Your East Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?

We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.

Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you

It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.

Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding

Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.

Pippa Collins Photography now offers bespoke wedding albums

Located in Derbyshire, Pippa Collins Photography now offers beautiful bespoke wedding albums and owner Pippa Collins couldn't be more excited. She says, "The albums can be made from more than 60 stunning colour and fabric options. Clients will be able to display and preserve your photographs to look back on for years to come."The company creates beautiful and natural images, while capturing the raw emotions at each event. With a passion for candid photos with lots of laughter and a love for detail, Pippa works with lovebirds to highlight memorable and intimate moments.

How to style your bridesmaids…

When it comes to planning your wedding the team at Colour Me Beautiful knows only too well that dressing your bridesmaids for your big day can be beset with difficulties. Here Cliff Bashforth sets out his advice on how to avoid the pit falls. It is an honour to be a bridesmaid, and often those you have asked will be as excited as you are. Shopping for bridesmaids' outfits can be a fun experience for you all, although you will need a clear idea of what you want them to look like because they will frame you in your wedding photographs. Happy bridesmaids make good photographs, so ensuring they are comfortable in what they are wearing will guarantee everyone is radiant on the day.

Portland Functions is the ideal venue to tie the knot

Set in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Portland Functions is a beautiful woodland venue that caters for indoor and outdoor weddings. Ceremonies and receptions are held on the stunning Portland Charity 32 acre woodland campus. All funds raised through weddings go directly back into the charity, which provides fulfilling futures for people with disabilities. The venue provides the most spectacular backdrop for stunning images; photographers will be spoilt for choice when picking backdrops.

This is your dream wedding according to your star sign

It's not always easy to decide on your wedding theme, and searches for 'wedding ideas' have seen a +23% increase in the past twelve months. To offer some inspiration, thortful.com have collated the best dream wedding ideas for each star sign! Perhaps you're a Taurus, and would love to be married in a mansion, or a Leo dreaming of a castle wedding? astrologer, Inbaal Hongiman, to reveal the dream wedding for each star sign in order to provide some inspiration for those planning their big day.

From Leos' wanting to get married in an opulent castle to Sagittarius' eloping on a beach, here are the weddings each star sign dreams of having

StemGem Events helps couples create the perfect outdoor weddings

StemGem Events is a family-run business that specialises in bespoke outdoor events with a twist. During Summer 2022, the team will be offering some amazing offers to help couples create their dream wedding. The company's canvas pole tents are handmade locally and can transform any outdoor space while providing the perfect shelter for either daytime or evening occasions. The team can turn any location into an ideal venue for weddings, parties or corporate events. The company not only offers tents, but an outdoor dancefloor, stage rigging, tables, chairs and lights. As well as this, the team works alongside other companies to offer food, entertainment and DJ services to provided the complete package for all occasions.

Exchange vows at Swancar Farm Country House

Set within acres of beautiful countryside, Swancar Farm Country House is a stunning venue that boasts a mixture of rustic charm and elegance spaces. From the moment couples make their way along the sweeping driveway, they'll fall in love with the the private grounds that are entirely exclusive to couples on their special day. The picturesque grounds provide the perfect setting for wedding photography and couples can enjoy the beautiful lawns and rural surroundings with a glass of fizz, while their photographer captures magical moments. Exchange vows surrounded by chandeliers, exposed beams and fragrant flowers in The Gallery with 100 people, or The Glass Barn for 100 guests with an additional 20 people standing. This light and airy space is the latest addition to the venue and can be easily transformed for drinks receptions after the "I dos".

How to ensure a good night's sleep before your big day

Anxious brides and grooms-to-be have been offered top tips on beating their wedding nerves and getting a good night's sleep ahead of their all important day. The fitted furniture experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have provided their tips to those who are likely to be overcome by nerves, affecting their sleep. Among the nerve-busting tips are incorporating sleep inducing scents into your room, planning a pre-bed workout and avoiding spicy foods. Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: "Pre-wedding nerves often lead to a lack of sleep ahead of what is regarded as the most important day of many people's lives.

The Dower House Hotel gets a makeover

The Dower House Hotel is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled in the trees opposite The Bracken Course at the Woodhall Spa Golf Club, the hotel offers a private and tranquil setting for beautiful weddings. Currently undergoing refurbishment, the venue is getting a complete makeover. The Function Suite was first on the list and is now an elegant space with cool grey tones and neutral fabrics. The public areas are nearly complete retaining the country house charm but with a more modern flair. With the addition of the beautiful Wedding Dressing Room last year, the property has everything needed for memorable events.

2022 table trends from Viners

As the trend for table scaping grows - a trend we love here at CWM HQ - your wedding day is the perfect time to create stunning table displays for dining in style! Whichever trend your wedding table décor follows, iconic British cutlery brand, Viners®, has cutlery in an array of styles, shapes and finishes to complete your look. Steeped in British heritage, the much-loved brand's elegant and durable cutlery is made from the finest materials, with a guarantee of excellence across all products.

The Old Vicarage in Elkesley is the perfect wedding venue

Nestled on the edge of the peaceful Elkesley village, The Old Vicarage is conveniently located with direct access to the A1 – perfect for guests travelling in. The venue is set within five acres of wooded grounds, divided by the shallow River Poulter, and is the perfect space for photographic opportunities. Couples get access to the property from Friday to decorate the wedding spaces to make their day extra special. Upon entering the venue, couples are blown away by the beautiful oak hallway and doors bearing the trademark of Mousey Thompson, the famous Yorkshire wood carver.

Host a green wedding with Social Impact Caterers - Social Pantry

The positive impact wedding has emerged as a significant matrimonial trend of 2022 and Social Pantry, the female-led, London-based sustainable catering firm (a business working to become the first zero-waste catering company) is quietly revolutionising how weddings are planned and celebrated by putting sustainability at the heart of how wedding food is selected and prepared. Alex Head, CEO & Founder, Social Pantry – who herself is getting married in October – and Sarah Turner, Head Chef, Social Pantry have all the tips on how to plan a sustainable wedding menu regardless of budget. Please see below for top tips and if you're interested, we'd love to give you the opportunity to cover Alex's wedding as a case study.

At a time when climate change and monetary inflation are impacting weddings, sustainability has never been more relevant for couples wanting to be environmentally and socially responsible.

Top UK wedding photographer discusses the beauty of intimate weddings

Since falling in love with wedding photography six years ago after photographing a friend's wedding, Rebecca Searle, has gone on to photograph around 30 weddings every year. She has accumulated over 12,200 followers on her Instagram, and her talent has also been recognised by Professional Photo Magazine, naming her as one of the Top 50 British Wedding Photographers of 2022. Every wedding is beautiful, no matter big or small, but having planned her own wedding on the Amalfi Coast 8 years ago, intimate weddings hold a particularly special place in Rebecca's heart. Whether it's a huge wedding with 200 family and friends, or a super cool intimate ceremony with a handful of people, both have their own beauty and benefits".

These are the UK areas with the happiest couples

There are always misconceptions about a north vs south divide, but apparently when it comes to love there is! A study by confused.com analysed government data to reveal the UK areas with the most marriages. When looking at where in the UK has the most weddings per person, one place stands out, which is Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, with 2,770 weddings per 100,000 people. Dumfries and Galloway are close to Gretna Green, which is traditionally identified with couples eloping from England, which is likely to be why many couples choose to tie the knot here. Another Scottish area comes in second, with Argyll and Bute hosting 1,165 weddings per 100,000 people each year. Located on the west coast of Scotland, Argyll and Bute is a unique area to get married. Here you can be wed on the beach, in a historic church or castle, or on the famous Mull of Kintyre. The most common wedding destination outside of Scotland is Kensington and Chelsea, in London with a marriage rate of 1077 per 100,000.

Wedding Album of the Year winner

Professional photographer Rebecca Carpenter won the inaugural Wedding Album of the Year competition with a stunning set of images in a book printed and produced by Henley Albums. The new award was set up by The Photography Show to celebrate the talent and craft of professional wedding photographers and album makers, and championing the power of print, with the finalists being displayed at this year's show at the NEC. Rachel Carpenter, who describes herself as a destination wedding and elopement photographer, shot her winning album for her clients Helena & Mark, who got married in Las Vegas.

This new Derbyshire spa is perfect for pre-wedding pampering

A new spa has opened in Derbyshire, which offers the perfect setting for all to enjoy – especially those looking for a pre-wedding getaway. The Spa at Breedon Priory is complete with tranquil gardens that feature a large vitality pool, an infinity relaxation pool and an outdoor terrace with loungers and cost fit pits. The Wellbeing Suite offers six thermal experiences with showers, an ice fountain and cabins that offer different temperatures. For those who like their privacy, The Hideaway is an intimate space that allows pairs or groups up to four to enjoy exclusive treatments, a private lounge area, a shower area, mini bar and an enclosed terrace with a hot tub, fire pit and lounger.

Supergroup Claire Richards & Duncan James surprise couple on their wedding day

Pop royalty, Claire Richards and Duncan James, joined forces on Saturday 17th September, as the ultimate wedding band - Simply Wed - to surprise one lucky couple with a performance of poptastic floor-filling songs on their wedding day. Anna Novelli and Samuel Hold from Bournemouth were delighted when the power duo 'crashed the wedding' at the Larmer Street in Wiltshire, to surprise guests and the lucky couple with the performance of a lifetime. The couple - both Steps and Blue superfans - were overwhelmed with joy to have the newly minted wedding supergroup perform, having known all the routines to Claire and Duncan's biggest hits since childhood!

Top tips on how to save money on a hen-do

Hen-dos provide a great opportunity to bring together your nearest and dearest for pre-wedding celebration and excitement. However, with many brides now opting for more exotic or expensive locations for their celebrations, the cost of a hen-do can quickly add up. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to make savings on your upcoming hen-party: Take advantage of drinks packages – Nightclubs are synonymous with hen-dos, however entry and drinks can get pretty pricey. Venues will often offer discounts on pre-purchased drinks packages so it's worth checking what deals you can strike before getting there.