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

The Isla Gladstone’s sun-flooded interior breaths warmth into any occasion

A traditional Victorian conservatory, The Isla Gladstone's sun-flooded interior breaths warmth into any occasion, allowing your imagination to run wild and create the day of your dreams. The venue has an incredible structure dating back to the 1800s and is a significant cultural and architectural piece of history. Nestled amid picturesque rose gardens, 20 glistening lakes and historical sandstone pavilions, the glasshouse is surrounded by beauty – quite the playground for your photographer.

Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection

The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.

Win a night's stay at The Queen at Chester

We've teamed up with The Queen at Chester to offer you the chance to win a stay in the hotel's stunning wedding suite. The lucky winner and their guest will enjoy a night in the Emperor Suite with dinner and breakfast.

The Emperor Suite, based in the newer Kings part of the hotel, is situated on the top floor with a view of Chester's city centre. The suite is spacious and characterful, featuring a four-poster bed and a separate lounge area. For that extra touch of luxury, you'll also find underfloor heating in the bathroom along with a free-standing bath and rainfall shower.

A mere 10-minute walk from the city centre, The Queen at Chester is a Grade II listed Italianate building, and has been hosting weddings for more than 150 years. Its team of experts are on hand to carefully plan each special day, from intimate gatherings of 50 to large parties of 300. Find out more about the wonderful wedding spaces on page 16 in our editor's review feature.

Peckforton Castle is a charming castle with captivating architecture

This enchanting castle, with its captivating architecture, steeped in history will truly delight you and your guests. Along with a magical backdrop for pictures and videos, all combined with delicious award-winning food and drink, and impeccable service, you'll be the only wedding at the Castle allowing you to enjoy your fairytale of a day in complete privacy.

There are a wealth of options here beginning with the Great Hall. Imagine saying your marriage vows with the sun streaming through the stained-glass windows, a string quartet playing on the Minstrel's Gallery, the fire glowing in the background and candlelight reflecting off the Minton Hollins tiled floor. Here you can host 165 loved ones for your ceremony and 120 for the wedding breakfast.

Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!

Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!

Carden Park Estate’s production of English sparkling wine is thriving

It's no secret that English wine has been a work in progress since it first launched in the 1990s. But now, thanks to the change in the weather and thriving soil quality across the country, the British beverage is having a real moment. Carden Park Estate's production of English sparkling wine from its vineyard tucked away towards the back of the Estate is no exception. With a story that dates back to 1988, the vineyard has thrived year on year since the vines were planted. Following dedication, hard work and a lot of nurturing, the 4,000 vines are now able to produce up to 6,000 bottles of quality Carden Park Estate Reserve Sparkling every year and the Estate's fine-dining restaurant, The Vines, has now hired a new head sommelier, Patryk Kapelinski. Bringing an in-depth knowledge of wine, how to perfectly pair it with food and identify its characteristics, Patryk has been working in the industry for more than 15 years.

New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection

Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.

The Racquet Club is perfectly positioned for access to public transport

Located in the commercial district of Liverpool, The Racquet Club is perfectly positioned for access to public transport and car parking facilities. Close to the famous Liverpool Waterfront it's the ideal spot for a wedding. Built in 1859 by Sir James Picton as the headquarters for Sir William Brown, an American shipping merchant, it takes the shape of an Italian Palazzo and has carved plaques above the windows including Isabella I who gave permission and funding for Columbus' voyage, Columbus, Bermejo a Spanish adventurer, Vespucci, Cortez, Queen Anaconana and Francisco Pizarro.

Luxe gifting brand launches

Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.

Albert’s Schloss is set to open its third UK site in Liverpool

Leading bar and restaurant brand Albert's Schloss is set to open its third UK site in Liverpool in November 2022. Following a £3million investment, Albert's Schloss Liverpool will take over a former food market at Radiant House, at 18-26 Bold Street.

Beautifully restored with a grand Anglo- Bavarian design aesthetic, the venue will be spread across two floors. The ground floor will house a large stage with next- level performances, two impressive large bars, a fresh tank bier system and a Cook Haus dining area. Meanwhile, the first floor will be home to Ludwig's Tavern, offering artisan Schnapps, a vermouth bar, shuffleboard and other tavern games.

Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape

Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa is a tranquil and picturesque setting

Nestled in the heart of undulating Cheshire countryside and 150 acres of parkland, The Mere Golf Resort and Spa offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Arriving at the archway only begins to hint at the grandeur to follow, and only when you pass through it does the resort unveil the full extent of its magnificence. Built in 1934, the grounds provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photography, and feature idyllic views of the Mere Lake, the historical Mere arch and the golf course.

The Riley Room is ideal for an intimate ceremony accompanied by 60 guests, and is home to 60 unique artworks by local artist, Harold Riley.

Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers

Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.

O’Hares Jewellers are relocating to a larger premises

After decades in its current position opposite Chester Cathedral, the team at O'Hares Jewellers are excited to announce that they're relocating to larger premises. Moving to the former Waltons Jewellers beneath the Eastgate Clock, at 45 Eastgate Street, Chester, they're very much looking forward to welcoming customers from November 2022 at this new permanent home. The workshop too will be moving here so O'Hares can continue to offer repairs on site.

Pop in to find out more about shopping for your wedding rings and big-day jewellery, and check out www.oharesjewellers.co.uk

Museum of Liverpool sits alongside the city’s most iconic buildings

Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011 and sits alongside the city's most iconic buildings, including the Three Graces and the Royal Albert Dock. The museum offers amazing views of the River Mersey and Pier Head from riverside terraces, and its modern interior features breathtaking galleries with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is part of the Hosted by National Museums Liverpool wedding venue collection.

The venue welcomes celebrant-led ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and wedding receptions. The Atrium is an iconic setting for 150 guests with skylight and spiral staircase. The space is flexible and offers a blank canvas with huge potential to personalise your big day. The heart of the museum, is home to a sweeping staircase, under which guests can enjoy dinner and dancing.

Bellissima Bride is excited to launch Blanche Bridal in the UK

Bellissima Brides in Brimstage, Wirral, is excited to launch Blanche Bridal in the UK and is proud to be the designer's first and only stockist outside of the U.S and Australia. Blanche (@blanchebridal) is an Instagram phenomenon and the team at Bellissima has already seen brides booking flights to the UK to come and see this new collection at the boutique.

The new drop of Blanche gowns is expected in November, including the bestselling Esmee, Odette and Janelle. Prices range from £2,500 to £4,000 and the dresses are customisable allowing you to create your perfect look.

How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?

We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.

Delamere Manor has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years

Once the former residence of the powerful Wilbraham family and more recently home to musician and songwriter Gary Barlow, Delamere Manor is now privately owned and has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. It now offers a classic yet contemporary backdrop for your big day.

Behind wrought-iron gates at the end of a driveway flanked by lime trees sits this beautiful country house. Set it more than 100 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, the venue overlooks a six-acre lake.

Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you

It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.

Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding

Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.