Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

From best mates to distant relatives: Brits reveal the wedding gift hierarchy

How much should you spend on a wedding gift? It seems the answer depends on just how well you know the happy couple. New research from One4all Gift Cards has revealed that almost half of Brits (49%) would spend less on a wedding gift if they were not particularly close to the couple. The relationship came out ahead of travel and accommodation costs (38%) and paying for a hen or stag do (28%) when it comes to factors influencing how much guests are prepared to spend. For those closest to them, Brits consider an average of £77 per person to be an acceptable wedding gift. The most popular amount was between £50 and £100, selected by 43% of respondents, while 36% believe spending up to £50 is perfectly acceptable. Just 5% would spend more than £200.

Revealed: England and Wales’ most common wedding anniversary date as August accounts for nearly one in six

1 September is the most common wedding anniversary date, with an average of 1,557 marriages taking place on the date, new analysis has revealed. The research, from drinks and gifting retailer Bottled and Boxed, analysed 22 years of marriage registration data from the Office for National Statistics to identify the dates when couples across England and Wales are most likely to be celebrating their wedding anniversaries each year. Every date in the top 10 falls between late July and early September, showing how heavily the most common anniversaries are concentrated in late summer. August is the most common month for wedding anniversaries, accounting for 15.7% of all marriages analysed, with an average of 1,254 couples married per day.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Leeds Castle has opened a new exhibition, featuring the world's first interactive historical AI avatar: Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile. Running until 1st November, the exhibition explores the life and legacy of Eleanor of Castile, the formidable Queen of England and the first female owner of Leeds Castle. Ideal for an alternative pre-wedding date night, the AI avatar, created through original research and immersive technology, brings fresh insight into one of medieval England's most remarkable yet often overlooked queens.

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

Dearest gentle reader

Bridgerton fans can soon host Regency-style weddings at a real filming location, as The Commissioner's House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham reopens this June following a £3.5 million restoration. The 1704 mansion, the oldest surviving naval residence in the UK, has been carefully refurbished to restore its Georgian grandeur. Its gardens, featured in the Netflix hit Bridgerton as the Bridgerton family gardens, now allow couples to celebrate in a piece of television history. The House and gardens offer an exclusive setting for events from intimate ceremonies to grand weddings of over 200 guests.

New Bluewater goodybag sponsor - Aesop!

Visitors to our Bluewater Wedding Show this October can enjoy complimentary Aesop samples in their goody bag, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover the brand for yourself. You can also visit the Aesop store at Upper Mall, Unit U114, Upper Guildhall, Bluewater to explore the full range. As one of our Signature Wedding Shows of the 2026 autumn season, this is a must-visit event for couples who got engaged over the summer and are ready to start planning their big day. Meet a fantastic selection of local wedding professionals face-to-face, from photographers and cake makers to florists, musicians, venue stylists and more. Whether you're just beginning your wedding planning journey or putting the finishing touches to your celebrations, you'll find plenty of inspiration and expert advice to help bring your dream day to life.

Tiered elegance - Hall of Cakes

Hall of Cakes has launched a beautiful new collection of wedding cakes, available to order via its website. Offered in one, two or three tiers, each cake can be styled with your own fresh flowers or personalised with one of the company's luxury acrylic toppers. Faux tiers can also be added to create a more dramatic look without increasing the number of portions. Established wedding cake makers in Kent, Hall of Cakes has over 18 years' experience creating and delivering wedding cakes across London, Kent, Essex and Surrey.

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 20th September, 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.

Port Lympne's wedding show is in September - 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 Port Lympne, in Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 13th September 2026 - 11pm - 3pm! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Wedding Events again to host its Signature Wedding Show this autumn! If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braintree Village, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 27th September, 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.

Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 20th September ! It's one of four Signature Wedding Show of 2026's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. 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.

Spring and summer scents

Kent-based home fragrance brand Simon James Home is celebrating spring with three new reed diffusers, designed to bring fresh, uplifting scents into the home as the days grow warmer. Perfect as wedding gifts, the new fragrances include cardamom and myrtle, coconut and tonka bean, and peach bellini. Each scent reflects the season, from aromatic warmth and creamy sweetness to bright, sparkling fruit notes inspired by springtime celebrations. These new diffusers join the brand's existing collection, and Simon James Home is also launching matching candle and diffuser bundles for each scent. The bundles allow couples to layer fragrance effortlessly, pairing the continuous aroma of a reed diffuser with the richer, on-demand scent of a hand poured candle.

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!

If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.

Congratulations to Kent's Olly Knight

Canterbury's Olly Knight has been named UK National Winner in the Wedding Photographer category at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026. Olly, who began photographing weddings in 2011 after shooting a friend's wedding, said: "I love documenting real moments rather than posing people. Winning Best Photographer for the South East over the past three years has been amazing, but to achieve a national win is truly incredible. I'm so grateful to my couples and to the judges for their support." The 2026 Awards were decided based on over 25,000 client votes, combined with feedback from the past 12 months and the opinions of more than 160 expert judges. From 1,300 entrants, 280 regional winners became national finalists, highlighting the best talent in the UK wedding industry.

Wake up at a castle: enjoy an atmospheric getaway at historic Leeds Castle

Looking for a romantic minimoon, anniversary escape or unique pre-wedding getaway? Leeds Castle offers a truly magical stay in one of Britain's most iconic historic settings. Just an hour from central London in the heart of Kent, the 900-year-old castle has been home to kings and queens for centuries. Surrounded by 550 acres of beautiful parkland and one of the UK's few remaining water-filled moats, it's the perfect destination to unwind and experience castle life after the day visitors have gone home. Guests can choose from a range of charming accommodation, including the elegant Stable Courtyard bedrooms, characterful holiday cottages and the recently introduced Knights' Retreat lodges. The Stable Courtyard rooms feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, robes, slippers and views across the gardens and lake, while the family-friendly lodges combine modern comforts with mythical-inspired charm.

Rustic romance

Preston Court, the enchanting estate known for its 17th-century barns, working steam engines, and a whimsical carousel, is celebrating after taking home two awards at the Kent Wedding Awards. The venue was announced as 'Wedding Venue of the Year – Something Different' as well as the overall 'Wedding Venue of the Year'. Anna List Brain, director of Peacock Events at Preston Court, said: "Winning two awards in one night is overwhelming, but to do so as a female-led team in such a competitive county feels like a real milestone. We approach every wedding with a 'what if we could?' mindset, and it seems couples, and judges, notice."

Experience England’s Fastest Zipline and Europe’s Highest Swing

Looking to swap the usual bottomless brunch or pub crawl for something a little more unforgettable? Hangloose Adventure Bluewater offers an exciting alternative for stag and hen celebrations, combining adrenaline-filled experiences with plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories before the big day. Located less than an hour from central London, the venue is ideal for groups wanting to celebrate together in a way that's a little out of the ordinary.