Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

voco The Clifton Folkestone has recently been refurbished

Bringing together elements of modern style and traditional charm, voco The Clifton Folkestone has just been refurbished and provides an ideal location for celebrating your big day, whether it be a low-key celebration or a large-scale affair. Situated on The Leas in Folkestone, next to the Clifton Gardens, the hotel offers several idyllic spots for capturing those all-important couple portraits with the beautiful English Channel in the background.

The hotel's function suites are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies for a maximum of 80 guests. The three function rooms each overlook the beautiful Clifton Gardens and provide the ideal setting for an intimate celebration.

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

TUDOR's first boutique has opened in Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre

Family-owned national diamond, jewellery and watch retailer Beaverbrooks has partnered with luxury Swiss watch brand TUDOR to open the only TUDOR boutique in Kent's Bluewater Shopping Centre. Shoppers visiting the new luxury TUDOR space will have access to the watchmakers' range of classic, sport, diving and heritage-inspired timepieces, perfect as gifts for the groom-to-be.

Anna Blackburn, the managing director at Beaverbrooks, said: "We are delighted to expand our mono-brand boutique portfolio with the opening of our TUDOR boutique and are excited to strengthen our valued partnership with the Swiss watch brand. Bluewater is the perfect destination for the TUDOR boutique and our customers will be sure to receive a warm welcome and unrivalled levels of personalised customer service, expertise and passion."

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

Chilston Park Hotel is a wedding venue dating back to 1100

Throughout its history, Hand Picked Hotels' Chilston Park Hotel has been home to eminent politicians, writers, lords and viscounts. Today, this award-winning four Red Star country house hotel is revered for its styling and historic antiques, some as old as the 17th-century manor house itself. A classic British country house hotel conveniently located in rural Kent, Chilston Park Hotel boasts an abundance of style and charm.

Dating back to at least 1100, Chilston Park has been home to a number of well-respected families, many of whom left their own stamp on the property. You can find some of their portraits within the manor house.

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

Leeds Castle has been awarded five-star and four-star ratings across its accommodation options

Leeds Castle, renowned for its historic beauty, has been awarded five-star and four-star ratings across several of its accommodation options in its latest AA Quality Assessment. Further cementing its status as a premier destination for luxury and comfort, the castle, in the picturesque Kent countryside, has been recognised for its commitment to excellence and superior standards of hospitality, service, bedrooms, bathrooms, cleanliness and dining options.

Helen Bonser-Wilton, the chief executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation, tells us: "We are honoured to have received these prestigious AA ratings. They are a testament to the remarkable guest experience we provide and the outstanding service delivered by our hard-working and dedicated team, who ensure every guest has an unforgettable stay."

Holiday Inn Dover has several beautiful wedding spaces to choose from

Set in four acres of landscaped gardens, making it a great spot for wedding photos, the Holiday Inn Dover allows you to host your dream day, whether it be traditional or quirky.

The venue's Grand Marquee is aptly named indeed. It's one of the largest in Kent and is fully heated and air-conditioned. Its pillar-free interior makes it ideal for 400 of your guests to witness your vows.

Alternatively, for more intimate 'I dos,' the new Octagon Suite with an atrium ceiling is a quiet room with six of its eight sides being large windows. It can accommodate 50 nearest and dearest.

WoodWick® new Vapour Trails collection for the big day and beyond

Introducing the Vapour Trails Collection from Woodwick which celebrates the subtle beauty in everyday movement. There are fewer greater life moments than your wedding day, and whether it's to scent the big day itself or to give a gorgeous gift to loved ones, the new Woodwick Vapour Trails Collection would be ideal. Terra Haze: Petrichor, the refreshingly vivid scent of rain on soil, evokes the sense of nature being stripped down to its molecules. Notes of aldehydes, cedarwood, and mossy earth climb toward the sky, dancing back into the atmosphere like mist.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Hayne House in Saltwood, Kent, has won an award

Hayne House in Saltwood, Kent, has been awarded 'Wedding Venue of the Year' at the esteemed 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards. This recognition celebrates the venue's service, stunning surroundings and commitment to creating unforgettable, sustainable wedding experiences for its couples.

Fleur Record Smith, the CEO of Hayne House, tells us: "We're thrilled to be named 'Wedding Venue of the Year' for the UK. This award is a testament to our team's passion, dedication, and hard work, who go above and beyond to ensure every couple's wedding is as special and unique as they imagined. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and to the couples who have entrusted us with their weddings."

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed wedding venue

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa has been renovated to cater to the 21st-century guest while retaining its Victorian charm and elegance. The Grade II listed building Dover Marina Hotel has retained its original appearance and there are balconies on the first floor and the ground floor alcoves in the restaurants and function rooms and in the Churchill Bar & Lounge bar that overlook the sea.

Located on Dover's waterfront, the terrace garden boasts outdoor seating allowing you to relax and enjoy the sea views. For weddings, the front façade of the hotel with Dover Castle in the background makes for an ideal backdrop for excellent photos.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.