Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Michelin-star perfection at The Pass

Editor Kelly Andrews recently got the exciting chance to visit Michelin-star restaurant, The Pass, located at South Lodge in Horsham. Read on as Kelly explains why it's a must-visit if you're celebrating your engagement or for the ultimate date-night treat. It's been a long-held dream of mine to dine at a Michelin-star establishment, so when I was invited to The Pass with chef Ben Wilkinson at the helm, I leapt at the chance. I'd heard that Ben's seasonal menu was full of delectable flavours, earning the restaurant not only that coveted Michelin star but also four AA Rosettes – my mouth was already watering at the prospect of the seven course tasting menu!

Changing of the guard at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, is delighted to welcome James Perry as its new general manager. With more than 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry, James brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. In 2000, he took on his first hotel management role as deputy general manager of Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, and spent the following eight years working in hotels across the Midlands. James relocated to Kent in 2008 to take on his first general manager position at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, before eventually joining Alexander Hotels in 2012, where he's spent the past 12 years working as general manager at Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa.

TERRA at Tottington Manor Hotel wins OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards

OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards recognise and reward outstanding restaurants based on feedback from local diners. This year, TERRA Restaurant at Tottington Manor Hotel, led by head chef Chris Hilton, won this coveted award. In order for restaurants to qualify to win a Diners' Choice Award, they must achieve an overall rating of four-, or more, star reviews from diners who have visited their establishment in the past 120 days. Helen Pomery, co-owner of Tottington Manor Hotel says, "We want to thank each and every one of our diners who have visited TERRA Restaurant and taken the time to leave us a review and positive rating.

New ground for photographer Tony Graham at Selden Barns

Local photographer Tony Graham has added Selden Barns to his roster of photographed venues, and was mightily impressed by all it had to offer. "In terms of photos, because everything is on site, you can do bride and groom prep, ceremony, groups and couple shots all in one place," he explains. "The lovely bride room had plenty of light and there are other rooms free from distractions if needed." The couple's ceremony was al fresco, so Tony was able to shoot at a low ISO for the best file quality. "Usually churches and registry offices are so dark you have to up the ISO, which affects file quality," he explains.

Gotta pick a poppy or two!

Stunning new hair accessory designs by Gabriella Casemore are here. Handmade using sustainable recycled silver and cleverly transforming into forever jewellery, these make the most unusual bridesmaids gifts. They're beautifully presented in bespoke gift boxes, with your own personalised messages for the special people supporting you on your big day. These hair accessories transform into your choice of pendant, earrings, or both. Find out more at www.gabriellacasemore.com

A very Brighton Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching and what better way to get into the festive spirit than to explore what Brighton has to offer this Christmas time. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, here are the top five must-see attractions this festive season. Brighton i360 Christmas Festivities. This Christmas, festive cheer is being taken to new heights – quite literally! Visitors can enjoy a Santa in the Sky experience at Brighton i360, where families can make magical memories and meet Santa on the pod, 450 feet in the air. The experience promises fun for the entire family, with children (up to 15 years old) able to meet Santa and take home a special gift.

LIMEKILN x Trullo supperclub, Sussex

This year's hottest venue, LIMEKILN in Sussex, is launching a new guest chef series for autumn – kicking off with an Italian feast from Trullo, a renowned London institution. Recently spotlighted as one of Conde Nast Traveller's best Italian restaurants in London, Chef-owner Conor Gadd will take over the kitchen to create a delicious long-table supper, inspired by the lodge's surrounding land and ancient woodland for which it was named after. Begin the evening with drinks beside the showstopping floor-to-ceiling fireplace at the Kiln Bar, before dining on delicious family-style sharing plates using local produce from the best Sussex growers, alongside delectable wine pairings.

Sussex-based Eco Skincare launches new online platform

Founded in 2018, Eco Skincare Ltd is a leading eco-friendly skincare brand based in Framfield, East Sussex, offering a wide range of sustainable products designed to protect both skin and the environment. Now the brand is excited to announce the launch of its new online platform, www.ecoskincare.co.uk, a one-stop shop for individuals seeking skincare products that align with their environmental and ethical values. Designed for eco-conscious consumers who prioritise sustainability, the site features a carefully curated selection of skincare brands that promote healthy skin and a healthier planet.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Book your dream safari honeymoon at Bluewater this Sunday!

UBON Safari specializes in crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences and luxury beach holidays across the breathtaking landscapes of Southern and Eastern Africa. Its tailor-made journeys take you to some of the continent's most romantic and awe-inspiring destinations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start your honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding blessing in the Serengeti, where the Maasai tribe will honour your union amidst the stunning backdrop of Africa's endless plains. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll create memories that will last foreve

Source your big-day photography with County Wedding Events

Isobel of Isobel W-N Photography is on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse to talk about your big-day photography needs! "Hello, I'm Isobel! My style of wedding photography is documentary and candid. What really matters to me are the small moments. The gaze into each other's eyes during the first dance, the escaped tears during the best man's speech, and the candid moments of laughter. "Each wedding is a unique collection of instances that contribute to the beautiful story of your day. These moments, no matter how fleeting, are what make your day truly yours, and it's an honour for me to preserve them for generations to come.

"Of course I also know how important a group photos is so I will also be there when the time is right to gather your guests and get some fun group photos alongside my relaxed documentary approach."

Venue styling sorted with Surrey's Chair Cover Dreams

Surrey-based Chair Cover Dreams is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October 2024. Owner, Maxine has worked in the industry for 12 years specialising in weddings and events in the UK, from the Ivy in London to marquees that seat 600, celebrity weddings to smaller intimate affairs. Providing chair covers, table décor, venue styling, theming, centrepieces, focal points, draping, mood-lighting, interior design and event management; the company can provide fairytale weddings to masquerade balls.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Don't miss this wedding offer from De Vere Horsley Estate

Horsley Towers offers a variety of beautiful spaces to make weddings of any size truly special. The team will be on hand to discuss all-things wedding at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Fairytale-inspired weddings take place at this country bolthole, with the grounds home to a secret chapel, beautifully tiled cloisters and the lakeside 19th-century mansion. The estate has unveiled the first phase of a £1.2million refurbishment to 51 of its bedrooms located in Horsley Place, a distinctive contemporary hotel which sits alongside the historic mansion house, Horsley Towers within more than 75 acres of grounds. Ten new academy double rooms and five new academy superior double rooms have been refurbished, along with the creation of five new Horsley Place suites.

Considering a magic mirror? Pop along to our Signature Wedding Shows

Windsor's The Best Magic Mirrors will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show. If you are considering a magic mirror for your wedding day, then popping along to the wedding fair gives you the perfect opportunity to see see one for yourself and speak with owner Lauren, who's on hand to answer all of your questions. She says, "When it comes to evening entertainment at your wedding, you want something that's going to capture the memories of your special day that you can re live over and over again. That's why our Magic Mirror is the perfect choice. We take photobooth fun to a whole new level, providing a unique experience with our state of the art Magic Mirror using colourful animations and touch screen technology to give you a magical, interactive 'selfie' experience.

Wedding and mini-moon destination The Relais Cooden Beach

For those who love being by the water, The Relais Cooden Beach is the perfect wedding venue. Located on a picturesque part of the South Coast between Eastbourne and Hastings, this property offers a stunning beachfront backdrop, with panoramic views of both Beachy Head and the English Channel. The hotel offers a unique setting on the British coast and one that is open year-round, combining both elegance and a destination wedding vibe. The experienced team at The Relais Cooden Beach will ensure every detail is perfect and they work closely with couples to create bespoke wedding packages from traditional through to more relaxed celebrations, with each one tailored to suit individual needs, requirements, and vision. Licensed for civil weddings and with a variety of ceremony rooms, one standout option is the Balinese pagoda located in the gardens with stunning sea views.

Make your wedding day truly bespoke with Personalise 365

Looking for something unique and different for your wedding table decor? Surrey-based Personalise365, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World and may have just the thing you're looking for. Making a variety of personalised engraved guest place names that double up as wedding favours, the company can also create guest books that can be engraved with any wording of your choice.