Who to Invite? Guest Lists, Plus Ones & Children at Weddings

Feast Mode: Introducing the Expanded Lugh & Paddy’s Wedding Menu

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 Takeaways Listening 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 Do Yes 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 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/ [https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm [https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/] Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/] X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm [https://x.com/cotonhousefarm] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Do Me a Favour? The Great Wedding Favour Debate

In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield is joined by co-hosts Louisa, Meg and Maggie for a lively (and slightly controversial) discussion all about wedding favours. Recorded in Rolo, one of Coton House Farm’s cosy preparation suites, the team dive into the big question: are wedding favours worth it? From personalised messages and scratch cards to drinks tokens and keyrings, no option is left undiscussed. With honest opinions, practical venue insight and plenty of laughter, this episode helps couples decide whether favours are a meaningful touch, a practical addition - or an unnecessary expense. Key Takeaways Favours aren’t essential. While some couples love including them, others feel they’re not a must-have. If budget is tight, this may be an area you can rethink. Practical favours work best. If guests can use it – like a drinks token or edible treat - it’s less likely to be left behind. Drinks tokens over bar tabs. Tokens help control budget, avoid awkward over-spending and ensure everyone gets the same opportunity to enjoy a drink. Scratch cards are a fun interactive option. They create a moment at the table and can even be adapted so each table has a winner. Personalised messages feel meaningful. Handwritten notes or thoughtful keepsakes can be incredibly special - but be prepared for the time commitment. Edible favours need planning. Always check allergies and ensure ingredients are clearly labelled to avoid last-minute removal by catering teams. Keyrings divide opinion. They’re cost-effective and look lovely on the day - but they’re also one of the most commonly left-behind favours. Whatever you choose, do it for you. Favours are personal. There will always be some left behind, so choose something you genuinely love. Key Moments “Favours shouldn’t feel like a waste of money - choose something people will actually use.” “Everyone loves a free drink.” “If you’re doing edible favours, check allergies first.” “You can’t make 100% of people happy - so make yourselves happy.” “Don’t let our opinion put you off your keyrings!” 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 supports couples through every detail - from table styling to bar tabs and everything in between. Connect with Coton House Farm Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/ [https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm [https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/] Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/] X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm [https://x.com/cotonhousefarm] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer: What Really Matters (with Brett James Photography)

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 TAKEAWAYS Your 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 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/ [https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm [https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/] Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/] X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm [https://x.com/cotonhousefarm] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Married at Coton House Farm: Sam & Lauren’s November Wedding

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 Takeaways Go 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 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 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 Farm Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/ [https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm [https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/] Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/] X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm [https://x.com/cotonhousefarm] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Who to Invite? Guest Lists, Plus Ones & Children at Weddings

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 Takeaways Start 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 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 - helping navigate everything from guest lists to last-minute changes with calm, experience and care. Connect with Coton House Farm Website: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/ [https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm [https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarm] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/] Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/] X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm [https://x.com/cotonhousefarm] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.