Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Find out how to cater a relaxed, rustic wedding with The Gourmet Chef

Caroline Laughton from The Gourmet Chef in Goring shares her top tips on catering for a relaxed, informal, rustic wedding. "During the summer months we love bringing a fun and less traditional atmosphere to our dishes and to your wedding as a whole! One of our favourites being our casual style menu. To kick things off we would recommend our much loved antipasti board boasting chargrilled vegetables, a selection of meats , olives and artisan breads- served on wooden platters these not only taste delicious but add a beautiful pop of colour to your table setup!

New book launch helps couples speak from the heart

From the ceremony to the speeches, there are elements of a wedding day that require a few special words, whether that's from the couple themselves of perhaps a loved one. If you struggle with putting in to words exactly how you feel, then using an existing quote, reading or poem could help convey your sentiment; step forward 10 Poems for a Wedding, selected and introduced by Kathryn Bevis.

Give newlyweds the gift of luxury

Across the world, wedding gifts have become a tradition for family, friends and loved ones to show their appreciation to the happy couple and to wish them all the best. A wedding gift is a celebration of their marriage, and to provide them with gifts they may need – or want - to start their new lives together. Although many people still choose to give tangible tokens, many are looking to gift the happy couple an experience that they can enjoy together. PoB Hotels, a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles, offers the perfect solution – a Gift Voucher.

Celebrate in style with picture-perfect table decor

Engagement parties and rehearsal dinners are a great way to kick start your big day celebrations, with many people now opting to host these at home for a more intimate experience. So, how do you make your table stand out? Iconic Rayware brands, Viners and Mason Cash are synonymous with weddings and recognised nationally for their classic tableware products. Read on to discover the top styling trends from Viners and Mason Cash that aren't to be overlooked this wedding season!

Expert tips for creating a unique wedding menu

The traditional three-course wedding breakfast doesn't have to be boring. In this article Nidhi Verma, head of food & founder of The Cookaway, shares a few ideas for alternative food menus for wedding guests. Getting involved with the putting together of your wedding menu can allow you to focus on what's important to you, whether that's only using local produce and seasonal ingredients, incorporating foods you and your partner really like, making sure there are plenty of fun elements, or serving with the utmost style. But if standing out is your priority, how can you ensure your menu is unique? If you're wondering how you can make your special day a little more individual, below are a few ideas to get you started.

The 20 most iconic marryoke songs for a perfect wedding

Are you a couple looking for songs for your wedding this summer? Searches for 'wedding songs karaoke' up +40% and 'best karaoke songs 2023' increasing by +300%, and thortful has put together a list of the most iconic marryoke songs for 2023. The top 20 karaoke songs for your wedding this year Taking the top spot is the absolute belt-it-out classic that is Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams. Given that it has remained a popular song after pretty much four decades, we'd say the score is well-deserved. Just behind in second place is a song that any '90s kid could sing in their sleep – the girl power megahit Wannabe by the Spice Girls.

The Garden Kitchen at The Bell in Ticehurst is now open

The Garden Kitchen at The Bell in Ticehurst is now open, serving up food over fire every Friday and Saturday this summer. Lunch will be served between 12~2.30pm and dinner 6~8.30pm. On the menu you will see salmon teriyaki, chorizo and lamb fillet skewers, mackerel and slip sole in herbs and seaweed butter. Alongside all the pub classics with hearty burgers, sharing boards and grilled meats. Tables outside cannot be booked, so arrive early to be seated.

Want to say 'no' to being a maid-of-honour? Here’s how!

Being a maid-of-honour or even a bridesmaid can be hugely exciting and a big honour, however, it takes responsibility, a lot of time, money and energy, all dedicated to making someone else happy. So if you really don't want to be a bridesmaid, plucking up the courage to turn down an invite might seem like a nightmare. A new survey from Ginger Ray which seeks to answer some of weddings' trickiest questions reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits think it was acceptable to say no to being a member of the wedding party based on the financial burden and additional responsibilities it poses.

Sustainability tips from Aurum Designer Jewellers

We asked Andrew at Aurum Designer Jewellers whether jewellery could play a role when trying to plan a sustainable wedding. Here's what he had to say... If you're looking for a way to make your wedding ring more sustainable, there are a few things you can consider. When choosing a jeweller, look for one that is committed to sustainability. This means that they source the precious metals and stones ethically.

Browns launch champagne bottomless brunch

This month, Browns Restaurants will be adding a Champagne bottomless brunch to their signature weekend menus, as part of this year's festivities to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary. From Friday to Sunday until 2pm, guests can enjoy free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, alongside signature brunch dishes such as Browns Lobster Benedict, a satisfying stack of Pancetta Buttermilk Pancakes, Smoked Salmon, Smashed Avocado, Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough and a variety of classic egg dishes. Alternatively, opt for more substantial dishes, like the Browns Burger and Chargrilled Chicken & Bacon Club.

David’s Bridal commences ‘everything must go’ closing down sale

Bridal store chain, David's Bridal has confirmed that all UK stores are launching a closing down sale, with dramatic reductions across wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and more. Following its administration announcement last month, David's Bridal is closing all four of it's UK stores, with all stock discounted. David's Bridal's extensive closing down sale will commence with at least 40% off everything in-store.

One4all Gift Cards expands partnerships

Popular wedding gifting brand leading multi-store gift card, One4all Gift Cards, has announced two exciting new partnerships with global fashion retailer, ASOS, and premium e-commerce marketplace, Secret Sales - making it an even more appealing choice for wedding day gifting. ASOS, one of the largest international e-commerce retailers, is now accepting the One4all Gift Card for all online purchases, meaning customers can access all their favourite brands at the touch of a button. With over 850 brands to choose from as well as their own ASOS ranges, which include Collusion and Topshop, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. As a forward-thinking brand, ASOS interpret the latest trends into more than 30 different sizes, allowing all customers to find something they love. As well as the chance to shop for clothing, accessories and beauty products from a variety of brands.

South Of England wins battle of the spas reveals Spabreaks.com

Spabreaks.com 2022 booking data has revealed that spas in the South totalled 57.4% of all bookings made in 2022, winning the battle of the spas against the north of England. The UK spa industry has a lot to offer, whether you're looking to escape to the countryside or fancy break in the city. Whether it's in the north or south, there's a place in the UK that will accommodate whatever spa break you're looking for.

Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up and even run into the tens of thousands. And with the current cost of living, couples will also be navigating rising costs. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure 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.

Five minutes with... Laura Hedger, One Moment In Time Bridal Boutique

Being a curvy lady herself, Laura found shopping for wedding dresses to be a stressful experience. It's often the case that boutiques only carry one or two sample sizes in each dress, so it can be difficult to get a good feel for your final big-day look if they're not close to your own usual size. So, she decided to change all of that and opened her own boutique, One Moment In Time, stocking each sample gown in sizes 6 to 22, so there really is something for everyone. "I feel passionate about making sure every bride feels amazing, no matter what their size," Laura says. We chatted to her recently about everything from shopping sustainably to dealing with lack of body confidence.

Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May

Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.

Wine at dine at renowned Sussex vineyard, Tinwood Estate

Renowned Sussex vineyard, Tinwood Estate, has recently opened a new onsite restaurant. Serving lunch every day and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, there are 50 covers in the restaurant and picnic baskets supplied for those days when nothing could be better than sitting among the vines with delicious food and sparkling wine. The new restaurant is situated in the existing picturesque tasting room near Chichester, which boasts a vast south-facing terrace overlooking the vines.

Maileg Wedding Mice back at Bluebell's Burrow

Award-winning, family-run toy business, Bluebell's Burrow, is one of the UK's leading stockists of Maileg toys. These super-stylish, picture-perfect collectable toys are loved by both children and adults. With the wedding season fast-approaching, Maileg Wedding Mice Set (priced at £64) comes in a pretty presentation box, which opens up to reveal the bride and groom on their wedding day. Their clothes and accessories are removable, providing dress-up opportunities and imaginative play for children.

Bizarre wedding traditions: The Eurovision edition

Wedding traditions are dramatically different around the world. From the type of cake served to the attire of the bride, you'll be amazed at what happens on wedding days around the continent. To celebrate Eurovision 2023 taking place in the vibrant city of Liverpool, engagement and wedding ring experts at Steven Stone have rounded up some of the most bizarre traditions from participating countries – including the Big 5.

The do's and don'ts of having pets at weddings

Are you considering including your dog in your wedding festivities? While it can be a lovely way to honour your furry best friend, there are some important considerations to remember to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, shares the do's and don'ts of including your dog in your wedding, from making sure your dog is properly trained and socialised to creating a comfortable and safe space for them during the event. These tips will help ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout the celebration...