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

Cottons Hotel & Spa - Step inside this Cheshire treasure where a wealth of wedding spaces await

Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford offers a stylish and relaxing setting for your Cheshire wedding. Located close to Tatton Park, this four-star retreat combines modern luxury with warm hospitality, creating the perfect atmosphere for a full wedding weekend. Couples can choose from a range of versatile spaces, from intimate ceremony rooms to the impressive Verandah Suite, ideal for wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations. With curated packages, dedicated staff and flexible layouts for up to 180 guests, every detail is designed around your vision. Plus, 138 comfortable bedrooms and a Champagne-filled Junior Suite for newlyweds ensure a seamless, stress-free celebration from start to finish.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Rookery Hall - elegant weddings in a picture-perfect setting

Rookery Hall Hotel in Cheshire offers an enchanting backdrop for weddings, blending historic elegance with breathtaking countryside views. Set at the end of a sweeping driveway, this Georgian manor exudes romance from the moment you arrive. Its picturesque gardens, expansive lawns and serene terraces create an idyllic atmosphere for celebrations of every size. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony in the character-filled Morning Room, a classic celebration in the elegant Wardle Suite or a show-stopping outdoor vow exchange in the Lakeside Pavilion, Rookery Hall provides a setting to suit every style. With luxurious spaces, stunning scenery and exceptional hospitality, this remarkable estate is the perfect place to begin your forever.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Local supplier spotlight: Mike's Magic

Local magician Mike Christy, performs mind reading, sleight of hand and world class card magic for your family, friends and guests to enjoy. "I have been a professional magician for 24 years and in that time I have won various awards," Mike says. "The magic I perform can be a mix and mingle scenario at table or in a cocktail situation, and is highly entertaining for wedding guests - if you have seen magic performed on TV from Dynamo and David Blaine then you will know what to expect from me." Take a look at Mike's Google review site: "Mikes Magic Wedding Magician".

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Cheshire-born beauty

Cosmetic Consult, founded by beauty entrepreneur, podcast host and Cheshire girl, Ashley Stobart, has launched its debut product: Miracle Skin Transformation. Designed to deliver clinic-grade results at home, this innovative treatment is set to become a staple in modern skincare routines. This high-performance at-home treatment is designed to tackle acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture. The easy to use, pre-soaked pads are infused with powerful active ingredients to provide professional-grade exfoliation and rejuvenation, helping users achieve a radiant, glass-skin glow with consistent use. Already a go-to favourite among makeup artists, beauty influencers, and skincare enthusiasts, the Miracle Skin Transformation is available now exclusively at thecosmeticconsult.co.uk at £39.99.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

A Christmas of wonder at Pale Hall

As December settles over the mountains, Palé Hall begins its most enchanting transformation of the year. Candlelight shimmers across panelled halls, garlands trail over carved fireplaces, and the comforting aroma of winter spices drifts through every room. Beyond the windows, frost dusts the gardens in silver, while inside, a sense of warmth, wonder, and tradition gently unfolds. Christmas at Palé Hall is more than a celebration — it is an atmosphere, a quiet magic that invites guests to slow down, savour the moment, and reconnect with the joy of the season. From exquisite dining to evocative musical performances, every detail is crafted to create memories that linger long after winter has passed.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Winter flavours at San Carlo

Winter flavours Family-run Italian restaurant group San Carlo has announced the launch of its autumn-winter menu, marrying comforting winter warmers with fresh, authentic Italian ingredients. New starters include the Salmone Affumicato (smoked salmon with shallots, capers, lemon and Altamura bread) and Heritage Tomato Salad (marinated tomatoes with goat cheese, black olives and basil). These fresh additions bring a balance of vibrant flavours and comforting textures to the menu. The new carne offering at San Carlo this winter is the Beef Cheek and Spinach, a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender, slow cooked beef cheek complemented by a bright and zesty gremolata (parsley, capers, garlic), alongside a serving of perfectly sauteed spinach for a well-balanced plate.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Holidays are coming at Cottons Hotel and Spa

If you're planning to make the last Christmas before W-day the most special yet, look in at Cottons Hotel and Spa, where the holidays are arriving in style. Available across various dates, the Christmas Ball includes a stunning three course meal, Champagne and nibbles on arrival, with singer and DJ to entertain you. Why not have a blast at the ball before heading to one of the Hotel's cosy rooms with its bed and breakfast package? Alternatively, if a fabulously festive afternoon tea is more up your street, you won't want to miss the delicious sandwiches, home-made savouries and seriously tempting sweets at Cottons. The Festive Afternoon Tea is £37.95 per person or add a glass of champers for £44.95 per person.

Handpicked hampers

Whether you're looking for a last minute gift for your wedding party this winter or planning ahead to next year, a carefully curated hamper you know your loved ones will cherish is a winning choice. Alternatively, why not pop one on your own wedding gift list? Warrington-based Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that's meaningful and memorable, enabling you to give thoughtful and personalised gifts that show just how much you care. The latest range of ready-to-go wedding hampers are perfect if you're short on time and can be delivered the next working day.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts are brewing up a storm

Brits are embracing coffee culture like never before, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts reporting a 10% surge in coffee sales across its 32 UK locations. Renowned for exceptional hospitality, the group continues to elevate its coffee offering through expert barista training, premium blends and a strong focus on sustainability. Its innovative partnership with direct-trade producers Paddy & Scott's also means every cup makes a difference. Through the Lunch Box initiative, guests have already contributed to more than 8,107 school meals for children in Kenya's Meru region, with thousands more expected by year-end. Discover more about hosting your big day at one of Macdonald Hotels' beautiful Cheshire venues at macdonaldhotels.co.uk.

Quay Hotel & Spa launches exclusive Black Friday offers - book before 8th December

This Black Friday, discover exceptional savings on a luxurious coastal escape at The Quay Hotel & Spa in Conwy, North Wales. Perfectly positioned beside the breathtaking Conwy Estuary and its iconic medieval castle, the hotel offers the ideal setting for a winter getaway or pre-Christmas break. Guests can enjoy exclusive Black Friday deals on one- and two-night stays, complete with relaxing Cosy Cove accommodation, indulgent dining at the Ebb & Flow Restaurant, access to the Wellness Area, and discounted spa treatments. With rates offering up to 30% off, now is the perfect time to book your North Wales retreat. Secure your stay before 8 December 2025 at quayhotel.co.uk.

Cheshire Spa Achieves Top Industry Award and Opens Luxury Changing Room for Guests Calm & Comfort

Cheshire's luxury spa destination, Manor House Alsager, is celebrating a landmark achievement after being awarded the prestigious Five Bubble Luxury rating by The Good Spa Guide for 2025 — making it one of only two spas in the North West to hold this elite status. The recognition follows a transformative investment that has elevated the spa's facilities, including the launch of the acclaimed Secret Spa Garden and expanded wellness amenities. Praised for its exceptional guest experience, relaxed ambience and premium facilities, Manor House Alsager is now firmly positioned among the best luxury spas in the UK. With new upgrades enhancing comfort and capacity, the award-winning spa continues to lead in wellness, relaxation and unforgettable spa days.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Local supplier spotlight: Wongs Jewellers

Brides and grooms, it's your time to shine — and Wongs Jewellers has the perfect wedding jewellery to complete your big-day look. Celebrating 45 years of crafting Liverpool's most memorable love stories, this trusted family jeweller offers timeless, heirloom-quality pieces designed to be worn and cherished for a lifetime. From exquisite engagement rings and wedding bands to elegant bridal jewellery and groom accessories, Wongs combines expert craftsmanship with five-star service to make your experience truly special. Couples love the luxurious yet down-to-earth approach, ensuring your visit feels personal, relaxed and unforgettable. Discover the perfect finishing touches for your wedding day and create lifelong memories with Wongs Jewellers.