Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Sustainable wedding inspiration at Natures Edge Cabin

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

Weddings at Losehill House Hotel and Spa in the Peak District

When it comes to memorable weddings, Losehill House Hotel & Spa is the perfect blend of a dedicated team, showstopping views, cosy accommodation, delicious food, and top-notch facilities. Tucked away in the UK's oldest National Park, the hotel's location in Hope Valley offers sweeping Peak District views, charming villages, and lush greenery. Nestled between Lose Hill and Win Hill, the hotel is beautifully secluded, ideal for private weddings with numerous spots for photography. The area's heritage, dating back to the Bronze Age, adds unique historical charm. Ceremony and reception spaces include the Orangery Restaurant, a picturesque spot included in all wedding packages, and the Moorgate Suite for intimate celebrations of up to 40 guests. Couples can also choose marquee weddings for up to 120 guests or enjoy exclusive use of the hotel and spa for a full weekend celebration.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

Luxury spa experiences at Moddershall Oaks country spa retreat in Staffordshire

Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, set in 72 acres of private Staffordshire countryside, has launched three luxury treatments in partnership with British spa skincare brand Tribe517 to restore, rejuvenate, and relax guests. The Collagen Skin Boosting Facial hydrates, nourishes, and visibly improves skin texture. Enhanced by a soothing lymphatic drainage massage and warming welcome touch, this 50-minute treatment lifts the senses and sculpts the skin for a fresh, radiant glow. Tailored to You is a personalised 105-minute experience where guests choose three elements from a luxurious list, including full body scrubs, hot rock massages, revitalising facials, and reflexology-inspired treatments. Full Body Renewal is a head-to-toe 105-minute ritual featuring full body exfoliation, hydrating back mask, leg and foot massage, hot rock back massage, and a signature facial, all delivered with light to medium pressure.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Weddings in bloom at Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland

Barnsdale Gardens, home to 38 breathtaking themed gardens in Rutland, has launched flexible wedding packages designed to make every wedding unforgettable. Ceremonies take place beneath a beautiful oak arbour, surrounded by spectacular plantings and a spacious lawn for guests. Couples also enjoy unlimited access to the entire garden for wedding photography, from the peaceful Japanese Garden to playful allotment wheelbarrow shots. Packages start from £900 for ceremonies and photos, with options up to £4,800 for exclusive full-day hire. Trusted local suppliers help create truly personalised wedding experiences.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

Jacqueline Louise Bridal international bridesmaid collection from Stratford upon Avon

Jacqueline Louise Bridal, based in historic Stratford upon Avon, has grown from a locally loved boutique in 2020 into an internationally recognised bridesmaid brand. The boutique developed its signature Jacqueline Louise Multiway Bridesmaid Collection into a global phenomenon, stocked by over 120 retailers worldwide. Known for flexible styling, inclusive sizing, and coordinated accessories, the collection offers wearable elegance in 31 colours, three silhouettes, and sizes from junior to plus-size. The boutique remains a go-to destination for bridal gowns and in-house bridesmaid collections, inspiring brides and bridesmaids around the world.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Discover this award-winning sustainable bridal designer

Sanyukta Shrestha, a leading sustainable bridal designer in the UK, has been honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award at the eighth annual Britain's Asian Wedding Awards 2025, winning the 'Wedding Boutique of the Year' category. Organised by Oceanic Awards, the largest ethnic awards company in Britain, the ceremony hosts approximately 250 award events annually, both online and across more than 20 cities worldwide. Sanyukta Shrestha has previously been recognised with these esteemed accolades in 2020, 2023, and 2024. Regarding this year's award, Shrestha commented, "This Outstanding Achievement award brings immense joy and reflects 14 years of unwavering dedication and passion for our cherished brides across the UK and beyond.

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

Discover weddings at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, a luxury venue with scenic golf views

Plan your wedding at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, offering elegant rooms, scenic golf views, and exceptional leisure and event facilities.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

Weddings at Hogarths Stone Manorm a luxury countryside venue in Worcestershire