Your East Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations

Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

The Pumping House is the perfect location for weddings

Located on a six-acre site in the heart of Sherwood Forest, The Pumping House is a beautiful Grade II listed venue that brings an industrial vibe to a countryside location. The red brick building still features the original and distinctive chimney that can be seen by approaching visitors. The venue's interior is a work of bespoke craftsmanship with grand turn-of-the-century elements blended with industrial-chic flair. The Ollerton Room has beautiful parquet flooring and original-paned windows that supply plenty of natural lighting for ceremonies with up to 100 people. If couples want a more extensive guest list, The Engine Hall can host up to 160 people and the team can transform the space into an impressive setting for wedding breakfasts too! The stunning arch windows and high-glass ceiling create an illuminating space that's perfect for events.

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

The Spa at Breedon Priory has a new package that's perfect for nearlyweds

Situated in Derbyshire, The Spa at Breedon Priory has launched a Living Well Spa Day that's perfect for those looking for the ultimate relaxing session. The new package has been created to help people focus on their health and wellbeing. Thanks to their expert knowledge, the team will guide guests through an exciting day of reflection and learning as they discover simple ways to create a better lifestyle. What better way to start the day than with a 75 minute sunrise holistic practice with the option of Yoga, Thai Chi,or Qi Gong as well as a 30-minute guided meditation session? Then indulge on a refreshing smoothie before heading to the thermal facilities followed by a two-course lunch in The Terrace Restaurant.

Beau Belles Bridalwear is currently undertaking a refurbishment

Located in Derby, Beau Belles Bridalwear is currently undertaking a massive refurbishment to provide a wow-factor experience for brides searching for their dream gown – it's also the perfect way to celebrate the company's 32nd anniversary! With this considerable refurbishment, the team are looking forward to helping even more modern brides feel special in a luxurious and friendly atmosphere. The architect has designed three large bridal suites with a glass lantern roof, which will fill the spaces with sunlight to show the team's beautiful collection of more than 400 gowns from designers including Justin Alexander, Sincerity Bridal, Romantica of Devon, Mori Lee and Julietta. The suites will have seating for the guests to help brides make that all-important decision.

Warren Farmhouse is a rustic venue based in Nottinghamshire

Tucked away amongst Nottinghamshire's beautiful countryside with views overlooking Sherwood Forest, Warren Farmhouse is a rustic and luxurious property. Located on Warren Farm, the marquee venue hosts celebrant-led blessings with 150 people on the lawns with the Grade II listed farmhouse as a backdrop, under the ancient oak tree in the paddock or by the pond. The in house celebrant creates bespoke and meaningful weddings that will create memories to treasure for a lifetime. Laid-back celebrations with 150 loved ones occur inside the traditional exposed pole tent marquee, which is located in an exclusive and secluded paddock with plenty of space for festival-style activities. Guests will love the giant fi re pit, hay bale seating area, oversized wooden games and the double rope swing hanging from the ancient oak tree.

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 Cake Queen wins prestige wedding award

Lincolnshire-based wedding cake designer Zoe Critchley at The Cake Queen has been named Cake Designer of the Year for the East Midlands in The Wedding Industry Awards 2023. Zoe has been creating wedding cakes for more than four years but has been baking cakes for 10 years in total. She says, "I've always loved weddings since I was little! I'd hear the church bells from my nan's house, and there was just something so magical about the sound."

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.

Tie the knot outside at Tipis at Whatton House

After opening in 2021, Tipis at Whatton House has provided couples with three giant tipis and a chill-out tipi for dreamworthy weddings. Nestled in the jaw-dropping gardens of Whatton House, the venue is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a cosy feel thanks to the solid wood flooring and twinkling lights that add a romantic vibe, what location could be better? It's not just the tipis that will have couples swooning; the grounds will transport pairs to a secret garden with a tranquil forest area, pristine lawns and beautiful blooms. Wander along the winding pathways and steal a few moments together as newlyweds while soaking up the spectacular views of the Leicestershire countryside. Tipis at Whatton House is also home to a charming rickety old bridge across a peaceful pond and an iconic swing, which provides couples with picture-perfect opportunities.

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?

Emily White Music wins an exciting wedding award

Situated in the East Midlands, Emily White Music has won the Best Wedding Musical Act at The Wedding Industry Awards 2023 for the second year. The company's owner Emily White is a multi-award- winning singer and pianist who performs a unique blend of music that hints at her love for jazz, soul and the finest songwriters of the 70s to the present day. She is thrilled with the achievement as it shows her hard work and talent are paying off. With more than 10 years of experience, Emily has an extensive repertoire and strives to provide a bespoke and highly personalised experience for couples on their special day. She's happy to travel UK-wide and further afield.

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.

The Hidden Hive offers the perfect space for outdoor weddings

Surrounded by enchanting woodland and idyllic lakes, The Hidden Hive is a laid-back venue located in the Derbyshire National Forest. With three giant tipis and a chill-out tipi all linked together to create the ultimate space, it's no wonder why the venue is so popular. Solid wooden flooring and twinkly lights throughout the tipis give the whole place that cosy and intimate feel. There's even a chill-out area consisting of Chesterfield sofas, armchairs and a fire pit to create a serious ambience. There's also outdoor seating for those warm summer nights as well as an indoor/outdoor bar. The venue is incredibly spacious yet has the rare ability to feel intimate. It's the perfect place for couples to let their imagination run wild – whether they want to host festive-style celebrations or elegant and understated soirées. No matter what, lovebirds will have vast amounts of space and open fields perfect for lawn games.

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.