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

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Save 10% on a weekend break at Cottons Hotel & Spa

Located on the edge of Knutsford in the heart of Cheshire, Cottons Hotel & Spa is a relaxing sanctuary with a stunning spa and restaurant, in an ideal location for exploring the surrounding towns and countryside or nipping into the city. If you're in much need of a bit of you-time you can stay at the Hotel on a Friday night or Sunday night throughout November and receive 10% off your booking. You'll have everything you need under one roof, plus access to the luxury spa to kick-back and lounge around in when you book direct! Find this and other fab offers at www.cottonshotel.co.uk/short-breaks-offers

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

Everything's coming up roses at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa brings a new rose-inspired spa day to its experiences in partnership with skincare brand Elemis. The Elemis Rose Champagne Spa day has been designed with pure bliss in mind! Exclusively available at the Hotel, the experience celebrates 15 years of Hand Picked Hotels working with Elemis to create superior, serene spa treatments for its discerning guests. Inspired by the beauty of the gardens here and Elemis' new Rose Micro Serum, treatments are aimed at restoring a youthful bloom to skin and fresh energy to the body and soul. Centred around a 55-minute limited-edition Elemis Rose Facial, spa visitors are guaranteed and experience that awakens the sense and transports them to the beauty and relaxation of an English rose garden.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa is newly licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies

Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa has announced that its exquisite chapel is now licenced to hold civil wedding ceremonies in addition to the already impressive grounds. The chapel dates back as far as 1656 boasting an array of stunning architecture. Located in the heart of Cheshire, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa is a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion originally owned by the influential Crewe family. The chapel was built as a place of worship for the family and their staff. Steeped in rich history, the chapel boasts 12 ornate stained-glass windows depicting the apostles, as well as alabaster and marble carvings. On the altar floor, you can see the Crewe motto in the original gold leaf.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Escape to the countryside with Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa this October

Nestled in the peaceful countryside, Thornton Hall Hotel boasts its own luxury holistic spa, which is renowned as one of the finest destination spas in the UK. A stunning wedding location for all seasons, the Hotel combines sophistication and style with genuine, warm hospitality and decades of experience. The pagoda here offers all the charm of a countryside wedding. Located within the Hotel grounds, it boasts 360-degree views of the stunning gardens and the lush scenery beyond. It's ideal for a spring or summer ceremony, but equally magical in the autumn or winter. The Cristal, is a beautifully designed wedding suite with state-of-the-art lighting, ten glittering crystal chandeliers, and ornate metal ceiling panels adding an extra touch of opulence and Art Deco style.

INNSiDE by Melia UK launch curated craft sets for family stays

Inspiring curious minds to get creative this October half term, INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Meliá Hotels International, has launched a range of crafty hampers for kids, to add on to all stays. Available at INNSiDE's UK North hotels, including INNSiDE Liverpool, the new craft hampers feature a selection of curious goodies designed to inspire the next generation of budding creatives. The craft hampers have been created by the best in the business, with experts from local craft and lifestyle stores in each city packaging each bespoke offering. Craft hampers are available during October half term and onwards for just £20.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share 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 March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.

There's luxury for less at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa in Chester

If you're planning an intimate winter wedding, let the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa play host to your dream day as you take advantage of its new Luxury For Less package for early 2024. Picture your big day at this Chester wedding venue and enjoy fantastic savings in January and February 2024. For just £4,500 based on 50 day and 80 evening guests this new package includes: full drinks package welcome drink, one drink with meal and toast drink per guest), three course wedding breakfast plus coffee for your day guests, buffet for evening guests, dedicated wedding coordinator, master of ceremonies, resident DJ, red carpet arrival, personalised table plans and menus, cake base and knife, chair covers and organza bows or Chivari chairs,

Let's talk about sleep - the importance of rest

A new nationwide study has revealed as many as 86 percent of us now regularly struggle to drift off - not good if you're wanting to look and feel your best physically and mentally in the run up to your wedding day and on-the-day itself! Research has revealed the top 20 natural sleep inducers in the modern age – and counting sheep or mugs of Horlicks did not make the cut. In fact, modern Brits are more likely to get intimate with their other half, listen to a true crime podcast, watch a comedy show, tidy their room from top to bottom, or cuddle up with their pet. But the survey shows, simply reading a book is the number one snooze inducing activity (23 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (22 percent), despite the consensus that looking at phones is bad for our sleep patterns.