In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield is joined by Meg, Maggie and Louisa to talk directly to couples who got engaged over Christmas and are now thinking: “Right… what do we do next?” They share practical first steps (date, budget, guest numbers and wedding vibe), advice on shortlisting venues without overwhelming yourself, and how to start booking key suppliers in the right order. It’s a reassuring, funny, no-pressure chat designed to help newly-engaged couples feel excited, not stressed, as they start planning.

Key Takeaways

Before you book anything, decide what matters most and how it all links together. Your time of year impacts style (summer/outdoor vs winter/indoor), budget and availability, and guest numbers can quickly change costs.

The team recommend doing your homework before you start touring. If you already know you want a barn venue (or a specific style), narrow it down online and then view a short list; otherwise, it can become confusing, overwhelming and hard to compare packages.

Work out roles early: who’s the spreadsheet person and who’s the mood-board person? Planning is easier (and more fun) when you decide who’s handling what. Some couples share every task; others split jobs. Either way, having clarity prevents stress later, especially when it comes to logistics like timings and setup.

Book in a sensible order and track payment dates. Venue usually comes first, followed by booking your ceremony (registrar or celebrant). After that, priorities vary (dress, photographer, catering, etc.), but the big watch-out is payment schedules: deposits, interim payments and final balances are all different by supplier, so keep a spreadsheet/diary to avoid surprise costs landing at once.

Ask smart questions on venue tours. They suggest key tour questions like:

• If you want an outdoor ceremony, what’s the wet-weather plan and is the indoor option just as nice?
• What’s included vs not included (so your budget is accurate)?
• Are there minimum/maximum guest numbers, and what are the timings?

Best Moments

“The first thing you should do is pop the Prosecco and celebrate.”

“If you go to loads of venues… it can be really overwhelming.”

“People remember the food… and the drink.”

“You have to make sure you like both, outdoor and indoor, because you can’t guarantee the weather. It’s Britain.”

About Coton House Farm

Set in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception. Whether you choose an elegant indoor setting or a picturesque outdoor backdrop, Coton House Farm provides the perfect setting for your dream wedding, filled with romance and charm.

Connect with Coton House Farm

Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/

X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Christmas special of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield is joined by Meg, Maggie and Louisa in the Main Oak Barn, chatting all things winter and December weddings at Coton House Farm. Warmed by the log burner (and plenty of festive energy), they explore what makes winter weddings feel so intimate and cosy, how the venue works brilliantly in colder months (covered outdoor areas, patio heaters and twinkly lights), and the fun seasonal touches couples can add, from LED candles and deep colour palettes to Santa appearances, sleighs and hot chocolate favours.

Key Takeaways

The team agree winter has a different kind of magic: darker evenings, warm lighting, log burners, and that natural urge to be surrounded by friends and family. It’s a relaxed, snuggly atmosphere compared to the bright, outdoorsy feel of summer.

Even in colder weather, guests can still enjoy the outdoor areas because they’re covered and heated (patio heaters plus undercover walkways between spaces). The Main Oak Barn’s lounge area and fires add to the comfort, and blankets can be used outside for extra warmth.

December weddings don’t have to be overtly Christmassy. Couples often lean into cosy styling (LED candles, warm lighting, deep winter tones), but many still use non-seasonal palettes like sage green, lilac and bright florals. There are no rules.

Ideas mentioned include holly in florals, gold accents, velvet and sparkly outfits, Santa hats for the photo booth, cloaks/shawls for bridesmaids, crackers on tables, mistletoe moments, bauble name cards, and cute favours like hot chocolate packs or candy canes. (And yes, they’ve got couples bringing a sleigh and even Santa!)

Best Moments

“December is a lovely time to get married… winter feels a lot cosier.”

“Christmas is a feeling… it doesn’t have to be super duper festive for it to be really lovely and cosy.”

“Just because it’s winter, you’re not restricted to just having to stay inside.”

“Do December weddings have to be Christmassy?… Definitely no.”

“Bring a coat… it is crisp at that time of year, but that’s what makes it so lovely.”

About Coton House Farm

Set in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception. Whether you choose an elegant indoor setting or a picturesque outdoor backdrop, Coton House Farm provides the perfect setting for your dream wedding, filled with romance and charm.

Connect with Coton House Farm

Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/

X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia sits down with coordinators Maggie, Meg and Louisa to look back at the standout weddings of 2025 at Coton House Farm and predict what couples will be loving in 2026. From wildflower-filled barns and glitter ball “disco weddings” to dog-themed table plans and pumpkin-centrepiece autumn days, they share the details that really stuck with them and how social media is shaping what couples choose.

Key Takeaways

Standout weddings this year leaned heavily into colour and fun: wildflower-filled spring barns, bright florals, fresh floral cakes, pearls, bows on dresses and even chair backs, plus “year of the disco” glitter ball styling from tiny table confetti to a giant mirror ball centrepiece.

Couples increasingly built their whole look around a theme, especially pets. One memorable dog-themed wedding used the couple’s dog and its toys for table names and photos, with dog biscuits and even messages “from” pets who couldn’t be there.

2026 predictions: retro glam, monochrome and outfit changes. The team are expecting more retro-inspired black-and-white, black-tie party vibes, sleek hair, and a big comeback for ponytails. Brides changing into a second “after party” outfit, or transforming their look by removing part of the dress, switching into a jumpsuit or even cutting their hair into a bob mid-day, is set to grow. There’s also excitement around new colour stories like berry tones, soft moss greens and bold monochromes, alongside retro-style cakes with thick icing and bright cherries.

Standout moments of 2025 at Coton House Farm. The team’s favourites include: a fully pumpkin-themed wedding with mini pumpkins and a pumpkin cake; a couple arriving by helicopter, landing in the field for a dramatic entrance; a full glitter ball “disco wedding”; and a dog dressed in an enormous silver glitter bow that matched the décor.

Best Moments

“It’s the year of the disco, the glitter ball weddings have just been incredible.”

“People love audio guest books… imagine listening back to your nan’s little voice note years later.”

“I just love a pumpkin; they keep coming back, but every year, couples use them in a new way.”

“Someone hired a helicopter and landed in the field… it was such a grand entrance and so different.”

About Coton House Farm

Set in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception.

Connect with Coton House Farm

Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/

X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.