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

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Love is in the Details: The Rise of Personalised Wedding Suits

If you're searching for unique wedding attire that truly reflects your personality, look no further. We recently spoke to Jake Allen, founder of King & Allen, the UK's leading bespoke tailoring specialists, about the latest trends in custom wedding suits. With over 20 years of experience, Jake shares how today's couples are embracing personalised wedding suits that tell their love stories in every stitch. From secret embroidered messages and bold linings to gender-neutral suiting and coordinated couple looks, these emerging trends celebrate creativity, individuality, and authenticity. As the wedding season approaches, discover how bespoke tailoring can transform your outfit into something truly meaningful—because your wedding day style should be as unforgettable as the day itself.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

25 wedding cake ideas to make you drool

Ah, the wedding cake - a timeless tradition we love for all the right reasons! Historically, sharing a wedding cake symbolised the newlyweds' shared future, happiness, and prosperity. Today, it remains a versatile and beautiful part of your celebration, making it money well spent. Your wedding cake isn't just dessert it's a showstopping centrepiece that ties your wedding theme together. You can serve it as your wedding breakfast dessert, use it as delicious dancefloor fuel, or even package slices as favours. So, if you're searching for wedding cake inspiration or creative alternatives, dive in and find ideas to inspire your consultation with your cake maker. Whether you dream of a classic tiered masterpiece or a completely unique twist, there's something here to spark your imagination.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

The bouquet residence! Bridal bouquet inspiration

Wedding traditions are full of history, and the bridal bouquet is a beautiful example. What began in ancient Greece and Rome as bundles of herbs, garlic, and spices to ward off evil spirits has evolved into stunning wedding flowers symbolising love, fertility, and new beginnings. Through the medieval period, bouquets added fragrance and meaning, while the Victorians transformed them into works of floral art, using the "language of flowers" to express hidden messages. Today, modern brides are reinventing the tradition, choosing bridal bouquet styles that reflect their personality, theme, and love story. From timeless romance to bold, trend-driven designs, your bouquet can be as unique as your celebration. Discover 20 inspiring modern bridal bouquet ideas to help you create a wedding statement you'll never forget.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

With this ring: Our ultimate wedding ring buyer's guide

The custom of exchanging wedding rings dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, and is still a custom today's couples rarely, if ever, compromise on. The circular shape of the band, representing eternity, is thought to symbolise everlasting love. As we do now, the ancient Egyptians wore their wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand, the one believed to hold the vena amoris, or vein of love, connecting directly to the heart. With yet another important buying decision ahead of you, we've put togetther our ultimate guide to shopping for your wedding rings ensuring your own symbol of eternal love the two of you share will be something that brings joy to your hearts.

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

King & Allen Opens Inclusive Bespoke Tailoring Flagship Store in Knutsford, Offering Custom Suits and Wedding Consultations

Inclusive tailor King & Allen is celebrating the grand opening of its new flagship store on Knutsford's King Street, marking a significant expansion to meet growing demand for bespoke tailoring. Known for championing individuality, style, and comfort, King & Allen offers personalised suits that authentically reflect each client's unique identity. The new Knutsford location features a spacious showroom with an expanded selection of fabrics and styles, dedicated wedding party consultation suites, and enhanced accessibility. Founded by Jake Allen, the brand has dressed notable clients, including X Factor's Lucy Spraggan, who wore a King & Allen suit at her wedding. The flagship store promises a luxurious, tailored experience with expert fittings and consultations. Book appointments online at kingandallen.co.uk or call 01565 744 151 to create your perfect bespoke suit.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Sephora Opens at Liverpool ONE with Exclusive Beauty Brands, Viral Products & In-Store Treatments for local Shoppers

Beauty lovers, rejoice! Sephora UK has officially opened its doors at Liverpool ONE, marking another exciting step in the brand's northern expansion. The iconic beauty retailer brings its world-famous selection of exclusive beauty brands to the heart of Liverpool, including cult favourites like Makeup by Mario, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Topicals, and the UK retail debut of Merit. You'll also find viral products from Glossier, Rare Beauty, Tatcha, Kayali, and Glow Recipe—all under one stylish roof. Sephora's own Sephora Collection is also available, featuring best-sellers like Size Up Mascara and colourful face masks. Alongside shopping, enjoy in-store beauty services, from express touch-ups to full glam transformations by Sephora's expert beauty advisors. Discover the ultimate beauty shopping experience in Liverpool at Sephora Liverpool ONE.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Sing Your Heart Out: Hotshots Liverpool Launches High-Tech Karaoke Rooms Perfect for Hen, Stag & Sten Parties

Planning a hen party in Liverpool? Hotshots Liverpool has just turned up the volume on pre-wedding fun with the launch of two brand-new, state-of-the-art karaoke rooms, making it the ultimate destination for hen, stag, and sten parties. Thanks to expert installation by TVC, these high-tech karaoke spaces offer a premium singing experience with 55" Mitchell & Brown 4K Ultra HD Smart TVs, Audac ARES5A stereo loudspeakers, and wireless W-Audio microphones for group performances without messy cables. Powered by Singa Karaoke software, you'll have access to a huge library of songs across genres, with real-time lyrics and personalised suggestions. Combined with Hotshots' offering of pool, darts, and live sports, your hen party in Liverpool just got seriously unforgettable. Learn more at hotshotsdarts.co.uk

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.

Manifest Liverpool: Baltic Triangle’s Casual Fine Dining Gem Serving Local Flavours in a Stylish Industrial Setting

Located in Liverpool's vibrant Baltic Triangle, Manifest is a standout casual fine dining restaurant opened in 2022 by chef patron Paul Durand and business partner Charlotte Jones. Housed in a characterful historic warehouse, Manifest blends the city's creative energy with a relaxed, European-inspired dining experience. Influenced by Paul's culinary travels in cities like Bordeaux and Bologna, the restaurant brings a contemporary twist to fine dining, championing local produce from Merseyside and the North of England. With an open kitchen at its heart, guests enjoy an intimate, interactive experience where food and wine are given equal focus. Manifest has quickly become a favourite on the Liverpool food scene, offering sincerity, style, and exceptional hospitality in one of the UK's most dynamic nightlife destinations. Discover more or book at manifestrestaurant.com

Palé Hall Hotel Appoints Edward Marsh as Head Chef, Launches Seasonal Tasting Menus and Reimagined Hearth Dining Room

Palé Hall Hotel, a five-star luxury retreat on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, has appointed Edward Marsh as Head Chef, marking an exciting new era for fine dining in North Wales. Marsh introduces refined four- and six-course seasonal tasting menus, each crafted to highlight local ingredients with precision, balance, and creativity. In tandem with the culinary upgrade, Palé Hall unveils Hearth, its newly reimagined private dining room. Once the estate's original kitchen, the space has been beautifully restored, featuring the original cast iron hearth and a new live cooking station for interactive chef's table experiences. A bespoke dining table and curated wine display wall create an elegant setting for up to 16 guests. Discover more about this exclusive gastronomic experience at palehall.co.uk

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.