Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

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."

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.

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.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

The Mount Hotel has announced the acquisition of Perton Park Golf Club

Wolverhampton wedding venue, The Mount Hotel has announced the acquisition of Perton Park Golf Club, which will be rebranded as The Mount Golf & Country Club. This marks an exciting venture for The Mount, providing a much-needed hospitality-led golf facility in Wolverhampton.

The Mount Golf & Country Club will offer top-quality facilities and entertainment options, including a driving range, an expanded gym, leisure facilities, and the popular Adventure Dinosaur Golf course.

Plan your wedding at The National Wedding Show

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. County Wedding Magazines has teamed up as media partners with The National Wedding Show which returns to Birmingham (NEC) between 22-24 September, and to London (ExCeL) 14-15 October, for two full 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.

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.

Should more women taking the wedding speech spotlight

More women should be taking the spotlight at big events, according to new research from learning and development company Good Shout. However, according to a new poll, conducted in partnership with YouGov, the very prospect fills two thirds of women (67%) with dread. Of those women in the UK who would refuse to give speeches at a wedding, 50% said that it was the "cringe factor" that held them back, i.e. being too self-conscious or feeling too awkward or uncomfortable in the situation.

Alrewas Hayes is a Grade II listed quintessential English country estate

Alrewas Hayes is a Grade II listed quintessential English country estate. Situated on the outskirts of Fradley Village, the property dates back to 1066 and is believed to be the extensive Staffordshire woodland noted in the Doomsday Book. This large 100 acre estate comprises of a central courtyard, landscaped gardens, woodlands and rural countryside. The venue fuses historical charm with a contemporary aesthetic, with each ceremony space offering a different style. There are also 11 bedrooms to choose from and impressive architecture throughout.

Tips for tying the knot while it’s hot

With Summer wedding season in full-swing and the English weather as unpredictable as ever, happy couples across the country may get more than what they bargained for when it comes to wishing for a sunny day. As temperatures across the UK already reaching highs of 30C and the Met Office predicting even hotter temperatures expected ahead, Samantha Gilchrist, former wedding photographer turned cofounder and CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, the UK's largest wedding venue collection, gives her expert advice gathered from over 15 years in the industry.