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

Celebrant Jen Walker from JW Ceremonies tells us how to bring the fun to a spring wedding

Jen Walker from JW Ceremonies (www.jwceremonies.com) says: A springtime wedding can be the most fun! There are so many colour palettes to choose from to mix and match; both pastels and bright colours work amazingly well with the gorgeous light spring brings. People assume that summer is the perfect time for an outdoor wedding; but the truth is, with the summer sun, wedding attire for both brides and grooms in the heat, and the many seasonal insects, it can create some issues. In comparison, with all the beautiful blossom trees in bloom, the sun shining and a cool breeze – its springtime that makes the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony season! But yes, with our British weather and spring showers, you may also need a plan B to bring the outside in.

Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations

Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

Enjoy panoramic views of the River Mersey at the Floral Pavilion

The Floral Pavilion is a one-of-a-kind waterfront venue with panoramic views across the iconic River Mersey. Steeped in history and culture, the glass-fronted building stands proudly in the beating heart of New Brighton. It encompass an 814-seat theatre, a spacious Plaza and Panoramic Lounge alongside a range of banquet rooms. The venue is fully licensed for ceremonies, so you can book your registrar or civil celebrant and exchange vows in the stunning Winter Garden Suite or on stage in the theatre.

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

Among 1,000 acres of breathtaking Cheshire parkland you'll find Tatton Park

Surrounded by 1,000 acres of breathtaking Cheshire parkland, wild deer, beautiful meres and ornamental gardens, Tatton Park is the perfect backdrop for weddings. The 50 acres of landscaped gardens at Tatton Park are the product of almost 300 years of cultivation by the leading landscape architects of the time. As one of the most picturesque gardens in England, all areas provide their own atmosphere, plant and tree varieties, stunning seasonal views, and wildlife delights. Popular features for wedding photography include the beautiful Italian Terrace, 100-year-old Japanese Garden and historical glasshouses.

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

Tie the knot at 17th-century Elizabethan manor house, Talhenbont Hall

Built in 1607, Talhenbont Hall is a privately run, family-owned estate nestled in the Welsh countryside on the Llyn Peninsula. The Hall itself is a 17th-century Elizabethan manor house, accompanied by a Grade II listed coach house and five charming cottages, which are dotted around the estate. There is sleeping accommodation for 42 people on site with plenty of alternatives locally for those unable to stay at Talhenbont. There's also a beautiful bridal suite situated in the manor house, which boasts a free-standing bath and four-poster bed.

Celebrate in style in the heart of Royal Albert Dock at the Maritime Museum

Located in the heart of the historical Royal Albert Dock, Maritime Museum tells the story of one of the world's greatest ports. From the large HMS Conway anchored at the building's entrance to the ship models in the spacious galleries, the Museum forms a one-of-a-kind part of Liverpool's history, and offers an iconic place to get married. Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships with up to 200 guests, the Grade I listed venue offers a dedicated space for weddings and events on the building's fourth floor, transformed from a storage warehouse where valuable shipping cargo was stored more than 100 years ago.

Counting down the days to happily ever after with Meols Hall Tithe Barn

The team at Meols Hall Tithe Barn share some words of wisdom on last-minute preparations. Julia Mutch says, "You may have booked your special day two or three years ago and have been busy planning along the way! No matter how much you do, the week leading up to your special day will always be filled with last-minute preparations. "Anything you can do beforehand (even if it seems a little early) will always be worth it, for example pack a box for each table with the place cards, menus and favours and any little extras. You may be providing your own table decorations, do a quick set up on your dining room table, take a picture for your venue, it will all save time the day before. Pack a bag with toiletries, perfume, make-up, safety pins and plasters so it is all ready to go!

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

New venue alert! The Lake House in Sefton

The Lake House Waterloo in the heart of Sefton, opened it's doors at the end of the summer in 2022. On New Year's Day, the team hosted their first wedding, which they managed to plan and deliver in just eight weeks. "This is very unusual for couples as they usually have a much longer lead time, but post-Covid many have really changed their outlook," event sales manager Natalie Nixon tells us.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

The Courthouse has a new look

After 12 months of extensive renovations, stunning Grade II listed The Courthouse in Cheshire has been entirely reimagined. The venue combines traditional architecture with contemporary design and facilities, all while offering a nod to the iconic building's past use as the region's courthouse, with its domed skylight and extraordinary features like the judge's dock. The interiors including an industrial vaulted bar and olive trees, have been carefully curated so that breakfast with friends, date night with partners and Sunday lunch with the family all befit the beautiful space. The current menu is offering a satiating selection of small plates, sides and Sunday roasts for good measure.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Chester-based jewellery brand Lucy Quartermaine launches new collection

Chester-based jewellery brand Lucy Quartermaine has recently announced the launch of its latest collection, Hula. Complete with a style of its own thanks to the stone-like texture of the pieces, the range is unlike anything the brand has offered before. The collection is available in both 925 sterling silver and 18 carat gold vermeil, which is polished to the highest standard. For a modern, fashion forward look to your wedding jewellery, check out these gorgeous pieces at https://lucyqdesigns.co.uk