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

Four tips for storing your wedding dress after the big day

With September tipped to be the most popular month for weddings, when the big day is done deciding what to do with a wedding dress can be tricky. Whilst some people sell them or donate them so future brides can use them, others prefer to keep hold of them and preserve the memory of their wedding day. If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage is essential in maintaining its pristine condition. With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station shares four tips for storing your wedding dress to keep it in pristine condition. Vlatka adds: "Before putting your dress into storage, make sure you have it cleaned to remove any stains or marks that may have appeared from your wedding day. The most important thing to remember when putting your wedding gown into storage is that it shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag or hung on a hanger. "Plastic covers don't allow for humidity changes and can often let light in that will fade the material of your dress. Hanging your dress can also affect its shape by adding unnecessary stress on the seams or the fabric."

Unique gifts couples give each other on their wedding day

The team at hampers.com recently surveyed UK adults who have gotten married or attended a wedding in the past five years, with the goal of determining what the gifting landscape looks like for wedding season. In doing so, they spoke to almost 800 newlyweds from across the UK and a further 1,400 UK adults who have attended a wedding in the same time frame. Firstly, the study found that it's common for brides and grooms to buy each other a gift for the wedding day itself, with 65% stating they did this for their own wedding day. The average spend was found to be £115, with women most likely to purchase a pocket watch (24%) or a vintage bottle of alcohol (22%) and men most likely to purchase jewellery (37%) or personalised 'Mrs' clothing (19%)...

Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.

Hand Picked Hotels launches special autumn package for the ultimate getaway

Luxury hotel brand Hand Picked Hotels is launching its Glorious Autumn Getaway package for the most colourful season of the year – the perfect antidote to Britain's grey summer. Choose a country or coastal getaway this autumn and enjoy laid-back luxury with endless outdoor adventures and cosy nights in to warm the soul this season. Make the most of spacious bedrooms for a great night's sleep, sparkling wine by a roaring fire, woodland walks or seaside strolls and stargazing beneath an uninterrupted sky. The longer you stay, the more you can enjoy! Guests staying one night will be treated to a complimentary bedroom upgrade for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

Event Cheshire tells us what's hot in the world of venue styling

The team at Event Cheshire, helmed by Emma Smith, love to keep couples up to date with what's on trend in the world of all things wedding, and have kindly put together their key trends for 2023 and 2024 that are making the headlines here in the UK. With the wedding season in full swing, Emma has already had the priviledge of using her floralscaping skills to explore, design and enhace some of the hottest styling trends in demand among her gorgeous clients. We hand over to Emma to tell us more... Our passion for florals has never been more apparent than it is now.

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Check out Cheshire Woodland Weddings for heavenly al fresco nuptials

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 three 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.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

My Funny Valentine's biggest ever sample sale comes to Chester!

My Funny Valentine Bridal, based in Chester, will be hosting its biggest ever sample sale the weekend of 1st to 3rd September, 2023. All of the stunning dresses will be priced below £999 and ready to take away that same day, so you're sure to uncover a bargain. The boutique will be including gowns for any and every bride in the sale, from a wealth of incredible designers including Pronovias, Evie Young, Madi Lane, Luna Novias, Madison James and Abella. Don't miss out! Bookings can be made via the boutique's website at www.mfvbridal.com or by emailing the team at hello@mfvbridal.com.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

Jacqui O Flowers offers top tips on al fresco wedding florals

This issue we asked the region's experts for their top tips on planning an al fresco wedding. Here, Jacqui Owen of Jacqui O Flowers shares her ideas for tailoring your big-day blooms. To create enchanting wedding florals for an outdoor wedding that not only look beautiful and memorable but also wow your guests creating an unforgettable experience as you say "I do," why not consider the following? Style. Consider the theme and style of your wedding to help you choose the right colour palette, flower varieties, and arrangements that complement the décor. Location. The landscape, surroundings, and setting of the venue can influence your flower arrangement choices.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

Keep your cool with al fresco wedding cakes

This issue we asked our experts for their top tips on planning and outdoor wedding, here Clare Deary from Cake On The Lake (www.cakeonthelake.com) tells us what to consider when it comes to your big-day bake. Wedding cakes are fragile as one of the main ingredients is butter, which doesn't go well with heat. So, if you're planning a summer wedding there are a few things you need to consider. Summer heat can't be controlled, but you can control how you manage it. If you have your heart set on a rustic, naked style bake, the best course of action is to have it brought out after the ceremony. Having it sit out for hours in the heat isn't ideal unless you want a melting mess.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd create spectacular fireworks displays

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd. provides spectacular fireworks displays that create unforgettable moments for couples and their guests. With years of experience and expertise, the company curate bespoke firework displays that reflect each couple's unique love story.

"Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand affair, we ensure a mesmerising experience that will leave a lasting impression," says Andrew Slinn, the operations and displays director. "Our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation sets us apart. We adhere to the highest industry standards and regulations, delivering flawlessly executed displays with the utmost care. Using state-of-the-art fireworks and cutting-edge technology, we create breathtaking visual effects and synchronised musical displays, immersing guests in a truly magical experience."

1950s museum in North Wales wins English hearts

The 1950s Museum - at Denbigh, North Wales - is attracting increasing visitor numbers to explore its captivating home, fashion, style and motor exhibits from the 1950s and beyond with many making the trip over the border from Liverpool and other areas of the North West. Curated by Sparrow Harrison MBE – and a band of trusty volunteers - the museum got off to a flying start to the 2023 season and is welcoming fame and notoriety as a 'throwback' in time. Popular with both the young and the young at heart, visitors from England are describing it as one of the 'gems' of North Wales.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.