Yes to I do

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Izzy is joined by venue manager Lisa to explore how couples can create a memorable wedding experience for their guests at Coton House Farm. From making a great first impression and choosing the right food and drinks to planning entertainment and adding thoughtful personal touches, they share practical ideas to make everyone feel welcome and included. They also discuss the importance of keeping guests entertained during quieter moments, how food choices can shape the atmosphere of a wedding, and why small details can make a big difference to the overall celebration.Key TakeawaysFirst impressions matter: A warm welcome sets the tone for the whole wedding. Clear signage, a wedding-day timeline and friendly staff help guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. With the bar opening an hour before the ceremony, couples should make sure guests know they can arrive early, enjoy a drink, mingle and settle in without feeling rushed.Keep guests well fed and watered: Good food and drink are often what guests remember most about a wedding. Generous portions, a varied menu and plenty of drinks help everyone feel looked after. Couples can also personalise their catering with extras such as sausage roll towers, doughnut walls, brownie towers and treats that reflect special memories from their relationship.Avoid awkward gaps in the day: While couples are having photographs taken, guests can enjoy garden games, live entertainment, drinks and canapés. Background music also helps maintain the atmosphere during quieter moments, particularly the wedding breakfast. The venue provides Bluetooth speakers, although downloading playlists in advance is recommended because of the countryside location.Make time for special photographs: Sunset photographs in the fields surrounding Coton House Farm offer couples a chance to enjoy a few quiet moments together. These short photography sessions can often take place as evening guests arrive, allowing the celebrations to continue without anyone feeling that the couple has disappeared for too long.Celebrate your guests too: Small gestures can make a big impact, particularly when guests are celebrating milestones of their own. Birthday cakes, balloons and special DJ announcements are lovely ways to recognise guests who share their birthday with the wedding day. These thoughtful touches help everyone feel part of the celebration.Key Moments“A welcome sign and a good timeline help guests know where they are, what they're doing and when everything is happening.”“I always think the two things people remember from a wedding are what they had to eat and what they had to drink.”“Sharing platters are lovely because even if you don't know someone at your table, you're passing food around and talking to each other.”“Entertainment is such an important part of the guest experience, but it should reflect you as a couple and what you know your guests will enjoy.”About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Isobel is joined by venue manager Lisa to reflect on a busy summer of weddings at Coton House Farm. From beautiful outdoor ceremonies and unpredictable British weather to exciting new menus from Lugh & Paddy's, they share some of their favourite moments from the wedding season. They also explore the differences between the Luxury and Twilight Packages, discuss popular food choices and entertainment ideas, and reveal the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure every wedding runs smoothly. Plus, they offer practical advice on wedding timings, coordinating suppliers and keeping the day stress-free.Key TakeawaysA summer of memorable weddings: Coton House Farm has enjoyed an incredibly busy wedding season, with celebrations taking place almost every day since July. Beautiful sunshine has made outdoor ceremonies particularly popular, although extreme heat and heavy August rainfall have presented challenges. The team explains how they adapt to changing weather conditions while ensuring couples and guests remain comfortable.Exciting new menus from Lugh & Paddy's: The venue's new catering options have been a huge hit, particularly the relaxed, sharing-style dishes. Popular choices include smoked burgers, sausages, sweetcorn, baked beans, new potatoes and coleslaw. For Twilight weddings, chicken wings, pizzas, hot dogs and nachos remain firm favourites, with jacket potatoes and other additions giving couples even more flexibility.Understanding the Luxury Package: Couples choosing the Luxury Package enjoy access to the venue from 9am until midnight, with preparation suites, breakfast platters and the freedom to choose their ceremony time. Ceremonies between 1pm and 2pm are particularly popular, allowing plenty of time for preparations, drinks receptions, a wedding breakfast and an evening celebration. The package also includes drinks for the first 50 guests.The relaxed appeal of Twilight weddings: Twilight weddings offer a shorter, more informal celebration, with access from midday and ceremonies starting from 4pm. Guests can enjoy a drinks reception followed by relaxed street-food catering, typically served between 6pm and 8pm, before the cake cutting, first dance and evening party. The format works particularly well for couples wanting a fun, sociable atmosphere without a traditional full-day schedule.Key Moments“It's been a really busy summer, with weddings almost every day since July, and we've had some absolutely beautiful outdoor ceremonies.”“The sharing-style food has been such a big hit because it gets everyone talking, passing dishes around and enjoying that relaxed atmosphere.”“With the Luxury Package, you have the whole day from nine in the morning, whereas Twilight is all about that shorter, relaxed celebration starting from midday.”“The two timings you really can't move on the day are the ceremony and the food. If one runs late, it can have a domino effect on everything else.”About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team tackles a sensitive but very common wedding-planning challenge: how do you involve your family in your big day without allowing their opinions to take over? From parents with traditional ideas to siblings and friends who are desperate to help, they discuss how couples can set boundaries, manage expectations and find meaningful ways to make loved ones feel included while still creating the wedding they actually want.The team also explores what happens when family members are contributing financially, how to politely say no to unwanted suggestions and why giving people small, specific roles can be a great way to make them feel involved. Plus, they tackle the tricky dilemma of what to do when parents paying towards the wedding want to invite a whole table of their own friends.Key TakeawaysSet Boundaries Early: One of the best ways to prevent family involvement becoming overwhelming is to establish expectations from the beginning. Decide with your partner which parts of the planning you want help with and which decisions you'd prefer to keep between yourselves.Give Family Meaningful Roles: Involving family doesn't mean handing over control. Small jobs such as preparing confetti, checking tables, helping with decorations or making announcements can make loved ones feel important without putting them in charge of major decisions.Financial Help Can Complicate Things: When parents or other family members contribute financially, they may feel entitled to have more input. The team discusses why it's important to agree what that contribution means before it begins, rather than dealing with conflicting expectations further down the line.You Don't Have to Share Every Detail: Keeping some decisions between you and your partner can protect the excitement of the day and give your family something to experience as guests. Surprises, your first dance song and other personal touches don't necessarily need to be shared during the planning process.Learn to Say No – Kindly: If a family member suggests something you don't want, redirecting their enthusiasm towards another job can be easier than simply rejecting their involvement. Clear but kind communication can help protect both your wedding plans and your relationships.Manage Expectations From the Start: The team's golden rule is to be clear about how involved you want people to be. Some couples will want their parents and siblings involved in every decision; others will want to plan almost everything themselves. Neither approach is wrong – it simply needs to work for you.Key Moments"Every family wants to be involved and does get involved, but to what extent can vary.""It's nice to give people roles sometimes and make them feel special because it's a special time for them.""It's all about boundaries and expectations.""Manage expectations from the get-go.""You only want people there who've got your best interest at heart and genuinely love you."About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team tackles one of the biggest challenges in wedding planning: deciding where your budget is actually worth spending. In a brutally honest game of Spend, Save or Skip, they work through everything from flowers and favours to hair and make-up, videographers, evening food, wedding cakes and entertainment. The message is simple: spending wisely isn't about being cheap, it's about being intentional and choosing the things that will genuinely make a difference to your day.Key TakeawaysSpend on What Matters to You: Rather than adding something simply because it's fashionable or because you think your guests expect it, prioritise the things you'll genuinely enjoy. Whether that's a magician, amazing food, flowers or something completely different, your budget should reflect what's important to you as a couple.Save on Styling Without Sacrificing the Look: Venue styling can be a mixture of spending and saving. Statement florals may be worth investing in, while items such as table runners, place settings and smaller decorative details can potentially be sourced inexpensively or created yourself. Sometimes less really is more.Think Carefully About Wedding Favours: Traditional favours often get left behind at the end of the night, so consider something guests will actually use or consume. Sweets, biscuits, scratch cards or drinks tokens could offer better value than keepsakes that end up forgotten on the table.Don't Underestimate Evening Food: Food gets a definite spend. Guests who've been celebrating and drinking throughout the day will appreciate something to eat later in the evening, and the team has seen how a lack of evening food can result in guests leaving earlier and affect the atmosphere of the party.You Don't Necessarily Need a Huge Wedding Cake: Larger cakes can result in plenty of leftovers. A smaller cake supplemented with cupcakes, brownies or other easy-to-grab treats can work brilliantly – or you could swap the traditional option altogether for something like a wedding cake made from cheese.Choose Entertainment That Adds to the Atmosphere: From sax players and live bands to photo booths and Polaroid guest books, entertainment can add another dimension to the celebration. The key is choosing something that works with the flow of your day rather than adding extras simply for the sake of having them.Key Moments"Spend, Save, Skip is not about being cheap, it's about being intentional with what you spend your money on.""Don't be a people pleaser. Do what you want to do.""Always spend on food. Always, always spend on food.""If you don't cater evening food wise, people do leave early. It ruins the vibe of the evening.""Every wedding we see is so different... whatever you feel comfortable spending on, skipping on, saving on – do whatever you want."About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team is joined by professional magician Owen Strickland to explore how magic can add entertainment, energy and some genuinely unforgettable moments to a wedding day. Owen explains why weddings provide the perfect audience for close-up magic, how he uses it to break the ice between guests and why a magician can be particularly valuable during quieter moments such as the drinks reception or the turnaround between the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.Owen also shares his unusual journey from spending 22 years in the police to becoming a full-time magician, performing at around 70–80 weddings a year as well as corporate events and Aston Villa matches. Along the way, he demonstrates some of his favourite tricks – leaving the hosts stunned, laughing and, at one point, in tears!Key TakeawaysMagic is a Brilliant Icebreaker: During the drinks reception, guests from different sides of the family may be meeting for the first time. Owen explains how bringing groups together for a trick immediately gives them something to talk about and helps break down barriers.It Can Fill the Natural Lulls: Magic works particularly well while photographs are being taken, during room turnarounds and between the wedding breakfast and evening reception, keeping guests entertained when they might otherwise be waiting around.Entertainment Can Change the Atmosphere: Owen has performed at weddings where difficult circumstances have affected the mood, as well as celebrations that were already full of energy. In both situations, magic can provide a welcome distraction or take an already brilliant atmosphere to another level.Make Time to Enjoy Your Own Wedding: Owen reminds couples that the day belongs to them. He creates special tricks specifically for the newlyweds, often leaving them with a physical memento they can keep after the wedding.Book Popular Suppliers Early: With Owen performing at dozens of weddings each year alongside corporate events and football hospitality, peak dates can disappear quickly. His recommendation is simple: if there's a supplier you really want, don't leave it too late to secure them.Key Moments"For that couple, it's the only day in their life where all their friends and family and loved ones will be in one room at one time.""The drinks reception... it's a really good icebreaker.""I always say to couples, you've got to remember to enjoy your day.""I was a policeman for 22 years... and this is way more fun than being a policeman.""I just want people to have the best experience." About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

Episode 35 - The Most Important 20 Minutes: How to Make Your Ceremony Feel Really YoursIn this episode of Yes to I Do, Lydia and Lauren turn their attention to the part of the wedding day that couples spend the least time planning - and probably should spend the most. The ceremony.From choosing the right music and writing personal vows to navigating the aisle walk, managing awkward silences and a truly memorable story involving an owl that the bride was not entirely expecting.Key TakeawaysMost couples under plan the ceremony and overfocus on everything else.Because it only lasts around twenty minutes, it often becomes an afterthought. But it is the legal and emotional heart of the day - and a little planning goes a long way toward making it feel effortless.Music sets the tone for everything that follows.At minimum, couples need four pieces - the aisle song, two for signing the register and one for the exit. Each one shapes how the room feels, and silence at the wrong moment can make even the most relaxed ceremony feel suddenly awkward.Personal vows and meaningful readings are what guests remember.The words that only the two of them understand, the poem chosen by a best friend, the moment of laughter in an otherwise emotional room - these are the details that make a ceremony feel genuinely theirs rather than anyone else's.Phones down during the ceremony is non-negotiable.Guests leaning into the aisle to get a shot, screens appearing in the photographer's images, people experiencing the moment through a lens rather than through their eyes - it is a genuine pet peeve and the registrars will say so if asked.Tell your coordinator everything - including the surprise ring bearer under the chair.The drip-feeding of information through the morning, the quiet check-in about bridesmaid order three hours before - all of it prevents a last minute panic. If in doubt, just ask.Key Moments"Some people want to cry. Some people want it to be funny. Music decides which way it goes.""It's like immediately after the kiss - silence. Just crickets. Get the music on.""Put your phone away. I would be throwing it back in your bag as I came down the aisle.""At the end you'll be like - can I do that again? Because it wasn't actually that bad."About Yes to I DoYes to I Do is the podcast from Coton House Farm for couples planning their perfect wedding. Hosted by Lydia and the team, each episode covers everything from food and drink to styling, planning tips and real wedding insights.The goal is simple - to help couples feel confident, informed and excited at every stage of their wedding journey.How to Get in TouchTo find out more about Coton House Farm or to book a show round:Website: www.cotonhousefarm.comIf you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with anyone planning their big day.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, Lydia and Lauren sit down for a practical and reassuring conversation about the one week that couples fear most - the seven days before the wedding.From last minute guest drop-outs and weather obsessing to beauty prep, food safety and the very real chance you will not sleep the night before, the pair share what they have seen from the venue side and what they genuinely wish every couple knew before that final countdown begins.Key TakeawaysThe final week feels intense because unexpected things crop up - not because you have failed to plan.Everything seems to be in hand and then suddenly it is not. Accepting that surprises will happen, rather than expecting a smooth run, is the first step to keeping your head.Stop trying to control the things you cannot control.Weather tops the list. Every forecast says something different, rain can still make for a beautiful day and burying a sausage in the garden apparently works - just not at the venue, for obvious reasons.Leave your suppliers alone - they know what they are doing.A check-in email two weeks out is fine for peace of mind, but after that, trust the process. They have done this before and they will show up.Delegate early and delegate properly.Give each person in the bridal party a specific task. It keeps them occupied, makes them feel involved and - crucially - it means they are less likely to be in your ear asking if there is anything they can do.Accept that you probably will not sleep the night before - and that is fine.Do not spiral into worrying about being tired on top of being nervous. Every couple arrives exhausted and every wedding still turns out well. It always does.Key Moments"Don't panic. That is our advice. So easy for us to say.""Bury a sausage - just not here. The cattle will have it.""Do not eat any chicken the night before. I mean it.""Take your own pillow. And your teddy bear. We're admitting a lot today.""It always turns out well. Always, always, always."About Yes to I DoYes to I Do is the podcast from Coton House Farm for couples planning their perfect wedding. Hosted by Lydia and the team, each episode covers everything from food and drink to styling, planning tips and real wedding insights.The goal is simple - to help couples feel confident, informed and excited at every stage of their wedding journey.How to Get in TouchTo find out more about Coton House Farm or to book a show round:Website: www.cotonhousefarm.comIf you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with anyone planning their big day.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, hosts Lydia and Lauren share their top tips for creating a calm, organised and enjoyable wedding morning. Drawing on their experience at Coton House Farm, they discuss everything from choosing the right people to be around you, planning hair and makeup, and creating the right atmosphere, to avoiding common last-minute stresses. They also explain why preparation suites, timelines and a few thoughtful details can help couples start one of the biggest days of their lives feeling relaxed rather than overwhelmed.Key TakeawaysThe People Around You Matter: A calm wedding morning isn't just about good planning—it's about surrounding yourself with people who help you feel relaxed and supported. Don't feel obliged to include everyone if you would prefer a quieter start to your day.Preparation Reduces Stress: Booking hair and makeup trials, listening to your suppliers' advice and creating a realistic morning timeline can prevent unnecessary pressure and help everything run more smoothly.Create the Right Atmosphere: Music, breakfast, snacks and a comfortable preparation space all contribute to setting the tone for the day. Small touches can make a big difference to everyone's mood.Think Beyond the Ceremony: Reserving seats for the bridal party, ensuring decorations are organised and double-checking essentials such as the wedding rings can prevent avoidable last-minute panic.Make the Morning Personal: Whether it's having a first look with your dad, siblings or bridal party, choosing who joins you while getting ready or putting together an emergency kit, the morning should reflect what makes you feel happiest and most comfortable.Key Moments"Sometimes it's not a planning issue—it's the people around you that make the biggest difference.""Always have a hair and makeup trial. If you don't like it, you can change it before the big day.""A little playlist goes a long way—it helps set the mood and eases the nerves.""The wedding morning should be about creating the right vibe for you—not what everyone else expects."About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team at Coton House Farm answer some of the most frequently asked questions they receive from couples planning their wedding. From choosing the right package and understanding venue access to accommodating dogs, booking registrars and working with suppliers, they share practical advice that helps remove the uncertainty from wedding planning. Packed with real-life examples and plenty of humour, this episode is an essential guide for couples wanting to feel confident and organised before the big day.Key TakeawaysUnderstand Your Venue Package: Take time to compare what each package includes. Consider access times, catering options and the overall style of the day to find the package that best suits your wedding vision.Book Your Registrar Early: After securing your venue, booking your registrar should be one of your first priorities. Leaving it too late could mean missing your preferred ceremony time.Use Your Wedding Coordinator: Your coordinator is there to simplify the planning process, answer questions, coordinate suppliers and make sure every detail comes together smoothly. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance.Communicate with Suppliers: From arrival times and parking to catering and entertainment, good communication with suppliers helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures everyone knows what to expect on the day.No Question Is Too Small: Whether it's bringing your dog, accommodating accessibility needs or asking about parking and accommodation, asking questions early helps avoid surprises and gives you confidence throughout the planning process.Key Moments"We've probably heard almost every wedding question imaginable—and if we haven't, we'll always find the answer for you.""Book your venue, then book your registrar. That's one thing you really don't want to leave until later.""Your wedding coordinator is there to make the whole process feel simpler, not more stressful.""There really is no such thing as a silly question when you're planning your wedding." About Coton House FarmSet 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 FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm