floor, as well as new kitchens, phase two will introduce five additional suites, crafted with the same attention to detail, along with a new lobby bar area. Penmaenuchaf is an ancient, stone-fronted property situated at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris and overlooking the Mawddach estuary, offering a charming mountain retreat in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The design for Penmaenuchaf is the true definition of 'hiraeth', a nostalgia for the place that one's soul feels most at home.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Tie the knot beneath the stars at Macclesfield's Jodrell Bank

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is a world-renowned centre for astronomy, public visitor attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Its iconic Lovell Radio Telescope and award-winning visitor centre attract thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique glimpse into the wonders of the universe. But did you know you can tie the knot here beneath the stars? Yes, the venue has recently launched a series of wedding packages that promise to transport you and your guests to the outer reaches of the cosmos.

La Beau Fleurs' membership to Good Florist Guide extended

Being an independent retailer is tough but Warrington florist La Beau Fleurs is bucking the trend and is delighted to announce that it has had its membership of the exclusive Good Florist Guide renewed for a fourth time. The Good Florist Guide is the only kitemark of quality in the world that not only checks and accredits all its members before they're allowed to display the coveted logo but re-checks them each and every year to make sure they're maintaining standards. This truly merit based guide to the finest florists in the world is considered the gold standard of floristry, acknowledged as the 'little black book' of the very best British and Irish florists and likened to receiving a Michelin star award.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Discover Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa - a stunning, majestic venue

Picture yourself in a stunning, majestic venue surrounded by the ones who mean most to you. At Crewe Hall the expert team will make sure your day is full of unforgettable magic and romance. This picture-perfect 17th-century mansion, with manicured grounds, elegant rooms and spectacular views is made for unforgettable weddings. Crewe Hall is a grand and impressive venue, refreshingly down to earth, it combines history and heritage with contemporary style and friendly hospitality. Based in East Cheshire, within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool, it's ideally located for sharing your special day with those you love whether you number 20 or 300.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

Hit the dancefloor with Ukebox and The Vibe

The Wedding Industry Awards took place at Larkspur Lodge, Knutsford on Tuesday 12th November 2024, and announced some fabulous winners including Sefton Palm House and The Party Fettlers. "We weren't expecting to receive the Highly Commended Award that evening," says Mikey from Ukebox, "but we're made up to know that the messages and testimonials from our wedding couples shone through and allowed us to showcase what we do!" Ukebox have also embarked on a new venture, The Vibe, taking all their medleys, harmonies and musical arrangements of their Ukebox tunes and giving them a complete revamp on instruments that make a big impact complete with drums, bass, guitar and percussion.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

Fernside House creates a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day

Hidden amongst the greenery and nature of the Cheshire countryside, Fernside House creates a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day. Playing host to both wedding ceremonies and receptions, the house is an exclusive and private wedding venue for you and your guests to enjoy. With space for both your daytime ceremony, a party, and accommodation, the venue is the ideal venue for weddings of all sizes. Fernside House is surrounded by natural beauty. Sitting on 11 acres of green land, it provides a scenic backdrop for those all-important photos. Throughout your stay, the House becomes your very own private sanctuary. Escape for a wander around the gardens and explore this property as you celebrate in style.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.

Art from the heart with Cheshire born artist Jo Gough

Cheshire born artist Jo Gough has always had a passion for painting. Growing up, there was rarely a time when she wasn't drawing or painting, but she followed her head instead of her heart when choosing a career and worked in IT for her local council for 30 years. But in 2016, Jo finally decided to follow her dreams and devote herself to full time painting, developing her own style with no formal instruction or training. Now, she's happiest in her studio at home near Chester accompanied by her beloved dog Ted. Nature, flowers and hearts are wonderful sources of inspiration for Jo's artistic expression.

Quality Over Quantity: The Surge of Micro Weddings

The modern couple are ditching large lavish weddings and choosing a more intimate affair. A micro wedding is a wedding that has less than 50 guests and focuses more on the meaningfulness of the day rather than the spectacle. Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co, unpacks the surge of this trend and why more couples are leaning towards smaller events.