Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

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%).

Treeopia in Worcestershire now licensed to host legal weddings in luxury treehouses

Treeopia, set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, offers luxury treehouses, and the team is thrilled to announce they're officially licensed to host legally binding marriage ceremonies, in addition to their established celebrant-led offerings. This marks an exciting chapter for the secluded treehouse destination. Treeopia now offers couples the rare opportunity to legally wed in an intimate, two-person ceremony, surrounded by nature and far from the pressures of a traditional wedding. "We've seen a growing number of couples looking for something more personal, more meaningful — a wedding day that's truly theirs," says Nicki Beavan, founder of Treeopia. "Now that we can offer both legal and symbolic ceremonies, we're proud to give our couples complete freedom to celebrate in their own way.

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."

Stu Deeley returns with The Warwick restaurant at Mallory Court Hotel

Award-winning chef Stu Deeley has officially opened The Warwick, his highly anticipated new restaurant set within the elegant grounds of Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington Spa. The opening marks a celebrated return for Stu, bringing his signature style of refined, ingredient-led British cuisine back to the Eden Hotel Collection. The restaurant offers an elevated but unpretentious dining experience, rooted in the seasons and shaped by ingredients from the Mallory Court Kitchen Gardens. It promises a modern expression of refined British dining, set within the hotel's historic grounds, where guests will enjoy an elevated yet welcoming dining experience. The Warwick presents a choice of two tasting menus: a five-course Taste of the Season (£105) and a three-course menu (£90).

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.

Celebrating 40 years of magic at Warwickshire’s largest butterfly farm

Since opening in 1985, the UK's largest butterfly farm has welcomed more than five million visitors into its tropical paradise, fulfilling founder Clive Farrell's dream of bringing the beauty of butterflies to Warwickshire. Throughout the summer holidays, until 1st September, visitors can enjoy a host of activities including competitions, butterfly life cycle displays, mini-beasts, Beetle Mania, and pupae demonstrations. The celebrations also see the launch of an exciting new exhibition within the Rainforest Realm! Richard Lamb, General Manager, says, "We're grateful to everyone who's been part of our journey. Whether it's your first visit or you've been coming for years, we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone." The Butterfly Farm encourages guests to share their favourite memories and photos using #stratfordbutterflyfarm40th or by emailing marketing@butterflyfarm.co.uk. The best stories and images will be featured on the website and across social media. Winners will also receive free tickets to visit again!

Rituals opens new luxury wellness store at Highcross Leicester

Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has opened a new store at Highcross Leicester, offering shoppers an immersive experience into Rituals' signature range of luxurious bath, body, and home products designed to inspire moments of mindfulness and self-care in everyday life. It's the perfect products to prepare for weddings, both physically and emotionally. Highcross is a vibrant and contemporary setting that attracts a diverse blend of local residents and out-of-town visitors. The new store will refl ect Rituals' sensorial and holistic retail concept, designed to engage customers through rich storytelling and wellness-focused experiences. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, says, "At Highcross, we're not just about providing a shopping location, we're curating experiences.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

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.

Bespoke Weddings in the Heart of Rutland

Nestled in the heart of Rutland, Barnsdale Gardens offers a perfect blank canvas for couples to infuse their unique style and personal touches. With 38 different individual gardens, the versatile spaces can be used in many ways – the only limitation is couples' imaginations. The stunning gardens make for the perfect romantic setting, with ceremonies in the purpose-built oak arbour surrounded by spectacular planting and lots of room for guests on the manicured lawn. The remainder of the gardens are also available to capture memories for as long as needed. The photographic opportunities are endless, with traditional family and group shots on the manicured lawns, romantic pictures in the Woodland Walk and Japanese Garden or some quirky wheelbarrow shots on the allotment.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Say 'I Do' for Less: New Offers at DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham-Gateway

Planning dream weddings just got easier – and more affordable – thanks to an exciting new offer from DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham-Gateway. The prestigious venue has launched a selection of beautifully curated wedding packages, tailored to suit a range of styles and budgets, all with limited-time bar tab bonuses. With the promise that every moment becomes a beautiful memory, the venue offers an array of customisable experiences, from elegant daytime celebrations to atmospheric twilight ceremonies. Here are the new wedding packages: ·Primrose Package: From £7,495, this accommodates 45 daytime and 100 evening guests. Claim a £500 Bar Tab using code YMW0607.  ·Poppy Package – From £6,495, this package includes 40 daytime and 80 evening guests. Claim a £250 Bar Tab with code YMW0607.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.