Warrington’s Wedding Industry Shines Bright at Prestigious Hitched Wedding Awards
The glitz and glamour of the wedding industry were on full display as a host of Cheshire businesses basked in the limelight at the Hitched Wedding Awards 2025. This annual celebration, supported by the esteemed wedding planning platform hitched.co.uk, marked its fourth year by recognizing the excellence and dedication of small businesses in the UK’s bustling wedding sector.
With over 1,500 small businesses clinching prestigious awards, the wedding industry witnessed a wave of triumph as 367 wedding venues, 280 wedding photographers, 212 makeup artists and hair stylists, and 162 wedding DJs and music artists were duly honored. Among the standout winners were Cheshire’s very own gems, including Cottons Hotel and Spa, Merrydale Manor in Knutsford, The Vicarage in Holmes Chapel, and Alderley Edge Hotel in Wilmslow.
Unveiling the Stars: Cheshire’s Shining Wedding Venues
The heartwarming celebration of love and commitment was further amplified by the 39 winners from Cheshire, showcasing the region’s unparalleled hospitality and charm. Notable venues such as Alderley Edge Hotel, Colshaw Hall, Cottons Hotel and Spa, Merrydale Manor, and The Vicarage stood out as beacons of excellence, offering couples the perfect backdrop for their special day.
The talented lensmen and lenswomen of Cheshire shone brightly at the awards ceremony, with photographers like Alex Mew, Gareth Roy, Tom Groves, and Jodie Ericah capturing the essence of love and joy through their artistry. Their keen eye for detail and ability to freeze timeless moments in photographs were duly recognized, underscoring their invaluable contribution to the wedding industry.
Setting the Melodious Tone: Cheshire’s Finest Wedding Musicians and DJs
The rhythm of love reverberated through the awards night as Cheshire’s top-notch wedding musicians and DJs took center stage. From the soulful tunes of pianist Chris Morris to the electrifying beats of Groove Noise and Jimmy Beedham, these talented individuals added a touch of magic to every celebration. The Wedding Violinist from Frodsham also serenaded couples with enchanting melodies, creating an ambiance of pure romance.
Embracing the Essence of Love: Cheshire’s Celebrants and Beauty Experts
Celebrants like Penny B, Rituals of Love, and Your Ceremony Cheshire East Registration Services infused each ceremony with warmth and authenticity, ensuring that every couple’s love story was beautifully narrated. On the other hand, beauty, hair, and makeup artists such as Alice Marie Rouillon, Brhaive Weddings and Events, Hair and Makeup by Zowie Pointing, and Immy May Makeup worked their magic to enhance the natural beauty of brides and grooms, leaving them looking and feeling their best on their special day.
As Zoe Burke, a leading wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk, aptly put it, “The Hitched Wedding Awards are a true celebration of excellence in the wedding industry, shining a spotlight on the vendors who make dream weddings a reality.” This sentiment echoed the sentiments of countless couples who found solace in the impeccable service, dedication, and expertise of these remarkable businesses.
The Price of Love: Navigating Wedding Budgets in a Post-Pandemic World
While the allure of romance and celebration enveloped the Hitched Wedding Awards, a sobering reality loomed in the background—the rising costs of weddings in a post-pandemic world. According to the latest National Wedding Survey, couples were allocating a significant portion of their budget towards wedding venues, with an average spend of £8,800 recorded last year. This marked an increase from £7,600, reflecting the evolving landscape of wedding expenditures.
Moreover, the survey highlighted the enduring importance of wedding photography, with 92% of couples opting to immortalize their special day through captivating photographs. The average spend on wedding photography also witnessed a slight uptick, reaching £1,400 as couples sought to capture and cherish every precious moment.
As the average cost of weddings soared to £23,420 in 2024, newlyweds found themselves grappling with budget constraints, with more than half admitting to exceeding their initial financial plans. The survey also shed light on the resourcefulness of couples, with 57% opting for more do-it-yourself elements to counterbalance escalating costs.
In a heartwarming display of support, friends and family played a pivotal role in financing weddings, with 63% of couples relying on monetary gifts to fund their dream day. This communal effort underscored the power of love, unity, and shared joy in creating unforgettable wedding experiences.
As the wedding industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, the spirit of love and celebration remains unwavering, driving businesses to new heights of excellence and innovation. In a world filled with uncertainties, weddings stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and undying love, uniting couples in a journey of a lifetime.
The celebration of love, commitment, and unity at the Hitched Wedding Awards serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of weddings to transcend borders, cultures, and challenges, weaving a tapestry of memories that last a lifetime.