Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Spoilt for choice at Pangdean Old Barn

All weddings here are exclusive use and you can hold your ceremony at Pangdean in one of the venue's beautiful locations. Choose from the 300-year-old romantic barn with its high ceiling and twinkling lights, the more intimate stables or outside under the apple trees in the charming Mulberry Lodge. Whatever, the weather, the team will have it covered and none of the options here are considered second best, so you can relax in the knowledge that you've beaten the elements and still got to have your dream day. It's even possible to switch the ceremony venue on the morning of.

150 years of the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

This year marks a remarkable milestone for The Grand Hotel, as it celebrates 150 years since its construction. Since opening its doors in 1875, The Grand Hotel has been more than just a place to stay or to celebrate, it has been witness to history, a haven for world travellers and a symbol of Eastbourne's very best. To mark this milestone, the Hotel has an array of exciting events and promotions, allowing guests to experience its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and the rich history that has delighted visitors for generations. Celebrations will continue throughout the year, so sign up for the Hotel's e-newsletters and keep an eye on your inbox and its social media for more ways to celebrate.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Baliffscourt offers a romantic setting with an elegant ambience

Sumptuous, timeless and inspiring, Bailiffscourt offers a romantic setting with an elegant ambience. Narrow passageways with flagstone floors lead you through intimate lounges and sitting rooms, and Gothic mullioned windows frame picture-perfect views of the gardens and rose clad courtyard. Mere steps away from the Hotel is the luxurious and contemporary spa with facilities that include an indoor pool, outdoor heated infinity pool, hot tub, fitness suite, relaxation lounge and six treatment rooms. What's more, there are 39 bedrooms and suites, some with open fireplaces and four-poster beds scattered throughout the house. The gardens even boast an original and very pretty 13th-century Norman chapel, as well as a helipad for an indulgent arrival or departure.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

Don't miss Michelham Piory's spring wedding fair

Discover the charm of the stunning Michelham Priory and meet some of Sussex's top wedding suppliers at the venue's Spring Wedding Fair on 26th April 2025, 10am to 4pm. From caterers, florists and stylists to cake designers, stationers, musicians and more, you'll find everything you need to create your perfect wedding day. For a personalised experience, book a private tour with one of the venue's experts. Simply email weddings@sussexpast.co.uk to arrange. Tickets are £5 for adults and free for children, they include all day access to the wedding fair, historical house, and blossoming gardens. Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee and be among the first 100 attendees to receive a fabulous gift bag packed with goodies and information.

The Most popular Wedding Gifts and Their Impact Post-Wedding

You've received your invitation, you've picked out your outfit, now you just need to select your gift! A simple task that can bring reality crashing in "what on earth can I get them?" Here's Not on the Highstreets most popular wedding gifts, along with expert insights from their exclusive interview with multi-award-winning relationship coach Gemma Nice on how these gifts can strengthen relationships and keep the connection alive long after the wedding day.

Tie the knot at Sullington Great Barn

Sullington Great Barn is delightfully unconverted with a warm, friendly feel exuding charm and happiness. It sits at the heart of the buildings that make up this ancient farmstead. To the front is a sheltered rose garden and lawn, perfect for your drinks reception, which is surrounded by Byre Cottages, providing accommodation for your closest guests. Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park Sullington Manor Farm boasts a spectacular Downland setting offering plenty of opportunity for your photographer. The venue is ideal for bespoke weddings for 80 to150 guests.

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

It's time to get our purses out and to spoil mum. Rituals is a luxurious brand that offers gorgeous gifts for affordable prices, which is one of the many reasons why they are a great place to start for Mother's Day. Rituals recognises that maternal love manifests in various forms and can come from unexpected sources, such as a caring neighbour or a trusted babysitter. Rituals' goal is to honour and celebrate all forms of love.

Fortify your love at Newhaven Fort

Couples are set to begin marching down the aisle at one of Sussex's most iconic heritage attractions as Newhaven Fort unveils a new range of wedding packages for 2025. The historical 19th-century fort is currently undergoing a £7.5 million restoration and will soon be ready to host couples looking to tie the knot following its reopening in February 2025. From April to October, three exclusive wedding packages will be available. Whether you envision a glamorous 1930s or 1940s themed celebration or are seeking a venue boasting stunning coastal scenery, Newhaven Fort promises soon-to-be-weds a blend of local history and rich tradition.

Quality Over Quantity: The Surge of Micro Weddings

The modern couple are ditching large lavish weddings and choosing a more intimate affair. A micro wedding is a wedding that has less than 50 guests and focuses more on the meaningfulness of the day rather than the spectacle. Diamonds Factory Ireland with expert wedding planner Akilah Atiba-Davies from With Akilah & Co, unpacks the surge of this trend and why more couples are leaning towards smaller events.

Castle Goring - the most romantic castle in the land

Set within the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Worthing, Castle Goring was said by Lord Byron to be "the most romantic castle in the land." One of its claims to fame is as the first house ever to be built with dual facades: Greco Roman on the south and castellated Gothic on the north. The Castle has many magnificent rooms that can be used to stage your fairytale day, including the grand State Rooms and the stunning horseshoe staircase with its famous steps down to the Italian Terrace and South Lawns.

Stargazing at Bailiffscourt

The collection of Britain's finest independent hotels, PoB Hotels, invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of stargazing, the ultimate in honeymoon romance. With PoB Hotels' Under The Stars collection, you can explore the awe inspiring beauty of dark skies and stargazing, as well as experiencing the wellness benefits it offers. From exclusive packages to expert-guided tours and prime viewing locations, you can enjoy celestial wonders while indulging in the exceptional comfort and luxury that characterises these distinctive properties.

De Vere Horsley Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at De Vere Horsley Estate, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 16th March 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. A secret chapel, beautifully tiled cloisters, and a lakeside 19th-century mansion; De Vere Horsley Estate near Guildford creates an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding day.

How to avoid overspending on your wedding budget

It is a special time for you and your partner, planning the perfect event to celebrate your love with friends and family. However, it can often become stressful as people try to fit such a big event into their budgets. With the average wedding for 2025 coming to a total of £20,822, getting everything from drinks to décor can be a chore. Lake District Country Hotels, providers of wedding venues in the Lake District, pair with James Beckett, financial coach and founder of MoneyStocker.com, to help you budget your way to your big day.

Discover award-winning Sussex wedding venue Alfriston Gardens

Award-winning Sussex wedding venue, Alfriston Gardens, is set in the South Downs National Park offering stunning gardens, a beautiful collection of barns, shepherd huts and lodges. With a stylish mix of the historical and contemporary, the venue can seat up to 155 guests, creating a bespoke backdrop for your dream day. Begin with preparations in the Lavender Lodge, the venue's tranquil getaway honeymoon cottage, while your guests can choose from the venue's diverse accommodation offering. From the traditional Oak Lodge, the contemporary Vine Lodge to the rather bohemian shepherds' huts, all accommodation has been renovated to the highest standard, ensuring guests will be surrounded with stylish features and comfort.

Jo Malone London comes to Chichester

British fragrance house Jo Malone London has opened the doors of its new store in Chichester. "Located in the heart of West Sussex, this historical city offers an ideal setting for Jo Malone London, blending its rich cultural heritage with a modern and vibrant atmosphere," says Rachel Baker, the brand's vice president general manager. "The city's naturally beautiful and timeless sophistication perfectly captures the essence of British craftsmanship and luxury that our brand is known for. Chichester's unique character, with its blend of history and modern charms, aligns seamlessly with our brand values."

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

Spring into celebration - upcoming events at The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa

The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa offers unforgettable stays in a stunning waterside location. Located on the picturesque Sussex coastline near Bexhill, the hotel combines timeless elegance with exceptional hospitality. Along with beachfront relaxation at The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, is designed to deliver a warm welcome and memorable stays. This spring, the Hotel nvites you to celebrate in style with a host of events, including an indulgent Mother's Day dining experiences, Coffee Courses and lively Jazz Sundays. With Easter just around the corner, expect more opportunities to enjoy fabulous food, live music, and family-friendly fun.

Get creative in Streat, Sussex, with Artelium

If you're looking for a hen party in a slight departure from the boozy night out in Brighton, the team at Artelium is here to help with a week of creative workshops in March great for more wholesome stag and hen dos (or a more intimate pre-wedding day out for couples) who are looking to have a memorable experience and create something hand-made that can be cherished. On Friday the 28th March, there's a Personalised Scent Workshop led by perfumer Nancy Meiland, ideal for couples who are looking to make a special scent for their wedding day. Or, for larger parties such as hens or stags, there are a number of creative activities that can be enjoyed as a group. Check out the Silver Necklace Workshop; Spring Wreath Workshop or Basket Weaving Workshop.