Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

County Wedding Events comes to Penshurst Place, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Penshurst Place, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 2nd February 2025! 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.

Froyle Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Froyle Park, Hampshire for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

An idyllic 16th century manor house nestled within 80 acres of parkland on the Surrey / Hampshire border, Froyle Park is a grand exclusive-use wedding venue with the ability to host up to 300 guests.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

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.

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.

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.

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.