Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

New research reveals biggest wedding trends of 2024, and some will surprise you

The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun! That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024. They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).

Buxted Park celebrates success at 2024 Wedding Industry Awards

Hand Picked Hotels is proud to announce that Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield has achieved resounding success at the 2024 Wedding Industry Awards. Established in 2011, these accolades are the only in the UK wedding industry to be voted for by regional and national clients, as well as being expert judged. This year Buxted Park Hotel attained the highly-commended award in the national category for best venue after scooping the title of best regional hotel wedding venue in the South East last November. Buxted Park Hotel is the ultimate wedding venue, offering guests a beautiful 18th-century Palladian mansion house with a magnificent Victorian orangery and romantic period room.

Meet the De Vere Horsley Estate wedding team

De Vere Horsley Estate, located in East Horsley, Surrey, is a picture-perfect setting for nuptials. Celebrate your wedding day with family and friends in total privacy as you are the Royal Household of your very own 'castle' for the day. Exclusive hire of the Towers gives you this 19th-century ancestral home to the Lovelace family, with your very own lake, croquet lawn, cloisters and ornamental chapel... perfect for the photo album! Your guests can relax at the end of your special day in one of the venue's fabulous Towers Mansion House bedrooms. The best room in the house is already reserved for you, with another four Junior Suites, three Family Rooms and 20 Deluxe Double rooms available to be reserved by your guests.

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

Treat your wedding party with The Royal Pavilion's latest gift collection

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton has announced the launch of its exquisite bespoke gift and homeware ranges, inviting visitors to take home a piece of Brighton's illustrious history and elegance. Renowned for its Chinoiserie interiors, The Royal Pavilion has worked with sustainable manufacturers to create a collection of unique items inspired by the grandeur of its regal past and the vibrant spirit of Brighton. From luxurious textiles to ornate ornaments, each piece encapsulates the essence of this iconic landmark.

Renowned bridal hairstylist at County Wedding Events' Mercedes-Benz World Signature Show

Amanda Flory Bridal was established with a vision to deliver a premium hair service to the contemporary bride. The team will be at County Wedding Event's Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April to talk through your dream bridal look. "Our focus lies in making your special day flow. Ensuring your relaxation, and above all, enhancing your natural beauty to make you feel confident, radiant, in fact the best version of yourself possible on your big day," shares Amanda. Amanda brings more than 20 years' expertise in hairdressing, having worked alongside some of the finest artists from all over the world. A bridal specialist who enjoys creating soft boho waves, hair up, as well being an expert with curly hair.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

County Wedding Events launches new Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, Kent

Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, County Wedding Events has some exciting news – it's now in partnership with Bluewater Shopping Centre! This iconic Kent destination is going to be the backdrop to one of County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows. The go-to event for couples tying the knot in Kent, visitors can expect to meet a whole host of big-day suppliers, from photography to entertainment, cake makers to florists, you can plan your whole wedding under one roof! Set to take place on 6th October 2024, 11am - 3pm, you can re-register now.

Chat to videography specialist Wedding Film Guy at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Wayne O'Connor, from Wedding Film Guy, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April, and is on hand to answer all of your wedding videography questions. "Hey! I'm Wayne, a UK-based professional wedding videographer. I specialise in crafting cinematic wedding films that capture every moment of your special day. With numerous five-star reviews, I've also won an award this year and was a finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards - I'm dedicated to creating your dream wedding video.

Feel like a princess at Castle Goring

Lady Colin Campbell, owner of Castle Goring in West Sussex, believes that every bride should feel like a princess on their wedding day and is offering those tying the knot at venue the unique opportunity to wear its bridal tiara on the big day. The Castle Goring Bridal Tiara consists of 16 carats of diamonds and is set in gold and silver. The Grade I listed Castle, said to be the most romantic in the land by the great poet Lord Byron has two fronts, thought to be unique. The Gothic north front resembles close-by Arundel Castle, while the Greco Roman-style south front is believed to be based on the Villa Lante near Rome.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Wedding décor suppliers By Emerald Events, excited to be showcasing at Mercedes-Benz World

Husband and wife team behind By Emerald Events, Tom and Steph, will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April to talk about all-things venue styling. The company's new Surrey-based showroom is the perfect place for you to pop along and turn your vision into a reality. "We understand how important every aspect of your special day is. We cover all your wedding essentials, from chair cover, sashes, centrepieces to backdrops, LED letters, sweet carts and much more. As a new wedding and events company, we are offering large discounts to help build our portfolio. Come and take advantage of everything we have to offer and let's create unforgettable memories together."

Personalised wedding gifts from Mrs D

Whether you are newly engaged, arranging a hen party or getting ready to walk down the aisle, Mrs D has a statement piece for you - whatever the occasion! From sweatshirts and t-shirts for the bridal party, to beach bags and shorts for the newlyweds to take on honeymoon, each item can be personalised to suit your style and personality! Owner and designer Cheryl says, "When I was planning my own wedding, I really struggled to find unique, good quality, non-mass-produced statement pieces for myself and my lovelies, so I started creating my own. I now spend my days making beautiful, personalised items to order be it with pearls or crystals in clear, champagne or rainbow hues. Each bespoke item is made by hand, from design and production to packing and posting, it's all done with care, attention to detail and most of all love."

Looking for floral wedding inspiration? Pop along to Mercedes-Benz World's Signature Wedding Show

Tracy and Leah from Fleurs Amanda are looking forward to meeting you at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday the 28th April. "We both enjoy wedding floristry and have had many years' experience. We would love to plan your bouquets and arrangements to make your day complete and memorable." shares the duo. Pre-register your attendance on the County Wedding Events' website.

Find handmade venue styling extras from Oak and Ward at one of our Signature Wedding Shows

Oak and Ward, supplier of exquisite handmade furniture are exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April, where you can see its designs and creations first-hand. "Our beautifully solid oak or pine rustic trestle tables will help you create the perfect look for your wedding reception. We hand make all the furniture in our Oxfordshire workshop using materials from sustainable sources, where possible." share Nick. "They don't require a cloth and are, as far as we are aware, unique in the industry, offering attractive and sturdy folding metal legs to complete the look and engineered to be totally wobble free.

Meet Toastmaster & MC Joe at Mercedes-Benz World's wedding fair

Joe Gallagher is an experienced and professionally trained Master of Ceremonies and his expertise lies in seamlessly integrating all of the key elements of your wedding day. He will of course respect the formalities but works with you, your guests and the venue team to create a relaxed, organized and fun atmosphere. The role of an MC & Toastmaster involves so much more than just making announcements on the day and Joe will help remove the stress on the day ensuring you can relax more and really enjoy your special day. Joe really focuses on making the announcements at key times very special and engaging creating a great experience for all. Here is a testimonial to support the difference Joe can make at your wedding.

Elite Hotels announces Hearing Dogs for Deaf People as its charity partner for 2024

Renowned for their transformative work in training assistance dogs to provide vital support to those with hearing impairments, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People perfectly aligns with Elite Hotels' values of inclusivity and social responsibility. Through fundraising events and innovative promotions, the team aims to support this noble cause. Join them in creating lasting change, blending hospitality with heartfelt social responsibility. Together, Elite Hotels and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People embark on a journey of compassion and inclusivity, symbolising their shared vision. The collaboration will include a series of fundraising events, where employees and guests alike can actively participate in initiatives designed to generate funds for this noble cause.

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Find your videographer at Mercedes-Benz Worlds' Signature Wedding Show

What better way is there to capture the most incredible day of your life than a video you can keep forever? Frost Point Productions create elegant, captivating, cinematic videos that capture the beauty and romance of your wedding. The team will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April. "An experienced videographer and editor works closely with you throughout the process to create a uniquely beautiful video to capture the individual personalities of you and your loved ones on your special day," shares owner Sam. "Using the latest equipment, various techniques and top level editing software, we create picturesque videos of a high standard that you can treasure forever. Explore our portfolio and discover how we can make your wedding day unforgettable."