Your Sussex Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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."

Supplier spotlight: Gubbins

The Gubbins' team's mission is to make your wedmin a whole lot easier by helping you tick some big items off your to do list, all under one roof. Cake, flowers and prop hire - they've got you. Dave, owner of Beachtown Blooms, and Emily, owner of Big Spoon have provided beautiful florals and tasty cakes to couples all over Sussex. Yet, when it was time to plan their own wedding, they struggled to find some of the items they wanted, these bits and bobs were repeatedly referred to as the 'gubbins'. As a result, a studio full of Gubbins now exists in West Sussex. An eclectic mix of giant garden games, archways, candlestick holders, milk churns, cake stands, easels and so much more that has been gathered over the years.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Supplier spotlight: Aurum Designer Jewellers

Choosing wedding rings is one of the most meaningful steps in planning your big day, and finding a jeweller who can bring your vision to life makes all the difference. Aurum Designer-Jewellers in Worthing has been crafting exceptional bespoke pieces since 1985, specialising in one-of-a-kind designs handmade in its on-site workshop. Working in platinum, gold and palladium, and sourcing diamonds and precious gemstones of every kind, the team creates rings that are as individual as the couples who wear them. With thousands of unique commissions behind them, their expertise in translating personal ideas into beautifully crafted engagement and wedding rings is second to none. If you're dreaming of something truly special, Aurum is ready to create it.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

The Sussex spa experience

For many of us in the UK, the word sauna conjures images of dry, overheated gym boxes we tolerate rather than enjoy—but for Katie Bracher, founder of Wild Spa Wowo in Uckfield, that perception was completely transformed. A chance encounter with a wood-fired, festival pop-up sauna opened her eyes to a nurturing, soulful tradition she'd never experienced before. That moment sparked a journey that led her through culturally rich sauna communities, rooftop spa projects, and eventually to launching her own beloved beachside sauna business. Today, Katie is a passionate advocate for authentic sauna culture, blending ritual, nature and community in a way that feels both grounding and deeply revitalising.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Artemis Becomes First UK Venue Group to Achieve Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation

Artemis, a leading UK wedding venue group, whose head office is based in North Wales, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA). This prestigious recognition, a culmination of a partnership that began in September 2023, marks Artemis as the first venue group in the UK to be officially accredited by the SWA. The partnership focused on embedding robust, sustainable practices throughout Artemis's head office operations, setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility within the wedding industry. The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is a respected organisation dedicated to promoting genuine sustainability throughout the wedding sector. Their rigorous accreditation programme recognises businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical practices, social inclusion, and a reduced environmental impact.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Savour the flavours of the South-East: Elite Hotels launches the ‘perfect stay’ this autumn

Elite Hotels invites guests to experience the very best of British culinary craftsmanship this autumn with a collection-wide celebration of seasonal dining. Across its distinguished country house hotels — Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, and Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens in Hampshire — each property offers a sensory journey through Britain's finest local flavours. With a focus on provenance, sustainability, and creativity, every menu highlights regional produce such as wild Sussex game, South Downs lamb, heritage vegetables, and Cornish seafood. Each hotel's executive chef proudly collaborates with local farmers, butchers, cheesemakers, and growers, crafting elegant, innovative dishes that showcase the richness of British ingredients and culinary tradition.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Adventures in cake with Caritas Cake Design

When we first saw Jade and Chris's stunning wedding cake, we instantly fell in love — and knew we had to meet the talent behind it! Carrie Raymond, owner of Caritas Cake Design in Billingshurst, created the breathtaking bake and shared how she guides couples through the design process. "There are endless directions you can take with a wedding cake," Carrie explains. "I help couples find a style that feels naturally 'them' by drawing inspiration from their existing wedding details." For Jade and Chris, that meant echoing the tones of their bridesmaids' dresses, florals, and stationery — even including a hand-painted monogram inspired by their invitation. The result? A beautifully cohesive and deeply personal centrepiece.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.