All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Weddings At Brenley is a beautiful Georgian farmhouse
This beautiful Georgian farmhouse is surrounded by apple and pear orchards, hop gardens and vineyards. Indeed, you couldn't ask for a more serene venue. Outside on the lawn, just by the duck pond and barn with the picturesque farmhouse as its backdrop, you'll find a beautiful traditional gazebo, complete with Kent peg roof and timber posts. Here, you can seat 80 of your nearest and dearest on hay bales or chairs, which can be hired at an extra cost as they witness your vows. If the weather isn't favourable though, the beautiful converted Grain Store is an option and it too can seat 80.
The venue is blessed with a picture-perfect field just opposite the duck pond. Set in the glorious Kent countryside on this working arable farm, it can host up to 150 guests and comes complete with water and electricity. It really does offer the ideal blank canvas allowing you to design your day to suit your budget and vision.
Posted: 20 December 2022
Christmas winter wedding music
Getting married at Christmas doesn't mean that you have to plan a Christmas-themed wedding. Here, roaming band The Travelling Hands, suggest songs that would work well for a Christmas winter wedding and the songs to avoid! When it comes to music, the same rule applies. Just because you want to get married at Christmas it doesn't mean that your musical playlist has to be full of Wizzard & Cliff Richard if you don't want it to be there. When our acoustic roaming band The Travelling Hands perform at winter weddings we see a wide variety of decisions when it comes to Christmas songs. Some want to embrace the Christmas classics - adding these into their day. Others like a few placed in here and there, whilst some want to just stick to their favourite songs without any Christmas numbers added in at all.
Posted: 16 December 2022
We’ve partnered with Cake It or Leave It to bring you two fabulous offers
Bexley-based Cake It or Leave It offers stunning bespoke wedding cakes. Whether you've planned grand-scale celebrations or intimate nuptials surrounded by your nearest and dearest, owner Lyndsay Allen-Trott will work with you to create a big-day bake that perfectly complements your day, complete with real wow factor. All mouthwatering and delicious cakes are made using only the finest ingredients, including free-range eggs from Lyndsay's very own backyard hens and ducks.
We've partnered with local lovely Cake It or Leave It to bring you not one, but two fabulous offers! Firstly, benefit from a low deposit of £50 when you book (usually £100), then you'll also get a fabulous 10% off your wedding cake order.
Posted: 15 December 2022
Outdated wedding laws need to change
In an article earlier this year there was discussion and praise aimed towards the Government's plans to allow outdoor weddings to be made permanent. The article also highlighted the eagerly awaited Law Commission report into marriage laws, which was due to be published in July. Now it has been published and we have had some time for the dust to settle, Kate Van Rol, Barrister at 4PB has looked into these recommendations, "Are wedding laws at present 'confusing, outdated and restrictive' as the Commission suggest, or would the implementation of their suggestions trivialise weddings and commercialise the ceremony?". Kate continues...
Posted: 14 December 2022
The Yarrow is a beautiful Jacobean 280-bedroom hotel
The Yarrow is a beautiful Jacobean 280-bedroom hotel situated in the lovely seaside town of Broadstairs. Dating back to 1894 the Hotel is a stunning building combining rich history with modern luxury.
The venue offers an array of flexible wedding packages, which can be adapted to suit your requirements. All include the help of a dedicated wedding coordinator, and reduced rates on accommodation for your guests. What's more, the two of you are invited to stay in the Master Suite on your wedding night.
Posted: 13 December 2022
Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection
The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.
Posted: 9 December 2022
Rochester Corn Exchange has been named a finalist at the Kent Wedding Awards
Rochester Corn Exchange has been named a finalist in the Heritage Venue of the Year category at the prestigious Kent Wedding Awards. Built in 1706 by the rather fabulously named Sir Cloudesley Shovell, this 18th-century gem is located a stone's throw from Rochester's Castle and Cathedral, and in 2024 it will be celebrating 100 years as one of Medway's premier venues for weddings and events.
The venue is one of a collection of historical buildings in Medway, available for wedding hire. Other showstopping locations include Upnor Castle, a 16th-century riverside fort built to protect the Royal Dockyard from attack; The Guildhall, built in 1687; and Eastgate House, mentioned in two of Charles Dickens' works.
Posted: 8 December 2022
The Lost Village Of Dode is a beautiful Norman church
A beautiful Norman church looking almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, straw covers the floor and candles light the scene. Indeed, the interior of this building would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from its beginnings and the atmosphere and silence here is palpable.
Standing on an ancient prehistoric mound, this simple two-cell Norman church looks exactly as it did when it was built in 1100. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, its walls are comprised of local flint with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy.
Posted: 6 December 2022
Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!
Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!
Posted: 2 December 2022
The Kent countryside will be transformed in an after-dark experience at Bedgebury
The Kent countryside will once again be transformed at the spectacular after-dark experience which runs from 18 November until 2 January 2023. Installations designed by a range of international artists portray the Kent pinetum in a majestic light, beneath canopies drenched in seasonal colour and inspired by the landscape to create a festive adventure for all the family.
The mile-long winter trail is a place where fairytale meets fantasy, with towering trees and larger-than-life flora providing plenty of fantastic selfie moments.
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with toasted marshmallows, a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special.
Posted: 1 December 2022
New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection
Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.
Posted: 1 December 2022
The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn
The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn bursting with character and is home to the venue's recently refurbished accommodation complete with stylish newlywed suite and two additional double en suite rooms.
The grounds that surround the barns are professionally landscaped and feature formal parterres with seasonal blooms, curved hedges and an informal water garden all set against a backdrop of mature trees and countryside. The illumination collection now features six locations within the gardens and grounds, including fairylit and festoon areas.
Posted: 29 November 2022
Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.
Posted: 28 November 2022
Kent’s newest toastmaster David Mote has had a busy year
Kent's newest toastmaster David Mote has had a busy year. Since qualifying as a Fellow of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters just 12 months ago, former Mayor of Dartford David has acted as master of ceremonies at an average of three weddings or civic ceremonies per month, and is now looking forward to a hectic festive season.
Based in Dartford, David's proximity to the M25 and A2 has meant he's been able to support events on both sides of the Thames and throughout Kent. Speaking of his early success David explains, "I've been very lucky and think my clients appreciate my light-hearted and flexible approach to making their event both successful and memorable for all the right reasons."
Posted: 24 November 2022
Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape
Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.
Posted: 22 November 2022
Hever Castle is a gem in the heart of the Garden of England
Hever Castle is a gem in the heart of the Garden of England. The double-moated Castle is shrouded in a glorious creeping Boston ivy, which turns a rich, deep red during late Autumn, and the Medieval gatehouse still retains a working drawbridge and portcullis making for iconic photographs.
Three areas are available for your "I dos." The Castle Inner Hall can accommodate 60 nearest and dearest. The ornate panelled walls, antiques and open log fire lend themselves beautifully to a winter wonderland wedding.
Posted: 22 November 2022
Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers
Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.
Posted: 18 November 2022
Chapel House Estate in Minster is hosting an open week in January
Chapel House Estate in Minster is hosting an open week from Saturday 7th January until Sunday 15th January, 2023 inclusive. The new venue will be open from 10am until the last show around at 4pm.
Offering intimate, relaxed and modern weddings Monday to Wednesday for up to 30 people, along with larger traditional black-tie nuptials for up to 150 reception and 200 evening guests Monday to Sunday, Chapel House Estate is a must-see if you're on the hunt for your dream venue. With the sympathetically converted rustic Old Malt Granary Barn for your indoor "I dos" or the gorgeous Wild Apple Orchard for your al fresco ceremony, we think you'll be hooked! There's even on-site accommodation, sleeping up to 34 guests. Paired with modern technology aplenty and carefully designed bars, this Kent wedding venue seamlessly blends the old with the modern making it a worthy of a spot on your list of venues to visit.
Posted: 17 November 2022
Chapel House Estate was established in 1290 and boasts a 35-acre estate
This former private residency has been carefully designed and renovated, with new buildings added, all with you and your guests in mind. Established in 1290 this 35-acre estate, offers you the opportunity to host an intimate wedding in The Walled Courtyard or a large affair in the Thorne Barn. Also included is on-site accommodation for up to 34 people.
Surrounded by natural beauty, the very private grounds include a lovely Arts and Crafts-style garden, wild apple orchard, meadows, three paddocks, on-site modern lodges providing accommodation and even a helicopter pad. Based around one of the oldest buildings in Thanet, this is a venue with a beautifully romantic and timeless feel.
Posted: 15 November 2022
GuestHouse will be opening its third property in 2023
Continuing its mission to bring happy hotels to historical buildings on some of Britain's most desirable streets, spring 2023 will see the boutique hospitality group GuestHouse open the doors to the third property in its portfolio in Margate.
No.42 Margate will embrace the nostalgia we know and love from this sunny seaside town. Housed in a Victorian beauty of a beachfront building it will include 21 bedrooms, a restaurant, rooftop, and spa where the town's open love of uniquely English quirks will be felt all around.
Posted: 10 November 2022
How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?
We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.
Posted: 9 November 2022
Located in the heart of historical Medway is St. George Hotel
Located in the heart of historical Medway, the St. George Hotel is ideally situated for those looking to experience the magnificent sights Kent has to offer while in town for your big day. Within walking distance of Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Fort Amherst and Chatham's Historic Dockyard there's so much to see and do. A family-run hotel, the team offers a personal and flexible service, so whatever your vision for your wedding, they're on hand to make it a reality.
Although the hotel doesn't have its own grounds, it is conveniently located opposite a lovely green featuring a bandstand and beautiful flowerbeds. It's also close to Rochester Castle so many guests choose to pop over there for photos.
Posted: 8 November 2022
Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you
It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.
Posted: 7 November 2022
Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding
Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.
Posted: 4 November 2022
Salomons Estate has seen an increase in pet-friendly ceremonies
Searches for "pets at weddings" are up 200 per cent since 2020 proving couples are increasingly looking to give their furry friends a starring role in their special day. This recent data from Google comes as no surprise to the team at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells, who have seen a sharp increase in the number of enquiries from couples looking to book pet-friendly ceremonies. "For some, it's non-neogtiable. Many couples we speak to book with us on the basis that their dog can be present for the 'I dos,' photos and drinks reception," says commercial sales manager Courtney Smith. From delightful miniature outfits to adorable photography, Salomons Estate, which took first place in the Best Events Team category at the Kent Wedding Awards 21/22, has seen loved-up pet owners making their furry friend a ring bearer, flowergirl or groomsman.
Posted: 3 November 2022
