Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Biggest wedding faux pas to avoid on your big day

With more than half (53%) of married Brits confessing to having wedding day regrets, wedding expert and CEO of the UK's largest collection of wedding venues, The Gilchrist Collection, Samantha Gilchrist shares her thoughts on the biggest wedding faux pas' couple should steer clear of to guarantee wedding day success. "You've planned everything down to the tiniest detail and finally get to enjoy your day, why risk something spoiling it? While some of these things are a little outside your control, it's important to let your wedding planner and venue know what your boundaries are, and the things you would find unacceptable, were they to happen on your big day. They'll be able to support you in handling issues both ahead of time and on the day itself.

Exchange vows at Lower House Farm in Herefordshire

Lower House Farm is a regenerative farm and venue in the Olchon Valley. It's set amongst 70 acres of unspoilt landscapes, with ancient woodlands, narrow streams, wildflower meadows and a waterfall. From the moment you and your guests arrive, the team will help you make the most of your stay. They'll help you plan your itinerary, find opportunities to gather together at a table and reconnect with the outdoors, as well as find time to relax and make memories that will last a lifetime. Lower House Farm recommends using Old Great Marlborough as a base for your stay. The nearby farmhouse accommodation can comfortably sleep up to 22 of your nearest and dearest. While the cosy mountain pub, The Bull's Head, is just down the road from the farm and has four cabins that each sleep two people. It's the ideal place to gather the evening before the main day or to unwind and reconnect with your guests for lunch the day after.

These are the most popular 'first dance' songs of 2024, as online searches soar!

Scraping over 350 'First Dance' playlists on Spotify and analysing the 12,000 tracks that featured on them, Diamonds Factory ranked the songs that featured the most to determine the most popular first dance song of 2024. 60 years on, and Etta James' At Last is the most popular first dance song of 2024. The data revealed that Etta James' 'At Last' is the most popular first dance song for couples to choose for their wedding, with the song featuring in a whopping 46 'first dance' playlists. Regardless of the song being released over 60 years ago, Etta's love song is still proving to be a timeless classic for couples.

The Speech Surgery: does my wedding speech have to be funny?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: I'm not funny. Does my wedding speech need to be? I've heard some lovely speeches that haven't contained any humour, but here's the thing...they are the exception to the rule. Nearly every speech is better if it contains a little humour. FACT. Generally, folk from the UK and Australia want their speeches to have a lot of humour in them, while clients from other parts of the world, namely the US, lean towards a sweeter speech, with lighter elements, as opposed to all-out funny.

6 bridesmaid proposal ideas from Getting Personal

Once you've said yes to your future spouse, it's time to recruit your future bridal party. To pop the question you can keep it short and sweet or go with something a little more elaborate. A bridesmaid proposal is the perfect way to ensure they know their special role in your life and, more importantly, on your big day itself. There has been an 85% increase in Google searches for 'bridesmaid proposal ideas'¹ over the past year, therefore gifting experts at Getting Personal have shared 6 bridesmaid proposal ideas for those needing a little inspiration for asking their bridesmaids to be part of their bridal party.

Lily Arkwright launches a new showroom in Birmingham

Lily Arkwright, an ethical jeweller who specialises in lab-grown sustainable jewellery, has launched a new showroom in Birmingham. The new showroom will be in the heart of the city, situated in the renowned Mailbox development. Voted as one of Birmingham's best breathing spaces, Mailbox boasts unrivalled accessibility to canalside dining and some of the city's best retail and leisure amenities, providing an exclusive sense of community for Lily Arkwright's couples. The opening of the Birmingham showroom marks a significant point in Lily Arkwright's expansion plans. After years in the pipeline, Lily Arkwright is thrilled to see an instant response to this exciting next step, with appointments being booked at a record rate.

Couples counsellor shares 5 key boundaries to set

As technology brings us closer together than ever, it also has changed how relationships work, from meeting your significant other through an online dating app to having the ability to contact other people instantly at your fingertips. Smartphones have revolutionised communication - but do they strengthen or strain romantic relationships? With this in mind, the smartphone experts at Compare and Recycle have surveyed 2,000 people, delving into the complex world of smartphones. They discovered how many Brits trust their partners with phone passcodes, as well as partnering up with couples counsellor, Susan Leigh, to provide healthy passcode-sharing tips for couples.

Barnsdale Gardens is a blank canvas waiting for couples to add personal touches

Tucked away in the heart of Rutland, Barnsdale Gardens has 38 different individual gardens, the versatile spaces can be used in many ways – the only limitation is couples' imaginations. The stunning gardens make for the perfect romantic setting, with ceremonies in the purpose-built oak arbour surrounded by spectacular planting and lots of room for guests on the manicured lawn. The remainder of the gardens are also available to capture memories for as long as needed. The photographic opportunities are endless, with traditional family and group shots on the manicured lawns, romantic pictures in the Woodland Walk and Japanese Garden or some quirky wheelbarrow shots on the Allotment. Receptions take place on the grounds, surrounded by beautiful views. As a DIY wedding venue, couples can choose a marquee or tipi, caterer and furnishings to suit different wedding styles, making it an excellent venue for couples looking to add their own stamp.

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Rutland Hall Hotel has officially opened the doors to the county’s largest indoor events space

A luxury Rutland hotel has officially opened the doors to the county's largest indoor events space, which can accommodate 500 seated people. Rutland Hall Hotel, which sits on 70 acres of rolling parkland, is now taking bookings for its aptly named 'Rutland Pavilion', a venue space larger than four full-sized tennis courts – making it perfect for high-profile corporate functions and large weddings. Adrian Pickard, director and general manager at Rutland Hall Hotel says, "The Pavilion is a pivotal new venue space for the hotel and puts Rutland firmly on the national map as a key corporate destination for events across the UK."

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Tie the knot at Broadfield in Hereford

Broadfield is an elegant yet relaxed setting, boasting a mixture of heritage and modernity. The bedrooms have luxurious beds and antique furniture; the sofas are grand yet comfy; and many rooms have wood panelling, stucco ceilings, and, of course, beautiful fireplaces. Parts of Broadfield date back to the 13th century, which can be seen in the mixture of stone and brick. The building is south-facing, with glorious views from the bedrooms and principal reception rooms. To the front are stone courtyards, and to the back are huge gardens. Broadfield is set in five acres of gardens within a further 22 acres that include a well-stocked rose garden, south-facing lawns, an orchard, woodland and a magnificent kitchen garden. The fold yard is a walled courtyard with Italianate loggia.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

Rituals opens new store in the West Midlands

Rituals, a brand dedicated to sustainable and personal wellbeing, has launched its first store in Merry Hill in the West Midlands. With an expansive innovation portfolio in body care, home fragrances and natural skin care, Rituals is inviting couples to visit and enrich their wellbeing. Annemarie Forsyth, the managing director of Rituals, says: "We are so excited to be opening this store in the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, expanding the Rituals interactive experience in the UK. Living in these ever-changing, fast-paced times, we understand more than ever the need for creating moments of joy and feeling balanced in our everyday lives.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Discover The Priest House Hotel in Derby

Set in a tranquil and stunning location on the banks of the River Trent, The Priest House Hotel has a rich history that can be traced back almost 1,000 years. Combined with its own Grade II listed water wheel, opulent surroundings and contemporary style that complements the charm and romance of the English countryside, the venue is perfect for weddings. Set in more than 60 acres of woodland, gardens and meadows with breathtaking views of the rolling countryside and the River Trent, the grounds are something out of a fairytale. Watching the sunset over the river with the gardens lit up makes for magical evening transformations. The Garden Suite is a spacious room with original exposed wooden beams and fairylights to add that extra sparkle to events.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.