Your Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Exchange vows at Selly Manor in Bournville

Selly Manor and Minworth Greaves are two of Birmingham's oldest buildings. Chocolate manufacturer George Cadbury saved these beautiful houses, then dismantled them and moved them to the heart of his famous historic garden village of Bournville, where they have stood for more than 100 years. It creates such a unique setting for intimate and memorable weddings! The experienced and friendly team will guide couples in creating extraordinary events, from the booking process to welcoming guests and everything in between. Weddings begin with a short interview with the registrars, either as a couple or individually, in one of the historic rooms. Ceremonies will occur in the stunning Medieval Hall of Minworth Greaves, in front of the ancient oak dining table, surrounded by 40 guests.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Discover By Gem’s With Love's current wedding offer

By Gem's, With Love was created out of a passion for providing first-class service for stunning event hire by Gemma Burke, who's dedicated to delivering unforgettable moments with an array of offerings, exceptional service and attention to detail. Enhance the charm of celebrations with the elegant hexagon arch for picture-perfect backdrops, or hire the 4ft light-up letters spelling 'love' to complement dancefloors. The Mr & Mrs Letters would be perfect for making a statement for rustic weddings. It's also available in Mr & Mr and Mrs & Mrs. There's also a range of stunning backdrops to discover! Don't forget the little ones with the children's corner to entertain them during events, ensuring they feel included and valued.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

New-look Italian restaurant in Leamington has bumper summer since opening

New-look Italian restaurant opened its doors in Leamington Spa in May and is celebrating after having a spectacular summer since opening! Leamington's newest restaurant Tavola, marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the well-known 200-year-old venue, in Clarendon Street, following a period of closure and transformation. The former 44 Café's new guise, a sporting a theme and décor inspired by Italian surrealist painters of the 1920's, is the vision of Birmingham-based design company Faber. Proprietor Rob Singleton said: "Tavola is a homage to the bars and trattoria of northern Italy and Rome where the best Italian ingredients are prepared with love, care, and skill and where hospitality is done right. We feel we have created somewhere our neighbourhood can be proud of, somewhere our guests will always find a warm, open-armed welcome.

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

Sonny’s Jewellers has been named Jewellery Retailer of the Year

Independent family-run business Sonny's Jewellers is celebrating being named Jewellery Retailer of the Year (Five Stores or Fewer) at the iconic UK Jewellery Awards, hosted by Retail Jeweller magazine. This significant recognition highlights the company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Despite stiff competition from independent businesses in Brighton, Northamptonshire and London, the company emerged victorious in one of the night's most coveted categories. Managing Director Manish Jogia comments, "We were blown away to hear our name called this year; it's the pinnacle of achievement. As a proud West Midlands business community member, we're proud to fly the flag for our region and demonstrate what heights family-owned companies can reach."

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

Instant photos make for lasting memories!

poignant keepsake for guests or a photo album. Instant photos make for lasting memories! The INSTAX mini 12 (£79.99) is the perfect product for guest use. Place on tables or dot them around the venue to allow for guests to personalise their memories, and most importantly, take them home. The INSTAX mini Evo (£174.99) is another great option for capturing what's important. The retro-themed exterior is fitting for those vintage-themed weddings – place next to the guest book so photos can be added straight in. The INSTAX SQUARE (£129.99) is a modern option for those photographic keepsakes. Connect the devise to phones and print polaroid straight from the camera roll. Instant photos are irreplaceable.

Birds Bakery has recently undergone a modern rebranding

Birds Bakery, a beloved establishment deeply rooted in the East Midlands, has recently undergone a modern rebranding unveiled at the brand-new Ashbyde-la-Zouch store in Leicestershire and the refreshed Park Farm location in Derby. This revitalised identity introduces a captivating shade of spring green, a colour that was originally used when the bakery first opened over a century ago. The refurbishment will eventually be implemented across all 61 stores in the East Midlands. When it comes to weddings, creating unforgettable moments, intimate or grand, is of utmost importance. Birds Bakery is the ideal choice for catering, with a team of skilled bakers, chocolatiers and butchers dedicated to crafting edible gifts for guests, ensuring delightful experiences.

Hotpod Yoga opens in Birmingham

The largest Yoga business in the UK is preparing to open a new studio in the heart of Birmingham! Situated in the Colmore district of Birmingham City Centre, the studio can be found in the penthouse suite (3rd floor) of 37A Waterloo Street, under the ownership of Liberty and Kelly. They emphasise that their yoga class is unlike any other, urging guests to let go of preconceived notions. Regardless of their skill level, everyone is welcome to join the class as it is accessible. The studio is heated, ensuring clients will work up a sweat. Inside their pods, there is no judgment or mirrors, just a down-to-earth approach that creates a warm and inviting space.

Elope in style - expert advice

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months, searches for 'elopement weddings UK' are up +83%, 'elopement wedding packages UK' increased by +85%, and 'intimate weddings UK' have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for intimate weddings. To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like. Why are elopements becoming more popular? Topping the list of factors driving couples towards intimate weddings is the quest to manage expenses. More than a third (32%) of respondents highlighted financial constraints as the primary factor influencing their decision to opt for a smaller celebration.

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

Shakespeare Distillery to offer free tours as part of a new National Distillery Day!

Shakespeare Distillery', the award-winning, independent artisan spirit producer, is to offer free mini tours as part of National Distillery Day on Friday 2 August. From 10am – 12 noon, visitors will be able to pop along to the working distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon, chat to the staff and sample some of the products including gin and rum. At 11am, visitors will be able to enjoy a complimentary mini tour to discover how gin and rum is made, learn about its history and experience the different ingredients that are used. Visitors can sign up for the tour on the day at the distillery from 10am (subject to availability, and first come first served). The usual paid tour at 1pm with a tasting will also take place that day and can be booked online.