In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield is joined by Louisa (wedding coordinator) and Alex, one of Coton House Farm’s 2025 brides, who returns to share what her wedding day was really like. Alex talks through her August 2025 Monday wedding (yes, there was a little rain!), her bright-colour floral theme, how she built her guest list, and the suppliers and entertainment that made the day unforgettable, including live music and a magician. They also play Spend, Save, Skip, covering what Alex splashed out on, where she cut costs, and what she happily did without.

Key Takeaways

Alex arrived to some wet weather, but it quickly turned glorious, and she says the day was “perfect” from start to finish. The team also share how having a strong wet-weather plan (like moving confetti indoors) keeps everything flowing without panic.

Alex had around 74 day guests and roughly 120 evening guests. Her approach was about comfort; she didn’t want to walk down the aisle in front of people she barely knew, so the day was immediate family, close friends and key people, with the bigger party in the evening.

After visiting 7–8 venues, Alex walked down the path at Coton House Farm and instantly felt it was right. She loved the mix of indoor/outdoor options, the overnight accommodation (so no midnight taxis), and the ceremony barn, which reminded her of a little chapel. She also loved seeing the venue evolve during the two-year lead-up, which kept excitement high.

Alex deliberately chose several suppliers she’d discovered through the venue’s socials and open days, because people who already work there understand the light, the layout and what works. She still brought in a florist she’d used for years as her non-negotiable, because they knew her style.

Planning advice: book your registrar early, and breathe. Alex says the last couple of months can feel stressful as final payments land, but it’s all part of the process, try to enjoy it. Her practical must-do: once your venue is booked, book the registrar straight away because dates go quickly.

Best Moments

“It was a dream wedding day… from start to finish.”

“As soon as I started to walk down the path, I was like… oh, this is a bit of me.”

“You have to let it go… there’s nothing you can do about the weather.”

“He just fluttered round people… you didn’t even know he was there — then everyone’s laughing going ‘what?!’” (on the magician)

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 Wakefield is joined once again by the coordination team at Coton House Farm to tackle a controversial but unavoidable wedding topic: bridezillas. Recorded in the Rolo preparation suite, the team explores whether bridezillas really exist, and why the label is often misplaced.

Through real-life stories and behind-the-scenes insight, the conversation reveals that most wedding-day challenges stem from family dynamics, supplier influence and last-minute changes rather than the couple themselves. With honesty, humour and practical advice, this episode reassures couples that stress is normal, and that trusting your venue team and sticking to your vision can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

It’s rarely the bride.

Despite the term “bridezilla”, most difficult situations stem from family members, guests or suppliers rather than the couple themselves.

Family involvement can complicate planning.

Parents often have strong opinions - especially when they are contributing financially - which can sometimes conflict with the couple’s vision.

Too many voices can cause confusion.

Bringing large groups to venue viewings or appointing multiple decision-makers can lead to missed information and mixed expectations.

Last-minute changes have a domino effect.

Switching ceremony locations, layouts or timings on the day impacts staffing, catering, suppliers and coordination - even when intentions are good.

Suppliers can unintentionally add pressure.

Well-meaning suppliers may influence couples without fully understanding venue logistics, health and safety or time constraints.

Trust your coordinator.

Venue teams know the space, the timings and the contingency plans. Listening to their advice can prevent unnecessary stress and chaos.

Keep calm and breathe.

From walk-in fridges to quiet moments in the shed, the team shares their toolkit for staying grounded when things go off-plan.

Key Moments

“People are very quick to say ‘bridezilla’, but actually it’s rarely the bride.”

“If you’re paying for something, you feel entitled to an opinion - and that’s where it gets tricky.”

“We raise the red flag early so we can put things in place before the day.”

“Please don’t leave your décor for us to set up - if you don’t like it, that’s a risk we can’t take.”

“Stick to your guns and don’t let other people’s opinions derail your day.”

About Coton House Farm

Nestled in the Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive luxury wedding barn venue offering couples a relaxed yet refined setting for their big day. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor ceremony spaces and a dedicated coordination team, the venue is designed to support couples from planning through to the final dance - even when the unexpected happens.

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.