Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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.

County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 10th November!! 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.

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 10th November, 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.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Don't miss this wedding offer from De Vere Horsley Estate

Horsley Towers offers a variety of beautiful spaces to make weddings of any size truly special. The team will be on hand to discuss all-things wedding at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Fairytale-inspired weddings take place at this country bolthole, with the grounds home to a secret chapel, beautifully tiled cloisters and the lakeside 19th-century mansion. The estate has unveiled the first phase of a £1.2million refurbishment to 51 of its bedrooms located in Horsley Place, a distinctive contemporary hotel which sits alongside the historic mansion house, Horsley Towers within more than 75 acres of grounds. Ten new academy double rooms and five new academy superior double rooms have been refurbished, along with the creation of five new Horsley Place suites.

Considering a magic mirror? Pop along to our Signature Wedding Shows

Windsor's The Best Magic Mirrors will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show. If you are considering a magic mirror for your wedding day, then popping along to the wedding fair gives you the perfect opportunity to see see one for yourself and speak with owner Lauren, who's on hand to answer all of your questions. She says, "When it comes to evening entertainment at your wedding, you want something that's going to capture the memories of your special day that you can re live over and over again. That's why our Magic Mirror is the perfect choice. We take photobooth fun to a whole new level, providing a unique experience with our state of the art Magic Mirror using colourful animations and touch screen technology to give you a magical, interactive 'selfie' experience.

Wedding and mini-moon destination The Relais Cooden Beach

For those who love being by the water, The Relais Cooden Beach is the perfect wedding venue. Located on a picturesque part of the South Coast between Eastbourne and Hastings, this property offers a stunning beachfront backdrop, with panoramic views of both Beachy Head and the English Channel. The hotel offers a unique setting on the British coast and one that is open year-round, combining both elegance and a destination wedding vibe. The experienced team at The Relais Cooden Beach will ensure every detail is perfect and they work closely with couples to create bespoke wedding packages from traditional through to more relaxed celebrations, with each one tailored to suit individual needs, requirements, and vision. Licensed for civil weddings and with a variety of ceremony rooms, one standout option is the Balinese pagoda located in the gardens with stunning sea views.

Make your wedding day truly bespoke with Personalise 365

Looking for something unique and different for your wedding table decor? Surrey-based Personalise365, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World and may have just the thing you're looking for. Making a variety of personalised engraved guest place names that double up as wedding favours, the company can also create guest books that can be engraved with any wording of your choice.

Venue styling sorted with Surrey's Chair Cover Dreams

Surrey-based Chair Cover Dreams is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October 2024. Owner, Maxine has worked in the industry for 12 years specialising in weddings and events in the UK, from the Ivy in London to marquees that seat 600, celebrity weddings to smaller intimate affairs. Providing chair covers, table décor, venue styling, theming, centrepieces, focal points, draping, mood-lighting, interior design and event management; the company can provide fairytale weddings to masquerade balls.

Book your dream safari honeymoon at Bluewater this Sunday!

UBON Safari specializes in crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences and luxury beach holidays across the breathtaking landscapes of Southern and Eastern Africa. Its tailor-made journeys take you to some of the continent's most romantic and awe-inspiring destinations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start your honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding blessing in the Serengeti, where the Maasai tribe will honour your union amidst the stunning backdrop of Africa's endless plains. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll create memories that will last foreve

Source your big-day photography with County Wedding Events

Isobel of Isobel W-N Photography is on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse to talk about your big-day photography needs! "Hello, I'm Isobel! My style of wedding photography is documentary and candid. What really matters to me are the small moments. The gaze into each other's eyes during the first dance, the escaped tears during the best man's speech, and the candid moments of laughter. "Each wedding is a unique collection of instances that contribute to the beautiful story of your day. These moments, no matter how fleeting, are what make your day truly yours, and it's an honour for me to preserve them for generations to come.

"Of course I also know how important a group photos is so I will also be there when the time is right to gather your guests and get some fun group photos alongside my relaxed documentary approach."

Check out the new 3D Infinity Dancefloor from Illumination Events

Berkshire-based Illumination Events is showcasing its new item at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October 2024. The 3D Infinity Dancefloor, is proving very popular with wedding couples, and what's more, the company is offer 10% off this dancefloor hire to all couples attending the Ascot Racecourse wedding show if they book on the day.

Bottom's up with The Fabulous Filly's show offer

Impress your guests with your own personalised bar - hire The Fabulous Filly Horse Box Bar for your special day. "We offer tailored drink packages including signature cocktails served in vintage glassware," shares owner Nicola. "Come and see us at the show for an exclusive show offer - Free Champagne Tower Glass Hire included with your booking! This supplier is exhibiting at the following County Wedding Events shows: Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Check out this late availability offer at Highfield Park

Highfield Park is a beautiful mansion set on 35 acres of breathtaking parklands, the perfect backdrop for couples looking for a stunning wedding album. You can meet the team at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on 27th October. With two gorgeous outdoor locations, it's the ultimate venue for events. The Foley, built in the 17th century, is a historic and beautiful structure adorned with flowers and romance, while The Pavilion boasts epic countryside views with a fresh and modern charm. The property can host ceremonies at these striking al fresco settings for unlimited guests, or the vows can take place in one of the grand indoor settings for up to 180 people and 160 for receptions.

Find handmade bridal creations at Ascot Racecourse

Read on to find out about cold porcelain artist Stacey, an exhibitor at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. "Hi, I'm Stacey a Cold Porcelain artist and I make bridal bouquets. If you are looking for a unique alternative to fresh or silk flowers why not consider cold porcelain? "Cold porcelain is a type of air dry clay, it's durable, flexible and lasts many years so is a wonderful keepsake from your wedding day. All flowers are made by hand to specification petal by petal. "If you would like any more information please contact me through my website at

Finding the one with Brides Visited and County Wedding Events

Renowned bridal retailer, Surrey-based Brides Visited, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October! Owner, Lorraine, says, "We're looking forward to meeting all you lovely brides-to-be at both Signature Wedding Shows. We can't wait for you to visit our studios so we can show you some of the newest and most exquisite gowns and help you find the one that you say "Yes to the Dress"!