Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Celebrate national fitness day with Elite Hotels

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne (01323 412345; www.grandeastbourne.com) invites Health Club members to celebrate National Fitness Day, ideal for those who want to improve their fitness with a range of activities. Taking place on 18th September 2024, it's the UK's biggest celebration of everything health and fitness, inspiring millions of people to be active on one day to kick start a new healthy lifestyle. The Grand Hotel has an action-packed day of Power Yoga, a Sound Bath Meditation session, a Beginners Mobility session, designed to improve range of motion in the body, followed by a HIT session (High Intensity Training) on the front lawn of the hotel.

Turn Your Special Moments into Lasting Art

Capturing the essence of your most cherished life events, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more, Elena Priestley Life Events Art creates personalised, live artwork to remember your special event. You can chat to Elena at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 13th October. Elena says, "Let me transform your unforgettable moments into timeless masterpieces. As your special day unfolds, I create a stunning, live illustrations of the magic and emotion in every moment. A unique, timeless keepsake of your wedding day, personalised just for you. Book your live wedding artist today!"

Honeymoon gift-list inspo at the show

Dreaming of the perfect honeymoon but not sure how to make it happen? Travel Counsellor Tracy Goffin can plan it for you! "You don't need gifts, and asking for money isn't your style. Let me take care of it with our Gift Registry Service!" says Tracy. "Here's how it works: We'll send an email to all your guests. They click the link, write a personalised eCard, and contribute to your dream honeymoon. Simple, thoughtful, and exactly what you need! For more information, visit me at my stand."

Dream wedding dress goals found at Ascot Racecourse

Brides Walking The Runway is your premier Bridal Shop destination, offering a stunning collection of wedding, prom, special event gowns and accessories for both purchase and hire. Discover the perfect dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day. Owner Joan, who you can meet at the event, created a custom dress for a beauty pageant contestant who happens to be an NHS Surgeon, and she won! The team will be there and we would love to meet folks to answer any questions about the brand and the experience we offer.

Come and meet award-winning magician and professional host, Derek Oliver

Award-winning magician and professional host, Derek Oliver, provides top-class magical entertainment throughout your wedding creating memories (and photo opportunities) that'll last a lifetime. Not only that, but he is a contemporary Master of Ceremonies, and the perfect choice to flawlessly manage your big day, bringing energy and fun as he guides you and your guests with grace and charm throughout. By combining the magic and hosting, you have his unique blend of Magical Master of Ceremonies that'll elevate your wedding to the event you dreamed of. And don't leave things to chance – he's a member of the world famous Magic Circle (Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star no less!), Equity and Professional Master of Ceremonies Association and international magical associations. His three packages are crammed with offerings to suit any wedding.

Ellis Gray Weddings exhibiting at Mecedes-Benz World

Ellis Gray Weddings are a wedding videography team based in Surrey whose style is candid and romantic, with a touch of cinematic flair. You can meet the team at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October 2024. Experienced in intimate weddings, destination weddings and elopements. Pop that bottle of champagne, get cosy and watch back every moment from your special day with your very own Ellis Gray Weddings film!

Find your wedding musicians at Mercedes-Benz World

If you're still on the hunt for your wedding entertainment pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October where you can see Charlotte May Vocals perform. Charlotte can't wait to meet you! As your wedding singer, she'll add the perfect musical touch to your special day, creating unforgettable memories with live music tailored just for you. Visit her at the Wedding Show to say hello and discover an exclusive discount available only at the show.

Simply Luxury Escapes can help with your honeymoon!

At Simply Luxury Escapes, we specialize in curating bespoke honeymoons featuring destinations worldwide. Each couple receives the personal attention of a dedicated coordinator who guides them through every step of their journey, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Plus, we offer a best price guarantee! Since 2008, we have been creating unforgettable honeymoons and destination weddings. Our expertise is reflected in the happiness of hundreds of couples, as seen in their glowing 5-star reviews. As the winner of the 'Best Travel Company for Luxury Holidays' at The British Travel Awards and recognized by the St. Lucian Tourist Board for our exceptional honeymoon services, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to perfection.

Visit us at the show to discover why Simply Luxury Escapes is the perfect choice for a unique and personalized honeymoon experience. Plus, don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper, Afternoon Tea at The Shard, and a £100 John Lewis voucher!

The lowdown from formalwear expert Stephen Bishop Suiting

Regular show favourite Stephen Bishop from Woking-based formal menswear store Stephen Bishop Suiting shares his top advice for choosing your big-day attire. What's more, Stephen will be on hand, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, on 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on 13th October - here he can answer all of your wedding day questions and will have a huge selection of his suits and coordinating accessories on display. Established in 2013, Stephen Bishop Suiting opened specifically to offer men a higher-end, one-stop-shop for formal wear, specifically with weddings in mind. I'm a multi-award-winning formal wear specialist with more than 30 years of experience.

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

Alma Makes joins County Wedding Events for the first time

We're excited to announce that Alma Makes will be joining the upcoming County Wedding Events team for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show! Alma Makes specialises in bespoke flower preservation and personalised memorial keepsakes in Surrey; transforming cherished memories into timeless pieces of art, preserving the beauty of wedding bouquets, memorial flowers, and pet tributes in resin. "We're also pleased to invite you to visit us at the upcoming County Wedding Events' show," shares Alma. "We'll be showcasing our latest creations and offering special promotions exclusively for event attendees.

Wedding flower inspiration from floral designer Dawn Jennings

Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to meet floral designer Dawn Jennings who will be exhibiting at the event. "Myself and the team are all qualified and professional florists and pride ourselves in being outstanding creatives and visual storytellers - always making dazzling fresh floral designs that are individually unique as every one of our couples!

Meet Maki's Cakes at Mercedes-Benz World for the first time

Maki's Cakes is excited to be showcasing its work for the first time at the upcoming, County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz Wedding on Sunday 13th October! Meet the designer, Makiko Searle and explore its bespoke wedding cakes, custom designs and delicious treats, all crafted with precision and creativity. "We look forward to seeing you at the show!" says award-winning cake designer Makiko.

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Showstopping cars from Ultimate Classic Car Hire

Tony Allen began turning his teenage passion for collecting classic motor vehicles to good use by lending his cars for friends' weddings. Then, way back in 1990, as the collection grew, he established his classic car hire business: Ultimate Classic Car Hire. The company, and some of its fleet will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, 2024. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially into one of the most impressive in the South East of England. Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, now offers a remarkable selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

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; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! 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.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.