Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Fraser Hart launches its stunning lab-grown diamond collection

Fraser Hart, one of the UK's leading purveyors of fine jewellery, is redefining affordable luxury with the launch of its Born Lab Grown Diamonds collection in 10 new stores nationwide. Optically, physically and chemically identical to an earth-grown diamond, here cutting-edge technology is used to create timeless diamonds in a laboratory setting. Blending craftsmanship with innovation, Born Lab Grown Diamonds are breathtaking in their clarity, delivering the same sparkling wow-factor as traditionally mined gems, but with a more accessible price tag. The Born collection includes a stunning choice of "buy now, treasure forever" heirloom jewellery pieces. With exquisite diamond rings starting at just £799, diamond and white gold stud earrings from £799, classic diamond encrusted tennis bracelets from £5,250, and diamond pendant necklaces from £850, investing in luxurious, exceptional quality and utterly timeless diamond jewellery pieces has never been more attractive.

The wellness journals from Lovendu you need in your life

With Mental Health Awareness day falling in October, and as we approach the end of the year, take positive steps to improve your wellbeing in 2024 through journaling. The benefits of daily journaling are huge, from reducing stress and improving your mental health to boosting productivity and providing an opportunity to get in sync with your emotions. It's the ultimate act of self-care – and Lovendu makes it easy to take control of your life and truly thrive.

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Find your wedding venue at CWE's Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World

"At Balfour Hospitality we'll take care of every detail to ensure that your wedding day is as perfect as you always imagined. Choose from one of our beautiful countryside pubs, The Goudhurst inn Cranbrook, The Ship Inn in Rye, The Tickled Trout in Maidstone, or The Woolpack in Tenterden, as the perfect setting for your big day. Each of our pubs are located within a stone's throw of stunning churches or halls to have your ceremony, with The Tickled Trout also having its own license to perform ceremonies on site. With our experienced team and stunning locations, we guarantee an unforgettable celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

Spellbinding tips for a Halloween wedding

Halloween comes with a spooky aesthetic that captures the attention of many nearlyweds. However, how do you make sure your autumnal big day is more Wednesday Adams than horror show? There's no need to rely on terrorising tacky touches to add ghostly charm to your wedding, there are plenty of ways to ensure a hauntingly beautiful experience no one will forget. In order to avoid a scream-worthy error when decorating your wedding, Samantha Gilchrist, former wedding photographer turned founder and CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, gives her expert advice gathered from more than 15 years in the wedding industry.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

Frost Point Production is exhibiting at County Wedding Events

Cotswold-based Frost Point Production is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 29th October 2023. Sam says "With a strong background in sound recording, I decided to further my passion to videography. I have gained a great level of experience in the field and am excited to share my passion for storytelling through video with the world. "Starting the business has allowed me to combine my love of videography and my desire to run my own business". "I am an extremely motivated, personable, hardworking individual, with a sharp eye for detail. With a genuine love for the industry, I am thrilled to be able to work closely with clients to bring their visions to life."

Maplehurst Farm offers a peaceful waterside setting on a working deer farm

Fiesta Fields is an outdoor wedding and events company, repesenting a range of gorgeous outdoor venues including Maplehurst Farm near Horsham. It offers a beautiful and peaceful waterside setting on a working deer farm. The farm creates a relaxed and tranquil vibe, perfect for celebrating your wedding surrounded by idyllic countryside. The venue offers an idyllic blank canvas if you're looking to celebrate in a way that's unique to you. The team at Fiesta Fields brings a wealth of event and project management experience, along with creativity, attention to detail and a knowledge of local suppliers. You're offered full or partial coordination, or an essentials package that includes land hire, power, loos, security and on-the-day coordination.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

Award-winning company working with County Wedding Events

Meon Face an award-winning medical aesthetics beauty clinic which specialises in skin, face and body, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 29th October, 2023. "We offer 10+ years of experience, the latest technologies and techniques performed by our experienced and dedicated team. Come meet us at the show! Receive some amazing on-the-day discounts on our skincare products and treatments or book yourself in for a free consultation!"

Jewellery designer exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Hampshire-based jewellery designer and creator Sarah Ralph, of Sarah Ralph Designs, is showcasing her work at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th September 2023. Sarah says, "I've been designing and handmaking jewellery from solid recycled sterling silver for the past 10 years. I absolutely love working with silver as it's such a great material to work with and it has such a lustre all of its own. "I love crafting jewellery that makes you smile and that you truly enjoy wearing, from either small piece for that understated look or statement one-off pieces that have that wow factor. All of my jewellery is crafted from solid recycled sterling silver. Being as environmentally friendly as possible is very important to me and it is a strong ethos within my work. I'm based in Winchester, Hampshire where all of my designs are crafted."

Wine and dine with Chapel Down at The Bell in Ticehurst

Set in the heart of the historical village of Ticehurst, The Bell is at once welcoming to you and your guests. Its design is fabulously eclectic and features wallpaper especially designed for the venue by Hastings artist Melissa White. You'll love the illuminated "I Will Always Love You My Friend" sign in the Stable. Plus, the Love Nest, the round bridal suite, comes complete with copper bath, double shower, wood burner and roof terrace. The Bell's gardens were designed by Chelsea Gold Medallist JoThompson. There's also a fabulous double-sided sculpture representing romance and marriage. Why not check it out and enjoy a date night at the same time with the venue's Chapel Down Taster Dinner (£95)?

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Enjoy a charmingly traditional yet stylish Christmas with Elite Hotels

Put the merry into Christmas with Elite Hotels this festive period. With all the hotels positioned in postcard-perfect settings, their atmospheric yet individual characters lend themselves to the Christmases we all long for, filled with sumptuous Christmas cuisine, festive decorations and ribbon-wrapped presents under the tree. All that's left is to hope that our dreams of a white Christmas become a reality... Explore the full range of House Parties taking place this Christmas at Elite Hotels' three charming properties - Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex, The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, and Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens in Hampshire.