In this episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield sits down with Darren Martin, Director of Coton House Farm, to explore the history and transformation of this stunning wedding venue. From its beginnings as a working farm to becoming a sought-after barn wedding venue, Darren shares fascinating insights into its heritage, sustainable development, and how the team continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern couples.

Whether you're searching for the perfect venue or simply love wedding inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways

Historic Roots with a Modern Twist - Originally a working farm and equine centre, Coton House Farm has been carefully restored to offer a luxury wedding experience while maintaining its rich heritage.

Sustainability at Its Core - The venue prides itself on eco-friendly initiatives, including renewable energy, sustainable materials, and a commitment to preserving the surrounding countryside.

Designed for Celebration - From open-plan layouts to versatile outdoor spaces, every element has been designed to keep guests together, ensuring a vibrant and social atmosphere throughout the wedding.

Flexibility for Couples - Coton House Farm is not a "one-size-fits-all" venue, couples have the freedom to shape their day, with a supportive team guiding them every step of the way.

A Team That Cares - The staff take genuine pride in ensuring each wedding is unique, with a focus on honesty, transparency, and delivering an unforgettable experience.

Best Moments

“We didn’t have the money to build this venue all at once, so we grew it organically, always listening to what couples actually want.”

“A wedding should feel like a true celebration, our open-plan design ensures guests are always connected, whether they’re on the dance floor, at the bar, or enjoying the terrace.”

“Every detail, from oak skirting boards to hedgehog runs, has been thought through with sustainability and quality in mind.”

“The best weddings? Feed and water your guests well, and they’ll have the best time.”

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 the wedding coordination team at Coton House Farm, Maggie, Louisa and Meg, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from couples planning their big day. From dog-friendly ceremonies and on-site accommodation to food, drink, and entertainment options, the team shares the unique offerings and insights that make Coton House Farm a special wedding venue. They also delve into key details about the wedding day itself, ensuring a stress-free and memorable experience for every couple.

Key Takeaways

Dog-Friendly Weddings: While dogs are welcome to join the ceremony and photos, they need to leave before the food is served due to hygiene regulations.

On-Site Accommodation: The venue offers cosy, converted stable rooms with underfloor heating and a full English breakfast, perfect for a relaxed overnight stay.

Entertainment Options: Couples can bring their own suppliers, but the venue also offers live music, including saxophonists, pianists, and bands. The team encourages fun additions like garden games and sparklers for a memorable celebration.

Ceremony Choices: Couples can choose to marry inside in a character-filled barn or outside with a scenic, elevated view of the venue’s natural beauty.

Key Moments

“Our accommodation is named after our horses, Scallywag is my favourite!”

“You can have your dog walk down the aisle, but they’ll need to head home before the food is served. It’s a shame, but hygiene comes first.”

“With our Twilight package, you can enjoy a more relaxed wedding, starting at 4pm with a beautiful evening reception.”

“Live music is always a hit here, whether it’s a saxophonist, a band, or even singing waiters, it really sets the tone for the day.”

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 sits down with Jake and James, a couple planning their November 2025 wedding at Coton House Farm. They discuss how the Twilight package perfectly suits their vision of a relaxed, yet traditional wedding. The couple shares their journey from selecting a venue after attending a friend’s wedding to choosing unique food options like street food and canapés, and incorporating karaoke for fun. They also talk about how their background in event planning helped make the process stress-free.

Key Takeaways

Twilight Package for a Relaxed Feel: The Twilight package allows for a more laid-back celebration with a focus on evening guests, food, and entertainment.

Personalising Your Wedding: Jake and James have chosen simple yet meaningful touches, such as a piano player for their reception and a mix of traditional and relaxed food options like pizza and scotch eggs.

Guest Experience is Key: The couple focused on creating a great experience for their guests, considering not just the food and drinks but the flow of the day and making sure everyone had a good time.

Unique Entertainment: A DJ, karaoke, and interactive games are planned to make sure guests stay entertained and engaged throughout the evening.

Key Moments

"We wanted something relaxed with no pressure, so the Twilight package fit perfectly for us."

"We’re going for a very casual vibe with food—pizza, hot dogs, nachos—and we’ll throw in some karaoke for fun."

"It’s about the experience for the guests—food, drinks, and creating memories."

"The venue speaks for itself—it's the perfect backdrop, so we didn’t feel the need to overdecorate."

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, senior coordinator Lydia Wakefield is joined by the coordinator team at Coton House Farm, Maggie, Louisa, and Meg. They discuss the key role that maids of honour and best men play in wedding planning. They share tips on how to choose the right person for these crucial roles, the responsibilities that come with them, and how to ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding day. Whether it’s handling speeches, ensuring the décor is perfect, or offering moral support, this episode is full of useful advice for couples.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the Right Person: The best maid of honour or best man is someone who understands you, can handle responsibilities, and is reliable throughout the wedding planning process.

Shared Responsibilities: Some couples opt for two best men or maid of honours to share the load, especially with tasks like speeches or coordination.

Moral Support: Their primary role is to provide support, keep you calm, and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Creative Personal Touches: Maids of honour can add fun personal touches, like creating surprise videos or setting up embarrassing baby photos at the reception.

Key Moments

“Go with your gut when choosing your maid of honour or best man—trust who will support you the most.”

“Sometimes the maid of honour ends up taking on a second-coordinator role, ensuring everything is set up the way you want it.”

“It’s not all about speeches—being a great maid of honour is about being there for the bride, especially in stressful moments.”

“Planning a wedding is a team effort—don’t put too much pressure on one person. Enjoy the process together.”

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, Lydia Wakefield chats with Grant from Stellar Sounds, a wedding DJ and events specialist, about how music can set the perfect tone for your big day. Grant shares his journey from a young DJ with a passion for indie and rock to becoming a versatile wedding DJ who can blend everything from Motown to modern dance hits. He offers insight into how to personalise your wedding music, keep the dance floor buzzing, and avoid common pitfalls when planning your soundtrack.

Key Takeaways

A Diverse Music Style: Grant has a broad taste in music, from indie and rock to house and commercial dance, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere for every wedding.

Personalising Your Playlist: Couples can curate playlists, but Grant stresses the importance of reading the room and adapting the music to keep guests dancing.

Lighting to Match the Mood: Up-lighting allows couples to personalise the venue’s look with soft lighting to match the colours and vibe of their wedding.

Communication is Key: Grant works closely with couples, offering Zoom calls to discuss music preferences and ensure they’re a good fit for their wedding vision.

Key Moments

“You can’t just play one genre all night—variety is key to keeping everyone engaged.”

“I always ask couples what songs they don’t want—sometimes they have strong reasons for avoiding certain tunes.”

“It’s not just about playing music; it’s about creating an experience and making sure everyone has a good time.”

About the Guest

Stellar Sounds is a versatile DJ and events service specialising in creating personalised music experiences for weddings and special events. With a broad musical range from Motown to modern dance, Grant offers bespoke DJ services, ensuring the perfect atmosphere for every occasion.

Connect with Stellar Sounds

Website: https://www.stellarsoundsandevents.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarsoundsandevents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellarsoundsandevents

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 the first episode of Yes to I Do, host Lydia Wakefield and her team, Louisa, Maggie, and Meg, dive into the often-overwhelming world of wedding planning. They provide a practical and fun approach to navigating the first steps after getting engaged from choosing a venue to setting a date, and everything in between. The team shares valuable advice to help couples take the first steps in the wedding planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

This episode is packed with tips for anyone just starting their wedding planning journey, helping you get the ball rolling with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways

Booking Your Venue and Registrar: The first step in wedding planning is to secure your venue and registrar. This is crucial as it sets the foundation for everything else.

Setting a Realistic Budget: Establishing a wedding budget early on helps narrow down your options for venue, catering, and suppliers, making the planning process much smoother.

Guest List: Start by considering your guest list early, as this impacts your choice of venue. Knowing your numbers will help you choose a place that fits both your budget and your vision.

Non-Negotiables vs. Negotiables: It’s essential to identify what you must have at your wedding (e.g. outdoor space, barn feel) and what you can be flexible about.

Delegating Tasks: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to friends and family to reduce stress and ensure the process is more enjoyable.

Best Moments

“The first thing to do is book your venue and registrar—everything else flows from there.”

“It’s easy to get carried away with all the options, so make a list of your non-negotiables and stick to it.”

“Don’t feel pressured to invite people just because you think you should. Your wedding, your guest list.”

“Remember to breathe, take it one step at a time, and delegate tasks to your wedding party—don’t try to do it all yourself.”

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.

From the first "Yes!" to the magical "I do," we're here to guide you through every step of your journey. Join us as we chat with real couples, top wedding suppliers, and industry experts, sharing inspiration, practical tips, and heartwarming stories to make your big day unforgettable.

Whether you're just starting your planning or finalising the details, Yes to I Do is here to help you say "yes" with confidence, every step of the way. Make sure you hit subscribe and share this podcast with fellow brides, grooms, and wedding enthusiasts.

Ready to bring your dream wedding to life? Visit our website - https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/ to book a tour of our breathtaking venue or schedule a planning meeting with our expert team.

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.