Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 14th September 2025! It's one of our three Signature Wedding Show of 2025's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the winter months. The event brings couples 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.

How to Keep Your Wedding Cake Perfect in Hot Weather: Expert Tips for Summer Weddings

Planning a summer wedding? While sunshine makes for beautiful photos, high temperatures can pose serious challenges—especially for your wedding cake. With UK summers getting hotter each year, it's essential to prepare for how heat can affect your big-day bake. Buttercream cakes, in particular, can begin to melt above 25°C, risking a sweet disaster before the cake is even cut. But don't worry—with the right precautions, your cake can stay picture-perfect. Michelle Ware from A Little Bit Naughty shares expert tips on how to keep your wedding cake stable, cool, and stunning, even during a summer heatwave. From ideal delivery times to choosing ganache for extra support, here's how to make sure your cake survives the heat and shines as your centrepiece.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Last-Minute Wedding Guest Cancellations: Smart Tips to Handle Dropouts Without Stress

Last-minute wedding guest cancellations can be frustrating, but with a little forward planning, they don't have to derail your day. Whether it's illness, travel issues, or unexpected emergencies, guest dropouts are more common than you think. Fortunately, there are smart and simple ways to handle them with minimal stress. Jackie Levers from Cottesmore Hotel, Golf & Country Club shares practical wedding planning tips for managing last-minute cancellations without panic. From keeping a reserve list of evening guests ready to step in, to having spare place cards on hand, a bit of preparation goes a long way. You can put unused meals to good use by offering them to suppliers like your photographer. Stay flexible, and your wedding day will stay stress-free and memorable.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.

Why You Need a Wedding Content Creator: Share Stunning Photos & Videos the Day After Your Big Day

Looking to share beautiful wedding photos and videos just hours after saying "I do"? A wedding content creator might be the must-have addition to your big day. More and more couples are choosing to include a dedicated content creator in their wedding team—someone who captures authentic, behind-the-scenes moments on a smartphone, ready for instant sharing on social media. Hannah Tunnicliffe from Han Picked Memories explains why hiring a professional wedding day content creator is a game-changer. While your photographer focuses on polished shots, your content creator documents the emotion, energy, and excitement in real time. From heartfelt exchanges to fun candid clips, you'll wake up the next day with a treasure trove of unedited memories perfect for sharing, reminiscing, and reliving your wedding day instantly.

Outdoor Wedding Moodboard Ideas: Inspiring Themes, Colours & Decor for Your Dream Al Fresco Celebration

Planning an elegant outdoor wedding? Let our English country garden wedding moodboard inspire your perfect outdoor celebration. Bursting with romantic details, timeless florals, and soft, natural colour palettes, this look is ideal for couples dreaming of a classic countryside wedding with a touch of sophistication. Think trailing roses, vintage tableware, pastel blooms, and sweeping marquee settings nestled among rolling lawns or blooming gardens. Whether you're hosting your big day at a country manor, in a walled garden, or under an open marquee, this moodboard is full of styling ideas to elevate your outdoor wedding. From ceremony backdrops to reception tablescapes, we've curated a visual guide that blends rustic charm with refined elegance. Explore the moodboard below and start creating your dream English garden wedding today.

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.

Unique wedding trends 2025: Film photography surges 50%

Three in five couples plan to incorporate unique elements into their wedding, and with the world of choice at the end of our fingertips, inspiration is flying in from all angles. But which of the net's most loved delights have seen the most significant interest surges since last summer? To find out, the team at Aura Print scoured social media platforms to discover what's been hot, and gathered Pinterest and Google Trends data to reveal their most adored trends that have shot up since last summer.

Wedding catering Q&A with Nick Bolton from Buxted-based Vine & Dine

Planning your wedding catering can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. In this expert Q&A, we speak with Nick Bolton, from Vine & Dine, a leading wedding catering company based in Buxted, East Sussex, known for its bespoke menus and seamless service. Nick shares practical insights on everything from choosing the right wedding caterer to personalising your menu, catering for dietary needs, and creating a memorable food experience for you and your guests. Whether you're planning a marquee celebration or working with a dry-hire venue, this interview is packed with valuable advice for couples wanting delicious, stress-free wedding food. Read on for insider tips that will take your big day menu to the next level.

The Alfriston: Inside Signet Collection’s Luxurious New Wedding Venue

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Alfriston in the South Downs, The Alfriston is the latest jewel in The Signet Collection's crown. This newly launched boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a dream wedding venue or a serene countryside escape. With 38 individually designed bedrooms, beautifully restored interiors, and breathtaking views, the hotel is a perfect setting for both celebrations and relaxation. Guests can enjoy exquisite dining at the 1554 Brasserie, sip local Rathfinny sparkling wine, or unwind in the soon-to-open Signet Spa. Whether you're planning to tie the knot in the charming Orangery or simply indulge in gourmet cuisine and countryside calm, The Alfriston promises style, comfort, and a warm Sussex welcome.

Why the bar at your wedding shouldn’t be an afterthought

In the grand orchestration of a wedding, couples often obsess over floral arrangements, lighting design and detailed seating charts. The dress, the photographer, the five-course dinner - each element is painstakingly curated. And yet, one of the most powerful forces behind a wedding's success is consistently left until the eleventh hour: the bar! Let's be honest, it's not often you hear a couple say: "First things first, let's lock in a great bar team." But maybe they should. "You can spend months working on the seating plan or deciding the perfect shade of napkin, but if the bar's giving bored function-room energy, it can all quickly lose its magic," says Luke Shelton-Sharp, co-founder of room two, the London-based cocktail studio and event planner.

The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings. Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.

Hen Party Treats- Big Day Cakes

To begin planning your hen party you need to set a budget first so you can make sure you'll still have enough money to spend on your actual wedding. Once that's decided you need to choose a theme and factor in the cost of the decorations and other things you may buy. You'll also have to create a guest list consisting of only your closest friends before moving onto picking the date, location and some activities to do. In need of some inspiration for what to do at your hen party? There is a variety of options to choose that will fit your fancy venturing from whether you want to do something adventurous like rock climbing or canyoning or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day calming down and doing something relaxing such as having a spa day or afternoon tea.

How Much Should You Really Gift At Weddings In 2025?

Many people are unsure of how much money to give when they attend a wedding, statistics showed Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' soared by a whopping 5,000% in April of 2025 alone and 11% of guests go into debt just to attend a wedding, with the average spend hitting £451. Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes, has broken down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

Modern monochrome - local shoot extra!

Set in the heart of West Sussex at the stunning Farbridge wedding venue, this styled shoot brings together some of the best local wedding suppliers to create a look that is effortlessly chic and contemporary. With a crisp monochrome palette softened by organic textures, the vision was all about contrast—modern yet timeless, bold yet romantic. Bringing this vision to life was Lucy Davis Photography, capturing every stylish moment with a natural, light-filled touch. The seamless coordination and design were led by Keshira Creative Events, who blended modern elegance with subtle, understated luxury. The tablescape, featuring contemporary tableware and stylish chairs from Black Saucers, was softened with flowing fabrics, delicate florals by Flowers x Foliage, unique and personalised embroidery from Studio Brice.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

Culinary excellence at Ashdown Park

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in Forest Row, East Sussex, has reappointed executive chef Andrew Wilson to oversee the hotel's extensive food and beverage services. This appointment comes as the distinguished Sussex country house hotel looks to build upon its outstanding reputation, offering a more relaxed dining atmosphere while retaining its high culinary standards. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His career highlights have included working in renowned establishments such as the one Michelin starred Drakes Restaurant in Surrey, the two Michelin starred restaurant at The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, and more recently working with Glyndebourne Opera.

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne is 150 years young!

To mark the occasion of The Grand Hotel's 150th anniversary, the iconic Eastbourne seafront Hotel is hosting a spectacular event: 150 Years of Music, Monarchs and The Grand Hotel. Taking place from Friday 21st to Sunday 24th November 2025, this three-day celebration promises an immersive journey through the Hotel's rich musical and royal heritage. Throughout the festival, guests will be treated to a curated programme of live classical performances, themed dining experiences, and engaging talks that highlight the hotel's unique role in shaping cultural moments since 1875. The festival's programme has been thoughtfully curated by artistic directors Stephannie Williams and Christopher Morley, known for their successful musical events at The Grand Hotel and Ashdown Park in recent years.