Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The Woodsman in Stratford-upon-Avon is awarded 2 AA Rosettes

The Woodsman, located within Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon, has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for food quality for the first time. The AA Rosette award, first awarded in 1956, was the first nationwide scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels. The team of inspectors have an unrivalled wealth of experience in assessing quality throughout the UK so receiving an award is a huge achievement. The Woodsman is headed up by restaurateur Mike Robinson, co-owner of the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham, whose passion for British produce and sustainable wild food is well renowned. Led by Executive Head Chef Greg Newman, The Woodsman delivers an exceptional dining experience with focus on sustainability, seasonality, and locally sourced produce.

Say 'I do' to shared planning - wedding expert shares tips for involving family and friends

Amy Greenshields, wedding expert at Card Factory has shared 7 tips to help you let your loved ones contribute.

Asking for help can be hard but getting friends and family involved in wedding planning can not only lighten the load but will also make them feel included and valued. Wedding planning contains many different elements, from table designs and seating charts to your floral bouquet, everything must be accounted for. A bride normally has the most influence over everything wedding-related, leading to as state of overwhelming stress. Why not share out the responsibilities – even the little ones can have a job!

Exchange vows at The Priest House Hotel

Set in a tranquil and stunning location on the banks of the River Trent, The Priest House Hotel has a rich history that can be traced back almost 1,000 years. Combined with its own Grade II listed water wheel, opulent surroundings and contemporary style that complements the charm and romance of the English countryside, the venue is perfect for weddings. Set in more than 60 acres of woodland, gardens and meadows with breathtaking views of the rolling countryside and the River Trent, the grounds are something out of a fairytale. Watching the sunset over the river with the gardens lit up makes for magical evening transformations.

Ginger Ray - An Introvert's Guide to surviving a hen party

So, you've got a hen party on the horizon, but the thought of navigating through a sea of social interactions is making you break into a cold sweat. Fear not introverts, we've got your back! Follow these top tips to make sure that you don't bring down the mood at the hen party and instead boost the atmosphere of the event. Hen parties are a chance to celebrate the lucky soon-to-be bride so make it a night she'll never forget! Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared 6 strategies to ensure that you not only survive, but actually enjoy the festivities:

Sten dos are on the rise

Stag and hen experts, Adventure Connections, say it is the 'Sten do' that takes traditional trends down! A mash-up of the separate parties, the Sten do provides a popular new way for the future bride and groom to be united before the big day. Rumoured to have been recreated by Harry and Megan, Sten dos prove to be the hottest way to party. Founder of Adventure Connections, Justin Sayers mentions that "things are changing when it comes to pre-wedding parties", so why not give it a try? Sten dos offer a cost-effective and inclusive solution to those separate gatherings, perfect for those with a large number of guests. Those shared memories are sure to be irreplaceable. Reduce your stress and make it a rave to remember!

Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

Lamport Hall expanded its wedding licensing

Lamport Hall is an idyllic venue in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. It's available for exclusive use at weddings to ensure special, intimate, and private events. The team has recently expanded their wedding licensing, meaning lovebirds can now have legal ceremonies in the Walled Garden or the Edwardian Carriage House as well as the more traditional country house weddings. To celebrate, they have launched wedding packages for the first time, including elopement and micro-wedding packages, plus options for larger weddings. These are designed to make planning as easy as possible and can all be adapted to create bespoke and unique events to remember. Prices start from just £3,495 and include award-winning catering, a night's stay in the holiday cottage and drinks packages.

Personalisation is IN for 2024

Crafty Brewing and Lola and Luna's collaboration reveals how personalisation is being brought to the forefront of 2024 weddings. The concept of personalisation is holding a key part in redefining 'tradition' and incorporating new captivating trends in every aspect of your magical event. Aimee, a wedding expert from a wedding planning and styling company says that "Over the past few years, weddings have increasingly started steering away from the same old conventions, and opting for bespoke options more frequently." From table plans set on where the couple first met, to embroidered napkins there are so many opportunities to add a personal touch on your big day.

Scentscape your wedding day with Yankee Candle

Scentscaping your wedding day is a trend that's going nowhere! Finding the right fragrance to shape the atmosphere of your wedding is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey you can do together - beats the wedmin too! Yankee Candle, and sister brand WoodWick, boast a wide collection of candles in all shapes, colours and sizes that would work perfectly for your nuptials, reception and big-day gifting. Imagine walking into you ceremony with the scent of pink cherry and vanilla surrounding you, or at your winter reception Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl from Yankee's new collection will certainly set the tone of the proceedings and reflect the time of year. Once you've found your favourite candle, it's also something you can purchase time and again to evoke memories of the special event, alternatively gifting loved ones who supported you on your wedding day with a candle to the big-day fragrance will be a gift where guests can reminisce too!

Paperchase unveils wedding and hen party products collection

The beloved brand Paperchase has recently launched an exclusive collection of wedding and hen party products. The new range features a wide selection of unique and sophisticated wedding staples and novelty hen products for great value prices, from stationery to decorative accessories. It is perfect for those tying the knot this year or planning a spectacular hen do. Looking for luxurious wedding invitations? but want to keep costs down? Well, the Ginger Ray Wedding Invitations with Envelopes (10pack with envelopes) with a classic cream finish they combine style with affordability for those looking to advertise their big day with a stunning opening number.

Discover New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield

A fine example of late Medieval architecture, New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield began life as a manor house, built by the Earl of Warwick as a hunting lodge in the 13th-century, but today it stands proudly as one of England's oldest listed moated houses. At 800 years old, this luxurious property is regarded as one of Birmingham's finest hotels, boasting 60 elegant bedrooms and 26 acres of luscious pastures. When guests enter The Great Chamber, they'll be blown away by the craftsmanship that gives this room such character. The oak-panelled walls, intricately painted ceiling, and pretty leaded windows showcase every bit of this venue's period history, with space for 75 guests.

Planning for the night ahead – wedding nightwear from Chelsea Peers

West London based designer brand Chelsea Peers has an glamorous array of wedding nightwear for any bride on their special day, to complement the bride's style and luxurious taste. When wedding planning, you mainly focus on the particulars of the actual ceremony and the events of the day, however what about your first night as husband and wife? With Chelsea Peers, the elegant draping allows the bride to maintain an effortless silhouette while adding just a touch of splendour. For a spectacular wedding night, consider the chic and comfortable Satin Fringe Trim Long Pyjama Set – Ivory, that features a swishy flared shape that has plenty of movement, combined with smooth, lustrous satin.

Discover The Belfry Hotel & Resort's current renovations

A significant £80 million expansion and renovation initiative is underway at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, a renowned establishment with multiple awards. The ambitious project is scheduled for completion by Autumn 2025. It will introduce a state-of-the-art 852 sqm event space known as The Masters Suite, designed to accommodate up to 648 guests for banquets with a maximum capacity of 920. The interior aesthetic of The Masters Suite is inspired by the Resort's lush green surroundings, featuring soft green hues complemented by elegant gold accents and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Furthermore, the space can be partitioned into smaller sections to provide flexibility and versatility. It also includes a spacious pre-function area, a mezzanine level and an outdoor terrace.

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

The Speech Surgery: modern day etiquette with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy, and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: Some say addressing guests as 'ladies and gentlemen' is a mistake these days... what is the Modern newlywed speech etiquette? Let's start by saying (again) there are no wedding speech rules. When it comes to etiquette, it's simply a case of common sense and being polite. Honestly, that's it. When it comes to addressing your audience, 'Ladies and gentlemen' is becoming less common for two reasons.

Exchange vows in New Hall Hotel & Spa

A fine example of late Medieval architecture, New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield began life as a manor house, built by the Earl of Warwick as a hunting lodge in the 13th century, but today it stands proudly as one of England's oldest listed moated houses. At 800 years old, this luxurious property is regarded as one of Birmingham's finest hotels, boasting 60 elegant bedrooms and 26 acres of luscious pastures. When guests enter The Great Chamber, they'll be blown away by the craftsmanship that gives this room such character. The oak-panelled walls, intricately painted ceiling, and pretty leaded windows showcase every bit of this venue's period history, with space for 75 guests.

Creative ways to preserve and display your wedding bouquet

Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so you'll no doubt want to hold onto your memories for as long as possible. Here, Clare Price from framing specialists Wall Space shares their tips for preserving your wedding bouquet for years to come. Preserving your wedding bouquet can be a wonderful way to keep the memories of your special day alive. Techniques like drying and pressing are some of the best methods of flower preservation, and there are countless ways to show off your preserved blooms in your home once you're done. With the tips and ideas below, you can create lasting reminders of your cherished moments and remember your special day for years to come.

Discover Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire

Lamport Hall is an idyllic venue in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. It's available for exclusive use at weddings to ensure special, intimate, and private events.  The team has recently expanded their wedding licensing, meaning lovebirds can now have legal ceremonies in the Walled Garden or the Edwardian Carriage House as well as the more traditional country house weddings. To celebrate, they have launched wedding packages for the first time, including elopement and micro-wedding packages, plus options for larger weddings. These are designed to make planning as easy as possible and can all be adapted to create bespoke and unique events to remember.

Experts reveal five wedding trends set to be huge this Summer

With the new season comes new colours and trends, and with that being said, experts at Diamonds Factory have predicted five wedding trends that are set to be big this Summer. Couples will step away from the traditional colour scheme "Stepping away from the traditional black and white formal attire, we expect to see many wedding parties embrace colour this Summer. We saw the mismatched bridesmaid dresses trend resurge in popularity in late 2023, and predict this trend will take off even further this Summer, especially now it's getting warmer and with people experimenting with colour more.

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long?

The Speech Surgery: how long is too long? Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy explores this. My groom says he's finished his speech and he's really happy with it but it's almost 2,000 words long. Is that too much? Yes. All speeches should be under ten minutes long. It seems obvious but I've seen several speeches (generally the best men) go well over half an hour, oblivious to the yawns or heckling. That's no more than 1,300 words maximum, allowing for pauses or laughter on the day. Remind your fiancé that his first draft is just the start of the writing process.

Wedding favours for Kids: ToyChoc Box

PLAYin CHOC's ToyChoc boxes are a fantastic choice for entertaining kids at weddings. These eco-friendly, vegan, and allergen-free treats come in 100% recyclable packaging. Each box contains two creamy chocolate bars wrapped in compostable packaging, along with a 3D card puzzle toy featuring animals like endangered species, sea creatures, or dinosaurs - there's also a fun animal fact inside. At just £2.25 each on Amazon, these boxes are a budget-friendly addition to your wedding plans.