Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Kate & Kate Celebrants make it to the finals of the AOIC Celebrant Awards 2025

Dynamic duo Kate & Kate Celebrants are celebrating their success as finalists in the AOIC Celebrant Awards 2025, with results due on 27th September. With over 20 years of experience and a string of accolades, the pair are renowned across Sussex and the South East for crafting ceremonies that are anything but ordinary. From joyful weddings and heartfelt funerals to meaningful vow renewals and naming ceremonies, every script is uniquely written to reflect the people at its heart. Alongside their award-nominated work, Kate and Kate also tutor with Match & Dispatch Celebrant Training, inspiring the next generation of celebrants. Their warmth, professionalism, and trademark humour have earned them countless five-star reviews and loyal fans across the UK.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

A Little Bit Naughty enters The Wedding Industry Awards for the first time

East Sussex-based bridal business A Little Bit Naughty is celebrating a major milestone as it enters The Wedding Industry Awards 2025 for the very first time. After receiving several heartfelt nominations from delighted brides, owner Michelle is overjoyed by the recognition. "This has been my busiest wedding season yet, and I'm so thankful to all my couples who have supported me," she shares. With three more weddings before the voting deadline, Michelle remains hopeful as excitement builds toward the regional awards on 25th November. Whatever the outcome, she says, "It's been an incredible journey." We'll be cheering her on and can't wait to share the results soon!

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

A decade of blooms at Hunter Florist, Brighton

Based in central Brighton, Hunter Florist celebrated its 10th anniversary in September, while owner Neil has been working in the amazing world of flowers for nearly 30 years. "Being based in the city we tend to cater for the smaller intimate wedding, people for whom Brighton is a special place even if they don't actually live in the city," Neil explains. "We believe every wedding is personal and tailor our work for each wedding couple to make their day as special as we can, regardless of whether your wedding party consists of just six guests or 250, in Brighton and around.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

Iris Nebula: The latest fragrance from Nancy Meiland

For over a decade, Nancy Meiland has been crafting fragrances that capture emotion, memory, and a sense of home. From her serene Brighton atelier, Nancy invites each client on a deeply personal journey of scent—one that begins with discovering what they truly love. Her latest creation, Iris Nebula (EDP £135 for 50ml), is an intoxicating and romantic perfume, ideal for brides seeking a signature scent for their special day. Opening with luscious white pear and velvety iris butter, it unfolds into a warm, sensual blend of anise, caramel, cedar, soft suede, and violet powder. Described as "an atmospheric composition that lingers like a lover's memory," Iris Nebula captures beauty, intimacy, and timeless allure.

Add your own stamp to your day with Eddie, the Edible Ink Printer

DTM Print, a family-owned specialist print company based in East Sussex with a head office near Frankfurt, Germany, has been providing premium print solutions since 1986. Renowned for high-quality product labelling, metallic foiling, and laser printing, the company's latest innovation, Eddie the Edible Ink Printer, brings personalised printing directly onto food—perfect for weddings. Eddie prints text, photos, patterns, and cartoons onto biscuits, macarons, mints, ice cream wafers, chocolate discs, and more using 100% safe edible ink suitable for Halal, Kosher, Vegan, and nut-free diets. Ideal for wedding favours, save-the-dates, and keepsakes, Eddie allows couples to create bespoke, memorable treats. Featured at major events, DTM Print offers full support, training, and equipment for businesses to offer this unique personalised printing service nationwide.

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 9th November 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face wedding 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.

Romantic, Georgian splendour at Buxted Park

Buxted Park Hotel, set in the heart of East Sussex, is a stunning wedding venue combining historic charm with natural beauty. This Grade II Palladian mansion, built in 1722, sits on 312 acres of picturesque parkland, complete with lakes, rolling hills, and meticulously maintained gardens. Inside, couples and guests are welcomed by elegant features including original fireplaces, large sash windows, and decorative cornicing across spacious guest areas and luxurious master suites. Perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, Buxted Park Hotel offers a quintessentially English setting for unforgettable weddings. Your Sussex Wedding editor Kelly Andrews recently explored the venue, experiencing firsthand its timeless elegance and versatile spaces, ideal for creating bespoke, memorable wedding days in the heart of Sussex.

Brighton: The gem of UK hen-do destinations

Planning the perfect hen-do in the UK can feel as big as organising the wedding itself. From setting a budget and choosing an accessible destination to curating fun activities and managing group logistics, there's a lot to consider. While some bridal parties jet off to sun-soaked or cultural destinations, a stylish UK staycation hen party can be just as memorable. Recent research by immersive cocktail bar Alcotraz has ranked the top hen-do cities across the UK, evaluating safety, affordability, nightlife, and activity options. Brighton shines as one of the top 10 locations, offering the ultimate combination of vibrant nightlife, chic bars, and unique experiences. Whether planning a weekend away or a local celebration, Brighton guarantees a fun, safe, and unforgettable hen party for every bride-to-be.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Say I do to an intimate wedding celebration

Since the pandemic, one of the most significant shifts in the wedding industry has been the rise of intimate weddings. Initially born out of necessity during lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, these small wedding celebrations have led many couples to rethink what truly matters on their big day. Far from being a temporary fix, the trend for small, meaningful weddings is here to stay. In this guide, we explore the top benefits of intimate weddings, why they're gaining popularity, and how you can plan a beautiful, personal celebration that reflects your love story. From reduced guest lists to elevated experiences, quality over quantity is our mantra when it comes to planning a memorable micro wedding or elopement.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Local supplier spotlight: Aurum Designer Jewellers

Aurum Designer Jewellers is a jewellery business based in Worthing, specialising in one-off pieces, which are individually designed and handmade in its on-site workshop. Virtually everything the jewellers here create is bespoke. They work in platinum, gold, and palladium, with diamonds and precious stones of all kinds, and wedding rings and engagement rings have always been their passion. Aurum was established back in 1985 by jewellery designer Andrew Leggett, who still owns and runs the business today. Over the years Andrew and his team have created unique rings for thousands of couples. Consequently, they have a wealth of experience in working to individual requirements, so who better to speak to when you are looking for your ideal wedding rings?

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

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.