Yes to I do

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team are back in the cosy indoor ceremony barn for a conversation that affects every couple and every guest - the thorny topic of wedding gifts.From how much to spend and whether hidden guest costs should change the calculation, to the great wedding registry debate and the best way to ask for cash without it feeling awkward, Lydia, Louisa, James and Ed talk through it all with their usual mix of honesty, banter and the occasional detour via IKEA meatballs and Isle of Wight donkeys.Key TakeawaysHidden guest costs are real and they are worth factoring in.Accommodation, taxis, bridesmaid dresses, hair and makeup - all of these add up quickly. A bottle of bubbly is a completely reasonable gift if you have already spent hundreds just to be there.The wedding registry divides opinion, even in the wedding industry.Lydia sees the logic but finds it morally uncomfortable. Louisa cannot be persuaded. The consensus is that if you do one, keep the price range broad and make sure there is something on there for everyone.Sometimes saying nothing is the best strategy.People who love you will ask what you want. And if they do not ask, they will still bring something. The card box at Coton House Farm has never been empty yet.Couples can trust that their gifts are safe at the venue.The lockable post box and secure gift cabinet mean nothing gets lost, damaged or mysteriously light on the way home. And yes - someone has almost certainly tried to get a hand in a post box somewhere.Key Moments"Your presence is enough - but cash is even more.""I'd rather say nothing and risk not getting anything than have to ask.""99% of couples ask for money. The times have changed.""Someone, somewhere in the world, has definitely stolen from a card box. I hope they feel horrible.""We've got to stop talking about food."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.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 are back in the cosy ceremony barn with the fire on to tackle a topic that affects every wedding - what guests should actually wear. From day guest attire to the trickier question of evening dress codes, the conversation covers the unwritten rules, the common mistakes and the small details that can make all the difference between feeling confident and feeling underdressed.Along the way the team debate sage green, satin dresses, polo shirts, socks with shoes, abandoned heels on the lawn and exactly how a couple should communicate their dress code without it feeling like a demand.Key TakeawaysBridesmaid colours are the one thing couples should always share. Guests turning up in the same colour as the bridal party can feel mortified. A quiet heads up about bridesmaid colours avoids any awkward clashes on the day.Evening dress codes are far more confusing without guidance. Without a steer, guests might turn up in jeans and a top while day guests are in cocktail dresses. A little direction helps everyone feel appropriately dressed.Satin is beautiful but risky for UK weddings. It shows sweat, marks easily and turns champagne coloured dresses into polka dot dresses in the rain. A sturdier fabric is a safer bet for both bridesmaids and male shirts.The venue and season should guide guest choices. A countryside barn wedding suits boots and warmer autumnal tones, while a hotel setting calls for something classier. Invitations and stationery colours often hint at the palette to avoid.Comfort matters as much as style for the evening. Heels frequently get abandoned on the lawn and forgotten for weeks. Flats or a pair of flip flops in the bag can save guests from a barefoot dance floor.Key Moments"Guest outfits are quite top tier now - people are going all out because it's a special occasion.""If it rains and you're in your champagne satin dress, it's now a polka dot champagne satin dress.""Don't go barefoot - imagine all the shoes that have been on that dance floor."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.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 Lydia is joined by wedding coordinators Louisa and Lauren for a slightly different kind of episode - one that puts the team themselves in the spotlight.As well as breaking down what makes Coton House Farm such a special place to get married, the three of them share how they each ended up in wedding coordination - from trainee police officer to Burton Albion events team to Southeast Asia and back. There is also a behind-the-scenes look at how a wedding day flows through the venue.Key TakeawaysExclusive use changes the whole feel of a wedding day.No strangers wandering in, no other wedding parties, no golfers being held up for photos. Couples have the entire venue to themselves from arrival to the last dance.The room reveal is one of the most popular options for a reason.Keeping the main barn closed until after the ceremony means the couple see it together for the first time - just the two of them, with a drink waiting and five minutes to breathe before the rest of the day begins.The Twilight package suits a different kind of couple entirely.No seating plan, no formal speeches required, no day and evening guest divide. It works brilliantly for relaxed couples, busy lives, second marriages and anyone who just wants to do something a bit different.Transparent pricing saves everyone time.All pricing is on the website. The team encourage couples to do their research online first and only book a show round when they already feel a connection - because traipsing around 100 venues helps nobody.The family feel is not just a selling point - it is genuinely how it works.Coton House Farm is a family business with the family on site. Couples pick up on that atmosphere from the moment they arrive, and it shapes everything from how show rounds feel to how wedding days are run.Key Moments"I slid the scrapbook across the table and said, look at this - I've done my homework." - Louisa on her interview"Some people get starstruck on show rounds - I saw someone the other day and they were like, you do the podcast!""If you like the team, you want us to run your wedding. That's really what it comes down to."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 Darren are joined by team members Lisa and Izzy to talk through one of the most exciting developments at Coton House Farm - the expansion of their in-house catering offering, Lugh & Paddy’s.What began as a street food concept for the Twilight package has grown into a full catering option for luxury day weddings too. The team walk through the new menu in detail, from low-and-slow smoked meats served on sharing boards to smoked pies, jacket potatoes in mess tins, and a bruschetta bar. The conversation is full of genuine enthusiasm, a few food debates, and plenty of reasons why informal, sharing-style food can make a wedding feel like a real celebration.Key TakeawaysListening to couples drives everything.The Lugh & Paddy’s concept was born from couples telling the team they wanted something between a traditional three-course meal and a basic buffet. The expansion into the luxury package follows that same logic - couples want more choice, more informality, and more interaction.Sharing food creates connection.The menu is deliberately designed to get people talking. Large boards of smoked meats, sharing platters and communal add-ons all encourage guests to engage with each other - especially useful for mixed tables where people may not know one another.The Twilight package now has three main options.Couples can now choose between the original pizza, hot dogs and nachos, smoked pie with chips and mushy peas or smoked beans, or jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings. All three options are included for 50 guests and each brings the same slow-smoked flavour and hearty feel.The luxury package gets the full Lou and Paddies experience.Couples on the luxury day package can now opt for Lugh & Paddy’s as their main meal - think joints of smoked meat, sausages, burnt ends, corn on the cob and coleslaw brought to the table on big boards. It is soul food done properly, with vegetarian options including smoked cauliflower steak and stuffed peppers.Food and drink are the foundation of a great wedding.The team return to a core belief - feed and water your guests well and everything else falls into place. The venue matters less than the experience, and the experience lives or dies by the food.Key Moments"It's like a big Sunday dinner coming to your table on a board - and that starts conversations.""Feed and water your guests well. You can have your wedding anywhere, but that's the golden rule.""We're always evolving. That's just how we work."About Yes to I DoYes to I Do is the podcast from Coton House Farm for couples planning their perfect wedding. Hosted by Lydia alongside the wider 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.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 Lydia Wakefield sits down with Brett James (Brett James Photography) to talk about how couples can choose the right wedding photographer — not just based on style and price, but on personality, trust and how comfortable you feel on the day. Brett shares how he got into weddings, why “vibing” with your photographer is everything, how he keeps couples relaxed (especially those who hate being photographed), and his honest take on things like second shooters, albums, first looks, engagement shoots, drones and guest cameras.Key TakeawaysYour photographer’s personality matters as much as their portfolio.Brett’s biggest advice: speak to photographers properly (video call or in person). People can market themselves brilliantly online, but the real test is whether you feel at ease with them — because your photographer is with you all day and can genuinely influence how the day feels.Meet a few photographers — and book the one you “vibe” with.Brett says (even though it’s “terrible for business”) that couples should speak to a few photographers and choose the one they connect with most. If you’re not comfortable, you’ll tense up — and that shows in photos.Transparency reduces stress: prices, approach and FAQs should be clear upfront.He’s a big believer in putting prices and details online so couples can quickly see if it’s a good fit. It saves awkward conversations and helps couples plan within their budget.Group photos don’t have to take over the day — speed is your friend.Brett aims to get group shots done quickly so couples can get back to enjoying welcome drinks and chatting to guests. He also points out that while couples may not care about every group photo, parents and grandparents often treasure them for life.Rain isn’t a deal-breaker — it’s about timing and flexibility.His mindset is practical: in the UK, rain usually breaks. He’ll use covered areas, shoot under archways, or grab quick outdoor moments when the weather eases — even if it means dashing out for “four seconds” to get the shot.Previews the next day keep the wedding buzz alive.Brett often sends previews within 24 hours so couples have professional images to share (instead of a blurry iPad photo!), and he also likes to support other suppliers by sharing great images they can post while the wedding “bubble” is still high.Best Moments“Meet up with a few more photographers… and if you vibe with them better than you vibe with me, then book them.”“People are really good at selling themselves… and that’s not always who they are.”“I only work with people who put photography near the top of the list… if I’m an afterthought, I don’t want to work with them.”“There’s always a break in the rain… it doesn’t rain all day.”“Nothing beats a physical copy… it’s a great investment.”“Everyone please leave the room… let the dad have his moment.”“I don’t want my couples changing their profile picture to something their auntie’s taken on her iPad.”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 Lydia Wakefield is joined by co-host Meg and newly married couple Sam and Lauren, who tied the knot at Coton House Farm in November. Recorded in Rolo - the venue’s beautiful preparation suite - the conversation dives into their venue search, winter wedding magic and how they planned their day in just 10 months.From secret singers to lasagne wedding breakfasts and a raw Cumberland sausage buried in the garden for good weather (yes, really), this episode is packed with personality, organisation tips and honest reflections on planning a wedding that truly reflects you as a couple.With laughter, behind-the-scenes insight and plenty of practical advice, Sam and Lauren share why trusting your gut, planning early and staying true to your vibe makes all the difference.Key TakeawaysGo with the feeling.You can look at multiple venues, but when it’s the one, you’ll know. For Sam and Lauren, it was the cosy winter atmosphere and instant connection to the space.Winter weddings have their own magic.Log burners, twinkly lights, blankets, sparklers and early sunsets create a cosy, romantic atmosphere and November guests tend to come prepared with coats.Plan early and stay organised.With just 10 months to plan, Lauren’s structured timeline and early supplier bookings made the whole process smooth and stress-free.Entertainment creates atmosphere.From a live ceremony singer and pianist to a magician, secret singing waiter and live band, their day felt like a full production - and guests loved it.Don’t be afraid to do something different with food.A hearty lasagne wedding breakfast felt personal, seasonal and memorable - proving you don’t have to stick to traditional options.Build moments into your timeline.Going table-to-table after the entrance for quick photos ensured they captured memories with every guest without losing momentum in the day.Trust your coordinators.Having an experienced team guiding the timeline means you can relax and enjoy the day - even if you’re a self-confessed “Type A bride”.Key Moments“It really is like a feeling when you walk into the right venue.”“I couldn’t face a long engagement because I was too excited.”“Is he here?” - the secret singer moment that had guests convinced a waiter had fallen over.“We buried a raw Cumberland sausage in the garden for good weather - and it worked.”“You can never please 100% of people, but you can 100% please yourself.”About Coton House FarmNestled 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 supports couples from their first show round through to the final dance – helping bring every vision to life, whatever the season.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 Lydia Wakefield is joined once again by the coordination team at Coton House Farm to tackle one of the very first - and often most emotionally charged - wedding planning decisions: who to invite.Recorded outside on the barbecue patio area (where guests can enjoy pre-ceremony drinks and evening food), the team dive into the realities of guest list politics. From venue capacities and budget restrictions to colleagues, children and plus ones.With real-life stories, practical advice and plenty of laughter, this episode reminds couples that while guest lists can feel like a battle in your brain, your wedding day should reflect your priorities - not other people’s expectations.Key TakeawaysStart with your numbers.Your guest list impacts everything - venue choice, catering costs, décor, drinks and overall budget. You can’t make major decisions without at least a rough idea of guest numbers.Venue and budget restrictions matter.Some venues have minimums and maximums, and every additional 10 guests can significantly increase costs once you factor in food, drinks and styling.Don’t invite out of obligation.Whether it’s colleagues, distant relatives or your boss, don’t feel pressured. If you wouldn’t go for coffee with them, reconsider whether they need a daytime invite.Day vs evening guests is completely normal.Evening invitations are not a downgrade. Many guests are simply grateful to be included - especially with weekday weddings becoming more common.Children at weddings are personal preference.Child-free, close family children only, or everyone’s children - there is no universal rule. Think about the atmosphere you want and what feels authentic to you as a couple.Be realistic about little ones in the bridal party.Children under four can find the aisle overwhelming. If you include them, stay relaxed and flexible – sometimes the unplanned moments become the most memorable.Plus ones require balance.Long-term partners often feel like a natural inclusion, but budget plays a role. Consider whether the guest will know others and feel comfortable without a plus one.Keep a reserve list.If numbers are tight, have a backup list. Guests sometimes decline, and this gives you flexibility without stretching your budget from the start.You have to be a little selfish.It’s one of the first big decisions you make as a couple. Stand your ground and remember – it’s your day.Key Moments“If you added ten more people, that could genuinely cost you nearly a thousand pounds.”“If you wouldn’t go for coffee with them, maybe rethink the daytime invite.”“Don’t feel obligated to invite someone just because you’re related.”“Sometimes it’s like a battle in your brain – who am I going to upset?”“If someone is prepared to fall out with you over an invite, they probably shouldn’t have had one.”“We just need to win the lottery and invite everyone.”About Coton House FarmNestled 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 - helping navigate everything from guest lists to last-minute changes with calm, experience and care.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 Lydia Wakefield is joined by Meg, Maggie and Louisa (out on the BBQ patio at Coton House Farm, complete with birdsong and Rob strimming in the background) to talk through five wedding “non-negotiables” couples should prioritise when planning and budgeting. From food and drinks to capturing the day, entertainment and décor, they share real examples they’ve seen at weddings, plus practical ideas for making each element feel personal without overcomplicating your plans.Key Takeaways1) Food is a must, and it doesn’t have to mean a formal 3-course meal.They all agree that food is one of the biggest “people will remember this” parts of your day. While a traditional starter/main/dessert is still popular, they chat about more relaxed options like grazing tables, sharing starters, and alternatives that keep guests moving and chatting rather than sitting for hours.2) Drinks matter, think about flow, flexibility and what your guests actually like.They recommend making sure guests are looked after from arrival through to the key moments. They discuss venue drink packages (and bespoke options), plus thoughtful extras like drinks in the prep suites, kid-friendly options, and personal touches (like a couple adding Guinness because it was “their” drink).3) Capturing the day is a non-negotiable, and it can go beyond a photographer.They talk about photography as essential, but also mention ways to capture the evening once the photographer has left: disposable cameras, Polaroid guest books, QR-code upload apps for guest pics, videographers, drones, and even a relative filming on a classic camcorder.4) Entertainment isn’t just music; it’s anything that keeps energy up.They cover DJs and bands (and how couples love being able to personalise playlists), but also point out low-cost fun: garden games, board games on tables, ring toss, mini golf, even silly interactive challenges that get guests mingling.5) Décor brings your vision to life, but at Coton House Farm, “less is more” can still look stunning.They explain the venue is already beautifully styled (fairy lights, chandeliers, cosy spaces), so couples can go minimal and still get a wow factor, but they’ve also seen all-out themes: pumpkins everywhere, full-size trees in the room, bubble houses, ceiling installations, and seasonal styling (including Christmas trees and even a sleigh!).Best Moments“It’s those bits that people will go away and talk about.”“No one’s judging. You can have as many slices as you want.”“Everyone will remember the food.”“Just because it’s winter, you’re not restricted to just having to stay inside.” 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