Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

The Belfry Hotel & Resort opens 149 new bedrooms and unveils major leisure investment at award-winning resort

Award-winning The Belfry Hotel & Resort has unveiled 149 new bedrooms at its iconic resort, marking a significant milestone in its £80 million investment programme. Located in the newly built Brabazon House wing and available from 1 August, the rooms offer exceptional views across the famous Brabazon golf course. Highlights include The Belfry's first-ever two-bedroom suite with super king-sized beds, balcony and dual-aspect views. The development also introduces a state-of-the-art fitness and leisure club featuring Technogym-equipped gym spaces, multiple studios, swimming pools and extensive spa-style facilities, creating an unparalleled destination for leisure and relaxation.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

New Hall Hotel & Spa weddings at England’s oldest moated house

Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield offers a truly magical setting for weddings. Dating back to the 13th century, this late medieval manor is England's oldest listed inhabited moated house, surrounded by 26 acres of picturesque pastures and elegant gardens. Couples can enjoy exclusive use for a private and flexible celebration, alongside 60 elegant bedrooms for guests. Ceremonies and receptions take place in striking character-filled spaces, including the impressive Great Chamber with its oak panelling, painted ceiling and leaded windows. From drinks on the suntrap terrace to bespoke seasonal dining, New Hall Hotel & Spa creates unforgettable wedding experiences from start to finish.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Moddershall Oaks launches new luxury Tribe517 spa treatments at its Staffordshire country spa retreat

Luxury country spa retreat Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, set within 72 acres of private Staffordshire countryside near Stoke-on-Trent, has launched three indulgent new treatments in partnership with British natural skincare brand Tribe517. Designed to restore, rejuvenate and relax, the treatments enrich the spa's existing menu with results-driven yet deeply calming experiences. Guests can choose from the Collagen Skin Boosting Facial, a tailored head-to-toe spa journey, or a Full Body Renewal ritual combining exfoliation, massage and facial therapy. Each treatment uses plant-based ingredients and expert techniques to deliver luxurious wellbeing, supported by Moddershall Oaks' tranquil countryside setting.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Kilworth House Hotel weddings in a private country house estate

Set within 38 acres of rolling parkland, Kilworth House Hotel offers a wedding experience defined by timeless elegance, privacy and exceptional hospitality. This beautiful country house provides couples with the opportunity to enjoy a complete fairytale celebration, from exchanging vows to late-night celebrations, all within one exclusive estate. Ceremonies and receptions can be hosted in a choice of elegant spaces, including the Shakespeare Room, Wordsworth Room and the light-filled Orangery, each offering its own distinctive atmosphere. Couples seeking something more relaxed may choose The Staging Post, available seasonally, with drinks in the wooded grounds and seamless transitions between ceremony and celebration. With superb dining, spacious bedrooms and attentive service, Kilworth House creates unforgettable wedding days.

Weddings in bloom at Barnsdale Gardens with flexible outdoor wedding packages in stunning themed gardens

Weddings are truly in bloom at Barnsdale Gardens, home to 38 beautifully designed themed gardens and now offering flexible wedding packages for couples seeking a memorable outdoor celebration. Ceremonies take place beneath a striking oak arbour, surrounded by abundant planting and a spacious lawn ideal for guests. Couples benefit from unlimited access to the gardens for photography, from the tranquil Japanese Garden to the much-loved allotment wheelbarrow shot. Packages start from £900 for ceremonies and photography, rising to £4,800 for exclusive full-day hire, with trusted local suppliers on hand to help create a truly personalised wedding experience.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa weddings in Northamptonshire

Set within beautiful countryside, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa combines spectacular architecture with over 20 years of experience hosting unforgettable weddings. This elegant country house offers couples the freedom to design a celebration that reflects their vision, whether classic or contemporary. From pre-wedding pampering in the Health Club and Spa to afternoon tea in the Great Hall, the experience extends far beyond the wedding day itself. Couples can choose exclusive use of the house or celebrate within the private Knightley Court, which features dedicated ceremony and reception spaces, bedrooms and a secluded courtyard. With character-filled rooms, bespoke seasonal dining and panoramic views across the grounds, Fawsley Hall creates truly memorable occasions.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Jacqueline Louise Bridal grows from Stratford-upon-Avon boutique into an international bridesmaid brand

What began as a much-loved boutique in Stratford-upon-Avon has evolved into an internationally recognised bridesmaid brand. Founded in 2020, Jacqueline Louise Bridal has grown rapidly, with its signature Multiway Bridesmaid Collection now stocked by more than 120 retailers worldwide. Known for its flexible styling, inclusive sizing and beautifully coordinated accessories, the brand offers wearable elegance across 31 colours, three silhouettes and options from junior through to plus size. While the boutique remains a destination for bridal gowns, its in-house bridesmaid line has become a global success, appealing to modern bridal parties seeking versatility, cohesion and timeless style, all designed in the heart of historic Warwickshire.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Ettington Park Hotel weddings in the Stour Valley near Stratford-upon-Avon

Set in the heart of the Stour Valley near Stratford-upon-Avon, Ettington Park Hotel provides a truly enchanting backdrop for unforgettable weddings. This striking Victorian Gothic manor combines historic grandeur with over 20 years of wedding expertise, offering a range of character-filled spaces for every style of celebration. From intimate ceremonies in the 18th-century Library to elegant receptions beneath chandeliers in the Great Drawing Room, each space is rich in atmosphere. Couples may also exchange vows in the atmospheric Norman Chapel ruins or host drinks beside the Orangery, surrounded by manicured Victorian gardens. With exceptional seasonal dining, picturesque grounds and luxurious accommodation, Ettington Park creates celebrations to treasure forever.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.