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

Pale Hall, where everybody knows your name

Palé Hall is a luxury five-star country retreat set in the heart of North Wales in the tranquil Dee Valley, with the spectacular Snowdonia National Park on its doorstep. This grand historical, Victorian mansion was to be our editor's home from home for two nights, where she was able to experience the ultimate in hospitality and the acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant. North Wales' finest can also be yours for your big day, and here Kelly explains why it's well worth considering.

A new look for The Queen at Chester

The Queen at Chester has completed a major refurbishment, fit for royalty, with upgrades to 104 bedrooms and public spaces including meeting rooms and new central bar. Guests will find a sleek and homely new look at the magnificent brick and stucco Italianate building, said to be the first skyscraper of its time. Since opening in 1860 the hotel has had an illustrious past having hosted the likes of Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lily Langtry. The new design has been carefully conceived to honour the heritage and history of the building, with classic patterned wooden floors, panelled walls and plush fabrics, while adding a fresh, modern finish and amenities including air conditioning.

Somerset Blooms shortlisted by British Florist Association

Nathalie Somerset from Somerset Blooms has been shortlisted by the British Florist Association for the Wedding/Event Florist of the year award, and finds herself up against Paula Rooney Floral Design, the florist behind Channel 4's Billionaire Blooms. Nathalie is the only florist in the North West to be shortlisted – "It's scary but very exciting," she shares. The British Florist Association is celebrating floral craftsmanship and championing sustainability in the wedding industry of late, and it's a great place to start shopping for a wedding florist each business is checked and verified with work scrutinised in order to become a member.

Christmas at Delamere Manor

Here at Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, we love Delamere Manor for its enchantment and elegance that seamlessly blend to create an idyllic backdrop for any wedding. Nestled amid picturesque landscapes in the heart of Cheshire, this venue offers a captivating experience. In addition to its incredible ceremony and reception spaces, it offers an array of amenities from beautifully appointed bedrooms, a beauty parlour, to top-notch catering services with customisable menu options. Now you can experience the venue not just on your wedding day, but at a fabulous black tie Christmas party held on 23rd November 2024. Launch your festive season in style. Gather your nearest and dearest for an evening of glamour, fabulous food, music and unforgettable memories.

Winter wonderland at Formby Hall

Merseyside venue Formby Hall Golf Resort has recently launched a new offer for winter weddings hosted there. A Winters Dream Wedding includes a master of ceremonies, civil ceremony set up, chair covers with coloured sash, white linen tablecloths and napkins, arrival winter cocktail or bottle of beer, centrepieces (crystal globe with tea lights), a sumptuous three-course wedding breakfast with coffee, glass of house wine for each guest, evening supper of fish and chip cones, resident DJ, selfie mirror to capture those fun evening moments, deluxe guest room for the newlyweds, 10 discounted guest rooms for the night of the wedding, and a menu tasting session.

Signed ceremonies

It's been an eventful few months for Ceremonies with Personality. Celebrant Sarah Boalch has been nominated for no fewer than four wedding awards: North Wales Wedding Awards, National Welsh Wedding Awards, Best of Welsh Wedding Awards, and Nations Wedding Awards. Sarah is delighted to be a nominee for the third year running and says, "It means the world to me that my couples love their ceremonies so much that they nominate me for these awards. I absolutely adore my job and put everything I can into my work so it's lovely to be recognised for that."

Carden Park's 2021 Seyval Blanc Sparkling White Wine winds silver medal

It's official, Cheshire's vineyards are among the best! Carden Park Hotel is thrilled to announce that its 2021 Seyval Blanc Sparkling White Wine has been awarded a silver medal at the prestigious Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA). Chosen by a panel of judges, each entry is evaluated blind and assessed against international quality wine standards. The judges described the Carden Park Seyval Blanc Sparkling Wine as, "Distinctive and summery. The wine has a lovely line of acidity balanced with great orchard fruit. It's fruitiness is noticeable with the Seyval Blanc's lighter character."

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Booker Flowers and Gifts recognised as Good Small Business Award winner

Liverpool-based Booker Flowers and Gifts is proud to have been recognised nationally as The Good Small Business Award winner in the Industry Champion in the Retail and Wholesale Category. This is in recognition of the continued work it does to reduce the environmental impact of the business and the active participation it has in its community. The Good Small Business Awards is the UK's first national sustainability awards exclusively for small businesses. A representative told us, "We celebrate the work of small businesses doing the right things for people and the planet, something in small but highly effective ways.

DeVere Cranage and Jodrell Bank Join Forces for Wedding Fair

Pop the 3rd November in your diaries for a spectacular wedding fair hosted by DeVere Cranage Estate and the iconic Jodrell Bank. Wedding showcase and stalls at Cranage Hall – meet top local wedding suppliers and vendors. Planetarium ceremonies – take a tour of the stunning new spaces at Jodrell Bank. 35-acre estate and grounds – immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the UK's most scenic venues. Whether you're looking for an elegant estate setting or a one-of-a-kind planetarium ceremony, this event has it all. Experience firsthand how these extraordinary venues can bring your dream wedding to life with joint packages starting from just £10,000! Date: 3rd November.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Couples of Oak Tree of Peover plan with kindness

At the Oak Tree of Peover in Knutsford, the weddings team are actively encouraging their couples to think more sustainably when it comes to their big day. The venue's Chloe Rensch says, "Choosing out of season flowers means transporting them from overseas, which is an added cost and results in higher levels of CO2 emissions, as well as the use of potentially harmful chemical fertilisers. Opting for flowers that are in season for your wedding month and grown within the UK is a much more sustainable choice. "Many couples buy everything brand new; items that are often never worn or used again. Why not buy a pre-loved wedding dress or create something completely unique from a loved one's old wedding dress?

Tie the knot at Nunsmere Hall

Located in the Delamere Forest in Cheshire, Nunsmere Hall Hotel is a stunning Edwardian building. Built in 1900, it exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Equally as beautiful outside as it is in, wisteria-clad walkways, lakeside views and neatly manicured gardens envelop this charming country house. The Crystal Suite is the venue's most popular room for ceremonies with its beautiful carved ceiling and impressive windows overlooking the manicured grounds. It can play host to 120 of your loved ones. You can also tie the knot al fresco amongst the beautiful Italian gardens. Walking down the aisle to your awaiting guests and soon-to-be spouse in these romantic surroundings is an experience you'll never forget.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Check out our West Cheshire venue picks

The award-winning Chester Grosvenor combines historical architecture with modern facilities. Dating back to the 18th century, it stands next to the landmark Eastgate Clock. This, along with the pillared entrance and black and white timbered exterior, provide an eye-catching backdrop for a fairytale wedding. Bedrooms here offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Each room has been individually designed and beautifully furnished to offer you and your guests a sumptuous stay. The hotel is also home to two exciting restaurants.

Host your ceremony among 15 acres of romantic woodland

If you have your sights set on something different for your big day, check out Cheshire Woodland Weddings. Located in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, this 15-acre woodland can host your ceremony in a romantic outdoor cabana for a truly relaxed rustic wedding experience and atmosphere. Alongside use of the fully-licensed venue, including large luxury barn (with outdoor and indoor bars), and waterside gazebo, is a range of fun activities for you and your guests from falconry to Segway, to make your day unforgettable. You have the choice of several spaces in which to tie the knot. The Woodland Ceremony Area is a quaint thatched hut with bench-style seating for 150 guests among the private woodland.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.