Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

Alma Makes joins County Wedding Events for the first time

We're excited to announce that Alma Makes will be joining the upcoming County Wedding Events team for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show! Alma Makes specialises in bespoke flower preservation and personalised memorial keepsakes in Surrey; transforming cherished memories into timeless pieces of art, preserving the beauty of wedding bouquets, memorial flowers, and pet tributes in resin. "We're also pleased to invite you to visit us at the upcoming County Wedding Events' show," shares Alma. "We'll be showcasing our latest creations and offering special promotions exclusively for event attendees.

Wedding flower inspiration from floral designer Dawn Jennings

Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to meet floral designer Dawn Jennings who will be exhibiting at the event. "Myself and the team are all qualified and professional florists and pride ourselves in being outstanding creatives and visual storytellers - always making dazzling fresh floral designs that are individually unique as every one of our couples!

Meet Maki's Cakes at Mercedes-Benz World for the first time

Maki's Cakes is excited to be showcasing its work for the first time at the upcoming, County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz Wedding on Sunday 13th October! Meet the designer, Makiko Searle and explore its bespoke wedding cakes, custom designs and delicious treats, all crafted with precision and creativity. "We look forward to seeing you at the show!" says award-winning cake designer Makiko.

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

What's on at Cowdray this autumn

Cowdray saw a flourish of activity during August, particularly due to the popularity of its Maize Maze, which attracted visitors from far and wide. There's a whole host of further acitivities planned for the autumn, so join us as we take a look. Join the Family Foraging Adventure at Cowdray Estate, an enchanting journey specially crafted for junior explorers and inquisitive minds of all ages! During this late summer stroll, Estate forager George will teach you all about the identification and uses of a diverse array of wild vegetables and herbs scattered throughout the surroundings. Guests will also get to discuss and look at the incredible variety of edible mushrooms that can be found at this time.

First weekend of Coastal Currents creates suspense dance and art all over town!

What an opening weekend filled with so much young talent, five murals covering the town, plus events and open studios. Hastings' Coastal Currents Arts Festival, now in its 25th year, focused on young people with a force. Its opening weekend covered the whole town with colour and art, from the acid yellow posters bringing the sunshine around town, to the opening party at the White Rock Theatre and the perambulatory exhibition on bus stops and shop windows. Alongside this, five new murals appeared across town from a conscious effort to put some love into the Old Bathing Pool site, leave a legacy on the White Rock Theatre, and refresh and rejuvenate the basement outdoor corridor left unused for years.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Check out the stylish new packages from Crystal Amor Events

Silk flower specialist and venue styling company Crystal Amor Events has recently launched a selection of new packages for those planning their big day on a tight budget. The Whispering White Silver Package priced at £1,550, includes 20 chair sashes in white or ivory, 20 chair flowers (roses with hanging eucalyptus), a ceremony garland featuring white florals, eight lowbased centrepieces with white faux flowers in a choice of white or green floral holders, a 12ft top table garland, an arch with white draping, a post box, white acrylic welcome sign with black or gold writing, an easel to stand it on and flowers to decorate it with, eight table numbers, and a carpet runner.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Brighton i360 launches three new wedding packages

The Brighton i360 has launched three new wedding packages to suit any budget. All of this unforgettable venue's function spaces are blank canvases, waiting to be transformed according to your vision, and offer a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. What's more, the on-site catering team can assist with all your food and drink needs; from lavish buffets and barbecues, to banquets using the freshest local ingredients. The Twilight Wedding Package includes a range of delicious canapés, bubbles, tea and coffee station, staffed event bar, evening reception venue hire, dancefloor, table linen, Chiavari chairs, and a dedicated events manager. For 2024, adults are priced at £75 per head, children are £20 per head and there's a minimum spend of £2,250.

North East Adult Pantomime returns to Brighton!

Get ready for the most outrageous, side-splitting, and fabulous hen night out with the return to Brighton of the North East Adult Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens! The show stars a stellar cast headlined by Celebrity Big Brother 2024 winner David Potts, alongside RuPaul's Drag Race UK favourites Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas. Locked inside her magic chamber, the Evil Queen keeps a watchful eye over her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, who has just turned eighteen. When the Queen's faithful, mucky-mouthed Mirror informs her she is no longer the fairest of them all, she concocts a malevolent plan to take Snow White deep into Doggers Wood, ensuring she is never seen again.

Out of the box thinking from Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club

Romantic, peaceful and stylish, Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club offers stunning grounds and multi-faceted function rooms, alongside a variety of wedding packages to suit you. Whether you're hosting an intimate reception or a grand affair the venue can create the day of your dreams. The latest addition is a fabulous new glass roof area in the courtyard allowing couples to enjoy their drinks reception al fresco even if the heavens decide to open. A feature is the new converted horsebox bar serving both pre- and postceremony drinks. "We're thinking of naming it Oscar's Bar after our cat who seems to make it into most wedding photos," says venue owner Louisa Porter. Indeed, regular readers of Your Sussex Wedding will be familiar with Oscar's celebrity status!

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Southend Barns announces the launch of new accommodation offering

The team at Southend Barns is excited to announce the launch of a new accommodation offering with six luxury bell tents. Nestled in a picturesque meadow, the bell tents are furnished with everything needed for an unforgettable and comfortable stay. Available from May to September, they're exclusively for those getting married at the award-winning venue, based in Chichester, West Sussex. Each tent accommodates up to two adults and comes equipped with lighting and charging points as well as double beds with Egyptian cotton bedding. They also have exclusive access to bathroom facilities including showers and WC, with a range of decadent Cowshed toiletries and soft towels available.