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

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

An Escape for the Senses this Autumn at Palé Hall in North Wales

Palé Hall Hotel, the five-star country retreat in North Wales on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), is inviting guests to embrace the season with a new collection of immersive experiences set against a backdrop of autumn colours and mountain views. From creative ceramic workshops in a new Pottery & Art Studio to guided wine tastings in the sleek subterranean Wine Cellar, and traditional clay pigeon shooting on the historic estate, each designed to inspire, restore, and delight the senses. These exciting new offerings are part of the rejuvenation of Palé Hall, brought to life by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney and their ongoing vision to expand the estate and deliver a refined and immersive experience for guests to treasure.

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

One last dip: Where to find the best value for beach breaks this September from Liverpool

Trade grey skies for golden sands with a last-minute honeymoon courtesy of easyJet's late summer beach picks. easyJet has revealed its top five destinations still basking in sunshine and all offering a break for sunseekers, combining culture, and great value fares from Liverpool. As schools return and temperatures in the UK begin to drop, now is the perfect time to take advantage of a late summer escape departing from the airport. From Mediterranean islands to Spanish Costas, these beach breaks offer the perfect chance to soak up sunshine before autumn sets in. Whether it's a quick dip in turquoise seas, lazy afternoons on the sand, or evenings by the water with fresh seafood, easyJet's network makes it easy to swap drizzle for dazzling shores.

Embrace Cosy Season with Manor House Alsager's New Autumnal Spa Experience

The award-winning Manor House Spa in Alsager, Cheshire, has unveiled its new Autumnal Glow Spa Day – a luxurious seasonal escape designed to warm and rejuvenate guests during the colder months. Known as one of Cheshire's leading spa and wellness destinations, Manor House Spa invites visitors to embrace autumn with heated outdoor spa facilities, cosy relaxation spaces, and indulgent treatments. The Autumnal Glow Ritual includes a 30-minute back massage and 30-minute glow facial, perfect for easing tension and restoring radiance. Guests can also unwind in the tranquil Relaxation Lounge, enjoy a delicious lunch, and take home a complimentary spa gift. With 18+ spa experiences, outdoor fire pits, swim-up bars, and the stunning new Secret Garden area, Manor House Alsager offers the ultimate autumn spa retreat.

Local supplier spotlight: Butterfly Road

Butterfly Road Floral Studio in Cheshire, UK, specialises in wedding flowers, garden-inspired bouquets, and bespoke floral designs for unforgettable celebrations. Founded by Diane and Michelle, the team are passionate wedding florists who create whimsical, abundant, English country garden-inspired arrangements that bring magic to every ceremony. Known for their warmth and personalised service, Butterfly Road provides full wedding floral planning, from initial consultation to the final petal placed. Couples can expect thoughtful guidance, calm reassurance, and friendly updates throughout the process. Whether you're looking for romantic bouquets, table arrangements, or floral installations, Butterfly Road transforms your vision into reality, leaving lasting memories. Experience the joy of bespoke wedding florals in Cheshire and let Butterfly Road make your big day truly extraordinary.

Local supplier spotlight: Cake on the Lake

Cake On The Lake is an award-winning wedding cake company celebrated for its exquisite designs, handmade sugar flowers, and delicious cakes. Owned by Clare Deary, a professionally trained, award-winning designer, the company has built an excellent reputation and earned North West Wedding Awards nominations. Couples can choose from fashionable round cakes, vintage squares, or elaborate showstoppers, decorated with ribbon, sugar roses, fresh flowers, or even sparkles to match their wedding theme. Each cake is made with the finest natural ingredients, layered with fillings, then finished with white, milk, or dark chocolate ganache and luxury fondant. With bespoke creations tailored to each celebration, Cake On The Lake delivers unforgettable wedding cakes across the North West.

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.

Local supplier spotlight: A Bridal Story

Are you searching for the dress of your dreams? At A Bridal Story, every gown is chosen with love to ensure every bride feels special. Since opening in 2020, this beautiful, calm, and welcoming boutique has become a haven for brides who want a relaxed, supportive experience while finding "the one." Stocking renowned designers such as Justin Alexander, Gaia Bridal, Modeca, plus their exclusive Love Story Collection, the boutique offers something for every style and vision. Brides enjoy a private, one-to-one consultation in the elegant bridal suite, ensuring undivided attention and a truly memorable experience. Alongside wedding gowns, you'll also find a stunning selection of prom and bridesmaids' dresses, with expert guidance to make your whole bridal party shine with confidence.

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.