Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Wickwoods Country Club Hotel & Spa is situated within 22 acres of West Sussex woodland

Located among 22 acres of West Sussex woodland in the South Downs National Park, Wickwoods Country Club Hotel & Spa has been welcoming couples for the wedding of their dreams since it was established in 1979.

Nestled amongst mature fir and oak tree woodland, Wickwoods offers an idyllic setting for photography, creating lasting memories. And no matter the weather, guests are still able to enjoy the views from the large covered terrace with outdoor seating and heaters.

How to throw a Hen Do on a budget

A typical spend for a Hen Do weekend can cost over £250 per person, taking a big chunk out of the wedding budget. Not only is this a massive cost for the bride, but it could also lead to members of the bridal party worrying about how they can afford such lavish expenses, which may result in them bailing out on the plans. Making arrangements in advance and planning activities ahead of time means both the bride and the party enjoy the celebrations without any falling outs. Sticking to local destinations or opting for activities like bottomless pottery painting over brunch are some of the simple solutions to saving money but still allow everyone to revel in the fun.

Best of Sussex wine event to be held on the Brighton i360, 450ft above Brighton beach

A first-of-its-kind best of Sussex wine event will take place inside Brighton i360's glass pod 450ft above Brighton beach on Thursday 4th May from 7.30pm. If you're looking to sample a range of high-quality local fare to serve at your wedding, this is one not to be missed. The event will showcase the finest wines in the Sussex region from the respected Bolney Wine Estate, Nyetimber and Albourne Estate, while guests will also enjoy the beautiful 360° views of Sussex. Guests will board an extended 45-minute pod journey to the skies where they will enjoy a decadent evening of exploring nine unique Sussex wines, while also learning about the people behind the bottles that showcase the Sussex region, grapes and styles in all its glory.

County Wedding Magazine reader shares their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In December 2022, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a relaxing spa day for two!' and the winners were nearlyweds Laura and Antoni. The lucky pair enjoyed a day at The Spa at Ardencote, a luxury four-star wedding venue in Warwickshire, including a 55-minute Elemis treatment, light lunch and full access to the award-winning spa facilities worth £130!

Wedding flowers for a lifetime

If you fell in love with your wedding flowers, or perhaps your chosen blooms on the big day had a sentimental meaning, the experts from Gardening Express have named the best flowers to grow in your garden so you can have memories forever of your wedding day. Dahlias come in a variety of colours and sizes, they have a long vase life, which means they will look fresh and beautiful. Dahlias are also associated with love and commitment, making them a meaningful choice.

Emma Dodi Cakes’ new Wild Flowers macaron collection is launching in May

Launching in May is Emma Dodi Cakes' new Wild Flowers macaron collection, featuring hand-painted designs inspired by the great gardens of Sussex. Paying homage to local glorious gardens such as Great Dixter, Glyndebourne, Charleston and Gravetye, this stunning collection celebrates the delicate beauty of English wild flowers in summer. Emma Dodi, who lives part time in Camber Sands, was inspired by a recent visit to Great Dixter, with its wild and almost untamed elegance.

UK wedding catering trends 2023

Restaurant Associates reveals new data shows a definitive shift in style and substance at UK weddings post-Covid. Now that the dust has settled, and government mandated guest list limits are all but a thing of the past, the UK wedding scene has seen a definitive shift. New data from Restaurant Associates shows a preference to an informal style, plant-forward menus and reception only guests - so what does a 'normal' wedding look like, post-covid?

Lying in the small village of Bramber is The Old Tollgate Hotel and Restaurant

Lying quietly in the small, sleepy village of Bramber in the shadows of Bramber Castle, in West Sussex, is The Old Tollgate Hotel and Restaurant. From your very first conversation with the team right through to your big day, you'll be able to rest assured knowing that your wedding coordinator will be taking care of every detail, whether it's a traditional reception, civil ceremony, or partnership. The Old Tollgate has a reputation for outstanding customer service, exceptional food, and a place memories have been made for more than 50 years. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the South Downs, close to the River Adur, the location offers the best of the magnificent Sussex Coast.

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Brighton Perfume has recently launched 22 new vegan perfumes

Brighton Perfume offers a window into real vegan perfumery. Having developed a new, contemporary way of making plant-based perfumes, its vision is to revolutionise the industry. Born out of the ideology of the 70s and 90s fashion and music scene the local brand aims to create a new golden age of perfume. The business' founder created a machine to spin vegan elixirs in oil, not alcohol, eliminating the need to filtrate using animal products and leaving no wastage.

The brand has recently launched 22 new vegan perfumes in three collections, which although forward-thinking recognise the fact that scent is nostalgic, bringing back memories that make you feel alive and connected. So, relive your wedding-day memories again and again with a local, cruelty-free signature scent.

Wedding planning sorted with The Eventist Group at Mercedes-Benz World

When attending our County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023 couples can seek expert advice from Tapenade and The Walled Garden from The Eventist Group, to help when planning their wedding day. Tapenade, one of the group's original brands, the bespoke event caterer has years' of experience in delivering unique events to exceed all expectations.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

The Observatory is a unique venue set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside

The Observatory is a unique venue set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. Formerly the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, it now operates as an attraction with extensive science exhibits and charitable status – promoting sciences for all! The six iconic telescope domes offer an unforgettable setting for couples looking for something completely different and unconventional. The venue can even offer stargazing or planetarium experiences to add to your day's entertainment.

Set in the picturesque village of Herstmonceux, the grounds certainly have the wow-factor. As you approach The Observatory you can't help but be intrigued by the other-worldly green domes emerging from the horizon.

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...

Considering a celebrant-led ceremony? Meet Susie Mitchell

From weddings to baby arrivals, renewing of vows to naming ceremonies a celebrant is able to lead a bespoke service at these special occassions. Berkshire's, Susie Mitchell of Full of Love Ceremonies, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. She says, "I'm Susie, I love helping people create magical moments of love in their lives and can plan a spectacular ceremony for you. My journey to being a celebrant has evolved over forty years, from my love of people and creating unique memories in people's lives celebrating all milestones. My style is true connection; listening to your needs and wants and having that blank canvas to create your happy times and craft your beautiful love story.

We caught up with Lydia Champion the event sales manager at the Brighton i360

Your Sussex Wedding editor Kelly Andrews caught up with Lydia Champion, event sales manager at the Brighton i360 to find out what a typical day looks like for her.

It's great to meet them and find out exactly how they envision their big day. From there, I can offer recommendations and feedback. As a group, we tour the site and discuss the style and design that will bring their vision to life.

Planning a wedding from an events point of view involves so many steps from outsourcing suppliers and entertainment, to creating a menu- tasting session and looking at aisle music. We have great connections with our recommended suppliers and hotels, so we support local businesses where we can.

Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA

Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.

Hilton Brighton Metropole is located in one of the UK’s most iconic seaside towns

Hilton Brighton Metropole is located in the heart of one of the UK's most iconic seaside towns. Its classic Victorian elegance and convenient, vibrant location make it an ideal spot for you and your loved ones to get together to celebrate in style.

The impressive and recently-refurbished Clarence Suite was originally built in 1819 as a chapel in the grounds of the Hotel. It boasts a high, vaulted barrel ceiling with three grand central chandeliers. The room can hold up to 120 guests for the vows.

Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed

Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!