Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

The British Motor Museum has been shortlisted as a finalist

The British Motor Museum has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious West Midlands Tourism Awards 2025. The property has been nominated for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, and the team will find out if they have won at a special ceremony in early 2025. The awards celebrate the success and accomplishments of tourism businesses across the West Midlands region, promoting the impressive strength of their services, venues, people, experiences and accommodation. The Museum is proud of its continuous work to incorporate accessibility and inclusivity into all its activities, from conception to execution. The recent addition of the 'Austin and Morris' Office displays, with holographic presentations, is a key example of this. Both historic offices are equipped with a tablet, which subtitles the speeches given in the offices, and the displays are equipped with induction loops to support people with hearing aids.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Shakespeare Distillery has won an award

Shakespeare Distillery has won the Best Green Business award for three consecutive years at the 2024 Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. More than 30 businesses, charities and organisations competed for 13 awards that recognise the achievements of a wide range of enterprises, from family-run independents and restaurants to large-scale employers who prioritise looking after their staff. The judges say, "We were impressed with how Shakespeare Distillery has addressed sustainability in every aspect of its business. Across the board, the company has focussed on sustainability, from its manufacturing processes, supply chain and distribution to its customer experience and even its garden. Taking all this into account, together with their commitment to research reducing the environmental footprint of their glass bottles, Shakespeare Distillery is a worthy winner of Best Green Business 2024".

Discover The Belmont Hotel's latest refurbishment

The Belmont Hotel, a renowned local hotel, has proudly unveiled two newly refurbished wedding spaces, highlighting the owner's firm belief that Leicester is a destination for celebratory events. The two rooms, elegantly redesigned with state-of-the-art facilities and modern aesthetics, offer versatile spaces that boost the hotel's already impressive event capabilities, promising guests an unforgettable experience in the heart of Leicester. Named The Rose and Rowan rooms, these settings boast stylish interiors, flexible seating arrangements, and cutting-edge technology to ensure events run smoothly. Housed in a beautiful 19th-century property, The Belmont Hotel offers a boutique experience with luxurious accommodations. It offers guests great service, locally sourced food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

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.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Receive a complimentary ceremony at Cleaver & Wake

For a truly dazzling backdrop for your wedding day celebrations, there's no better venue in the East Midlands than Cleaver & Wake. The team believes your wedding should reflect your style and taste; their canal-side venue offers everything needed to create unforgettable events. Located just a five-minute walk from Nottingham Railway Station – a major station with direct trains to London, Manchester and the wider Midlands – Cleaver & Wake is an Art Deco-inspired venue with breathtaking architecture. Inside, you'll find stunning spaces to host your post ceremony drinks reception, a double-height hall for your wedding breakfast and state-of-the-art AV to ignite the dancefloor until the early hours.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Learn all about That Gin Company's new concept

Delivering first-class bespoke events is the 'driving' force behind That Gin Company, which is based in Warwickshire. From mobile bar hire to the new Cocktail Tours Bus, Steve Bazell and his team are always on standby to offer a five-star hospitality experience suitable for all occasions. Hallmark of That Gin Company's brand is a unique concept that's causing a big stir on the mobile events circuit as Steve gives guests access to his huge range of made-to-order gin and cocktail recipes, with something for everyone from the traditional juniper and floral gins through to fruity offerings such as pineapple, watermelon, passionfruit and Sicilian orange. For spice lovers, enjoy pink pepper, black pepper, cardamom or even their most popular jalapeno signature gin!

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Learn all about Georgina Mai Photography

Georgina Ford has been a wedding photographer since 2018 and absolutely loves her job. Sharing one of the most important days in someone's life with them is an honour to the talented supplier. She says, "I believe it's really important that you choose a photographer you feel comfortable around and have complete trust that they'll capture your day perfectly. I will spend some time with you to get to know all about you and your world to understand what's important to you. I'm friendly and discreet, try to make group shots fun to bring out your natural smiles and never forget the smaller details." The photographer will be by your side all day, capturing every moment, and if you need a helping hand, she'll be there for you. Whether that be to help pin your hair back up, help with your dress or even give a hug to settle any last-minute nerves – she goes above and beyond to ensure your day is nothing short of perfection. After the day, Georgina knows you'll be dying to see some photos, which is why she also sends a few images over within a couple of weeks as a little preview.

Discover Singing Jennie's new performance styles

Singing Jennie is excited to present three unique performance styles for weddings! Each style can be tailored to any genre desired. The first option features a solo pianist, delivering enchanting piano melodies ranging from romantic love songs to iconic theme tunes. The second option showcases Jennie's soulful vocals as she plays the piano, transforming any song into a beautiful love ballad perfect for special events. Lastly, the third option includes her captivating singing paired with lively or acoustic guitar tracks, ensuring a joyful atmosphere throughout celebrations.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Redhouse Barn provides the perfect backdrop to weddings

Award-winning wedding venueRedhouse Barnnear Bromsgrove in Worcestershire is a bespoke luxury wedding venue. Traditional vintage style with a contemporary edge, it's a stunning rural setting with gorgeous grounds. This charming 200-year-old Redbrick Barn, licensed for up to 105 guests, is a sight to behold. Its floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors offer open views across the gardens and the magnifi cent Timbered Barn, licensed for up to 160 guests. This rustic and unique space intrigues and excites, while outdoor weddings are available anywhere within the property's curtilage or in the Oak Pergola. The rear courtyard provides a relaxed and informal feel for drinks receptions. Parasols, outdoor furniture and a trickling water feature create a tranquil atmosphere.