Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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 From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements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.

Magical Weddings at Tipis at Whatton House

Opened in 2021, Tipis at Whatton House offers a magical setting for weddings with three giant tipis and a relaxed chill-out zone. Set within the breathtaking gardens of Whatton House, this hidden gem combines natural beauty with a cosy, romantic atmosphere thanks to solid wood flooring, twinkling lights, and sweeping views of the Leicestershire countryside. The grounds feature winding pathways, a tranquil forest, manicured lawns, and colourful blooms. Picture-perfect moments await by the peaceful pond, the charming rickety bridge, or the iconic swing nestled among the trees.

A Taste of the Med: Rocca’s Heats Up the Belfry Dining Scene

The Belfry Hotel & Resort is turning up the heat this season as its Rocca's restaurant brings the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe to the heart of the country. With a sun-kissed new menu, Rocca's invites guests on a culinary journey around the Mediterranean, showcasing many of the region's most beloved dishes. Inspired by traditional recipes and classic ingredients, the mouth- watering tapas-style offerings include delights such as halloumi with warmed honey and lemon, patatas bravas with a spicy tomato sauce, and piquillo peppers stuffed with cream cheese. The menu doesn't stop there as guests can explore an array of salads, flatbreads, pasta, small plates, and hearty mains.

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.

Unique wedding trends 2025: Film photography surges 50%

Three in five couples plan to incorporate unique elements into their wedding, and with the world of choice at the end of our fingertips, inspiration is flying in from all angles. But which of the net's most loved delights have seen the most significant interest surges since last summer? To find out, the team at Aura Print scoured social media platforms to discover what's been hot, and gathered Pinterest and Google Trends data to reveal their most adored trends that have shot up since last summer.

A Hidden Gem in Lincolnshire: Say ‘I Do’ at Crown Hall Farm

Located on the outskirts of Spalding in Lincolnshire, Crown Hall Farm is a hidden gem turned elegant wedding venue. Once a working farm, it now hosts stunning celebrations in a peaceful, scenic setting. With more than 20 years of experience in weddings and events, the friendly team works closely with couples to create unforgettable days. Guests enter through large gates and are greeted by lush greenery and a tree-lined driveway that sets a calming tone. The Sandringham Suite offers a stylish space to get ready, complete with areas for hair and make-up and a rustic beam ideal for hanging dresses and capturing special moments. Two additional guest rooms continue the modern romantic vibe.

Happily ever after - making plans for the future

As nearlyweds, you may not be thinking about what happens beyond the end of your natural lives together - that's not the exciting bit - Katharine Bundell, a barrister at 4PB shares advice in this article that could make your loved ones' lives a lot easier if anything happens to you. Death and taxes remain fairly inevitable. On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

A Grand Affair: Historic Romance at Buxton Crescent

Originally built between 1779 and 1789 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire, Buxton Crescent has more than 200 years of history. Today, it features 81 elegant rooms and suites – many with four-poster beds and roll-top baths – as well as exquisite function rooms that can host weddings for up to 120 guests. The restored 18th-century Ballroom, known as The Assembly Rooms, has been fully refurbished to its former beauty with breathtaking original features, such as the intricately designed pink and blue ceiling with gilded detailing, complemented by historical chandeliers, Doric columns, and an original ballroom floor. Drinks receptions take place by a Grand Staircase, where guests are welcomed into the Crescent with celebratory Champagne among artworks and artefacts.

Why the bar at your wedding shouldn’t be an afterthought

In the grand orchestration of a wedding, couples often obsess over floral arrangements, lighting design and detailed seating charts. The dress, the photographer, the five-course dinner - each element is painstakingly curated. And yet, one of the most powerful forces behind a wedding's success is consistently left until the eleventh hour: the bar! Let's be honest, it's not often you hear a couple say: "First things first, let's lock in a great bar team." But maybe they should. "You can spend months working on the seating plan or deciding the perfect shade of napkin, but if the bar's giving bored function-room energy, it can all quickly lose its magic," says Luke Shelton-Sharp, co-founder of room two, the London-based cocktail studio and event planner.

The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings. Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.

How Much Should You Really Gift At Weddings In 2025?

Many people are unsure of how much money to give when they attend a wedding, statistics showed Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' soared by a whopping 5,000% in April of 2025 alone and 11% of guests go into debt just to attend a wedding, with the average spend hitting £451. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes, has broken down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

Love in Bloom: Rowton Castle’s Romantic New Gardens

This magnificent 17th-century Grade II listed building is one of Shrewsbury's most distinguished wedding venues. Set within 17 acres of tranquil countryside, the historic castle blends timeless grandeur with the charm and warmth of a country house. Surrounded by breathtaking views and steeped in heritage, it offers a quintessentially British wedding experience. The formal gardens at Rowton Castle were recently redesigned by garden designer Susan Dunstall, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Soft pink and white David Austin roses, fragrant lavender, hydrangeas, and neatly clipped topiaries now frame the Linden Belvedere, a stunning outdoor ceremony space. Groundsman Steve Parke, part of the team for more than 20 years, worked alongside Dunstall to ensure the gardens remained true to the castle's historic character.

Hen Party Treats- Big Day Cakes

To begin planning your hen party you need to set a budget first so you can make sure you'll still have enough money to spend on your actual wedding. Once that's decided you need to choose a theme and factor in the cost of the decorations and other things you may buy. You'll also have to create a guest list consisting of only your closest friends before moving onto picking the date, location and some activities to do. In need of some inspiration for what to do at your hen party? There is a variety of options to choose that will fit your fancy venturing from whether you want to do something adventurous like rock climbing or canyoning or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day calming down and doing something relaxing such as having a spa day or afternoon tea.

Crafting Forever: Astella’s Modern Take on Timeless Love

Astella, the thriving luxury jewellery brand founded by young entrepreneur Sunny Pal, has opened its second boutique in Birmingham's renowned Jewellery Quarter – bringing new life to an iconic building. Specialising in bespoke engagement and wedding rings tailored to individual budgets, the company has quickly become a premier destination for high-quality, ethically sourced jewellery. With an impressive range of ready-to-wear and custom-designed pieces, the team masterfully blends the timeless elegance of natural diamonds with the innovation of lab-grown alternatives and traditional gemstones.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

Scents of Love: The Perfect Wedding Candles from CocoLuxe

Getting married this year and searching for the perfect wedding scent? Romantic florals are always a timeless choice. CocoLuxe's new My Darling P Candle is a love letter to the senses, featuring elegant notes of peony and taif rose, grounded by a rich base of oud. For those looking to add a magical touch, The Enchanted Candle offers a delicate interplay of scent notes, blending bergamot, lily of the valley, and fruity hints with woody accords and sweet undertones for a truly enchanting experience.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs: