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

Decadent dining at Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford

Located in the heart of Cheshire, the four-star Cottons Hotel and Spa – part of Daniel Thwaites - is ideally positioned to enjoy easy access to Tatton Park and the quaint village of Knutsford. Boasting contemporary bedrooms, indulgent spa facilities and a variety of dining possibilities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Featuring a British-brasserie inspired menu, the restaurant at Cottons Hotel and Spa offers tables as well as booth dining, and for those brighter days, guests can indulge in al fresco dining out on the terrace. Hero dishes include day boat caught fish of the day, Highbury of Shropshire chicken supreme and seasonal vegetable risotto. If you're in search of a sweet treat, why not try the old school Knickerbocker glory?

Here are 10 must-have items to include in a wedding bathroom basket

Luxury bathroom experts at Posh.co.uk have shared ten must-have items to provide to make sure guests are well taken care of. Wedding bathroom baskets can be a really nice touch for couples to show their guests they care by providing them with everything they need for a comfortable evening. Including items like safety pins, deodorant, body tape and antihistamines will mean that guests won't have to worry about a thing. Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk said: "Wedding bathroom baskets can be a really lovely touch at a reception by providing guests with all of those small but important items that they may not necessarily be able to bring with them.

The Speech Surgery: timings!

Unsure of when to have the wedding speeches? Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches has the answer: In the US, speeches are just as common at the rehearsal dinner (the formal dinner prior to the wedding that the 'top table' are invited to) as the wedding day itself. At many British weddings, the speeches are scheduled before the wedding meal; the idea that everyone is officially welcomed to the wedding and the speakers are quickly able to relax (and tuck into the free wine!).

Wedding day wines from leading English wine producer Gusbourne

English wine producer Gusbourne, has a stunning range of the finest vintage sparkling and still wines to elevate any wedding providing guests with an array of exquisite drinks that complement every element, from the welcome drinks to the wedding breakfast and toasts! With Gusbourne wines, every pour becomes a celebration of love and new beginnings, ensuring your wedding day becomes a truly unforgettable affair, brimming with sophistication, charm, and cherished memories. For a spectacular wedding reception, fill your guests' glasses with the exquisite Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018, a sparkling masterpiece that exudes elegance with its delicate bubbles and refreshing, crisp notes. As guests raise their glasses to toast the happy couple, each sip is vibrant and intense, setting the tone for an evening of celebrations.

The QHotels Collection turns Sunday Scaries into Super Sundays with £99 getaway packages

The dreaded anxiety experienced the day before returning to work is a phenomenon known as 'Sunday Scaries.' But the stunning Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, set on eight acres of stunning grounds in the peaceful Cheshire countryside, is offering the perfect antidote – Sunday night escapes from £99. A recent study exploring typical work-related stressors, found over half of the 1,500 Brits surveyed (54%) suffer from 'Sunday Scaries'. Top triggers include concerns like 'boss wants to talk', 'overdue deadlines' and 'going into the office'. The QHotels Collection's £99 Sundays, an incredible offer, means guests can bid farewell to pre-work anxiety and indulge in a rejuvenating Sunday night escape instead. All our four-star venues offer something different, from secluded rural hideaways to sophisticated city hotspots and everything in between. Each property within the collection offers a sanctuary of comfort andrelaxation, ensuring every guest experiences a memorable stay.

Biggest wedding faux pas to avoid on your big day

With more than half (53%) of married Brits confessing to having wedding day regrets, wedding expert and CEO of the UK's largest collection of wedding venues, The Gilchrist Collection, Samantha Gilchrist shares her thoughts on the biggest wedding faux pas' couple should steer clear of to guarantee wedding day success. "You've planned everything down to the tiniest detail and finally get to enjoy your day, why risk something spoiling it? While some of these things are a little outside your control, it's important to let your wedding planner and venue know what your boundaries are, and the things you would find unacceptable, were they to happen on your big day. They'll be able to support you in handling issues both ahead of time and on the day itself.

Why wait? Check out the NYE wedding package at Thornton Hall

What a way to bring in the new year! Thornton Hall Hotel has exclusive availability for a New Year's Eve 2024 wedding in its beautiful Cristal Suite for £8,000 based on 80 guests. The package includes: 5pm civil ceremony, Prosecco drinks reception, Selection of canapes, Evening buffet including: chicken curry and rice, beef hot pot and red cabbage, mini beef sliders, battered cod goujons, chips, crusty bread, rice, selection of saladas, chef's selection of desserts, Late night bites: bacon or sausage batches, Disco and DJ, Haggis, neaps and tatties to bring in the new year, Late night bar until 3am, Dedicated wedding coordinator, Cream chairs or chair cover with bow, Table centrepieces, cream carpet for your centre aisle,

These are the most popular 'first dance' songs of 2024, as online searches soar!

Scraping over 350 'First Dance' playlists on Spotify and analysing the 12,000 tracks that featured on them, Diamonds Factory ranked the songs that featured the most to determine the most popular first dance song of 2024. 60 years on, and Etta James' At Last is the most popular first dance song of 2024. The data revealed that Etta James' 'At Last' is the most popular first dance song for couples to choose for their wedding, with the song featuring in a whopping 46 'first dance' playlists. Regardless of the song being released over 60 years ago, Etta's love song is still proving to be a timeless classic for couples.

The Speech Surgery: does my wedding speech have to be funny?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: I'm not funny. Does my wedding speech need to be? I've heard some lovely speeches that haven't contained any humour, but here's the thing...they are the exception to the rule. Nearly every speech is better if it contains a little humour. FACT. Generally, folk from the UK and Australia want their speeches to have a lot of humour in them, while clients from other parts of the world, namely the US, lean towards a sweeter speech, with lighter elements, as opposed to all-out funny.

6 bridesmaid proposal ideas from Getting Personal

Once you've said yes to your future spouse, it's time to recruit your future bridal party. To pop the question you can keep it short and sweet or go with something a little more elaborate. A bridesmaid proposal is the perfect way to ensure they know their special role in your life and, more importantly, on your big day itself. There has been an 85% increase in Google searches for 'bridesmaid proposal ideas'¹ over the past year, therefore gifting experts at Getting Personal have shared 6 bridesmaid proposal ideas for those needing a little inspiration for asking their bridesmaids to be part of their bridal party.

£2,024 for 2024 at The Racquet Club

Located in the commercial district of Liverpool and close to the famous Liverpool Waterfront, The Racquet Club the ideal spot for a city wedding. Recently, the venue has launched a couple of fabulous packages for nearlyweds. Check out the venue's £2,024 for 2024 package, offering a day reception for 35 guests. It includes a welcome drink, wine and a toast drink; three-course wedding breakfast; and private hire of one of the event spaces. Additional day guests are charged at £65 per person. Evening receptions are also available at an additional cost.

Couples counsellor shares 5 key boundaries to set

As technology brings us closer together than ever, it also has changed how relationships work, from meeting your significant other through an online dating app to having the ability to contact other people instantly at your fingertips. Smartphones have revolutionised communication - but do they strengthen or strain romantic relationships? With this in mind, the smartphone experts at Compare and Recycle have surveyed 2,000 people, delving into the complex world of smartphones. They discovered how many Brits trust their partners with phone passcodes, as well as partnering up with couples counsellor, Susan Leigh, to provide healthy passcode-sharing tips for couples.

Imagine the next chapter of your life unfold at The Barn at The Manor

A one-of-a-kind love story deserves an equally unique backdrop: watch the next chapter of your life unfold in a uniquely romantic setting at The Barn at The Manor, set within the grounds of a lovingly-restored 17th-century manor farmhouse in Greasby, Wirral. Blending historical character with contemporary elegance, The Barn is a sophisticated space in which to celebrate your love. Boasting a separate entrance, a private bar area and its own picturesque courtyard, the venue offers an intimate setting ideal for celebrating life's finest occasions with up to 80 seated guests. This Wirral venue hosts a monthly open evening, free to attend it's the ideal opportunity to see the space and meet the team. The next date is Thursday 20th June, 6pm-8pm.

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Never miss a moment with Sorella Social

What is a wedding content creator, and do I need one? Well you may ask! Unlike traditional photographers, wedding content creators specialise in capturing those candid, behind-the-scenes moments that truly reflect the magic of your special day. They allow your guests to put their phones down and be 100 per cent present without compromising on footage from their individual point of view. Another benefit? You don't have to choose between chasing down your bridal party to sift through the blurry pics on their camera roll or waiting four to six weeks for the edited photos to land in your inbox. You'll simply wake up the next day to a beautiful selection of memories in a highlight reel format, read to relive and share with the world.

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

New bridal boutique, Fairytale Endings, hits the Metquarter

Fairytale Endings, the bridal and destination occasion wear store at Metquarter, has embarked on the next chapter of its business adventure as it opens a second standalone store in the centre. The new bridal boutique caters to every need of both the bride and bridal party, with a luxurious selection of wedding dresses from numerous high-end designers, as well as bridesmaid dresses, flowergirl dresses, shoes, veils and accessories. The store stocks dresses to cater for all sizes, ranging from 4 to 28, by designers such as Love by Ricca Sposa, Anny Lin, Emma Bridals, Josephine Scott and Fairytale Ending' own brand.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.