Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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.

A new name for a Great venue

Sullington Tithe Barn has new name: Sullington Great Barn. The timbers of the Barn were recently dated to the 14th century when it would have been known as the Great Barn. Appropriate, as the barn is one of the largest in Sussex and is widely acknowledged to look great too! Its beautiful honey-coloured timbers radiate history and warmth, so the structure's new name is truly reflective of its character and past. What's more, a new wedding package is available here. Celebrating its 10th anniversary as a wedding venue the team decided to extend the offering for its couples.

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.

County Wedding Events coming to Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events' wedding show at Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 22nd September! 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. When you arrive at Audleys Wood Hotel, you'll be captivated by the ornate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows of this Victorian mansion. This historic venue is set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by seven acres of picturesque private grounds.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Get the pick of the bunch at Tinwood Estate's 2024 Harvest Experience

Tinwood Estate and Vineyard, producing award-winning Sussex sparkling wine at the foot of the South Downs, has announced the dates for its 2024 Harvest Experience. Enjoy an immersive day of food, wine, and hard work hand-picking Tinwood Estate grapes in the vineyard for the 2024 vintage. Tinwood Estate is located in Halnaker, just north of Chichester in West Sussex. Founded in 2007, the estate has been growing three of the traditional Champagne variety grapes to produce three Sussex sparkling wines. The Harvest Experience will take place on Friday 11th, Sunday 13th, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of October.

County Wedding Events coming to Lympne Castle, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Lympne Castle, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 15th September 2024! 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.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

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! 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. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

County Wedding Events coming to Cave Hotel, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Cave Hotel, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 8th September 2024! 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. A day to remember - a stylish sanctum that seamlessly blends a high-end contemporary look with a laid-back and welcoming approach, The Cave is not just a venue, getting married here is a truly holistic experience where you and your guests take center stage. You would be able to relax, eat, celebrate and sleep better than you ever have before; there really is nowhere quite like it.

Celebrate with the ones who mean the most

We asked local celebrant Jen Woodley (https://jenwoodleycelebrant.co.uk) for her top tips for planning an intimate wedding ceremony. She says: Having an intimate wedding is a choice couples make for various reasons, and it's not just down to budget. Some may lack the time needed to plan a large-scale event, or smaller gatherings may simply be more their vibe. Whatever your reason, an intimate wedding certainly gives you the opportunity to feel connected and celebrate with your loved ones. So, here's what you'll need to consider: Guest list. Who were the very first people you told about your engagement? Remember, this day is for you.

Visit a Signature Wedding Show to win a mini-break with Classic Lodges

County Wedding Events, in association with Classic Lodges, is offering two overnight stays for two people to include a glass of Lanson Champagne on arrival, a three-course dinner and either a full English Breakfast or continental. What's more, the break can be taken at any Classic Lodges-owned property! Visitors must pre-register and attend a Signature Wedding Show to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges. Terms and conditions apply.

Instant photos make for lasting memories!

poignant keepsake for guests or a photo album. Instant photos make for lasting memories! The INSTAX mini 12 (£79.99) is the perfect product for guest use. Place on tables or dot them around the venue to allow for guests to personalise their memories, and most importantly, take them home. The INSTAX mini Evo (£174.99) is another great option for capturing what's important. The retro-themed exterior is fitting for those vintage-themed weddings – place next to the guest book so photos can be added straight in. The INSTAX SQUARE (£129.99) is a modern option for those photographic keepsakes. Connect the devise to phones and print polaroid straight from the camera roll. Instant photos are irreplaceable.

Introducing Bury Manor Barn an impressive tudor structure in the Sussex village of Bury

An impressive Tudor barn, this venue is set in the picturesque, rural village of Bury, near Pulborough in the heart of the South Downs National Park. In addition to its stunning riverside setting and amazing views, the Bury Manor Barn site includes several distinct areas including, an amphitheatre with lighting for extending the time guests can spend outside, a walled garden, a fabulous covered terrace area, a woodland area with a wonderful avenue of beech trees, and a pond and jetty with weeping willow. The barn and its idyllic surroundings are located in the grounds of Dorset House School, one of the oldest prep schools in the country. Steeped in history, records of the Manor date back to the Domesday Book.

Elope in style - expert advice

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months, searches for 'elopement weddings UK' are up +83%, 'elopement wedding packages UK' increased by +85%, and 'intimate weddings UK' have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for intimate weddings. To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like. Why are elopements becoming more popular? Topping the list of factors driving couples towards intimate weddings is the quest to manage expenses. More than a third (32%) of respondents highlighted financial constraints as the primary factor influencing their decision to opt for a smaller celebration.