Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Here come the girls - trending looks for your bridesmaids

Having your closest cohort by your side as you prepare for and celebrate your big day is surely one of the most special parts of the process. The sense of wanting those loved ones to be happy, confident and comfy is now commonplace. Has anyone seen the movie 27 Dresses? Thankfully, gone are those days, where bridesmaids were forced into the bride's choice just because it went with the theme however hideous and impractical! So, we've looked into what's hot for bridesmaids for 2025 to ensure you a forever place in their good books!

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

The world's your oyster when you honeymoon in spring

"April is a great time to honeymoon as it opens up a lot of the world for you to explore," Philippa Hawketts from Blossom Travel (https://blossomtravel.notjusttravel.com) says. "The Indian Ocean would be a top choice, think the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, all offering truly idyllic beaches, luxury resorts and absolute relaxation. For any adventurous couples, you could combine this with a safari in South Africa or Tanzania. Spotting the wildlife in Kruger National Park or the Serengeti before
unwinding with a cocktail on a tropical island.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Jazz age romance

If you loved this local shoot in our Apr/May issue, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1920s Gatsby-glam jazz era, here are some more images to feast your eyes on! "I've always had a passion for the 1920s Old Hollywood style, a beautifully glamorous era," says photographer Jennifer Jelley of Divine Photography Eastbourne. Being a creative soul, she set out to design a styled shoot to stand out from the rest. Each supplier brought their unique touch, adding that extra bit of magic to complete the vision; while Craig and Gemma were the perfect model couple, bringing the concept to life with their chemistry and charm.

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

Celebrate English Wine Week with the pioneer of English sparkling wine

English Wine Week returns for 2025 from 21st – 29th June and what better way to celebrate than with the pioneers of English sparkling wine, Nyetimber? From booking an Open Weekend at the Nyetimber estate for a Tour and Tasting, to reading the Nyetimber coffee table book at home with a glass of sparkling wine, there are many ways to celebrate with Nyetimber this English Wine Week. Nyetimber has won multiple awards and just last month, 1086 by Nyetimber 2010 was awarded top scoring Global sparkling and top scoring wine overall at London Wine Fair's 'Battle of the Bubbles.' Twenty-six wines from all over the world were tasted by sixteen expert judges, who gave each one a score out of 100.

The Cowdray Walled Garden is both stunning and easily adaptable

The Cowdray Walled Garden is a beautiful, country-garden wedding venue in Midhurst, West Sussex licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. This stunning venue is easily adaptable and is the perfect place to host anywhere from 10 nearest and dearest up to 100. The garden boasts a glorious formal border brimming with flowers and shrubs. The lawn in the centre meanwhile is ideal for ceremony seating as 100 guests look on to the pagoda as you say "I do."

Nestled in the heart of East Sussex's Ashdown Forest you'll find Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, is home to Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club. The house itself is a spectacular Grade II listed, neo- Gothic mansion complete with period rooms and 186 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Whether you're planning a grand affair or an intimate celebration, the venue has an ideal space for your day. The mezzanine level of the Richard Towneley Suite (the venue's soaring converted chapel) offers a breathtaking fairytale setting with its impressive 19th-century stained-glass windows designed by renowned Irish glass artist Harry Clarke. It's certainly an unforgettable spot for ceremonies, receptions and dining for 80 to 150 guests.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is a stand-out venue for weddings

Built in 1886 for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, the magnificent Durbar Hall at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is a stand-out venue for weddings and civil ceremonies. It once formed the centrepiece of an Indian palace and was used for receptions by the Prince of Wales, later crowned King Edward VII. This stunning space is comprised of two floors and a lantern roof. The stairway, with arched balcony from the upper floor, offers a dramatic entrance to the ground floor. Intricately carved in teak and deodar cedar by two master woodcarvers from the Punjab accompanied by glowing stained-glass windows, the Durbar Hall creates an intimate and enchanting atmosphere for your "I dos."

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Lewes Castle, a 1,000-year-old ruin, steeped in romance awaits

Lewes Castle is a beautiful, 1,000-year-old romantic ruin, which offers panoramic views across the Sussex countryside and offers several settings for both your ceremony and reception. The Keep Gardens, right at the top of the castle under the West Tower, offer a totally unique space for wedding ceremonies with 360-degree views across the county. Imagine saying "I do" from the top of an ancient castle surrounded by the ruin with its climbing roses. There's space here for 50 guests to be seated around you or for 80 standing.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

Tie the knot at the rustic, 17th-century Southlands Barn

Southlands Barn is a rustic 17th -century structure, part of the Southlands Farm Estate, which is situated in the heart of West Sussex in the quaint village of West Chiltington. Here, you'll find two barns allowing your entire day to flow smoothly. There's also a fabulous bar area, plus indoor and outdoor courtyard areas. Don't miss the snooker room with comfy couches and fireplace. With its rolling fields, picturesque lake and breathtaking views of the South Downs, Southlands Barn is a working cattle farm, which means there's plenty of wildlife roaming around including the farm's free-ranging peacocks and their two Highland cows who can be hand-fed for some fabulous photos on your wedding day!

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.