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

Liverpool Hairdresser Andrew Joseph Manion Named UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2025 Finalist

Liverpool hairdresser Andrew Joseph Manion has secured a spot in the 2025 UK Hair and Beauty Awards national final, beating over 50,000 competitors. Known for expert colour, precision cutting, and a no-nonsense approach, Andrew closed his Cressington salon after Covid and moved to a rental chair on Smithdown Road to focus on his craft. This bold decision helped him rebuild a loyal client base and earn national recognition. Andrew's philosophy centers on quality and genuine care, not trends. The grand final is at The ICC in Birmingham on August 30th, where he aims to make the national Top 50. Follow him @AJMHAI for updates.

Why the bar at your wedding shouldn’t be an afterthought

In the grand orchestration of a wedding, couples often obsess over floral arrangements, lighting design and detailed seating charts. The dress, the photographer, the five-course dinner - each element is painstakingly curated. And yet, one of the most powerful forces behind a wedding's success is consistently left until the eleventh hour: the bar! Let's be honest, it's not often you hear a couple say: "First things first, let's lock in a great bar team." But maybe they should. "You can spend months working on the seating plan or deciding the perfect shade of napkin, but if the bar's giving bored function-room energy, it can all quickly lose its magic," says Luke Shelton-Sharp, co-founder of room two, the London-based cocktail studio and event planner.

The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings. Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.

How Much Should You Really Gift At Weddings In 2025?

Many people are unsure of how much money to give when they attend a wedding, statistics showed Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' soared by a whopping 5,000% in April of 2025 alone and 11% of guests go into debt just to attend a wedding, with the average spend hitting £451. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes, has broken down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

Cheshire Wedding Venue with Outdoor Ceremonies – Celebrate in Style at The Bridge in Prestbury

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Prestbury, The Bridge is a stunning Cheshire wedding venue offering riverside charm, luxury accommodation, and elegant event spaces. Set beside the tranquil River Bollin, this beautiful venue features landscaped gardens perfect for wedding photos and one of the few outdoor ceremony licences in the Cheshire Triangle. With versatile indoor and outdoor reception spaces, The Bridge can host everything from intimate gatherings in The Bollin to larger celebrations across The Riverside and stepped terraces for up to 140 guests. Whether you're planning a cosy winter wedding or an al fresco summer celebration with drinks at the outdoor bar, The Bridge offers a picture-perfect setting for your dream day.

Hen Party Treats- Big Day Cakes

To begin planning your hen party you need to set a budget first so you can make sure you'll still have enough money to spend on your actual wedding. Once that's decided you need to choose a theme and factor in the cost of the decorations and other things you may buy. You'll also have to create a guest list consisting of only your closest friends before moving onto picking the date, location and some activities to do. In need of some inspiration for what to do at your hen party? There is a variety of options to choose that will fit your fancy venturing from whether you want to do something adventurous like rock climbing or canyoning or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day calming down and doing something relaxing such as having a spa day or afternoon tea.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

Rustic Wedding Perfection at Sandhole Oak Barn: A Stunning Lakeside Venue in the Heart of the Countryside

Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Sandhole Oak Barn is the perfect rustic wedding venue for couples seeking rural charm and exclusive use. Set beside a peaceful lake, the stunning oak-framed barn accommodates up to 140 guests and offers a warm, authentic atmosphere with its exposed beams and expansive windows. From lakeside ceremonies under the majestic Oak Clock Tower to relaxed receptions in the light-filled Dining Barn, this versatile venue blends natural beauty with bespoke elegance. Enjoy handcrafted menus, signature cocktails, and breathtaking views as you celebrate your special day. With on-site accommodation for up to 40 guests, Sandhole Oak Barn is your idyllic countryside escape for an unforgettable wedding day experience.

Q&A with photographer with Jaine Briscoe-Price: Expert wedding photography trends and tips

We're excited to feature professional wedding photographer Jaine Briscoe-Price, who shares her expert insights on capturing your big day perfectly. With over 20 years of experience and a distinctive, timeless style, Jaine answers our top questions on everything from what to expect on the day to how long it takes to deliver your images. Whether you're planning a romantic elopement or a lavish celebration, her advice offers invaluable guidance to help you feel confident in front of the camera and ensure your memories are beautifully preserved. If you're looking for stunning, story-driven wedding photography, don't miss this exclusive interview with one of the region's most sought-after photographers.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs:

2025's wedding flower trends

Jacqui Owen from Nantwich's renowned Jacqui O Flowers shares her expert insight into this year's top wedding flower trends. With years of experience creating stunning floral designs, Jacqui reveals what's blooming in 2025, from bold fruits and florals to dramatic hanging installations and the rising popularity of stylish weddings at home. Whether you're planning a lavish celebration or an intimate backyard ceremony, these fresh flower trends are set to inspire. Keep reading to discover how to make your big day truly unforgettable with Jacqui's floral expertise.

Dreamy photography whatever the weather

Whatever time of year you choose to get married the British weather can prove a tad unpredictable. Whether this uncertainty is causing you stress or not, it may comfort you to know that your wedding photography will still look spectacular whatever the conditions throw at you. That's one worry off your plate! Caroline White (https://carolinewhitephotography.co.uk) says: Absolutely not! It's all about being prepared beforehand with plan A and plan B scenarios. I like to stay positive and manifest good weather. But if plan B does happen then we are ready to go with brollies, and spare shoes to wear temporarily for photographs so your gorgeous wedding footwear isn't ruined.

Love is in the Air: Wedding Fragrances with Yankee Candle and WoodWick

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's the little details that make the biggest impact; from scent to style, every element helps tell the story of your day. No matter how you choose to incorporate fragrance into your wedding, a beautifully chosen candle can create a sensory signature that stays with you and your guests forever. We asked Taylor Perlis, Yankee Candle Fragrance Evaluator to share how best to use candles to create a beautiful, memorable atmosphere on your special day.

Tie the knot overlooking the lakes at Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne Hall is a beautiful, family-owned stately home overlooking lakes and stunning formal gardens. The rooms of the Main Hall boast a wealth of period features, including chandeliers, feature fireplaces, ornate Italian paintings and sculptures, offering a breathtaking setting for your special day. For those wanting a more contemporary setting The Lakeside is available to hire, which is set in one wing of the Hall. This area has elevated views over the adjacent lakes and formal gardens. Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, the beautiful grounds surrounding the Hall include woodland and parkland. The gazebo by the lake provides a gorgeous outdoor wedding setting with the tree-lined avenue creating a natural aisle for your big entrance.

Family-run wedding venue The Barn at Yew Tree Farm is set on the outskirts of Liverpool

Set on the rural outskirts of Liverpool, this family-run working farm can be found nestled among 25 acres of greenbelt countryside. The 300-year old barn has been sensitively renovated to maintain its rustic charm and simple elegance. Connecting to this is a new timber clad extension, which is home to the bar and lounge area to add a touch of comfort and sophistication. From the large windows of The Barn, you'll see that it stands within a working farmyard and surrounded by green fields where the alpacas and sheep graze. It has its own private, lawned area where guests can enjoy a drink and relax in the evening sun.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

Silhouettes to suit an apple-shaped figure

If you're blessed with an apple-shaped figure and are currently wondering about the best wedding dress silhouettes to suit you, Joanne Maloney from A Bridal Story (www.abridalstory.co.uk) is here to help. "A-line or ballgowns work perfectly on an apple-shaped body as they bring balance to your hip area and draw attention to your waist giving it a cinched-in look. "We'd also suggest looking at a neckline that will open up your chest and bust area, such as a sweetheart, scoop or V-neck. Again, this will bring overall balance to your silhouette and will smooth the bust area, while bringing focus to your waist. If you're larger on the bust, a dress with a good internal structure will be a must.

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. 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.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

Sustainable, local british blooms

"In the modern wedding industry, sustainability is increasingly recognised as a global pursuit," says Jacqui Owen from Jacqui O (www.jacquio.co.uk). "Couples are more aware of the environmental impact of their floral choices and are embracing sustainable flowers, with a focus on three key pillars: environmental, social and economic responsibility. This drive for sustainability leads many to seek traceability in their floral sourcing, opting for British-grown flowers or ethically sourced blooms from international suppliers."