Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Spring Bank Holiday weekend is set to host second highest number of weddings for 2024

The team at hampers.com, who strive to bring joy and wholehearted togetherness through gifting, recently undertook a study to determine the most popular dates for weddings in 2024, surveying almost 2,300 UK adults who were set to get married this year. When asked what date they were getting married on, the most popular dates were found to be were these here...

Tottington Manor upgrades its fabulous Champagne Tent

Tottington Manor in West Sussex has had its fabulous Champagne Tent upgraded to become the perfect area for pre- and postwedding drinks receptions. With an uninterrupted view of the South Downs, the addition of comfortable rattan furniture, plus feature bar and decking makes it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy your big day. Having been awarded bronze in the Wedding Venue of the Year category by Visit England Tourism South East, the Tottington team are committed to continual investment and make guest comfort and service their top priority.

Need a helping hand with your groom's speech? Check out these top 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 isn't naturally romantic. How can I help him with his speech without actually writing it for him? Well, no one will be expecting him to be reciting sonnets and he doesn't need to have a personality transplant, but it would be nice if he managed to deliver at least a few suitably sweet lines in his speech! Send him a few good blog posts (including this one) and encourage him to get the advice & feedback from his friends (ideally, married ones who have been through the speechwriting process before).

Indulge in Vera Wang x Chopin vodka this wedding season

With the 2024 wedding season fast approaching, brides and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to impart luxury to their special day. From elevating their drink offering with expertly crafted cocktails to creating a sophisticated monochrome look, the Vera Wang x Chopin vodka has all the assets to make one's celebration stylish and memorable. Vera Wang x Chopin vodka comes from a unique partnership blending the refined style of iconic fashion designer Vera Wang with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chopin.

The UK’s top stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings

A recent study has revealed the UK's highest-rated stately homes for Bridgerton-themed weddings, with Pembroke Lodge, Surrey named the best. The research, conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards, analysed user-generated review data from a popular wedding planning site to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated stately homes by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Pembroke Lodge is the nation's most highly rated stately home. Located in Surrey, the grand wedding venue has over 1,100 five-star ratings and an overall perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Find out more about Marisska Couture Bespoke and Couture Tailoring

As a personal stylist, my passion for design runs deep. Growing up surrounded by beautiful dresses made by my grandmother and my father's exquisite cabinet design, creativity has always been the driving force behind my work. For me, fabric isn't just material; it's a canvas brimming with potential. I draw endless inspiration from the rich palette of colors and textures they offer. At Marisska Couture Bespoke and Couture Tailoring, we don't just make garments; we're crafting unforgettable experiences. From our initial consultation to the final fitting, each step of our process is tailored to you, ensuring that your unique vision comes to life with meticulous attention to detail.

Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee awarded Michelin Green Star

Restaurant Interlude at historical Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has been awarded a Michelin Green Star, the first restaurant in West Sussex to receive this accolade. It recognises Interlude's outstanding sustainable practices and ethically-sourced seasonal cuisine crafted by executive chef Jean Delport. The Michelin Star award organisers commented, "It's quite an achievement to hold both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, but that's exactly what the team at Interlude have managed thanks to their continued efforts towards sustainable gastronomy.

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%).

County Wedding Events comes to Selden Barns, Worthing, Sussex

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Selden Barns, Worthing, Sussex for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 28th April, 2023! 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.