Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Fraser Hart launches its stunning lab-grown diamond collection

Fraser Hart, one of the UK's leading purveyors of fine jewellery, is redefining affordable luxury with the launch of its Born Lab Grown Diamonds collection in 10 new stores nationwide. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, here cutting-edge technology is used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, Born Lab Grown Diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow-factor as traditionally mined gems, but with a more accessible price tag. The Born collection includes a stunning choice of "buy now, treasure forever" heirloom jewellery pieces. With exquisite diamond rings starting at just £799, diamond and white gold stud earrings from £799, classic diamond encrusted tennis bracelets from £5,250, and diamond pendant necklaces from £850, investing in luxurious, exceptional quality and utterly timeless diamond jewellery pieces has never been more attractive.

The wellness journals from Lovendu you need in your life

With Mental Health Awareness day falling in October, and as we approach the end of the year, take positive steps to improve your wellbeing in 2024 through journaling. The benefits of daily journaling are huge, from reducing stress and improving your mental health to boosting productivity and providing an opportunity to get in sync with your emotions. It's the ultimate act of self-care – and Lovendu makes it easy to take control of your life and truly thrive.

The National Wedding Fayre is back for 2024

The National Wedding Fayre is back for 2024! With more than 125 exhibitors, a VIP lounge with afternoon tea, fashion shows and a fabulous win your wedding competition, the show has everything you need to plan the wedding of your dreams. If that wasn't enough, there will be hands-on advice from industry experts, luxury products, services at an affordable price and special promotions from some of the region's biggest wedding suppliers.

Treat yourself to the VIP package, which includes a drink voucher, an upgraded gift bag, reserved seating for the fashion show, access to the VIP lounge and fast track entry – what's not to love?

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Brinsop Court is an award-winning 14th-century manor house

Brinsop Court is an award-winning 14th-century manor house encircled by a moat, a traditionally built oak barn, and two idyllic cottages. Nestled within 800 acres of farmland and wonderfully preserved nature, you'll have exclusive use of the Grade I-listed estate for your big day.

The venue is perfect for pre-wedding retreats; put your feet up in front of the wood-burning fire and unwind in the hot tub with a glass of something bubbly. Located just a short walk from the house, the Ivy and Wood Cottages are ideal places to spend the night before your big day.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Lindsay Kay Bridal has announced several new promotions

Lindsay Kay Bridal, a family-run boutique in Warwick, has announced several new promotions. Over the past few months, the boutique has seen an influx of new wedding dresses and veils available in a range of styles. Brides-to-be will be able to enjoy tea and cakes throughout the appointment in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by friendly staff. Evening appointments are also available if needed.

Bespoke wedding rings are another new addition to the boutique. Provided by BWR London, the jewellers can bring your dream rings to life in six to eight weeks.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

Bourton Hall is a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style mansion

Bourton Hall is part of Country House Weddings Ltd, a family-owned and run wedding venue group that has collectively held over 10,000 weddings across its six venues and has more than 30 years of experience creating dream weddings.

A beautiful Italian Renaissance-style mansion, Bourton Hall offers exclusive use of its house and grounds to couples on the day of their wedding, with the picturesque gardens and idyllic Warwickshire countryside providing an unrivalled backdrop for your special day. This 18th-century country mansion exudes style and charm, with gorgeous period features such as a grand staircase and ornate ceilings throughout. Setting the scene for an unforgettable wedding, you and your guests can enjoy a ceremony in the breathtaking former Catholic Chapel, dine in the Banqueting Hall, enjoy croquet on the lawn, and relax in one of the fully stocked bars or cosy reception rooms before retiring to the luxurious on-site accommodation.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

PoB Hotels has announced that The Elms Hotel in Worcestershire has joined its collection

PoB Hotels has announced that The Elms Hotel in Worcestershire has joined its collection. Recently completing an extensive refurbishment, The Elms embraces the PoB Hotels ethos by incorporating community into every aspect of the guest experience. Comprising of 23 rooms and suites, all designed by Darron Woore, no two suites are the same, and interiors include historic stained glass windows, tartan fabrics, luxurious marble and hushed grey tones. The hotel also features a state-of-the- art botanical-inspired spa, which offers an array of exciting facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, two steam rooms and an experience shower.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Walcot Hall is a private rural estate set within 30 acres of grounds

Walcot Hall is a private rural estate set within 30 acres of grounds with picturesque views of the Shropshire Hills. Boasting one of Britain's finest and most eclectic arboretums, the venue has plenty of accommodation to choose from, including 15 self-catering holiday cottages, 10 glamping pods, yurts, shepherds' huts, the Dipping Shed and Wheelwright's Shop. Walcot also has an on-site pub, The Powis Arms, right by the front gates that champions seasonal menus and local suppliers.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Brockencote Hall Hotel is hosting three wedding showcases

Brockencote Hall Hotel, an enchanting wedding venue in Worcestershire, is hosting a wedding showcase on 22nd October, between 11.30pm and 3pm, and on the 20th November and 12th December between 4pm and 8pm. The events will provide guests with the chance to meet with Brockencote's award-winning events and weddings team and experience guided tours of the spaces and facilities on offer to help shape their dream wedding.

The Victorian manor house is set within 70 acres of stunning parkland, has French-inspired architecture, and 21 bedrooms in the main manor house, all of which are elegantly decorated with luxurious furnishings and plush fabrics, representing the country estate splendour of the hotel.

The Lake at Barston is nestled within acres of countryside

Nestled within acres of countryside, The Lake at Barston is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Solihull, Coventry and Birmingham. Boasting impressive views over the lawns, flower beds and large Barston Lake, The Lake at Barston can cater for weddings of up to 200 loved ones. As well as offering a picturesque setting for your big day, you can also take full advantage of the newly refurbished Restaurant available exclusively for you and your guests.

The Restaurant is the venue's largest space and can seat 180 friends and family. Featuring panoramic views of Barston Lake, there is a dancefloor big enough for 60 guests at a time, a stage for bands and a hot and cold food area for buffets, carverys or hog roasts. The room has the benefit of an adjacent annex, which is semi-private and can seat 40 guests or be used as a break-out area for additional seating, a photo booth, a sweet cart or a gift table.