Your West Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

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.

Involving your family pet on the big day? Check out this personalised offering

Involving your four-legged friend on your wedding day? Are they taking a staring role walking down the aisle? If so, then you have to take a look at these smart and stylish personalised leather dog ring bearer pouches (£24) from Create Gift Love. Create Gift Love design and make personalised keepsake gifts and accessories to celebrate all of life's special moments, all handmade to order in its UK workshop from sustainable natural materials.

Crumplebury has launched an exclusive new package

Crumplebury, an award-winning wedding venue in Herefordshire, has launched an exclusive new package called The Crumplebury Takeover. Couples will be able to take over the whole site for three days, which includes 1,500 acres of private grounds, 11 spoiling suites, the Hen House, indoor spaces from the Grand Hall to the Art Gallery and a stunning outdoor ceremony area nestled in a secret woodland glade.

"When it comes to weddings here, the sky really is the limit," says Crumplebury founder and creative director Keeley Evans. "Every wedding is wonderful, but The Crumplebury Takeover gives couples the chance to curate something truly memorable and personal to them."

The most popular 2023 trends according to Pinterest

To provide insight on the most popular wedding trends for spring 2023, the experts at Aura Print compiled a list of 25 popular trends after scouring Pinterest to discover the number of Pins for each. And here are the top 15 most popular spring 2023 wedding trends to be insipired by...First place for the most popular wedding trend for spring 2023 goes to the floral-themed trend. This trend had 22,148 Pins on the image sharing platform. It can include things like floral arches, flower-themed cakes or flower crowns. With a total of 11,765 Pins, the blue-themed wedding trend places second in the study. The trend also appeared on 116 Pinterest boards from 2022 onwards, cementing its popularity for the upcoming season. What is more, there's been a great interest in navy blue wedding invites, which had a whopping 16,725 Pins.

The Wroxeter Hotel boasts fabulous grounds and views

Situated in the heart of Shropshire yet easily accessible from major roads, The Wroxeter Hotel boasts fabulous grounds and views, with several outdoor seating areas and points of interest that look great in photographs. This Georgian county house has many original features along with some modern twists and fabulous wedding spaces.

The Wroxeter Hotel is an ideal venue for exclusive use and affords a real house party feel. Able to accommodate 40 or more guests overnight, exclusive use gives couples the run of the whole venue from midday on the day of the wedding.

Fancy a big-day cocktail bar? Check out Whitebox Cocktails

Whitebox Cocktails, the ready-to-serve cocktail specialists, have everything you need to create the ultimate in wedding cocktail offering. From classic cocktails like the Pocket Negroni and Squeezy's Margarita, to unique and refreshing long drinks like Hippy Fizz and Disco Baby, take the hassle out of the perfect pour on your big day with a wide range of ready-to-serve cocktails to suit every taste. Expertly mixed by the award-winning team of bartenders, Whitebox Cocktails' convenient single-serve cans mean there's no need to limit your cocktail menu, as there's no mixing, no mess and no long wait at the bar. For casual weddings, cocktails can be served in ice buckets for guests to help themselves and enjoy straight from the can. Alternately, for a more elevated occasion, simply chill and serve the cocktail in a glass with ice and a garnish of choice.

The best UK cities for a hen do

With Google search volume data revealing a 402% search increase for 'hen party ideas' since December and 2023 wedding season in touching distance, organising a pre-wedding celebration is already on the bridal party to-do list. Getting all of your nearest and dearest pals together for a hen party can be challenging - whether it's catering to availability, budget, activity preferences or dietary requirements. Hen party decoration supplier, Ginger Ray, has done a little digging to find the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding celebrations.