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

How to choose your wedding date

You would have thought choosing the date for your wedding would be the easiest part? Simple pick a date that suits you as couple and your venue. Well, yes, that is often the case. But there will always be other factors you should consider before making the final choice. If you're hosting a marquee wedding at private residence, then you're fortunate enough to have a little more flexibility with a date than those opting for a wedding venue. However, whether a marquee or venue it's wise to take into account some of the following factors that may make deciding on the best date for your special day a little easier....

Valentine’s Day: 9 tips to help you spoil someone special without breaking the bank

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to show someone special how much they mean to you. However, the cost of living crisis means that people are more concerned than ever about money. To help, jewellery specialists, Queensmith have pulled together 9 ways to spoil your partner on a budget...1.Set a budget ahead of Valentine's Day. This is an important first step. The last thing you want is for one of you to spend double the amount of money compared to the other, and fall out over gifts on Valentine's Day.

Engagement ring trends for 2023

Whether you're future-gazing about your dream proposal or just like keeping up to date with the latest styles, Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, predicts the new wave of engagement ring trends that will be taking over our Instagram feeds in 2023. Here at County Wedding Magazines it's hard to pick our fav? Really, can we only choose one?

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel steeped in modern elegance

The interior of this four-star hotel is steeped in modern elegance and boasts an impressive red-brick exterior dating back to the 19th century. It's bursting with character and has a rich heritage with links to the Grosvenor estate of the Duke of Westminster.

The grounds include a beautiful Asian Sensory Garden, a picturesque lake with a quaint wooden bridge, and a charming thatched gazebo, all set against the glorious Cheshire countryside and Welsh hills. The grounds offer a wonderful backdrop for those all-important photos.

Exchange your vows in the opulent Grosvenor Suite, which has a capacity of 200 guests. Or say "I do" in either Belgrave or Westminster Suites, both recently-refurbished and capable of holding 50 nearest and dearest. In the warmer months, the licensed Lakeside Gazebo is the ideal setting for romantic outdoor nuptials.

Abroad stag and hen dos not an option due to cost of living crisis

Couples planning stag and hen festivities this year may need to think again as Brits admit they would not attend an abroad celebration. Luxury fashion retailer Fenwick, has surveyed the nation to find out opinions on stag and hen dos, including the amount they'd be willing to spend and whether they'd travel abroad. Many people now take their bridal parties or groomsmen on holiday to celebrate their big day. These trips can often end up costing a lot of money especially if heading to popular destinations such as Marbella, Budapest or even Vegas which when the majority of the UK is being squeezed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, isn't something many can afford. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 50.70% would refuse to attend a stag do abroad, preferring to celebrate closer to home in the UK.

Shrigley Hall Hotel is set in more than 262 acres of beautiful grounds

A classic, country, Victorian-era house, Shrigley Hall Hotel is set in more than 262 acres of beautiful grounds, including an 18-hole championship golf course. What's more, the Hotel is surrounded by the gorgeous Cheshire countryside, set high in the hills bordering the Peak District, creating a secluded and tranquil atmosphere for your special day. The grounds offer a stunning backdrop for those all-important photographs with breathtaking views of two lakes.

With 155 individual en-suite bedrooms and BAZAAR Spa with indoor pool located in the former monastery, you'll also be able to grab some much-needed R&R either before or after the wedding. The most recent addition is the outdoor infinity pool heated to a welcoming 38 degrees, where you can enjoy Shrigley Hall's incredible views and sunsets.

The most eye-catching wedding decor revealed

A new study, conducted by the wedding financial experts at money.co.uk, involved surveying 1,000 future newlyweds and asking them to estimate how much they will spend on 70 wedding items. Images of these 70 items were then used in an eye-tracking study to reveal the specific elements that people spend the most time gazing at. Fairylights came out on top, with guests staring at them for 5.53 seconds which is impressive considering they are the decorations that those planning a wedding expect to pay the least for (£106.25). So, if you're looking to impress your guests without splurging then try draping your venue in tiny, twinkling fairylights.

A man’s perspective to changing names after marriage

NameSwitch has interviewed some trail blazing men who took a bold step into the future. When you're planning a wedding, whether small and informal or grand-scale, there's a myriad of tasks to organise. And, these days, guys are expected to pull their weight when it comes to sorting everything from flower arrangements and wedding cakes to transport and catering. But, before you even walk down the aisle to say, "I do", there's another important factor to consider – whether you intend to take your partner's surname.

We’ve partnered with Kevin Brown Photography to offer readers a 20% discount

Kevin and Carole are the wonderful husband and wife team behind Kevin Brown Photography. Kevin became hooked on wedding photography after a friend asked him to capture his big day back in 2006. The rest, as they say, is history! Carole, in turn, fell in love with the industry having accompanied Kevin to many beautiful weddings and venues up and down the country; all offering valuable experience that led her to become an excellent photographer in her own right.

Kevin says, "You only have one chance to immortalise those memories on the day and the photographs we provide will help you relive that wonderful time again and again. We love to throw ourselves into our work, beginning with the morning preparations, capturing the nerves and excitement, throughout the main event and right up until the first dance."

Is keeping your maiden name at work right for you?

NameSwitch shares its advice on the dilemma that many women face in the workplace, and that's whether to keep your maiden name? Read on to find out more... The process of getting married comes with a million personal choices to be made along the way – do you want a big white dress or something more minimal? Do you want a DJ at your celebration or a live band? Do you want to keep your maiden name or embrace your married one? Each choice is personal and unique and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Even when it comes to something as momentous as what name you'll be known by for the rest of your life, there are different options and choices to be made. And just like decisions about what kind of dress to buy, the choices you make about your name will also be influenced by your personal preferences and life experiences.

Grange Barn is nestled away in the picturesque village of Marbury

The family-owned and -run Grange Barn is nestled away in the picturesque village of Marbury on Cheshire's border with Shropshire, on a working arable farm. With beautiful views over the Cheshire plains, the venue offers an idyllic country setting just right for a relaxed, rustic wedding. Exclusively yours from Friday until Sunday, the venue only hosts one wedding per week to ensure you get the very best experience.

The Barn itself is licensed to host ceremonies either inside in the separate dedicated space or on the large decking area overlooking the Cheshire countryside. You can say "I do" as 150 of your nearest and dearest look on.

Free Valentine's wedding with Frankie & Benny’s

Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny's has been swamped with applications after offering a free wedding for Valentine's. The popular restaurant has launched the ultimate cost of living crisis busting wedding and they've already had thousands wanting to say 'I do'. The team at Frankie & Benny's have been astounded by the number of applicants, many of the lovebirds had their first date at one of the restaurants and want to celebrate their special day where they first met. You still have a chance to win, so long as you've just tied the knot, or about to, have a great love story, then you can apply for the free wedding. All applications need to be submitted via Facebook/Instagram by January 29, 2023.

New interactive feature to make hen and stag dos less stressful

A new randomised spinning wheel feature has been launched by Hen Weekends and Stag Weekends in an effort to make the planning process of hen and stag parties easier and less stressful. This comes as their recent study of hen and stag party bookings found that 30% of hen and stag party organisers have no idea which location to book, with so many different options on offer creating quite the predicament.

New honeymoon experiences for couples with a conscience

Hotelgift is the ideal way to share the joy of travel with a newlywed couple with a conscience; from uber luxury glamping to wellness journeys for two. For every Hotelgift bought and for every gift card that is redeemed for a new hotel stay, 1,000 litres of water are donated to support local communities in places that need it most through a partnership with Made Blue.

INNSiDE Hotel's have launched a £175 stay and dine package

Lifestyle hotel, INNSiDE by Melia, part of Melia Hotels International, is relaunching A Sunday Well Spent - a stay and dine package with Gino D'Acampo.

A perfect gift for newlyweds, the stay and dine package is available on Sundays throughout January and February, for just £175 per couple. The package includes an overnight stay, a bottle of wine, a delicious breakfast, and £75 to spend how you wish on food and beverage.

INNSIDE by Meliá has three stunning properties for you to choose from in the UK. You could be sipping cocktails in the Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar in Liverpool or exploring Newcastle from the city's historical Quayside, or starting your trip in Manchester's coolest neighbourhood.

Average ages we are hitting life’s milestones

A new study from Confused.com has revealed the average ages we are hitting life's milestones in England & Wales, including getting married at age 35! So how does your milestone timeline compare? Typically, the first milestone people in the UK reach is moving out of their parent's home at age 20, followed by moving in with their partner at 27. The next life milestone those in the UK usually meet is having their first child, with couples seeming to have children before marriage. The average age for having children is 29, while the average age for getting married is 35. The data also suggests that on average, people are choosing to have children before purchasing a property. This could be a result of house prices continuing to rise making it harder to save for a deposit.

The Queen at Chester is a Grade II-listed Italiante building

The Queen at Chester is a Grade II-listed Italiante building, and has been hosting weddings for more than 150 years. Inside is a theatrical four-storey staircase with ornate iron balustrade, while outside there's an elegant Italian terrace garden with marble arches, classical sculptures and lush foliage.

The Hotel features eight event areas, with two al fresco spaces and six banqueting suites, catering for every type of reception, civil ceremony and partnership. Built opposite Chester station to serve first-class rail passengers, the venue has an illustrious past and was said to be the first skyscraper of its time. Guests will also be following in the footsteps of some rather famous guests with a stay here. Since opening in 1860, it's hosted none other than Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lillie Langtry, to name but a few.

Couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings

One of the UK's leading waste and recycling management companies BusinessWaste.co.uk collected data, which shows how much attitudes to environmental and sustainable choices in regard to weddings are changing. According to the research searches for 'sustainable wedding' has skyrocketed by 75% over the last year, while 'sustainable wedding venues near me' saw an 80%+ increase along with 'sustainable engagement ring' which saw a staggering 96% search increase. What's more, us Brits came out on top overall for our eco-friendly mindfulness, with France and Greece also seeing the biggest increase in searches for sustainable wedding venues.

Keep your wedding guests warm this winter

Putting the chocolate back into drinking chocolate with their unique fine beads, Cocoa Canopy are making winter weddings super cosy with its sample-szie offering. Perfect for winter wedding favours, they offer the ultimate in comforting hot chocolates, guaranteed to put a smile on the receiver's face! Cocoa Canopy is the only UK drinking chocolate brand to craft unique fine chocolate beads for beautifully smooth, real chocolate drinks made from only a handful of sustainably sourced ingredients.

Must-see wedding shows taking place in January and February

While you're planning your 2023 diaries, we recommend popping in some time to visit local wedding fairs and open days. They're a great way to meet potential suppliers and start assembling your W-day team. Here are our suggestions to keep you busy for the next few months!

19th January, 2023 | 6pm-8pm. Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa Wedding Open Evening

21st January, 2023 | 12pm-4pm. One Fine Day Wedding Open Day.

21st January, 2023 | 12pm-4pm. Oh Me Oh My Wedding Open Day.

22nd January, 2023 | 12pm-3pm. The Cheshire Wedding Fayre at Nantwich Civic Hall.