All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Welcome to The Apple Barn and Courtyard at Kent wedding venue The BarnYard
The BarnYard has been busy undertaking a new renovation to the old Farm Shop, which started just as lockdown hit and which has now been fully completed. Welcome to The Apple Barn and CourtYard, a new and separate wedding area within the grounds of The BarnYard - perfect for Twilight wedding ceremonies and party functions. This recently renovated and converted Apple Barn with its own integral Courtyard is simply gorgeous – strung with thousands of fairylights spanning the oak rafters inside the barn and festoon lights spanning the skyline above the Courtyard outside the barn – it will be love at first sight!... read more
Posted: 20 April 2021
Searches for dog ring bearer increases
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've certainly seen many a trend come and go; but one we're thrilled looks set to stick around is.... pets at weddings! With over 7,854 posts on Instagram, the hashtag #dogringbearer is becoming increasingly popular, whilst Google data shows a 71% search increase for the term 'dog ring bearer' since lockdown began. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joe Jonas have previously involved their pets on the big day, whilst UK bride-to-be, Stacey Solomon, also announced her dogs will wear suits at her upcoming wedding. But how do you train your dog to be a wedding ring bearer? Engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone teamed with Certified Animal Behaviourist, Caroline Wilkinson, from digital pet coaching service, Barketplace, to reveal everything you need to know.We covered the most popular questions including:... read more
Posted: 19 April 2021
Tastebuds at the ready - check out Freezecakes!
With wedding season looking set to be bigger than ever this summer; couples may have to think outside of the box when it comes to al fresco catering options. With outdoor settings looking to be a popular this summer, then this new tantalising range of Freezecakes – the world's first scoopable frozen cheesecake served in a tub - will be a must-have at summer soirees. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, our mouths are watering just thinking about these heavenly delights so we're sure they'll be a hit with your big-day guests!... read more
Posted: 16 April 2021
We asked wedding planner Mel Revell-Leaman of Your Story Events what advice she'd give to a newly engaged couple wanting to know where to begin the planning process. Read on to find out what she had to say... "Firstly, congratulations! Here are my top tips for getting started on your planning – do take your time and enjoy it. Step one – talk to your partner. Have an in-depth conversation about what you both would and wouldn't like from ceremony type and venue style to the time of year and a rough guest list.... read more
Posted: 15 April 2021
COVID hasn’t stopped the party
There are few words that we never thought we'd say so much in the last year: sanitiser, lockdown and masks are three that spring to mind! With traditional stag and hen dos off the agenda, it was time to get the thinking caps on and get creative: Zoom played a huge part, and so did.... face masks! Not the sort we're all now too familiar with, but the fun facemasks that always came out at parties and the only mask we really knew till the pandemic of 2020.... read more
Posted: 14 April 2021
You do you, says Shelley Holmes of Kent wedding venue Solton Manor
We asked Shelley Holmes at Kent wedding venue Solton Manor for her advice on making an intimate wedding day super-special? Read on to discover her top tips... The best advice I can give is to have the wedding you want that reflects you as a couple. Focus on the things that are important to you: if you love food have the seven-course meal; if you're outdoorsy, utilise your venue's outdoor space with your photographer; if you love flowers have the archway and huge arrangements!... read more
Posted: 13 April 2021
Five ways a cohabiting agreement can protect your assets
Cohabiting couples who have had to postpone their big day due to the coronavirus pandemic can look to interesting insights from family law experts about how their rights differ as an unmarried couple who are living together, with shared assets and children.With an estimated four out of five weddings postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic*, many couples may be wondering what they can do to protect themselves if marriage is not possible at present.By entering into a marriage, couples with shared assets, homes and children gain automatic rights, which can be considered by a court in the event of a divorce or the unfortunate passing of a partner.Family law experts at JMP Solicitors suggest couples who have had to postpone their wedding, but want to protect shared assets, may consider a cohabiting agreement.A cohabiting agreement, sometimes known as a 'living together' agreement, can cover a number of issues to be considered in the event of a separation such as property, bills, pensions, children and material assets.... read more
Posted: 12 April 2021
Win a luxury hen do worth up to £3,950!
After such a tough 2020 with so many weddings and hen parties cancelled, we are all eagerly awaiting this summer for that light at the end of the tunnel.We are delighted to introduce you to Kymani, the tailor-made group glamping company. Kymani offers bespoke luxury getaways in a choice of rural location for brides looking for something that bit different. Each site can be hired out on an exclusive basis so that groups have the entire place to themselves for a really special private getaway – all which will be set up in a completely safe, socially-distanced way.What makes Kymani different from other glamping operators is the ability for groups of up to 40 people to hire the sites out exclusively allowing you and your hens to get away from it all whilst having the whole place to yourselves.... read more
Posted: 9 April 2021
Things to think about when gifting wedding money
As lockdown restrictions ease and the countdown to May 17th begins, couples will be eager to get their wedding plans back on track, so they can walk down the aisle to say those all-important words - 'I do'. The pandemic meant scores of couples had to postpone their big day and, for some, it meant cancelling altogether. Many will now be hoping they can get back to planning their celebrations. Although some couples may have been able to squirrel away more savings during lockdown, the cost of weddings, particularly as many may want bigger, more extravagant weddings after being apart from family and friends for so long, can run into the thousands. To help, parents, grandparents and other relatives may choose to gift money. Research from the Family Wealth Unlocked report by Prudential UK, found that one in six (16%) adults have received a financial gift to pay for their wedding. And this number could rise. For those considering or receiving a financial gift, Kirsty Anderson, Financial Planning Expert at Prudential UK shares four things couples should consider:... read more
Posted: 9 April 2021
We asked Kent-based wedding photographer Penny Young how to make the most of a super-stunning venue in those all-important photos. Read on to discover her top tips... The first step is to make sure you tell your photographer why you chose your venue and what you love about it. Tell them about the specific areas you like and then let them use their creativity to capture you in these locations on the day. Make sure you've allowed enough time for your photos, in particular your couple photo shoot, as feeling rushed is the worst and you'll want to make sure that you've had enough photos in your favourite spots.... read more
Posted: 8 April 2021
Something new, something borrowed, something...green!
Sustainable weddings don't mean compromising on style or having to spend more - and here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we couldn't agree more! Often the sustainable choice is the most tasteful and affordable. There are great ways you can reduce waste and reuse materials that not only make your wedding planet-friendly, but also unique and memorable. Here, North London Waste Authority has some top tips for a sustainable wedding which will certainly still be stylish and beautiful...... read more
Posted: 7 April 2021
Rustic bliss with Kent wedding stationer, Moments That Unite
We asked Jess Harrison of Moments That Unite how to tie wedding stationery in to a rustic-themed barn wedding. Here's what she had to say... "The two best ways to tie your stationery to your theme are by carefully selecting the card used and the details of the design. Card. We recommend opting for a card with a natural, rustic feel such as a brown Kraft card. This has a rustic feel right out of the box and is often 100 per cent recycled too. Colours. Those often found in nature during the spring are ideal here.... read more
Posted: 6 April 2021
2021’s biggest wedding flower trends
One of the biggest trends to emerge, and one like to stay is shopping local. Whether this is due to the Covid-19 crisis - either a response to flowers becoming harder to import or the pandemic inspiring people to support local businesses; or an overall trend of the UK becoming more environmentally conscious - is unclear, but what is clear is that supporting local is a great way to find unique and gorgeous flowers for your big day.Direct2florist has also revealed more trends to be inspired by....... read more
Posted: 5 April 2021
Five alternative ways to get married
Desperate to pledge your eternal vows to your betrothed, but plagued by uncertainty over when you'll be allowed to do it? It's hard to pin down a date for a 'traditional' wedding right now and although things are looking more positive, who knows where we'll be by summertime? There are, however, lots of ways to say: 'I do'. And not all have to involve a big party. Liz Taylor is a luxury wedding planner, and hospitality consultant, of over thirty years' experience. Here she shares just some of her alternative ways to celebrate getting married, which are so unique that you won't miss the grand party.... read more
Posted: 2 April 2021
Spring has sprung with Kent-based Flowers of Foxhall
We asked Diana Critchell of Flowers of Foxhall how to reflect the fresh feeling of springtime in wedding flowers. Read on to find out what wisdom she had to impart... You can evoke the carefree airy feeling of the season in your wedding flowers whatever your chosen style. It's more of a mood than a theme. Spring blooms are a magical mix of delicate textures, sublime colours and symbolism. For example, tulips represent perfect love. In addition to beauty, spring flowers have an abundance of scent, which you'll forever remember.... read more
Posted: 1 April 2021
Leeds Castle fools Kent with April Fool's Day prank!
Leeds Castle had the county fooled this morning with an April Fool's Day prank from "the loveliest Castle in the World", who claimed to be rebranding to Kent Castle. The 900-year old attraction claimed the rebrand was a move to end confusion over its location being in Kent and not Leeds in Yorkshire. Although the change of name was a hoax, it is true that staff at the popular attraction regularly encounter misunderstandings with people wishing to visit, believing it to be some 240 miles away in the north of England.... read more
Posted: 1 April 2021
Celebrate wedding season with Marokka
After the excitement of a wedding invite dropping through your letter box - or via email for those tech-savvy couples - after thinking about what you're going to wear, next is thoughts of the gift list! At Marokka to celebrate all couples that can finally have their weddings again, whether planning something intimate or waiting until later on in the year for larger celebrations, its curated a selection of wedding day gifts you'll fall in love with. In keeping with Marokka's core values of collaboration and giving back, each range is the result of a partnership with another like-minded business as well as a promise to donate 10% of each sale to charity.... read more
Posted: 31 March 2021
Create your own wedding gown with courses from The Robing Room, Kent
If binge watching The Great British Sewing Bee during lockdown has left you with a desire to create your own outfits, head over to the award-winning Robing Room Studio. In a series of short courses running throughout 2021 you can receive professional training in various fashion and textile skills. The courses will be taught by Robing Room owner Janet Robinson PGDHE, who is an approved trainer and has been making and designing garments for many years, with assistance from other specialist tutors from Draft and Stitch in Folkestone's Creative Quarter.... read more
Posted: 30 March 2021
New wedding tablescapes from Setting Pretty
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we champion local wedding suppliers and think tying the knot close to home is also better for you, your loved ones and the planet! With abroad wedding looking uncertain for the next year or two, it's also another perfect reason to get married here in Blighty. Yes, you may not always have the sunnier weather, but why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your UK reception with this new range from Setting Pretty?... read more
Posted: 29 March 2021
How to avoid the 10 most common wedding planning bust-ups
With potentially nearly 200,000 couples planning wedding this year, that's a whole lot of hormones, stress and tension flying about - after all, planning a wedding can be one of the hardest (but also greatest) life experiences to go through. To capture what causes the strops, tantrums, tears and everything else in-between when planning a wedding, jewellers Queensmith surveyed 1,000 married women about the build-up to their special day - here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we can certainly relate to a few!... read more
Posted: 26 March 2021
Sustainable success for Kent wedding venue The Oak Barn
The Oak Barn, a family-run wedding and events venue in the heart of Kent, is one of six finalists for The Sustainability and Environmental Impact accolade at the Rural Business Awards 2020/21. Frame Farm's Grade II listed barns are grouped around a traditional farmyard and provide a stunning setting for weddings. The Oak Barn, The Byre and Weaver's Cottages have been lovingly brought back to life as part of a three-and-a-half-year restoration project and offer state-of-the-art facilities, beautifully incorporated into the fabric of the historical buildings.... read more
Posted: 25 March 2021
Wedding guidance changed again, for the better!
For those planning on tying the knot this year, it's understandable you're feeling unsure of when or where the big day can take place. The Government has recently updated the guidance, once again, for weddings, in particular what you can and can't do from April the 12th with regards to hosting the nuptials. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think this is a must-read, and it's also given us hope that the roadmap out of lockdown and the wedding industry will continue.... read more
Posted: 24 March 2021
Post-lockdown Brits most looking forward to attending weddings again!
2020's empty diaries belong well and truly in the bin; and although 2021 has been a bit of a write off too...pens at the ready...because from April 12th you can start putting dates in the diary again!From hair appointments, to weekends away, here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're looking forward to it all; but research from Parkdean Resorts has discovered exactly what Brits are most looking forward to doing once lockdown eases and weddings feature high on the agenda.... read more
Posted: 24 March 2021
Peace of mind at Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Wedding dates are filling up fast for 2021-23 over at Mercure Tunbridge Wells, and one of its couples' main concerns is: what if our wedding is affected by Covid-19? It's a question you'll no doubt have on your lips too, so be sure to check with your own venue. We asked Sophie Brunger, events manager at Mercure Tunbridge Wells, about their policy. Sophie says, "Couples who make a new wedding booking with us for 2021 or 2022 will be able to change their date once, at no extra charge.... read more
Posted: 23 March 2021
Engagement searches soar during lockdown
With the end of lockdown mapped out for us, engaged couples can finally start getting excited about being married surrounded by friends and family and planning the wedding of their dreams. But what effect did lockdown have on engagements? Research from Freemans found that lockdown may have brought couples closer together as engagement related searches are at an all-time high; and here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think this summer is surely going to be the summer of love!... read more
Posted: 22 March 2021
When it's time for you look for local businesses to help you with your wedding, take a look at our advertisements below. Most will have links to their own websites. These advertisements are updated regularly so please revisit often and mention Your Kent Wedding when making any enquiries.
