Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Bring your traditional wedding venue to life with styling ideas and expert tips

Weddings have come a long way over the centuries! With an array of endless styles, themes and visions, it's no surprise that many couples still opt for a traditional wedding. From honouring family heritage to participating in meaningful rituals and celebrating with a sense of formality, there's beauty in timelessness. If that resonates with you, focus on elegant styling that will remain classic for years to come. Whether you're tying the knot in a ballroom or manor house, here's some advice on how to weave traditional elements into your day.

Wedding flowers as the heartbeat of your celebration

Wedding flowers are far more than just décor; they're the heartbeat of the celebration. They frame your vows, line the path to your future and set the tone for every unforgettable moment. Each bloom has taken its own journey, growing from seed to full flourish, just as your love has grown, rooted, nurtured and blossomed. From the softest petals to the most dramatic floral display, these are the touches that transform a venue into a storybook setting. This is our tribute to all things floral: the delicate, the bold, the intricate and the awe-inspiring. Start with florals that add beauty, emotion, and romance to your space. Ceremony flowers set the tone, from aisle to altar, as the first visual chapter of your love story.

Discover this modern and minimalist wedding shoot with organic botanical details

This editorial shoot celebrates the beauty of modern minimalism infused with organic botanical elements. The inspiration draws from contemporary luxury, paired with a fresh, garden-to-table aesthetic that feels both refined and effortlessly natural. A palette of crisp whites, vibrant chartreuse greens, and sophisticated black accents creates a striking visual narrative that's both timeless and thoroughly modern. The shoot aimed to showcase how modern couples can embrace botanical luxury without sacrificing elegance. By incorporating fresh fruit, unexpected textures, and varying heights, the goal was to demonstrate that wedding florals can be both sophisticated and unconventional. As the florist and table stylist, Nima Alale of Sereality Studios created arrangements that blur the line between cultivated elegance and natural spontaneity.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Kilworth House is where elegance, exclusivity and English charm unite for dream weddings

Kilworth House Hotel stands apart from the everyday world, a place of timeless warmth, elegance, and gracious living set amid 38 acres of rolling parkland. The bedrooms are spacious, the food superb, and the attentive staff understand exactly what makes guests feel special. Couples can enjoy a complete fairytale day, from exchanging vows to secluded late-night romance, all within the luxury and privacy of a country-house estate. The entire hotel can be reserved exclusively for the couple to enhance events. Kilworth House offers three stunning venues to hold ceremonies and celebrations: the Shakespeare Room, the Wordsworth Room, and the Orangery. Each setting offers unique charm and varying capacities, accommodating intimate gatherings and larger celebrations alike.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Editor Issy Chamberlain takes us inside her unforgettable stay at Ansty Hall, nestled in the heart of Coventry

Weddings and beautiful buildings go hand-in-hand, and Ansty Hall is no stranger to this combination. As you make your way down their long drive, you feel as though you're being transported to a luxurious heaven, free from everyday stresses. The staff are not only attentive but forward-thinking, anticipating your every need. From the moment you set foot in their cosy lobby, you're greeted with a bright smile and the air of pure relaxation. I had the pleasure of staying in suite 001, and my goodness, did I feel like number one. The spacious room is filled with a super king bed, a sofa, a dressing table, a dining table, and a sleek bathroom, highlighted by a raised bathtub fit for a queen.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Treeopia in Worcestershire now licensed to host legal weddings in luxury treehouses

Treeopia, set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, offers luxury treehouses, and the team is thrilled to announce they're officially licensed to host legally binding marriage ceremonies, in addition to their established celebrant-led offerings. This marks an exciting chapter for the secluded treehouse destination. Treeopia now offers couples the rare opportunity to legally wed in an intimate, two-person ceremony, surrounded by nature and far from the pressures of a traditional wedding. "We've seen a growing number of couples looking for something more personal, more meaningful — a wedding day that's truly theirs," says Nicki Beavan, founder of Treeopia. "Now that we can offer both legal and symbolic ceremonies, we're proud to give our couples complete freedom to celebrate in their own way.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Stu Deeley returns with The Warwick restaurant at Mallory Court Hotel

Award-winning chef Stu Deeley has officially opened The Warwick, his highly anticipated new restaurant set within the elegant grounds of Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington Spa. The opening marks a celebrated return for Stu, bringing his signature style of refined, ingredient-led British cuisine back to the Eden Hotel Collection. The restaurant offers an elevated but unpretentious dining experience, rooted in the seasons and shaped by ingredients from the Mallory Court Kitchen Gardens. It promises a modern expression of refined British dining, set within the hotel's historic grounds, where guests will enjoy an elevated yet welcoming dining experience. The Warwick presents a choice of two tasting menus: a five-course Taste of the Season (£105) and a three-course menu (£90).

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Celebrating 40 years of magic at Warwickshire’s largest butterfly farm

Since opening in 1985, the UK's largest butterfly farm has welcomed more than five million visitors into its tropical paradise, fulfilling founder Clive Farrell's dream of bringing the beauty of butterflies to Warwickshire. Throughout the summer holidays, until 1st September, visitors can enjoy a host of activities including competitions, butterfly life cycle displays, mini-beasts, Beetle Mania, and pupae demonstrations. The celebrations also see the launch of an exciting new exhibition within the Rainforest Realm! Richard Lamb, General Manager, says, "We're grateful to everyone who's been part of our journey. Whether it's your first visit or you've been coming for years, we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone." The Butterfly Farm encourages guests to share their favourite memories and photos using #stratfordbutterflyfarm40th or by emailing marketing@butterflyfarm.co.uk. The best stories and images will be featured on the website and across social media. Winners will also receive free tickets to visit again!

Rituals opens new luxury wellness store at Highcross Leicester

Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has opened a new store at Highcross Leicester, offering shoppers an immersive experience into Rituals' signature range of luxurious bath, body, and home products designed to inspire moments of mindfulness and self-care in everyday life. It's the perfect products to prepare for weddings, both physically and emotionally. Highcross is a vibrant and contemporary setting that attracts a diverse blend of local residents and out-of-town visitors. The new store will refl ect Rituals' sensorial and holistic retail concept, designed to engage customers through rich storytelling and wellness-focused experiences. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, says, "At Highcross, we're not just about providing a shopping location, we're curating experiences.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.