Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.

The National Wedding Show returns to Birmingham

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, and what better way to celebrate than a day out with your partner or wedding party? The National Wedding Show returns to Birmingham (NEC) between 22nd and 24th September, and to London (ExCeL) 14th and 15th October, for two weekends of unbridled wedding inspiration.

Chat to hundreds of local and national suppliers, try on dreamy dresses, get the scoop at insider talks and make the most of some unique discounts too. After all, when it comes to planning the biggest day of your lives, every little helps.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings is a truly romantic setting for weddings

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, with its character-filled grounds, historic buildings and views over the picturesque Worcestershire countryside, is a truly romantic setting for weddings.

New Guesten Hall, located near the museum's entrance, boasts a 14th-century roof that was originally part of Worcester Cathedral's reception hall. Containing beautifully detailed Medieval carpentry, it's a large and flexible space, which can accommodate up to 120 guests for the civil ceremony and wedding breakfast and can be expanded to cater for an extra 60 loved ones for the evening reception.

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Georgina Ford is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Georgina Ford offers a range of services, such as engagement shoots, full day wedding coverage and family portraits. Georgina tells us: "I have always loved photography for as long as I can remember. I have memories of carrying my grandad's huge camera around with me as a child taking pictures of anything and everything. Learning photography started as a hobby for me whilst I focussed on my career until one day I realised, why don't I make my passion my career? So here I am. My style is very much about capturing emotions, from the moment you walk in and see each other to laughing with your friends on the dancefloor. I put everything I have into creating beautiful, personalised images which are a snapshot of your unique story. I will ensure we spend some time together beforehand so I can learn all about your world and what is most important to you, so all you need to do on the day is relax and smile."

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Ettington Park Hotel is set within 40 acres of parkland

Set within 40 acres of parkland in a verdant valley with the River Stour meandering through is the grand Ettington Park Hotel. Inside, couples will find historic architecture, wondrous ceilings, ornate chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, which present breathtaking views of the grounds. There are also several bedrooms for your guests to choose from, extravagant lounges and inspiring suites.

Outside, there are plenty of places to explore and take photographs, including the impressive turrets, neo-Gothic brickwork, classic arched windows and on-site Norman Church and Orangery.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s new signature gin, 1960, has won an award

The Belfry Hotel & Resort's new signature gin, 1960, has won bronze at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

The London dry gin, which launched in December, is a herbaceous gin with a distinct blend of home-grown botanicals offering flowery notes from the roses and lavender in the resort's courtyard, willow from the golf courses and honey from its very own 'Belfry Bees'.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

The Grade II-listed Warwick House is located within acres of glorious gardens

The Grade II-listed Warwick House is located within acres of glorious gardens and boasts an abundance of trees, cherry blossoms, feathery pines and statement windows. This exclusive-use 19th-century property perfectly combines contemporary and classic architecture with traditional furniture, grand chandeliers and muted tones throughout. Those of you looking to stay the night will love the 16 guest bedrooms and luxurious honeymoon suite.

The Warwick Room is the venue's smallest space. It's a sophisticated area used for civil ceremonies and wedding breakfasts of up to 60 people.

Surrounded by windows that overlook the terrace, the light and airy Banqueting Hall is decorated with soft fairylights, a bar, and a dancefloor and can accommodate 150 loved ones.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

A stunning new collection of wedding cakes from Lola's cupcakes

Lola's Wedding Cake Collection features an array of stunning confections that combine Lola's famous cake flavours with irresistible designs, suitable for any wedding theme or colour palette. The cakes can be adorned with delightful macaroons, fresh fruit, romantic rose petals or a glimmer of gold dust. With prices starting from just £90, the handcrafted one or two-tiered cakes are designed to serve up to 70 guests, making them the perfect fit for budget conscious brides and grooms enjoying a more intimate reception or post-registry office gathering prior to the big day.

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd create spectacular fireworks displays

Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd. provides spectacular fireworks displays that create unforgettable moments for couples and their guests. With years of experience and expertise, the company curate bespoke firework displays that reflect each couple's unique love story.

"Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand affair, we ensure a mesmerising experience that will leave a lasting impression," says Andrew Slinn, the operations and displays director. "Our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation sets us apart. We adhere to the highest industry standards and regulations, delivering flawlessly executed displays with the utmost care. Using state-of-the-art fireworks and cutting-edge technology, we create breathtaking visual effects and synchronised musical displays, immersing guests in a truly magical experience."

TDR Bridal Birmingham has launched The Tiara Shop

TDR Bridal Birmingham has recently launched The Tiara Shop, a one-stop shop for everything sparkly. With almost 20 years of experience, TDR Bridal Birmingham created The Tiara Shop to give brides access to some of the in-store choices that previously only TDR brides could buy.

Rebecca Baddeley, the owner, tells us: "We wanted to offer brides who haven't bought their wedding dress from us a way to access our accessories, and so The Tiara Shop was born! There is so much choice out there, but we hope by buying from a bridal dress retailer, you will have the assurance that you are buying a quality product and that you will get great, honest service from us too."

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

Hadley Park House is an elegant Grade II listed property

Hadley Park House is an elegant Grade II listed property set within two acres of landscaped grounds. As you turn into the driveway of this romantic wedding venue, you can't help but be impressed by this Georgian manor house. The secluded grounds include mature trees, manicured grass and a sunken-tiered lawn making it the ideal place to capture photographs.

Once you step inside, the wood-panelled lounge, high ceilings and sash windows lend a sense of occasion to your special day and confirm why the venue was awarded 'Best Historic Building in the West Midlands' at the Wedding Industry Awards.