Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

First weekend of Coastal Currents creates suspense dance and art all over town!

What an opening weekend filled with so much young talent, five murals covering the town, plus events and open studios. Hastings' Coastal Currents Arts Festival, now in its 25th year, focused on young people with a force. Its opening weekend covered the whole town with colour and art, from the acid yellow posters bringing the sunshine around town, to the opening party at the White Rock Theatre and the perambulatory exhibition on bus stops and shop windows. Alongside this, five new murals appeared across town from a conscious effort to put some love into the Old Bathing Pool site, leave a legacy on the White Rock Theatre, and refresh and rejuvenate the basement outdoor corridor left unused for years.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Check out the stylish new packages from Crystal Amor Events

Silk flower specialist and venue styling company Crystal Amor Events has recently launched a selection of new packages for those planning their big day on a tight budget. The Whispering White Silver Package priced at £1,550, includes 20 chair sashes in white or ivory, 20 chair flowers (roses with hanging eucalyptus), a ceremony garland featuring white florals, eight lowbased centrepieces with white faux flowers in a choice of white or green floral holders, a 12ft top table garland, an arch with white draping, a post box, white acrylic welcome sign with black or gold writing, an easel to stand it on and flowers to decorate it with, eight table numbers, and a carpet runner.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

Brighton i360 launches three new wedding packages

The Brighton i360 has launched three new wedding packages to suit any budget. All of this unforgettable venue's function spaces are blank canvases, waiting to be transformed according to your vision, and offer a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. What's more, the on-site catering team can assist with all your food and drink needs; from lavish buffets and barbecues, to banquets using the freshest local ingredients. The Twilight Wedding Package includes a range of delicious canapés, bubbles, tea and coffee station, staffed event bar, evening reception venue hire, dancefloor, table linen, Chiavari chairs, and a dedicated events manager. For 2024, adults are priced at £75 per head, children are £20 per head and there's a minimum spend of £2,250.

North East Adult Pantomime returns to Brighton!

Get ready for the most outrageous, side-splitting, and fabulous hen night out with the return to Brighton of the North East Adult Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens! The show stars a stellar cast headlined by Celebrity Big Brother 2024 winner David Potts, alongside RuPaul's Drag Race UK favourites Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas. Locked inside her magic chamber, the Evil Queen keeps a watchful eye over her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, who has just turned eighteen. When the Queen's faithful, mucky-mouthed Mirror informs her she is no longer the fairest of them all, she concocts a malevolent plan to take Snow White deep into Doggers Wood, ensuring she is never seen again.

Southend Barns announces the launch of new accommodation offering

The team at Southend Barns is excited to announce the launch of a new accommodation offering with six luxury bell tents. Nestled in a picturesque meadow, the bell tents are furnished with everything needed for an unforgettable and comfortable stay. Available from May to September, they're exclusively for those getting married at the award-winning venue, based in Chichester, West Sussex. Each tent accommodates up to two adults and comes equipped with lighting and charging points as well as double beds with Egyptian cotton bedding. They also have exclusive access to bathroom facilities including showers and WC, with a range of decadent Cowshed toiletries and soft towels available.

A new name for a Great venue

Sullington Tithe Barn has new name: Sullington Great Barn. The timbers of the Barn were recently dated to the 14th century when it would have been known as the Great Barn. Appropriate, as the barn is one of the largest in Sussex and is widely acknowledged to look great too! Its beautiful honey-coloured timbers radiate history and warmth, so the structure's new name is truly reflective of its character and past. What's more, a new wedding package is available here. Celebrating its 10th anniversary as a wedding venue the team decided to extend the offering for its couples.

Out of the box thinking from Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club

Romantic, peaceful and stylish, Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club offers stunning grounds and multi-faceted function rooms, alongside a variety of wedding packages to suit you. Whether you're hosting an intimate reception or a grand affair the venue can create the day of your dreams. The latest addition is a fabulous new glass roof area in the courtyard allowing couples to enjoy their drinks reception al fresco even if the heavens decide to open. A feature is the new converted horsebox bar serving both pre- and postceremony drinks. "We're thinking of naming it Oscar's Bar after our cat who seems to make it into most wedding photos," says venue owner Louisa Porter. Indeed, regular readers of Your Sussex Wedding will be familiar with Oscar's celebrity status!

Platinum Spas interviews Love Island star Amy Hart

Platinum Spas caught up with Series 5 Love Islander Amy Hart to discuss her well-being routines; from fitness and wedding goals to diet plans, as well as her average screen time, and how she switches off with just a month to go until she gets married. Starting with well-being and fitness, what are your current go-to fitness routines? "So, I'm obviously getting married in September, I'm currently shredding for the wedding, but I just had that awful viral cough that was going around, so I haven't been able to go to the gym for 6 weeks, but I actually went back today for my first PT session back. I did a bit of legs, and I'm working with a PT, I'm also trying to get out walking every day with my little boy in the pram, and then I've got this app called Sweat with Kayla – I've had it for years.

Labour's plan to legalise humanist weddings

We are deep in the midst of wedding season. Whether you're attending as a guest, or planning your own, you will probably be taking note of the special moments, and how each couple make their wedding truly their own, and reflective of their relationship. Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law and explains what the proposal in law changes could mean... Over the past two decades, humanist wedding ceremonies (which is a wedding that is non-religious ceremony) have soared in popularity. The most recent statistics from 2020 are from Humanists UK and reveal that humanist weddings have increased by a huge 266% since 2004.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

Get the pick of the bunch at Tinwood Estate's 2024 Harvest Experience

Tinwood Estate and Vineyard, producing award-winning Sussex sparkling wine at the foot of the South Downs, has announced the dates for its 2024 Harvest Experience. Enjoy an immersive day of food, wine, and hard work hand-picking Tinwood Estate grapes in the vineyard for the 2024 vintage. Tinwood Estate is located in Halnaker, just north of Chichester in West Sussex. Founded in 2007, the estate has been growing three of the traditional Champagne variety grapes to produce three Sussex sparkling wines. The Harvest Experience will take place on Friday 11th, Sunday 13th, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of October.

County Wedding Events coming to Lympne Castle, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Lympne Castle, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 15th September 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.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

County Wedding Events coming to Cave Hotel, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Cave Hotel, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 8th September 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. A day to remember - a stylish sanctum that seamlessly blends a high-end contemporary look with a laid-back and welcoming approach, The Cave is not just a venue, getting married here is a truly holistic experience where you and your guests take center stage. You would be able to relax, eat, celebrate and sleep better than you ever have before; there really is nowhere quite like it.