Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

County Wedding Events coming to Stapleford Park, Leicestershire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire, for inspiration on Sunday 3rd November 2024! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Discover Rituals Cosmetics new West Midlands store

Beauty and well-being brand Rituals Cosmetics will open a new store in Staffordshire's McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, offering the perfect products for pre-wedding pampering. Annemarie Forsyth, managing director of Rituals Cosmetics (UK & Ireland), says: "As soon as customers enter our store, they can explore our collections and fully immerse themselves in our brand. It's a place to discover our collections, including gift sets and uplifting well-being treats, all at fantastic outlet prices." Rituals Cosmetics is a brand dedicated to sustainable and personal well-being in the beauty luxury industry. As the foremost founder of integrating bath, body, and home care into a single portfolio, the company embraces the lifestyle of transforming everyday routines into more meaningful moments.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Tie the knot at The Tin at The Coal Vaults

The Tin at The Coal Vaults is a multi-use arts venue that doubles as the perfect alternative wedding reception venue. The 18th-century building in Coventry Canal Basin's former coal storage building oozes character with exposed brick walls and curved ceilings. Its somewhat industrial style creates the ideal backdrop, giving the space a distinctive sense of charm and character while remaining versatile enough to be personalised and adapted to suit personal tastes. The venue is set in two vaults; one contains a fully licensed bar stocked with locally sourced ales, wines, and spirits with a seating area, and the other has a built-in stage and dancefloor. Being on one level, the entire venue is wheelchair accessible.

Cuckney House now has a wedding licenced

Cuckney House has just become fully licenced for five civil weddings a year for up to 38 guests. Amongst the grand and impressive rooms, plus landscaped gardens, couples are sure to have memorable weddings. The panelled ballroom provides an elegant setting for wedding breakfasts and the all-important first dance, while the stunning Walled Garden can be transformed with fairylights and fire pits for an al fresco setting like no other. Within its five acres of grounds are countless hidden corners for romantic and treasured wedding photographs. Couples can choose to have the licenced service in the ballroom, the dining room or the stunning Edwardian garden pavilion.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Exchange vows at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa is a family-owned venue with beautiful grounds in Sutton Coldfield. The four-star hotel has options for smaller or larger weddings of up to 180 guests, as well as evening-only and afternoon tea receptions. There are 83 bedrooms, including doubles, twins, family rooms and hot tub rooms, for loved ones to choose from. All guests will have access to the pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room as well as a full English breakfast the following day. Couples can hold civil ceremonies inside the Charter Suite or outside in the magical Sunken Garden, with its fountain, stone staircase and grottos for up to 180 loved ones. The elegant Charter Suite creates a spectacular backdrop for weddings.

Lamport Hall in the Northamptonshire countryside offers a stunning backdrop to events

Lamport Hall offers an elegant backdrop to events in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, close to the Leicestershire border, with excellent travel networks via the A14 and M1. The country house makes for spectacular arrivals with a classical frontage and Victorian additions, including a main entrance flanked by columns. The property offers stunning views from the elevated spot across the valley in an unspoilt corner of the county. The Hall is set in approximately 10 acres of tranquil gardens, resulting in more than 450 years of love and dedication, enclosed by a spacious park. Although the size and location are the same as when first laid out, the design has been strongly influenced by the interests and tastes of successive owners.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Cuckney House has just become fully licenced for weddings

Cuckney House, a Grade II listed property located on Nottinghamshire's Welbeck Estate, has just become fully licenced for five civil weddings a year for up to 38 guests. Amongst the grand and impressive rooms, plus landscaped gardens, couples are sure to have memorable weddings. The panelled ballroom provides an elegant setting for wedding breakfasts and the all-important first dance, while the stunning Walled Garden can be transformed with fairylights and fire pits for an al fresco setting like no other. Within its five acres of grounds are countless hidden corners for romantic and treasured wedding photographs. Couples can choose to have the licenced service in the ballroom, the dining room or the stunning Edwardian garden pavilion.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Exchange vows at Selly Manor in Bournville

Selly Manor and Minworth Greaves are two of Birmingham's oldest buildings. Chocolate manufacturer George Cadbury saved these beautiful houses, then dismantled them and moved them to the heart of his famous historic garden village of Bournville, where they have stood for more than 100 years. It creates such a unique setting for intimate and memorable weddings! The experienced and friendly team will guide couples in creating extraordinary events, from the booking process to welcoming guests and everything in between. Weddings begin with a short interview with the registrars, either as a couple or individually, in one of the historic rooms. Ceremonies will occur in the stunning Medieval Hall of Minworth Greaves, in front of the ancient oak dining table, surrounded by 40 guests.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Discover By Gem’s With Love's current wedding offer

By Gem's, With Love was created out of a passion for providing first-class service for stunning event hire by Gemma Burke, who's dedicated to delivering unforgettable moments with an array of offerings, exceptional service and attention to detail. Enhance the charm of celebrations with the elegant hexagon arch for picture-perfect backdrops, or hire the 4ft light-up letters spelling 'love' to complement dancefloors. The Mr & Mrs Letters would be perfect for making a statement for rustic weddings. It's also available in Mr & Mr and Mrs & Mrs. There's also a range of stunning backdrops to discover! Don't forget the little ones with the children's corner to entertain them during events, ensuring they feel included and valued.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

New-look Italian restaurant in Leamington has bumper summer since opening

New-look Italian restaurant opened its doors in Leamington Spa in May and is celebrating after having a spectacular summer since opening! Leamington's newest restaurant Tavola, marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the well-known 200-year-old venue, in Clarendon Street, following a period of closure and transformation. The former 44 Café's new guise, a sporting a theme and décor inspired by Italian surrealist painters of the 1920's, is the vision of Birmingham-based design company Faber. Proprietor Rob Singleton said: "Tavola is a homage to the bars and trattoria of northern Italy and Rome where the best Italian ingredients are prepared with love, care, and skill and where hospitality is done right. We feel we have created somewhere our neighbourhood can be proud of, somewhere our guests will always find a warm, open-armed welcome.