Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

From cold feet to no-show suppliers: Protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

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.