Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Bailiffscourt's medieval chapel licensed for wedding ceremonies from June 26

Bailiffscourt, a striking 20th-century home built in 1926, was once the summer retreat of Lord and Lady Moyne of the Guinness family. Though its medieval-inspired architecture suggests a far older history, the property is cleverly assembled from historic components collected across England, with the 13th-century chapel as its only fully original feature. Recently restored and deconsecrated, the chapel is now licensed for intimate weddings, accommodating up to 65 guests with flexible seating options. Couples can personalise the space, then celebrate in the elegant music room or across the estate's 30 acres of English parkland. With 39 bedrooms and a dedicated weddings team ready to make dreams come true, Bailiffscourt offers a truly unique and romantic setting.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Move over midlife!

Ockenden Manor has recently introduced its new retreat for 2026 designed for women navigating and exploring the challenges midlife can bring. The aim is to provide an experience that gives women the time to ask questions and learn in a safe and friendly environment. The beautiful spa at Ockenden Manor is known for curating considered wellness experiences, and this one-night retreat will be led by Kate Organ, a menopause specialist, who'll offer a holistic approach to hormone balance, nutrition, movement and energy with a series of thoughtful and insightful workshops. If you haven't got time for the full retreat, why not book the spa's new 90-minute Balancing Ritual wellness treatments? Press the reset button and soothe the mind, body and spirit.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Social spotlight: Toni Todd Hair & Makeup

Sussex-based wedding hair and makeup specialist Toni Todd is sharing essential tips to keep your bridal hairstyle flawless on the big day. From avoiding steam near your dress to steering clear of humidity, wind, and restrictive clothing, Toni's advice helps preserve every curl and wave. She also emphasizes the importance of letting your hair cool naturally and resisting the urge to over-touch it, ensuring your look stays picture-perfect from "I do" to the last dance. With years of experience creating stunning bridal styles, Toni continues to inspire brides for 2026 and 2027. Follow her for expert guidance and book your appointment to bring your dream wedding hair to life.

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Fun and feast with Mofare Events

Add an extra touch of magic to your celebration with Mofare Events. Founded earlier in 2025 following the owner's wedding, this new local lovely knows how important it is to create a day filled with laughter, great food, and lasting memories. Mofare Events' range of garden games brings guests together, breaking the ice and filling your day with fun, while the elegant charcuterie cart offers a delicious grazing experience that looks as good as it tastes! Whether you're planning a relaxed outdoor celebration or a chic evening reception, Mofare Events brings the perfect blend of entertainment and elegance. With a focus on atmosphere, enjoyment and style, the team are on hand to ensure your wedding is unforgettable one game and one graze at a time.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Steal their style: Real wedding couple Jade and Chris

Jade and Chris's wedding was a masterclass in chic elegance, perfectly blending modern style with timeless sophistication. Jade's look was refined yet effortlessly graceful, complemented by sparkling pearl drop earrings, adding just the right touch of glamour. Chris exuded confidence in his blazer, creating a sleek and contemporary silhouette that paired beautifully with Jade's ensemble. Their coordinated style highlights how thoughtful details—from jewellery to tailored pieces—can elevate a wedding look, leaving a lasting impression. For a closer glimpse into their fashion-forward wedding and styling tips, we've put together our own dupes, turn to page 20 of the Oct/Nov 2025 issue for this wonderful real wedding.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Raise your voice

Planning a wedding is all about balancing your vision with creating a fun, memorable experience for your guests—and entertainment plays a starring role. From the ceremony to the celebrations, the right music and performances can transform your day, keeping energy high and moments unforgettable. Whether you're inspired by the showstopping Kingdom Choir at Harry and Meghan's wedding or prefer a more intimate acoustic duo, there's a performance to suit every style and space. Chamber choirs, gospel groups, or soloists can add a sophisticated, joyful, or even theatrical touch, ensuring your guests are fully engaged. For expert tips and inspiration, explore our complete guide to wedding entertainment on page 44 of the Oct/Nov issue.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 1st February, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Animal attraction

In the Oct/Nov 2025 issue, we explore creative wedding entertainment ideas that go beyond the ordinary—perfect for animal lovers! One of our favourites is hiring a dog chaperone, ensuring your beloved pet can join the celebrations safely. For a unique touch, consider inviting other furry friends, offering guests the chance to meet the venue's animals, or incorporating a party pony for confetti fun and photos. Feathered displays also bring magic to the day, from falconry demonstrations to an owl ring-bearer or a symbolic dove release. These playful, memorable experiences make your wedding truly personal, engaging, and unforgettable, delighting guests of all ages. Find inspiration in our full feature HERE.

Supplier spotlight: Bridal Beauty

Allow us to introduce you to Alison from Bridal Beauty... "I trained as a hairdresser in London and then spent the next couple of years gaining experience as a salon stylist," Alison shares. "My wish to create the complete look led me to college in Nottinghamshire to spend a year training as a make-up artist. My work has taken me from general hairdressing, to television make-up, to my absolute passion; bridal hair and make-up. I've been lucky to work with some wonderful people along the way and still love working in hair and make-up now as much as the day I started! Belonging to several professional organisations enables me to continually develop my skills by attending courses and seminars, and access online training."

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Supplier spotlight: Jonny Ritchie - Magician

Jonny Ritchie is a professional magician based in Brighton, UK. He has been performing magic for over a decade and is a member of the prestigious Magic Circle and Sussex Magic Circle. Originally from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Jonny studied at the Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre Arts (GAMTA), where he honed his skills in performance, singing, and dancing. Jonny's career has taken him around the world, performing for a variety of clients including Pleasing, Selfridges, Carnival Cruiselines, P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC, TUI, Ohio University, BMW, and Eurostar. He is known for his versatility, performing at weddings, corporate events, and private parties. He also offers specialised services as a magical wedding emcee, where he entertains guests with magic and ensures the smooth running of the event.

Supplier spotlight: Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club

Sitting midway between Brighton and London, Cottesmore Golf & Country Club is an ideal setting for a destination wedding in England's historic south. The venue is licensed to host indoor and outdoor ceremonies for up to 150, allowing you to set the tone for your elegant affair. You could choose the romantic Barn Room for an enviable rustic ceremony, embraced by a vaulted ceiling with English oak beams, arched mirrors, and ring chandeliers. Or soak in the southern skies with an open-air ceremony on the outdoor lawn. Nestled within a secluded tree-lined glade, this enchanting space includes a white wooden gazebo where you can exchange your vows.

Supplier spotlight: Carter & Olive

Welcome to a world of timeless elegance; where passion meets creativity with Carter & Olive. Carter & Olive is more than just a vintage hire crockery hire business, it's a curator of whisper tales of bygone eras, keepers and creators of memories. Savour life's exquisite moments and discover a world where beautiful crockery, opulent cutlery, glassware that captures light; enchanting props and exquisite decor meet; promising to infuse your wedding, milestone event or celebration with breathtaking beauty, a timeless elegance, unrivaled uniqueness a touch of effortless style. Join Cater & Olive on a journey where every event becomes a work of art, every table setting a canvas for creating memories.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."