Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Discover why we love Bluebell Photo Studio based in Birmingham

Behind Bluebell Photo Studio is the talented Karolina and Mario, a husband-and-wife team based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Together, they shoot joyful and relaxed wedding photography for couples who want to have fun on their wedding day. They capture the laughter, the love and those moments that make you think, "Did that really just happen?" The pair don't stage anything or force posing, which means you can be yourself and enjoy the day as it unfolds. The relaxed approach ensures you feel comfortable, allowing them to document all the real moments and emotions that help you remember how you truly felt on your wedding day.

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

Discover the Floral Jazz team based in the Midlands

At Floral Jazz, the team prides itself on offering a personalised wedding service tailored just for couples. They can meet for a friendly chat over coffee or connect online to discuss ideas. After conversations, lovebirds will receive a customised quote that breaks down costs by item and a unique mood board. Once the pairs are satisfied, the team provides an invoice and contract, ensuring couples feel confident in the services. As part of the consultation, the staff also gives them access to their own portal to view all wedding details anytime. Plus, they've introduced a referral program for those who recommend them, allowing newlyweds to enjoy beautiful flowers even after their big day! For every couple they refer who books with the company, the team will send a special thank-you gift! Looking for a fun day out locally? The team will be at the annual Boldmere Christmas Festival on 17th November 2024, which promises to be a great event! There'll be loads of fantastic stalls, delicious street food, musical entertainment, fairground rides and of course, the light switch on!

Exchange vows at Stretton Manor Barn

Stretton Manor Barn was lovingly built in 2020 exclusively for weddings. The luxuriously designed open-plan spaces and 8m bifold doors lead to panoramic views of the Derbyshire countryside. It's secluded but easily accessible for all. Natural rustic materials, including reclaimed stonework, traditional timber cladding and handcrafted oak furniture contrast the soft, contemporary and refined bar and lounge interior. Stretton Manor Barn is a versatile venue catering to various wedding events. It offers the choice of indoor or outdoor wedding ceremonies for up to 100 guests, a capacity of 140 for wedding banquets, and 160 guests for evening receptions. The venue's in-house team of talented chefs are dedicated to creating the tastiest and most memorable wedding breakfasts, using fresh and local produce to ensure excellent quality and generous portions.

Check out Dronfield Hall Barn in Derbyshire

Dronfield Hall Barn is a picturesque historical venue located in the heart of Dronfield. It offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. With stunning gardens, a private courtyard and versatile indoor spaces, it provides the perfect setting for guests to relax and create lasting memories with loved ones. The breathtaking Barn offers an ideal ceremony setting, and the dedicated team works closely with Derbyshire registrars to ensure that each service runs seamlessly. For couples opting for a church ceremony, the team are honoured to host celebrations at the Barn afterwards. The venue offers a bespoke catering service alongside catering partners, and the culinary team collaborates with couples to create personalised menus, ranging from à la carte dining to hearty pies or street food – the options are endless! For evening receptions, the romantically lit gallery provides a beautiful space for guests to celebrate. The resident DJ ensures the dancefloor is lively and welcomes couples' requests and playlists. Additionally, the team are happy to accommodate acoustic musicians and ceilidh bands.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

The Woodsman in Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon receives 2 AA Rosettes

The Woodsman in Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon has proudly received its first 2 AA Rosettes for outstanding food quality. Established in 1956, the award was the first national initiative to evaluate the culinary excellence of restaurants and hotels. With a team of inspectors boasting extensive experience in quality assessment across the UK, earning this award is a remarkable accomplishment. Restaurateur Mike Robinson, co-owner of the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham, leads the Woodsman. He's widely recognised for his dedication to British ingredients and sustainable wild food. Under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Greg Newman, The Woodsman offers an outstanding dining experience that emphasises sustainability, seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Greg says, "We're thrilled to have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. Being credited with this prestigious accolade is a testament to our brilliant team who work incredibly hard in producing a first-class customer experience, and to achieve this coveted accolade is a great privilege."

Discover the team behind Specular Visuals

At Specular Visuals, the team understands that your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life. As a dedicated wedding photography and videography company, they're committed to capturing the essence of your celebration with artistry and care. The small, passionate team provides comprehensive coverage across the UK, ensuring that no matter where your love story unfolds, they're there to document it. With years of experience in the industry, the team pride themselves on their unobtrusive approach. Owner Richard Gayle says, "We believe that the best moments are often the most candid, which is why we focus on capturing genuine emotions and interactions as they naturally occur. Our documentary-style photography and videography allow us to tell the unique story of your wedding day, highlighting the joy, laughter and love."

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Discover Ansty Hall's new High Chai Afternoon Tea

Ansty Hall High Chai afternoon tea offers a charming take on the classic British tradition. Blending historical and modern local flavours, this special experience adds a hint of spice to the cherished ritual. Guests can savour a selection of pastries and freshly baked scones, including the standout fi g and cardamom scones. Chai lattes enhance the menu, promising a delightful afternoon tea that honours the diverse local flavours – all presented in the unique Ansty style. Under the expert curation of Executive Chef Ryan Swift, the Ansty Hall High Chai afternoon tea features a menu with traditional oak smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, almond éclair with caramel cremeux and pistachio, and milk chocolate mousse. Available all year round, sessions start from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily and cost £42 per person, or guests can opt for Ridgeview High Chai for £55 per person.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

County Wedding Events coming to Stapleford Park, Leicestershire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire, for inspiration on Sunday 3rd November 2024! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

County Wedding Events comes to Rushton Hall, Northamptonshire

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rushton Hall, Northamptonshire for inspiration on Sunday 27th October! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Discover Rituals Cosmetics new West Midlands store

Beauty and well-being brand Rituals Cosmetics will open a new store in Staffordshire's McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, offering the perfect products for pre-wedding pampering. Annemarie Forsyth, managing director of Rituals Cosmetics (UK & Ireland), says: "As soon as customers enter our store, they can explore our collections and fully immerse themselves in our brand. It's a place to discover our collections, including gift sets and uplifting well-being treats, all at fantastic outlet prices." Rituals Cosmetics is a brand dedicated to sustainable and personal well-being in the beauty luxury industry. As the foremost founder of integrating bath, body, and home care into a single portfolio, the company embraces the lifestyle of transforming everyday routines into more meaningful moments.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Tie the knot at The Tin at The Coal Vaults

The Tin at The Coal Vaults is a multi-use arts venue that doubles as the perfect alternative wedding reception venue. The 18th-century building in Coventry Canal Basin's former coal storage building oozes character with exposed brick walls and curved ceilings. Its somewhat industrial style creates the ideal backdrop, giving the space a distinctive sense of charm and character while remaining versatile enough to be personalised and adapted to suit personal tastes. The venue is set in two vaults; one contains a fully licensed bar stocked with locally sourced ales, wines, and spirits with a seating area, and the other has a built-in stage and dancefloor. Being on one level, the entire venue is wheelchair accessible.

Cuckney House now has a wedding licenced

Cuckney House has just become fully licenced for five civil weddings a year for up to 38 guests. Amongst the grand and impressive rooms, plus landscaped gardens, couples are sure to have memorable weddings. The panelled ballroom provides an elegant setting for wedding breakfasts and the all-important first dance, while the stunning Walled Garden can be transformed with fairylights and fire pits for an al fresco setting like no other. Within its five acres of grounds are countless hidden corners for romantic and treasured wedding photographs. Couples can choose to have the licenced service in the ballroom, the dining room or the stunning Edwardian garden pavilion.