Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Culinary excellence at Ashdown Park

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in Forest Row, East Sussex, has reappointed executive chef Andrew Wilson to oversee the hotel's extensive food and beverage services. This appointment comes as the distinguished Sussex country house hotel looks to build upon its outstanding reputation, offering a more relaxed dining atmosphere while retaining its high culinary standards. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His career highlights have included working in renowned establishments such as the one Michelin starred Drakes Restaurant in Surrey, the two Michelin starred restaurant at The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, and more recently working with Glyndebourne Opera.

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne is 150 years young!

To mark the occasion of The Grand Hotel's 150th anniversary, the iconic Eastbourne seafront Hotel is hosting a spectacular event: 150 Years of Music, Monarchs and The Grand Hotel. Taking place from Friday 21st to Sunday 24th November 2025, this three-day celebration promises an immersive journey through the Hotel's rich musical and royal heritage. Throughout the festival, guests will be treated to a curated programme of live classical performances, themed dining experiences, and engaging talks that highlight the hotel's unique role in shaping cultural moments since 1875. The festival's programme has been thoughtfully curated by artistic directors Stephannie Williams and Christopher Morley, known for their successful musical events at The Grand Hotel and Ashdown Park in recent years.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs:

A true local talent

If, like us, you're an avid follower of the BBC's Great British Menu, you'll have no doubt enjoyed cheering for Sussex's local representative, Restaurant Interlude's executive chef, Michelin-starred Jean Delport. Now in its 20th anniversary year, the show invited the UK's top chefs to create dishes inspired by this year's theme: historical figures from the past of their region. The winning dishes were served at a magnificent banquet at Blenheim Palace. We're happy to report that exceptionally talented chef Jean won an incredible two courses through to the banquet: fish ('An ode to Elizabeth...' inspired by British cookery writer Elizabeth David) and main course ('There and back again' inspired by British abolitionist, writer and composer Charles Ignatius Sancho).

In your Cowboy Era? Check out Posh Totty's latest collection

Sussex-based jewellery brand Posh Totty Designs has recently launched The Wild Collection, the result of a collaboration between Alice Rivers-Cripps, founder and creative director of Posh Totty Designs, and model and presenter Hannah Cooper-Dommett. The collaboration was born from Hannah's desire to fill a gap in her own jewellery collection: timeless, soulful pieces with a vintage edge and a free-spirited feel. Together with Alice, she set out to create designs she was craving but couldn't find anywhere else. Inspired by Hannah's personal style, creativity, and free spirited approach to life, The Wilde Collection celebrates individuality and the courage to embrace your unique sense of self.

Love is in the Air: Wedding Fragrances with Yankee Candle and WoodWick

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's the little details that make the biggest impact; from scent to style, every element helps tell the story of your day. No matter how you choose to incorporate fragrance into your wedding, a beautifully chosen candle can create a sensory signature that stays with you and your guests forever. We asked Taylor Perlis, Yankee Candle Fragrance Evaluator to share how best to use candles to create a beautiful, memorable atmosphere on your special day.

The Royal Pavilion - a true Brighton jewel

The Music Room in the Royal Pavilion isn't only one of the most opulent rooms in the palace itself but in Brighton as a whole. The space is only bookable for wedding ceremonies from 6:30pm onwards, however, due to this time restriction the venue is now offering a ceremony in the grand and elegant space for only £2,760 (including VAT), which is almost half the rate previously charged. "We've already noticed this has proven popular with couples who are less concerned about a traditional format but very much want a grand space for their big moment," the Royal Pavilion's David Purdue told us. To hire the spectacular Music Room for your own "I dos," check out https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/commercial/venue-hire/the-music-room-at-the royal-pavilion for further information.

Discover Artelium this English Wine Week

English Wine Week (21st - 29th June) is a celebration of this small but mighty region, offering internationally recognised, award-winning wines, championing innovation and excellency. Enjoy English Wine Week at Artelium, a contemporary wine estate which celebrates English wine and art. Deep in rural East Sussex, but just 20 minutes from Brighton and an hour from London, explore Artelium on a guided vineyard tour, admire original art and sculpture commissioned from Sussex artists, enjoy a tutored wine tasting and finish with an alfresco lunch overlooking the vines created and cooked by resident chef, and fresh from MasterChef: The Professionals, Michael Notman-Watt.

Elite Hotels are giving back

Elite Hotels, a privately-owned collection of three individual and distinctive hotels in Sussex and Hampshire, recently announced its charitable partners for 2025/26. This year, the group including The Grand Eastbourne and Ashdown Park in Sussex, is proud to be supporting the life-saving work of the Air Ambulance associations serving the communities of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and also Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Throughout the year, to support the charities in question and raise vital funds, Elite Hotels has a variety of exciting initiatives from meet and greets to a sponsored run, a gala dinner to CPR training sessions.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

Here come the girls - trending looks for your bridesmaids

Having your closest cohort by your side as you prepare for and celebrate your big day is surely one of the most special parts of the process. The sense of wanting those loved ones to be happy, confident and comfy is now commonplace. Has anyone seen the movie 27 Dresses? Thankfully, gone are those days, where bridesmaids were forced into the bride's choice just because it went with the theme however hideous and impractical! So, we've looked into what's hot for bridesmaids for 2025 to ensure you a forever place in their good books!

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

The world's your oyster when you honeymoon in spring

"April is a great time to honeymoon as it opens up a lot of the world for you to explore," Philippa Hawketts from Blossom Travel (https://blossomtravel.notjusttravel.com) says. "The Indian Ocean would be a top choice, think the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, all offering truly idyllic beaches, luxury resorts and absolute relaxation. For any adventurous couples, you could combine this with a safari in South Africa or Tanzania. Spotting the wildlife in Kruger National Park or the Serengeti before
unwinding with a cocktail on a tropical island.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Jazz age romance

If you loved this local shoot in our Apr/May issue, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1920s Gatsby-glam jazz era, here are some more images to feast your eyes on! "I've always had a passion for the 1920s Old Hollywood style, a beautifully glamorous era," says photographer Jennifer Jelley of Divine Photography Eastbourne. Being a creative soul, she set out to design a styled shoot to stand out from the rest. Each supplier brought their unique touch, adding that extra bit of magic to complete the vision; while Craig and Gemma were the perfect model couple, bringing the concept to life with their chemistry and charm.

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.