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

L.S. Lowry at Carden Park

Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire is excited to announce that it's currently displaying a selection of outstanding signed limited editions prints by L.S. Lowry for a limited time only. In collaboration with the fine art and sculpture company Windsor Birch, founded by Grant Ford - as seen on BBC Antiques Roadshow - the prints can be viewed within the hotel as it enhances its art offering. Guests are invited to come and view these exquisite prints, which depict many local areas and industrial landscapes. You can also wander the hotel's esteemed sculpture garden for a day of culture.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches'. My groom isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Wildmoor unveils new gift collection

Wildmoor, based in Macclesfield on the edge of the Peak District, has unveiled a new gift collection celebrating the scents and beauty of nature. The brand believes in keeping things simple and its handmade soaps reflect that. They contain only natural oils, butters, clays and scents, and clean without stripping the skin of its natural protective oils. Creating a wonderful waft when opened these beautiful new gifts are as useful as they are a joy to receive. We love the Heart Shaped Soap Gift Tin, £10, as a gorgeous gift for bridesmaids. Check out www.wild-moor.co.uk

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

The Booth That Rocks introduce the latest arrival!

The team at The Booth That Rocks is excited to introduce its newest arrival, the 8ft telephone guest book. A super-cool addition to any W-day, it encases the 1950s American diner-style telephone audio guest book, along with your choice of flower wall to seamlessly fit in with your overall decorative vision. Imagine the selfies! Everyone will be queuing up to leave you their heartfelt messages. The Booth That Rocks will enhance all of your audio recordings after the event, since weddings can be noisy affairs! These special memories will then be delivered to you on a bespoke USB that will last as a beautiful keepsake and reminder of your day.

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

A world of wellbeing awaits at Cottons Hotel & Spa

Thwaites Spa Group is thrilled to announce that all six of its hotel spas, which in Cheshire includes Cottons Hotel & Spa, have been recognised with the prestigious AA Recommendation. As a rising star in the wellness industry, the Group is redefining the landscape of wellness experiences across the UK with a collection of spas that seamlessly blend tranquillity and affordability. Each location is carefully designed, featuring saunas, steam rooms, and beautiful pools, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and wellbeing. Each spa boasts an array of services, including indulgent TEMPLESPA massages and rejuvenating Caudalie facials, all delivered by highly trained spa therapists.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

Somerset Blooms recognised with Sustainable Start-Up award

Nathalie Somerset, floral designer and owner of Somerset Blooms, was thrilled to have been recognised with the Sustainable Start-Up award recently at the prestigious Sustainable Wedding Awards. This particular accolade hailed Somerset Blooms for its dedication to seasonally-led floristry and commitment to building a more sustainable future for the wedding industry. It celebrates environmentally-friendly practices and highlights the business' dedication to providing luxurious floral designs that don't literally cost the Earth. "We're absolutely delighted to be recognised by the Sustainable Wedding Awards," Nathalie says. "This award is a testament to our passion for creating beautiful and memorable weddings while minimising our environmental footprint.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".

Five myths about Champagne

For centuries, great occasions in life have been punctuated with Champagne. However, there are several myths surrounding the drinking, storing and essence of Champagne. As a result, the Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to bust those myths to separate fact from fiction and demonstrate how best to enjoy the pinnacle of sparkling wine, as well as ensure that you aren't fooled by some of the most common Champagne myths. Myth: Pop the cork and spray Champagne in times of celebrations. The blunt pop of the cork and the fizz of the fine bubbles – instantly reminiscent of celebration – is a sparkling start to any special occasion.

Moonpig reveals weddings cards are the hardest to write

Greeting cards have been a popular way to express celebrations and affection for our loved ones. We're used to purchasing cards for milestones from birthdays, weddings, new jobs and more, but how often do we struggle with what to write in a card? With the recent growth in popularity of AI models like ChatGPT, Moonpig has launched its "Smart Text" tool, a feature which uses generative AI as a writing assistant for customers who need help in those moments where they don't know what to put in a card to their loved ones.

Manor House Alsager has launched a new meditation room

Manor House Alsager has launched a new meditation room located within its charming summer house in the English country spa garden. Following the popularity of its salt shed sauna experience, a guided meditation that takes place in a stand-alone sauna, the spa has dedicated another area of the spa garden to this popular experience. Formerly, a garden room, with garden-style seating and a variety of books to choose from, the summer house has been transformed into a haven of meditation to serve as a sanctuary for mindfulness practice. The space now houses raised corner seating offering serene seclusion with breathtaking views, and a warming firepit in the centre of the room.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.