Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Wedding traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations

Researchers surveyed Gen Z couples and found many traditional wedding and proposal traditions which are falling out of favour with younger generations. But it's good news for the father-of-the-bride, as 54 percent said expecting parents to cough up for the big day was no longer necessary. Other things which are likely to fall out of favour are asking the bride's father for permission to propose (43 percent), sleeping apart the night before the wedding (38 percent) and the bride taking their partner's name (35 percent).

Of the 2,000 18- to 27-year-olds, surveyed by Churchill, as many as 86 percent believe the traditional stereotype of men proposing to women is old hat – and women should be able to pop the question too.

A third (29 percent) think that being given away is no longer necessary, while 27 percent say that tossing the bouquet is out of style. Being carried over the threshold (26 percent), promising to obey in the vows (25 percent) and wearing a veil (19 percent) are also falling out of favour.

A third of Brits decline wedding invites due to cost Klarna finds

The wedding season is just around the corner! What is normally a cause for joy can often become a financial strain for guests. Travel, outfits, gifts – the costs can quickly soar to unexpected heights. This is also confirmed by a recent survey by Klarna*, the flexible choice for smart, secure payments: One third (36.4%) of those surveyed said they had declined wedding invitations in the past due to associated costs. Moreover, 30.2% of respondents said they have not attended a Stag or Hen party due to the expenses involved.

Let your love grow with The Paint Club Studio in Lewes!

The team at The Paint Club Studio in Lewes are pleased to announce their new plant pot sculpting workshops, which are perfect for hen parties and private events. Where do we sign up? In this two-hour session you're shown how to create your very own plant pot using air dry clay. Get creative with your own design or use some of the Studio's designs as inspiration. Each person gets a plant to take away with them, plus some sealant to finish its pot once it's dry. Sculpting with clay is known to have therapeutic qualities, making this event relaxing as well as fun. The Paint Club Studio is also running prosecco bottle painting workshops from April 2024.

9 in 10 newlyweds say budgeting is the biggest wedding stress

New research of newlyweds has revealed that 9 in 10 newlyweds find budgeting to be the biggest wedding stress. Queensmith's research surveyed 1,000 recently married couples throughout the UK, exploring the most and least enjoyable aspects, as well as the most stressful moments, leading up to their weddings and during the day itself. Weddings take a lot of time to plan in order to make them fabulous, but they also cost a pretty hefty sum of money too. Looking at the most stressful aspects of wedding, a whopping 93% of respondents said budgeting was the most stressful part of planning a wedding.

South Lodge, West Sussex, launches a series of one-day wellness retreats

Country house spa hotel South Lodge in West Sussex, heralds another revolution of the year with a series of one-day wellness retreats that embrace the evolving energy of the seasons. Here, you're invited to switch off from the everyday and engage your senses, as you recharge and reconnect in the Sussex countryside with forest-bathing expert Helena Skoog. The one-day Nature Immersion Spa Experiences harness the power of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese awareness meditation of forest bathing, thought to be an antidote to anxiety, depression, fear and tension. It sounds to us like the perfect remedy to wedding-planning stress! Led by Helena, who has lived off-grid for five years among ancient forestrylanguages of renewal, growth and change.

Hen party dos and don'ts according to brides

Planning a hen party can be a stressful task, and with more and more brides opting for weekends over one last night of single life, there's even more pressure to get it right. To help you create the perfect celebration, Amy Greenshields, party planning expert at cardfactory spoke to 10 recent brides and bride-to-bes, unveiling their hen party dos and don'ts. Using this insight, Amy shares her top tips for 'kissing the miss goodbye' in style.

Must-see refurbishment at Pennyhill Park

Surrey-based Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April and Mercedes-Benz World on 28th April; the team will be on hand to discuss your big day, as well highlight the venue's stunning new refurbishment. Newly refurbished and opened in Summer 2023, the venue's Wedding Terrace is a beautiful space offering both indoor and outdoor opportunities for couples. The whole of the terrace wing will be dedicated to you and your wedding, including the newly renovated and refurbished Parkview Suite and Water Lily Suite. Taking your pick of The Library for indoor ceremonies or the Pavilion for outdoor ceremonies, your wedding will flow seamlessly inside and out with the beautiful backdrop of the ivy-clad main house. You'll also have the rooms located in the terrace wing for your wedding party, so there isn't far to go at the end of the celebrations.

Say 'I Do' to your dream smile: Transform your wedding smile within three hours!

Specialising in dental aesthetics, Smiles and Smiles will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 7th April, and Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 28th April, where the team will be on hand to answer all of your questions. Are you envisioning your perfect wedding day, ready to dazzle everyone with the most radiant, picture-perfect smile? At Smiles and Smiles, with its state-of-the-art AI and 3D design technology, expert dentistry, and exceptional customer service, they will collaborate with you to craft your uniquely perfect smile. "We ensure that the results will leave you with newfound joy and a confidence boost for your special day," shares the team. "We're also thrilled to offer you a chance to win a smile transformation worth up to £3,000 when you visit us at our stand!* Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your dream smile into reality!"

A spiritual wedding journey with Connected Collective

Bring the esoteric to your love journey by incorporating tarot in to your wedding day with exhibitor, Claire Laveaux of Connected Collective; showcasing her Psychic, Spiritual and Tarot work at Ascot Racecourse and Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Shows, hosted by County Wedding Events. Intertwine Tarot with your Love story. Gain clarity and calmness during planning your big day. Connect deeply with each other through learning how to read Tarot for each other. A Couple's Journey is tailored to celebrate this magical moment, offering profoundly meaningful connections to the energies that surround you and your partner. Let Tarot reveal the beauty and wisdom that await in your union.

Get the reception started with Nightlights DJ & Event Services

As a DJ and event services provider, Nightlights understand that events and celebrations are not just ordinary occasions. They are moments that deserve to be remembered and cherished for a lifetime. That is why they incorporate high-quality music, lighting, and entertainment to create a memorable atmosphere for their clients. With years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction, Nightlights DJ & Event Services is committed to taking your event to the next level. Whether it is a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or any occasion that needs a touch of excellence, trust Nightlights DJ & Event Services to provide a one-of-a-kind experience."

Expert advice on how to plan a wedding in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on how to plan a wedding in 2024. "Figure out your goals! Every wedding starts very differently and couples want different things. Sit together and decide what is the most important part of your wedding day - are you looking for a big party? Therefore drink and music may be key. Alternatively, if the look of everything is the most important thing, then this is where your money will be spent. Ensure you then allocate the budget and start with these suppliers."

New destination bridal boutique at R L Austen in collaboration with Brown & Newirth.

R.L. Austen is a traditional, family-run independent jewellers, one of the oldest independent businesses in Chichester having been part of the High Street's landscape since 1794. Its long-standing reputation and exceptional service has built a loyal client base, often spanning multiple generations. To inspire future clients the store has recently created a destination bridal boutique in brand collaboration with Brown & Newirth. Located on the first floor is the stunning R.L. Austen bridal lounge. Furnished in blush and champagne, this dedicated space will effortlessly make you feel relaxed and comfortable. It's designed to offer you the space and privacy to browse the selection of engagement and wedding rings in real luxury.

Luxury gifts for all occasions with WOLF

The ultimate gift awaits with WOLF, a family-owned British brand, luxury jewellery boxes, travel jewellery cases, bags, watch winders and cases and a plethora of other accessories. Whether it's a pre-wedding treat for yourself, a thank you gift for your bridal party, or something you want added to your big-day giftlist, WOLF's beautifully designed jewellery boxes and cases are exquisite in design and intricate in detail and make the perfect travel accompaniment for your hen do or honeymooon. The Caroline Large Jewellery Box could be a wonderful maid of honour gift for the wedding season or a timeless classic gift for a mother, while the travel jewellery case Caroline Jewellery Portfolio, available in ivory, black or red, is perfect for securing precious items on your honeymoon.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens and the Surrey Sculpture Society launch new collaboration for 2024

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens and the Surrey Sculpture Society have launched a new collaboration for 2024, showcasing local artists from Sussex and Surrey. The Society, which has previously exhibited during the summer months at the West Sussex estate, has designed and curated a new Art Walk featuring over 100 sculptures. The exhibition will run year-round in the Grade I Listed gardens, with admission included in the entrance price to Leonardslee. The design of the Art Walk and the artful location of each sculpture take advantage of the setting with its diverse range of trees and shrubs, often rare and threatened in the wild. The trail winds down to the estate's seven lakes and conveniently ends with a return shuttle service.

Close-up magic with Tommy Knight at two of County Wedding Events' Signature shows

Want to hear the 'oohs' and 'aahs' from excited guests on your wedding day? Why not hire a magician? Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday the 7th April, and Mercedes-Benz World on 28th April, and meet magician Tommy Knight. "I'm a professional close-up and stage magician, recently becoming Surrey's 'Stage Magician of the year', and I'm really excited to meet you all at the show! I'm offering a 15% discount to anyone who books me after visiting my stand - so come and say hi!"

Investment deal set to shake up the stag and hen industry

Brighton-based tour operator The Stag Company has announced an exciting investment deal whereby Danish travel company Awesome Adventures Group has secured a significant shareholding in the company. The partnership will facilitate growth for both businesses within the stag and hen market, acting as a springboard for more competitive pricing and product portfolio expansion. The deal positions Awesome Adventures as the go-to ground agent for The Stag Company customers, which means they will be welcomed into resort via an infrastructure of teams in location, thereby elevating the customer experience.

Find your dream bespoke stationery suite with County Wedding Events

Finding those finishing touches for your wedding day is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, and you can find everything from your save the dates, to your place settings with Surrey's Simply Laura Calligraphy - exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse and Mercedes-Benz World this April! "If you're recently engaged and planning a wedding, firstly congratulations!" shares Laura. "When it comes to stationery designs, the possibilities are endless, from save the dates to place cards and on-the-day signage, Simply Laura Calligraphy helps bring your special day to life through print.

The host with the most - come and meet Toastmaster John

With many years experience in organising and coordinating weddings, golfing, sports and charitable events,Toastmaster John is on hand exhibiting at the Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, and Mercedes-Benz World hosted by County Wedding Events. "Hi I'm John Heasman. Toastmaster John. Do you need that stress buster for your big day? Come and have a chat, it will be your best investment. From welcoming your guests to announcing your first dance. My service is remembered long after my price is forgotten."

Mother's Day ideas for the mother-of-the-bride

With Mother's Day just around the corner on Sunday 10th March, it's time to celebrate the unsung hero of weddings, the mother of the bride! It's time to shower her with the love and attention she deserves. From spa days to chocolates, meals out to heartfelt notes, there are countless ways to make her day special. Leading hen party company, Fizzbox dives into treating the mother of the bride this Mother's Day. Get ready for heartwarming ideas, laughter and maybe even a happy tear or two!

New data reveals the UK hotspots for wedding bliss

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationary 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.