Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

What's on: Gusbourne Maize Maze Dining Experience

Experience a summer evening of fine dining and English wine tasting at Cowdray Estate, featuring award-winning Gusbourne wines. On 30th August from 6pm to 9:30pm, guests can explore the stunning Cowdray Maize Maze to discover hidden Gusbourne tasting experiences before enjoying a fireside feast in the picturesque sunflower fields. Savor a menu of seasonal, locally-sourced produce, including coal-fired Cowdray tomahawk steak, harissa slow-cooked Estate lamb shoulder, and skillet-cooked shallots with thyme and gorgonzola, all paired perfectly with Gusbourne's still and sparkling wines. This exclusive event combines immersive countryside charm with exceptional culinary delights, making it a must-visit for foodies, wine lovers, and summer evening experiences in West Sussex. Spaces are limited, so secure your tickets now to enjoy this magical dining event at Cowdray Estate.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

Sip, soak and stay: What's new this summer at The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa

This summer, The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa is emerging as one of Britain's top coastal getaway destinations. Guests can now enjoy the brand-new Beach Bar & Terrace, indulge in an exclusive Aromatherapy Associates spa treatment, and benefit from flexible spa memberships at the recently opened Relais Retreats Spa. With its boutique charm, rich history, and stunning beachfront location, the hotel is quickly becoming a must-visit spot for Cooden and Bexhill-on-Sea staycations, seaside celebrations, and luxurious spa escapes. Visitors can also savor expertly crafted food and drinks right on the beach, making The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa a premier choice for relaxing coastal holidays, wellness experiences, and memorable seaside breaks in East Sussex.

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

Local supplier spotlight: Middle Earth Mini Bus

Say "I Do" to stress-free wedding transport with Middle Earth Minibuses, the Horsham-based experts in reliable, comfortable, and stylish travel for your big day. Whether you need a single journey or a full shuttle service between your ceremony, reception, and other locations, their professional team ensures every guest arrives safely and on time. Known for their five-star reputation, Middle Earth Minibuses operates 24/7, 365 days a year, tailoring transport solutions to suit weddings of any size. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they make wedding travel effortless, allowing you to concentrate on celebrating. From coordinating pick-ups to managing schedules, their dedicated operations team handles every detail, ensuring your journey to happily ever after begins smoothly, comfortably, and stress-free.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

How to Keep Your Wedding Cake Perfect in Hot Weather: Expert Tips for Summer Weddings

Planning a summer wedding? While sunshine makes for beautiful photos, high temperatures can pose serious challenges—especially for your wedding cake. With UK summers getting hotter each year, it's essential to prepare for how heat can affect your big-day bake. Buttercream cakes, in particular, can begin to melt above 25°C, risking a sweet disaster before the cake is even cut. But don't worry—with the right precautions, your cake can stay picture-perfect. Michelle Ware from A Little Bit Naughty shares expert tips on how to keep your wedding cake stable, cool, and stunning, even during a summer heatwave. From ideal delivery times to choosing ganache for extra support, here's how to make sure your cake survives the heat and shines as your centrepiece.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Last-Minute Wedding Guest Cancellations: Smart Tips to Handle Dropouts Without Stress

Last-minute wedding guest cancellations can be frustrating, but with a little forward planning, they don't have to derail your day. Whether it's illness, travel issues, or unexpected emergencies, guest dropouts are more common than you think. Fortunately, there are smart and simple ways to handle them with minimal stress. Jackie Levers from Cottesmore Hotel, Golf & Country Club shares practical wedding planning tips for managing last-minute cancellations without panic. From keeping a reserve list of evening guests ready to step in, to having spare place cards on hand, a bit of preparation goes a long way. You can put unused meals to good use by offering them to suppliers like your photographer. Stay flexible, and your wedding day will stay stress-free and memorable.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.

Why You Need a Wedding Content Creator: Share Stunning Photos & Videos the Day After Your Big Day

Looking to share beautiful wedding photos and videos just hours after saying "I do"? A wedding content creator might be the must-have addition to your big day. More and more couples are choosing to include a dedicated content creator in their wedding team—someone who captures authentic, behind-the-scenes moments on a smartphone, ready for instant sharing on social media. Hannah Tunnicliffe from Han Picked Memories explains why hiring a professional wedding day content creator is a game-changer. While your photographer focuses on polished shots, your content creator documents the emotion, energy, and excitement in real time. From heartfelt exchanges to fun candid clips, you'll wake up the next day with a treasure trove of unedited memories perfect for sharing, reminiscing, and reliving your wedding day instantly.

Outdoor Wedding Moodboard Ideas: Inspiring Themes, Colours & Decor for Your Dream Al Fresco Celebration

Planning an elegant outdoor wedding? Let our English country garden wedding moodboard inspire your perfect outdoor celebration. Bursting with romantic details, timeless florals, and soft, natural colour palettes, this look is ideal for couples dreaming of a classic countryside wedding with a touch of sophistication. Think trailing roses, vintage tableware, pastel blooms, and sweeping marquee settings nestled among rolling lawns or blooming gardens. Whether you're hosting your big day at a country manor, in a walled garden, or under an open marquee, this moodboard is full of styling ideas to elevate your outdoor wedding. From ceremony backdrops to reception tablescapes, we've curated a visual guide that blends rustic charm with refined elegance. Explore the moodboard below and start creating your dream English garden wedding today.

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.

Unique wedding trends 2025: Film photography surges 50%

Three in five couples plan to incorporate unique elements into their wedding, and with the world of choice at the end of our fingertips, inspiration is flying in from all angles. But which of the net's most loved delights have seen the most significant interest surges since last summer? To find out, the team at Aura Print scoured social media platforms to discover what's been hot, and gathered Pinterest and Google Trends data to reveal their most adored trends that have shot up since last summer.

Wedding catering Q&A with Nick Bolton from Buxted-based Vine & Dine

Planning your wedding catering can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. In this expert Q&A, we speak with Nick Bolton, from Vine & Dine, a leading wedding catering company based in Buxted, East Sussex, known for its bespoke menus and seamless service. Nick shares practical insights on everything from choosing the right wedding caterer to personalising your menu, catering for dietary needs, and creating a memorable food experience for you and your guests. Whether you're planning a marquee celebration or working with a dry-hire venue, this interview is packed with valuable advice for couples wanting delicious, stress-free wedding food. Read on for insider tips that will take your big day menu to the next level.

Happily ever after - making plans for the future

As nearlyweds, you may not be thinking about what happens beyond the end of your natural lives together - that's not the exciting bit - Katharine Bundell, a barrister at 4PB shares advice in this article that could make your loved ones' lives a lot easier if anything happens to you. Death and taxes remain fairly inevitable. On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

The Alfriston: Inside Signet Collection’s Luxurious New Wedding Venue

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Alfriston in the South Downs, The Alfriston is the latest jewel in The Signet Collection's crown. This newly launched boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a dream wedding venue or a serene countryside escape. With 38 individually designed bedrooms, beautifully restored interiors, and breathtaking views, the hotel is a perfect setting for both celebrations and relaxation. Guests can enjoy exquisite dining at the 1554 Brasserie, sip local Rathfinny sparkling wine, or unwind in the soon-to-open Signet Spa. Whether you're planning to tie the knot in the charming Orangery or simply indulge in gourmet cuisine and countryside calm, The Alfriston promises style, comfort, and a warm Sussex welcome.

Why the bar at your wedding shouldn’t be an afterthought

In the grand orchestration of a wedding, couples often obsess over floral arrangements, lighting design and detailed seating charts. The dress, the photographer, the five-course dinner - each element is painstakingly curated. And yet, one of the most powerful forces behind a wedding's success is consistently left until the eleventh hour: the bar! Let's be honest, it's not often you hear a couple say: "First things first, let's lock in a great bar team." But maybe they should. "You can spend months working on the seating plan or deciding the perfect shade of napkin, but if the bar's giving bored function-room energy, it can all quickly lose its magic," says Luke Shelton-Sharp, co-founder of room two, the London-based cocktail studio and event planner.

The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings. Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.