Your East Midlands Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Lulabelles Vintage Ice Cream Van offers the perfect addition to summer weddings

Perfect for summer weddings, ice cream is a great alternative to traditional desserts with various flavours and toppings – it's also great at cooling guests down. Lulabelles Vintage Ice Cream Van is a Lincolnshire-based company that provides delicious award-winning treats from its delightful vintage van. Adorned with vibrant bunting, flowers and milk churns, this 1979 Peugeot J7 van has a wonderful vintage look. The team have been providing a wide selection of flavours, including dairy-free options and extensive luxury toppings since 2016. Two signature ice cream cones can be created for happy couples who are more than welcome to pose beside or inside the van to create more fabulous photographs.

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.

Hemswell Court is an elegant wedding venue in Lincolnshire

Nestled in Lincoln, Hemswell Court is a private Georgian-styled venue that offers landscaped gardens, shaded woodland areas and beautiful walkways. Beneath the beautiful willow tree hangs a handcrafted swing, where many memorable photographs have been taken. There are also tables and chairs around the gardens for guests to use while enjoying the outdoor spaces. Inside, the elegant function rooms have been tastefully furnished and decorated. The Private Drawing Room can host 95 people for ceremonies and 32 for receptions. The room features a large open fire place, which can be lit during the colder months, two solid oak tables and antique furniture.

New book launch: The modern couple's guide to wedding speeches

The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches is for grooms and brides who want their wedding speeches to be memorable for the right reasons and to kick off their marriage with a bang. This book is intended to benefit you whether you are straight or gay, whatever your religious beliefs are, or where you live. Heidi encourages us to reconsider old traditions, and tear up the outdated rulebook to create a modern wedding guide. Because speeches are such an important part of the day, she encourages couples to think about who they want to give speeches and what they want from the speeches.

County Wedding Magazines' competition winner!

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 the Autumn of 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a two-night stay in the heart of The Lakes!' and the winners were nearlyweds Steph and Michael! The lucky pair enjoyed a stay, with dinner, bed and breakfast at The Wild Boar Inn a traditional Lakeland inn with oak beams, log fires, an in-house microbrewery and smokehouse all in the rolling countryside of the Gilpin Valley.

Add the perfect entertainment to your wedding with Fizz Pop Facepainting

We caught up with Emma Carpendale at Fizz Pop Facepainting to discover what she offers for weddings. She says, "I've been face painting for almost 20 years, but primarily for other face painters or agencies on their behalf. I'd wanted to set up my own business for a long time, then some unexpected and challenging life changes in 2019 gave me the push I needed – Fizz Pop Facepainting was established within a few months.

How to save money on your next wedding gift

Receiving an invitation to a wedding is always an exciting time. However, deciding what gift to buy the couple, and especially how much to spend, can be daunting - now more so than ever due to the increased cost of living. Data from VoucherCodes.co.uk reveals guests will spend an average of £113.39 for each gift they buy when attending a wedding which, for many of us, is a hefty amount. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your upcoming wedding gifts without skimping on the sentiment:

10 Most Instagrammed UK Wedding Venues

With over 278,000 UK weddings expected to take place in 2023, there's no doubt that couples across the country are already scrolling through Instagram in search of inspiration! With this in mind, Aura Print has discovered the most Insta-worthy and beautiful wedding venues of the UK. Analysing over 200 venues around the UK, they searched Instagram to discover which venue was being talked about most, narrowing it down to the 10 most desirable wedding venue locations in the UK.

Woodhall Spa Manor is perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings

Woodhall Spa Manor is a multi-award-winning and luxury self-catering venue set in the heart of a beautiful village in Lincolnshire. The manor sits amidst several acres of grounds with well-manicured lawns and an ancient woodland adjoining the Bracken Golf Course. With four lovely reception rooms, eight individually-styled bedrooms and suites as well as two fully fitted kitchens, what location could be better to celebrate in style? Exchange vows in the Queens Room with 100 people, which features a grand inglenook fire place, crystal chandeliers and a varnished original hardwood floor. Or why not opt for the Britannia Room, surrounded by 60 loved ones? Both spaces feature large-sash windows overlooking the lawns as well as a red, gold and cream colour scheme with gold Chiavari chairs

Unique theatre venues for your vows and and bows!

Finding the wedding venue of your dreams can be a difficult task, especially if you're looking for something with a little less traditional with a little more drama. According to Google trend data, searches for 'unique wedding venues' have seen an uplift of 769% in the last month, and more specifically, searches for 'theatre weddings' have risen by an enormous 1250%. SeatPlan reveal the most unique, musical, dramatic, and theatrical wedding venues around the UK, so you can be centre stage and in the spotlight on your big day.

Discover an ABBA Tribute Night at Whittlebury Park

For couples looking for the perfect hen or stag do, Whittlebury Park is hosting an ABBA Tribute Night on March 17th 2023! Nearlyweds can grab their loved ones and dance the night away to popular hits, including Mamma Mia, Waterloo and Voulez-Vous performed by the popular tribute band Arrival. Bursting full of energy, the band is one of the UK's finest musicians who have performed for millions of fans in more than 20 different countries. Expect stunning vocals, beautiful harmonies, excellent dance routines and fantastic costume changes for the ultimate experience. Starting at 7.30 pm, attendees can enjoy a three-course set dinner, entertainment and disco that finishes at 12.30 am.

Weddings don't need to cost the earth

With nearlyweds looking to opt for more sustainable choices when planning their nuptials, Talking Tables' new wedding rental scheme ensures this special occasion will look beautiful, without costing the earth. Would be spouses can choose from its best-selling tall glass candle holders in a variety of colours to suit every theme, both clear and brightly coloured bud vases, and handmade silver stainless steel plates and bowls. Tables can be exquisitely dressed for a fraction of the cost to buy and be happy knowing the items will bring more joy to others rather than sitting in the back of your cupboard - a sustainable solution!

5 songs to avoid on your big day

On top of organising flowers, dresses, venues and speeches, choosing the music for your wedding is yet another decision to make. But where do you even begin? The options are seemingly endless and the song you do pick will be the one that you define as 'yours' for the rest of your lives together. Wedding decor specialists Ginger Ray have crunched the numbers to reveal which songs and artists have made it onto the most Spotify wedding playlists and could be, dare we say it... overdone. So, whether you want to embrace the most popular choices (they are favourites for good reason after all) or whether you want to know which songs to avoid if you are looking to create a more unique soundtrack for your big day, here is Wedding Spotify, Wrapped.

The Dower House Hotel offers the perfect backdrop to winter weddings

Situated in Lincolnshire, The Dower House Hotel is an elegant Edwardian hotel that provides the ideal setting for weddings. The property creates many photographic backdrops thanks to its beautiful features, including red-brick walls, stunning windows and mock Tudor timbers. Exchange vows outside under the majestic weeping willow at the romantic Folly with 120 people, or in the Oak Room with 80 guests under the starlit ceiling. If couples are saying "I do" in the winter months, the Garden Room can host 30 loved one who will stay warm thanks to the large open fi re. For more intimate weddings, the Private Dining Room can accommodate12 people and is full of Edwardian charm. The staff can transform The Oak Room and The Garden Room to continue the celebrations in the evening

Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s disco tour coming to a local venue near you!

Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Christmas Kitchen Disco UK Tour begins in November and here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think it will make a great night out for your hen/stag or sten do! Tickets for shows are on-sale now The shows will feature hits from throughout Sophie's career, as well as some very festive classics, all in Sophie's own seasonal disco style. The tour follows on from the huge success of her 2022 Kitchen Disco Tour in which she brought her lockdown online sensation from her kitchen to sold-out stages across the country, including a sold-out finale at the London Palladium.

Crown Hall Farm is a Lincolnshire-based wedding venue waiting to be discovered

Located on the outskirts of Spalding in Lincolnshire, the Crown Hall Farm is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The property was originally a working farm but now hosts stunning nuptials in a tranquil setting. The team has more than 20 years of experience in the weddings and events industries. With exceptional and friendly service, they'll work with nearlyweds to create dream events. As pairs enter Crown Hall Farm through the large gates, they're embraced with lush greenery and a tree-lined driveway that creates a calming environment. The grounds were designed by Chelsea Flower Show award winner Adam Frost and have many beautiful photo opportunities to discover. The large lake creates a perfect backdrop to ceremonies in the characterful boat house. The space is full of character, with rustic furniture and a PA system for music. Couples can enjoy drinks receptions at the bar boat, which is central to the grounds and provides a fun feature.

Discover the new packages at Whittlebury Spa in Northamptonshire

Located in the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside, the team at Whittlebury Spa has created a range of spa packages after starting a new partnership with the wellbeing band ESPA. The luxurious spa will now be offering three different spa days and three spa breaks that incorporate natural products and individual treatments. With options for a half-day spa to overnight trips for the ultimate getaway, each one includes Heat and Ice experiences that helps eliminate any worries or stress as well as an ESPA treatment. The spa manager Sophie Clear says, "Our new range of packages will enhance our spa offering with the latest in cutting-edge treatments, natural wellbeing and sustainable products. ESPA is the gold standard for luxurious, naturally effective skincare, and our new tailored packages offer the ultimate pampering experiences with treatments to suit everyone."

Top tips for having a low waste wedding

Getting married is one of the most exciting days of your life, and you'll want it to be as special as possible. But you might also want your wedding to be kinder to the planet than the usual nuptials — indeed, a study found that British weddings create 18kg of plastic waste per event, adding up to 4,910 tonnes of plastic waste every year. Even for the biggest event of your life, this is a lot of waste to produce during a single day, and many people are increasingly looking to find ways of reducing it and have more sustainable nuptials. If you want to enjoy the big day but also make it more of an eco-friendly event, suppliers of catering equipment Alliance Online have put together some tips for you to take forward in your wedding planning. Even though getting married is a big event, you can still keep the carbon footprint small.

Proposing a prenup? A guide to practical romance this February

Some consider February to be one of the most romantic months of the year. With January finally over, we can start to look forward to Spring, and the warmer months ahead. Each leap year, the 29th of February is traditionally held as a day when the tables can turn and women are supposed to propose marriage to men, instead of the other way around. However, most obviously, February contains Valentine's Day and the celebrations of lovers up and down the country who look to St Valentine for inspiration for their friendships and romantic relationships.