Your West Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Win a stationery package worth £300

The team behind Bunji Print is offering engaged couples the chance to win a wedding stationery package worth £300. The Warwickshire-based printing company can help take away some of the costs and planning for your big day with this bespoke prize.

The winner can choose from thousands of styles and themes, including foil stamped, UV printed, screen-printed, letterpress and thermographic, acrylic and even PVC, across a range of invitations, RSVP cards, wedding menus, order of service, place cards and thank you cards.

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

The City Archives has recently been restored to its former glory

Formally the Molineux Hotel, the City Archives has recently been restored to its former glory and boasts a prime location overlooking the Molineux Stadium. This historic Grade II* listed Georgian building has a city centre location and fantastic facilities available, including free parking, ornate formal gardens and areas for drinks and canapés after the ceremony.

The Rococo Room is a beautiful example of Georgian interior design and can accommodate 45 friends and family.

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

The Dorothy Clive Garden has opened a new ceremony area

The Dorothy Clive Garden is a charitable garden trust in Shropshire. Set up by Colonel Harry Clive as a place of rest and continued horticultural education for the public, the property is located in acres of glorious countryside and is ideal for both formal and informal celebrations.

In late 2022 the garden opened a new ceremony point within its gardens. Located in the most private and secluded area of the property, the ceremony space is ideal for couples who want to keep their service intimate. There are also four other areas within the gardens that also available for wedding ceremonies.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

Brockencote Hall Hotel is a Victorian country manor house hotel

Brockencote Hall Hotel is a Victorian country manor house hotel set within 70 acres of stunning Worcestershire parkland. With a scenic lake and restored dovecote, it is an idyllic setting for weddings. The house, with its grand sweeping drive, French-inspired architecture and beautiful features, has 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. It also includes the three-bedroom Brockencote Lodge underpinned by an elegant design, which is proving popular with bridal parties.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Moddershall Oaks has unveiled its new sunken vitality pool,

Staffordshire's luxury country spa retreat, Moddershall Oaks has unveiled its new sunken vitality pool, available to guests staying overnight at the award-winning spa. Loved for its exclusive and private feel with only 10 boutique bedrooms on-site, overnight spa breakers will have exclusive access to this beautiful new pool for a private time slot during their stay. Previously a standalone hot tub, the new vitality pool is sunken into the ground and offers uninterrupted views of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside and rolling hills.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Village Hotel Walsall is the ideal location to explore the Midlands

Located just off junction 10 of the M6, Village Hotel Walsall is the ideal location to explore the Midlands, with Walsall Train Station just over a mile away.

The stylish hotel has a buzzing pub and grill, a state-of-the-art health and wellness club with an indoor heated pool, a co-working space, a Starbucks, live sports on huge screens and so much more.

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...

Dayton Music UK recently won ‘Best Musical Act’ in the West Midlands

Dayton Grey, owner of Dayton Music UK recently won 'Best Musical Act' in the West Midlands at The Wedding Industry Awards for the third consecutive year!

Dayton first started singing in 2013, when he was 32. "I was very shy, hence the late start," says Dayton. "I initially performed as part of a duo named 'Domino' with my close friend Helen Hale. Considering my shy nature, I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence! In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs."

Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA

Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.

Barnutopia first opened as a glamping site with three Mongolian yurts

Barnutopia first opened as a glamping site with three Mongolian yurts in 2015. Two years later, the owners expanded as a wedding venue and have continued to add to the space to create a charming setting to say 'I do'.

Approaching through the main gates, couples will be greeted by a red brick stable block that dates back to 1892. The Events Barn opens directly onto the Yurt Field with spectacular views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside. All parts of the site are easily accessible, including the nine luxury glamping units, two fully-equipped kitchens and bathroom blocks with unlimited hot water. All units are fully furnished with beds, power, heating and free Wi-Fi.

Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed

Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!

Hockley Mint has appointed a new director of the Employee Ownership Trust Board

British casting specialist and fine jewellery manufacturer, Hockley Mint have recently appointed Helen Moreton to the role of director chair of the Employee Ownership Trust Board.

Established in 1953 in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, the team value great design and are advocates for responsible mining and manufacturing. Hockley Mint create classic, elegant wedding and engagement rings, and provide an efficient and fast, friendly service. They work in collaboration with organisations such as Fair Trade, to create a fully transparent supply chain, which ensures fair and safe conditions for all workers.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery was built in 1884 to house the city’s art collection

Situated in the heart of the city centre, Wolverhampton Art Gallery was built in 1884 to house the city's art collection. This Grade II* listed building combines classic 19th-century architecture with modern, contemporary design to provide an exclusive and cultural venue. The property is located opposite St Peter's Gardens where couples can go and take beautiful photographs.

Inside is a grand piano, a space for drinks and canapés after the ceremony, 18th-century paintings, and a grand décor.