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.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield is joined by the coordination team at Coton House Farm once again, as they gather in the main oak barn to discuss one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning: the seating plan. Exploring the importance of seating arrangements, creative table naming, and practical advice for managing guest needs.

The team covers how seating plans act as an “organised bible” for the wedding, ensuring every guest is considered - from allergies and children to wheelchair users and high chairs.

Whether you’re planning a formal meal or a relaxed grazing table, this episode offers guidance to help couples organise their big day with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Guest Management: Collect RSVPs, dietary needs, and preferences early. Highlight under-18s and non-drinkers for appropriate service.

Venue Layout: The barn accommodates round tables, straight tables, T-shapes, and sweetheart tables. Top tables can be traditional or personalised.

Family Dynamics: Prioritise the couple’s comfort when arranging seating for blended families or divorced parents.

Mixing Guests: Mixing guests encourages mingling, but seating friends and family together is also common. Consider language barriers and prior opportunities for guests to meet.

Table Plan Displays: Popular options include A1 signs, Polaroids, themed bookshelves, vinyl records, and mirrors with pegs.

Finalising Plans: Share seating plans with the venue and caterers as early as possible and communicate any changes promptly.

Key Moments

“You can still manage allergies and things like that, even with an open seating plan.”

“Start small because it can be very overwhelming when you’ve got 80 guests.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get it perfect.”

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 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.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield and coordinator Maggie break down Coton House Farm’s Twilight Wedding Package, a shorter, more relaxed, “non-traditional” wedding day built around a later ceremony and an all-out evening party. They explain who a twilight wedding is perfect for, how the timings, plus what’s included as standard.

Key Takeaways

A Twilight Package is a half-day style wedding with a later ceremony (4pm or after) and a strong focus on relaxed, party vibes. You still get married, have a drinks reception and food, but everything is condensed into a more dynamic evening that moves quickly into dancing.

It's ideal if you don’t fancy a full formal sit-down day, dislike being the centre of attention, or simply want “marry, eat, dance” without all the extra structure. It’s also great for couples who love ambience – fairy lights, log burners, twilight skies and a cosy atmosphere.

Your first 50 drinks for the drinks reception are included – choose from Prosecco, Sangria, Pimm’s or beer (you can mix and match), with non-alcoholic options available. Extra drinks for additional guests are charged at standard bar prices. You can also add a toast drink if you’d like a formal or informal “cheers” moment.

The Twilight Package includes hot street-food style catering for up to 50 guests: hot dogs, nachos with lots of toppings, and pizzas. They recommend catering for 100% of your guests – everyone will be hungry at that time of night, especially evening guests arriving for the party.

Best Moments

“Twilight is your non-traditional day – you still get married, you still eat, you still party, but it’s all in a more relaxed, dynamic evening.”

“Access from 12 o’clock to the ceremony areas, outdoor spaces, main barn and both preparation suites means you can have a lazy morning and still enjoy getting ready on site.”

“On a Twilight package, a simple evening layout with the dancefloor already down means you can dive straight into the party without staff moving tables around you.”

“We’d say aim to cut your cake at half seven at the very latest so we can get it sliced, served and enjoyed before everyone disappears to the dancefloor.”

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 and coordinator Maggie walk through Coton House Farm’s Luxury Package. From a relaxed 9am start in the preparation suites to ceremony choices (outdoor pergola or a cosy 17th-century dairy barn), included décor (fairy lights, LOVE letters, greenery), a built-in drinks package for up to 50 guests, on-site accommodation with breakfast, and a sample timeline that keeps the day flowing seamlessly.

Key Takeaways

Choose the outdoor pergola (weather-dependent, jasmine arches, countryside backdrop) or the indoor dairy barn (exposed brick, beams, stained glass, log burner). Church ceremonies are also supported.

Live musicians (guitar, strings, harp, singers) are welcome, or use the venue’s Bluetooth speaker with your own playlist.

During the drinks reception, guests get two drinks (choose from Prosecco, beer, Sangria or Pimm’s), then ½ bottle of wine or two bottled beers per person for the meal, plus a Prosecco toast. Swap for non-alcoholic/children’s packages or add more if your numbers exceed 50.

Pick Jenkinson’s (three-course options, fun host roast, tastings at the venue) or Doves Delights (relaxed grazing tables, pies, surf & turf; taster boxes). Food is contracted directly with the caterers; optional add-ons include ice-cream carts and venue treats (crisp boxes, donut towers, tubs).

Four ensuite rooms, Alfie, Scallywag, Dinky, Chester with pull-out sofas for children (sleep up to 16), tea/coffee access, and a cooked breakfast in Misty the next morning. Typical check-in 2pm, checkout 10am.

Your wedding coordinator is assigned 6–8 months out, with a six-month and final meeting, and open access to advice anytime.

Key Moments

“Access from 9 o’clock to the preparation suites, ceremony areas and main barn sets a calm start to the day.”

“Jenkinson’s offer a classic three-course with a fun host roast; Doves Delights shine with relaxed, abundant grazing.”

“Aim for 8–10 per table so it looks full and feels comfortable, don’t overfill the top table either.”

“Cake cut around half seven keeps service in step with evening food.”

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.