Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 5th October 2025! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2025's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer 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.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Local supplier spotlight: No.1 Discos

Make your wedding reception unforgettable with No.1 Discos, local mobile DJ specialists. With years of professional experience, Chris ensures your guests dance all night and enjoy a lively celebration. As a skilled DJ and radio presenter, he knows how to read the crowd, maintain high energy, and tailor playlists to your preferences. Couples can send a pre-selected playlist or request songs on the day for a personalised experience. Having performed at prestigious venues such as the Grand Hotel in Brighton and The Tower Bridge Hotel in London, Chris delivers reliable, high-quality wedding entertainment. Trust No.1 Discos to keep your dancefloor full and make your special day truly memorable.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show 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 Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 28th September, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

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 28th September! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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. 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.

Local supplier spotlight: Sussex Scoops

Meet Gloria, Sussex Scoops' 1973 Bedford vintage ice cream van, lovingly restored in duck egg blue. Based near Henfield, West Sussex, Gloria brings vintage charm and modern reliability to weddings, birthday parties, village fairs, corporate events, and other special occasions across a 25-mile radius. Serving premium ice cream and sorbet in a variety of flavours, she operates quietly and cleanly thanks to her holding freezer, with no noisy generators or fumes. With her original features and eye-catching design, Gloria offers more than just delicious treats—she creates a memorable event experience, combining warm, friendly service with timeless style, perfect for couples planning a wedding dessert experience or anyone seeking a unique, sweet addition to their celebration.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

What's on: Gusbourne Maize Maze Dining Experience

Experience a summer evening of fine dining and English wine tasting at Cowdray Estate, featuring award-winning Gusbourne wines. On 30th August from 6pm to 9:30pm, guests can explore the stunning Cowdray Maize Maze to discover hidden Gusbourne tasting experiences before enjoying a fireside feast in the picturesque sunflower fields. Savor a menu of seasonal, locally-sourced produce, including coal-fired Cowdray tomahawk steak, harissa slow-cooked Estate lamb shoulder, and skillet-cooked shallots with thyme and gorgonzola, all paired perfectly with Gusbourne's still and sparkling wines. This exclusive event combines immersive countryside charm with exceptional culinary delights, making it a must-visit for foodies, wine lovers, and summer evening experiences in West Sussex. Spaces are limited, so secure your tickets now to enjoy this magical dining event at Cowdray Estate.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

Sip, soak and stay: What's new this summer at The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa

This summer, The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa is emerging as one of Britain's top coastal getaway destinations. Guests can now enjoy the brand-new Beach Bar & Terrace, indulge in an exclusive Aromatherapy Associates spa treatment, and benefit from flexible spa memberships at the recently opened Relais Retreats Spa. With its boutique charm, rich history, and stunning beachfront location, the hotel is quickly becoming a must-visit spot for Cooden and Bexhill-on-Sea staycations, seaside celebrations, and luxurious spa escapes. Visitors can also savor expertly crafted food and drinks right on the beach, making The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa a premier choice for relaxing coastal holidays, wellness experiences, and memorable seaside breaks in East Sussex.

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

Local supplier spotlight: Middle Earth Mini Bus

Say "I Do" to stress-free wedding transport with Middle Earth Minibuses, the Horsham-based experts in reliable, comfortable, and stylish travel for your big day. Whether you need a single journey or a full shuttle service between your ceremony, reception, and other locations, their professional team ensures every guest arrives safely and on time. Known for their five-star reputation, Middle Earth Minibuses operates 24/7, 365 days a year, tailoring transport solutions to suit weddings of any size. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they make wedding travel effortless, allowing you to concentrate on celebrating. From coordinating pick-ups to managing schedules, their dedicated operations team handles every detail, ensuring your journey to happily ever after begins smoothly, comfortably, and stress-free.

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.