Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

A season of sparkle at The Grand Eastbourne and Ashdown Park

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with a luxurious festive escape at two of East Sussex's most enchanting five-star destinations: The Grand Hotel Eastbourne and Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club. From sparkling seaside celebrations to storybook woodland retreats, both offer unforgettable Christmas experiences for couples and families. Enjoy Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas, gourmet dining, live entertainment, and elegant rooms in stunning settings. Whether you prefer a Victorian seafront hotel or a country estate in Ashdown Forest, these all-inclusive Christmas House Party packages include festive feasts, carols, quizzes, and more. Discover magical moments, seasonal treats, and timeless traditions at two of the UK's most iconic luxury hotels this Christmas. Book your East Sussex Christmas escape for 2025 now.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Tickets Now on Sale: Discover What’s New at Leonardslee Lights 2025

The wait is over: tickets for Leonardslee Lights 2025 are now on sale. Returning from 28 November – 30 December 2025, this year's spectacular event promises to be the most magical yet, with a brand-new route, immersive installations, and exciting new experiences. This year's theme, A Midwinter Light's Dream, will transform the historic woodlands and lakes of Leonardslee into a glowing dreamworld of light, sound, and colour. Whether it's your first visit or part of your festive tradition, the 2025 trail will feel like a completely new adventure. Every step along the mile-long trail promises moments of wonder, illuminated gardens paired with specially composed soundscapes, theatrical flourishes from performers ThirdSpace, enchanting lantern creations from Lantern House, and the thrilling return of internationally acclaimed local artists.

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Indi Jass Bridal Henna Designs: Bespoke Wedding-Day Art & Keepsake Canvases for Brides

Inderpreet Jass of Indi Jass Designs, who created the stunning henna designs on this issue's real wedding bride Meesha, is an expert in bridal henna designs. Her art is absolutely stunning so for brides who wish it could last a lifetime, now it can! Inderpreet will soon be offering a henna canvas service to her bridal clients, meaning you can now take up the opportunity to have your bespoke wedding-day design turned into a canvas to display in your homes and treasure forever. She also offers beautiful henna-inspired canvases, which make for a gorgeous keepsake. Looking for inspiration for your own bridal henna design?

Autumn Escapes at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex, invites visitors to celebrate the beauty and magic of autumn across its 240-acre Grade I listed estate. From breathtaking autumn walks and English Sparkling wine tastings to Michelin-starred dining, seasonal shopping, and the Haunted Gardens Halloween Trail, Leonardslee offers an unforgettable day out for all ages. "Autumn is one of the most spectacular times to visit Leonardslee," says Penny Streeter OBE, owner of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. "The gardens are alive with colour, and our seasonal programme ensures there's something for everyone — from families enjoying the Halloween trail to wine lovers and fine-dining guests seeking an indulgent escape."

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Nyetimber Sparkling Wine Gifts, Perfect for Wedding, Bridesmaid, and Groomsmen Presents

Nyetimber, the pioneer of English sparkling wine offers a range of gifts that make for a special wedding present, bridesmaid thank you or groomsmen gift: from magnums and personalised bottles, to a wine to pair with a wedding cake, plus a coffee table book for the English wine enthusiast. For sparkling wine-loving couples, a personalised magnum of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee (£85) is the perfect gift for ongoing celebrations with friends and family. This flagship wine is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier offering the perfect balance of elegance and intensity. We also love 1086 by Nyetimber (£150), the first prestige cuvée to be produced in England and showcases the pinnacle of Nyetimber's winemaking.

Charlotte Tilbury Opens New Beauty Wonderland Store in Brighton: Skincare, Makeup & Red-Carpet Secrets

Charlotte Tilbury has officially opened her brand-new Beauty Wonderland in Brighton, marking the brand's sixth standalone store in the UK. Located at 39 East Street, just minutes from Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion Gardens and the seafront, the stunning new store is set to become a must-visit beauty destination. Shoppers can explore Charlotte's award-winning skincare, bestselling makeup, and signature fragrances, while discovering the beauty secrets loved by red-carpet stars worldwide. The Brighton Beauty Wonderland also offers expert artistry advice, quick tricks and tutorials, plus indulgent services including glow facials, bespoke consultations, and wedding or occasion makeup – perfect for hen parties, weekends away, or a glamorous night out. Packed with treasures, treats, and gifting must-haves, Charlotte Tilbury's Brighton store is the ultimate beauty lover's wonderland.

Quirky Wedding Fair 2025 at The Yoghurt Rooms: Alternative, Inclusive & Festival-Style Wedding Suppliers

Get ready for a truly unique celebration of love at the Quirky Wedding Fair 2025 at The Yoghurt Rooms. Taking place on Sunday 28th September 2025, this festival-style wedding fair brings together the best alternative, inclusive and outside-the-box wedding suppliers for couples who want a celebration that's anything but ordinary. From artisan cake makers, bespoke jewellers, indie dress designers and creative celebrants to caterers, bar suppliers, entertainers and more, every exhibitor specialises in individuality and flair. Hosted at the stunning Yoghurt Rooms wedding venue in West Sussex, the fair is the perfect chance to explore one-of-a-kind ideas, meet passionate suppliers, and discover how to create your dream alternative wedding. Tickets are available now at quirkyweddingfayre.co.uk – don't miss this inspiring day of creativity and connection.

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.

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

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.