Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Shakespeare Distillery launches rum tasting experience

Shakespeare Distillery, the award-winning artisan producer in Stratford-upon- Avon, has launched its new rum tasting experience at Judith's, the former home of Shakespeare's daughter! This exciting addition to the distillery's offerings comes on the heels of their already popular and award-winning gin and rum experiences. Peter Monks, Director at Shakespeare Distillery, says, "It has already proven to be popular. Our first session, which ran on February 1st, sold out completely! It's the perfect way for rum enthusiasts to spend an hour trying different options!" The one-hour, fun, and informative Rum Tasting begins with a welcome drink as guests relax and learn about the process of spirit-making. This is followed by a tutored tasting of three rums, including one of the distillery's special cask- aged releases.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Club Muso launches new website

The team at Club Muso is thrilled to announce the launch of their new website, designed to be the ultimate one- stop destination for all wedding entertainment needs. Whether couples are looking for live bands, DJs, unique performances or full-scale production support, they've got you covered! In collaboration with Artisan Productions, the company can bring wedding visions to life, no matter the venue. From high-energy party bands to elegant acoustic duos, the team's roster is constantly expanding to offer fresh, on- trend entertainment options tailored to today's nearlyweds. One of the most exciting upcoming acts, Cruel Summer, is set to launch soon – perfectly crafted for the wedding market! Stay tuned for more innovative performances and bespoke entertainment experiences that will make big days unforgettable.

Rutland Hall Hotel launches new wellness service

Rutland Hall Hotel is delighted to announce the launch of Four Roots, a pioneering luxury wellbeing experience designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Set against the serene backdrop of Rutland Water, it offers guests a personalised four- hour journey encompassing the four dimensions of wellbeing. "We're thrilled to introduce Four Roots as a unique addition to our resort," said Sunil Kanjanghat IS, Director General Manager at Rutland Hall Hotel. "The investment for this new facility reflects the ongoing commitment of our owners to providing first- class experiences for our guests. We're excited to be offering beautifully curated treatments, which are gender neutral and fully inclusive for those living with health challenges and fragility."

Tie the knot at this new wedding venue in Herefordshire

Introducing Seed Farm, a new location for couples seeking a rustic and intimate wedding venue. The secluded farm and wedding barn are nestled amongst stunning gardens, affording absolute privacy for couples and their guests with the added benefit of no curfew! The venue has on-site accommodation for the wedding party in a beautiful, cosy countryside farmhouse surrounded by a Medieval moat. The farm's historic 17th-century barn is newly renovated and provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for wedding receptions boasting ornate, original features and beautiful wooden beams. The barn itself has a dedicated space for catering, a dancefloor area and large open doors backing out onto the grass lawn.

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Discover the new service at Your Beauty Doctor Clinic in Nottingham

Dr Jessica Halliley, award-winning Aesthetics Doctor and GP is the leading Doctor at Your Beauty Doctor Clinic in Nottingham. She takes pride in helping patients achieve natural results and offers a range of treatments, including the latest SofwaveTM that transforms skin. Sofwave's unique technology enables the controlled delivery of ultrasound energy; this innovative process stimulates the production of new collagen to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while lifting the eyebrow, submental and neck tissue. It's suitable for all skin types, and a full-face treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes, with one to two required for optimal results that can be seen between one to 12 weeks.

Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa is now hosting weddings

Set within the walls of a stunning 18th-century manor house near Shrewsbury, Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa has opened, joining the collection of independent hotels by the Radisson Hotel Group. The property is surrounded by 15 acres of landscaped grounds, featuring a picturesque ornamental lake and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, setting a tranquil scene for rest, escapism and outdoor exploration. It has 87 guest rooms, as well as meeting and event spaces for up to 530 delegates. There's a wide range of guest-focused facilities, including a full-service spa, a modern fitness suite and fine dining options with à la carte, bar and afternoon tea menus.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Discover Barnsdale Gardens and its current wedding offer

Located in the picturesque Rutland, Barnsdale Gardens is offering 25 per cent off weddings for the remaining dates in 2025. The venue is an ideal backdrop for couples to express their individuality and personal flair. With 38 distinct gardens, the adaptable spaces allow for various uses—only limited by the couple's creativity. The breathtaking gardens provide a romantic atmosphere, featuring ceremonies in a charming oak arbour, enveloped by stunning flora and ample space for guests on the beautifully maintained lawn. Couples can also explore the rest of the gardens to create lasting memories. The opportunities for photography are limitless, from family and group portraits on the lush lawns to intimate moments in the Woodland Walk and Japanese Garden, or even playful shots with wheelbarrows in the allotment.

Drapers’ Hall wins wedding award

Drapers' Hall in Coventry stands out as a remarkable wedding venue, offering a perfect blend of history, elegance, and modern amenities. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Grade I listed building provides a stunning backdrop for celebrations. Its grand architecture, with high ceilings, intricate detailing, and beautiful period features, creates an atmosphere of timeless luxury that will impress guests and make special days unforgettable. The team is thrilled to have won a Coventry Registration district wedding award for receiving five-star reviews from happy couples! The venue offers a range of versatile spaces, including the exquisite Ball Room, which is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.

Quality Over Quantity: The Surge of Micro Weddings

The modern couple are ditching large lavish weddings and choosing a more intimate affair. A micro wedding is a wedding that has less than 50 guests and focuses more on the meaningfulness of the day rather than the spectacle. Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co, unpacks the surge of this trend and why more couples are leaning towards smaller events.

How to avoid overspending on your wedding budget

It is a special time for you and your partner, planning the perfect event to celebrate your love with friends and family. However, it can often become stressful as people try to fit such a big event into their budgets. With the average wedding for 2025 coming to a total of £20,822, getting everything from drinks to décor can be a chore. Lake District Country Hotels, providers of wedding venues in the Lake District, pair with James Beckett, financial coach and founder of MoneyStocker.com, to help you budget your way to your big day.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.