Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Wed-cations are the wedding trend for 2023

While multi-day wedding celebrations are completely common in many cultures, it's something western couples are only just starting to consider. However, the addition of events extending beyond the ceremony and reception is something that Jess Martin, wedding planning expert at Ginger Ray expects to see more of here in the UK, as the Wed-cation is revealed to be a key trend for the wedding industry.

Luxury pre-wedding get together - the British Grand Prix

Be closer to the action while enjoying more access, more entertainment and more style than ever before with MATCH Hospitality's FORMULA 1® official hospitality offering. MATCH Hospitality offers an incomparable combination of first-class facilities, unrivalled viewing and seamless service worthy of this breathtaking sport. For the first time, Hilton Garden Inn (the world's first Grand Prix start/finish line hotel – owned by Bricks Group) Silverstone is offering an exclusive hospitality package designed with flexible group sizes in mind, including unforgettable views of the track accompanied by incredible hospitality.

New book launch helps couples speak from the heart

From the ceremony to the speeches, there are elements of a wedding day that require a few special words, whether that's from the couple themselves of perhaps a loved one. If you struggle with putting in to words exactly how you feel, then using an existing quote, reading or poem could help convey your sentiment; step forward 10 Poems for a Wedding, selected and introduced by Kathryn Bevis.

Margate's Dreamland throws open its doors to a programme of live events

Having undergone significant renovations this year, Dreamland threw open it's doors once more in April. It now features an exciting new family coaster, plus new amusements such as a reimagined mirror maze and pinball machines. These new attractions will sit alongside the much-loved scenic railway, the UK's oldest wooden roller coaster, and the iconic big wheel. As in previous seasons, Dreamland will be free to enter and pay per ride.

Give newlyweds the gift of luxury

Across the world, wedding gifts have become a tradition for family, friends and loved ones to show their appreciation to the happy couple and to wish them all the best. A wedding gift is a celebration of their marriage, and to provide them with gifts they may need – or want - to start their new lives together. Although many people still choose to give tangible tokens, many are looking to gift the happy couple an experience that they can enjoy together. PoB Hotels, a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas, and the most authentic regional experiences across the British Isles, offers the perfect solution – a Gift Voucher.

Celebrate in style with picture-perfect table decor

Engagement parties and rehearsal dinners are a great way to kick start your big day celebrations, with many people now opting to host these at home for a more intimate experience. So, how do you make your table stand out? Iconic Rayware brands, Viners and Mason Cash are synonymous with weddings and recognised nationally for their classic tableware products. Read on to discover the top styling trends from Viners and Mason Cash that aren't to be overlooked this wedding season!

Expert tips for creating a unique wedding menu

The traditional three-course wedding breakfast doesn't have to be boring. In this article Nidhi Verma, head of food & founder of The Cookaway, shares a few ideas for alternative food menus for wedding guests. Getting involved with the putting together of your wedding menu can allow you to focus on what's important to you, whether that's only using local produce and seasonal ingredients, incorporating foods you and your partner really like, making sure there are plenty of fun elements, or serving with the utmost style. But if standing out is your priority, how can you ensure your menu is unique? If you're wondering how you can make your special day a little more individual, below are a few ideas to get you started.

The 20 most iconic marryoke songs for a perfect wedding

Are you a couple looking for songs for your wedding this summer? Searches for 'wedding songs karaoke' up +40% and 'best karaoke songs 2023' increasing by +300%, and thortful has put together a list of the most iconic marryoke songs for 2023. The top 20 karaoke songs for your wedding this year Taking the top spot is the absolute belt-it-out classic that is Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams. Given that it has remained a popular song after pretty much four decades, we'd say the score is well-deserved. Just behind in second place is a song that any '90s kid could sing in their sleep – the girl power megahit Wannabe by the Spice Girls.

Kentish handmade chocolate from an old family recipe

Goupie is a family-run chocolate confectionery brand based in Goudhurst, Kent, hand-making a uniquely textured treat based on an old family recipe. Better still, everything the team makes is vegan friendly, gluten-free and sustainably packaged. After receiving a number of requests from customers for wedding favours, it was decided this year to officially create some options. These include mouth-watering chocolate covered marshmallow totes, personalised boxes, and whole tins of dips and dabs.

Want to say 'no' to being a maid-of-honour? Here’s how!

Being a maid-of-honour or even a bridesmaid can be hugely exciting and a big honour, however, it takes responsibility, a lot of time, money and energy, all dedicated to making someone else happy. So if you really don't want to be a bridesmaid, plucking up the courage to turn down an invite might seem like a nightmare. A new survey from Ginger Ray which seeks to answer some of weddings' trickiest questions reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits think it was acceptable to say no to being a member of the wedding party based on the financial burden and additional responsibilities it poses.

Words of wisdom from Warners Solicitors regarding prenups

The team of specialist family law solicitors at local firm Warners have a wealth of experience in drawing up bespoke pre-nuptial agreements to fit the needs of particular couples. It's all too easy to get swept away in the prettiness of wedding planning and romance of the occasion, but sometimes we might need to take a moment, just a moment, to let our heads rule our hearts. So, we asked Kirsty Humphrey, marketing manager at Warners, to tell us more about pre-nups and why a couple might choose to get one.

Browns launch champagne bottomless brunch

This month, Browns Restaurants will be adding a Champagne bottomless brunch to their signature weekend menus, as part of this year's festivities to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary. From Friday to Sunday until 2pm, guests can enjoy free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, alongside signature brunch dishes such as Browns Lobster Benedict, a satisfying stack of Pancetta Buttermilk Pancakes, Smoked Salmon, Smashed Avocado, Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough and a variety of classic egg dishes. Alternatively, opt for more substantial dishes, like the Browns Burger and Chargrilled Chicken & Bacon Club.

David’s Bridal commences ‘everything must go’ closing down sale

Bridal store chain, David's Bridal has confirmed that all UK stores are launching a closing down sale, with dramatic reductions across wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and more. Following its administration announcement last month, David's Bridal is closing all four of it's UK stores, with all stock discounted. David's Bridal's extensive closing down sale will commence with at least 40% off everything in-store.

READER OFFER! Engagement shoots with Nicky's Photography

Ever wondered what a pre-shoot is? Also, known as an engagement shoot, it's an informal photo session for you and your partner before your big day. You can choose when it takes place during the lead up to your wedding, whether it be in the same season, or at a different time of year. This is a fantastic opportunity for you as a couple to get to know your photographer and their way of working, after all you'll be spending a lot of time in each other's company on one of the biggest days of your life.

One4all Gift Cards expands partnerships

Popular wedding gifting brand leading multi-store gift card, One4all Gift Cards, has announced two exciting new partnerships with global fashion retailer, ASOS, and premium e-commerce marketplace, Secret Sales - making it an even more appealing choice for wedding day gifting. ASOS, one of the largest international e-commerce retailers, is now accepting the One4all Gift Card for all online purchases, meaning customers can access all their favourite brands at the touch of a button. With over 850 brands to choose from as well as their own ASOS ranges, which include Collusion and Topshop, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. As a forward-thinking brand, ASOS interpret the latest trends into more than 30 different sizes, allowing all customers to find something they love. As well as the chance to shop for clothing, accessories and beauty products from a variety of brands.

Brama, Bromley’s newest boutique hotel, welcomes guests for the summer

Brama, Bromley's newest and only boutique hotel, has announced it will be welcoming guests just in time for summer, ideal if you're set to wed in the area and guests need a stylish place to crash. With 23 beautifully designed rooms, Brama is set to combine convenience and comfort with appeal and bags of local flair. The new lifestyle hotel is part of the major renovation of Bromley Old Town Hall following its addition to the Heritage at Risk register in 2009, bringing a new lease of life to the much-loved historical building. Steeped in history, the Old Town Hall officially opened in 1907, and has since played host to the wedding of David Bowie and been the local seat of government.

South Of England wins battle of the spas reveals Spabreaks.com

Spabreaks.com 2022 booking data has revealed that spas in the South totalled 57.4% of all bookings made in 2022, winning the battle of the spas against the north of England. The UK spa industry has a lot to offer, whether you're looking to escape to the countryside or fancy break in the city. Whether it's in the north or south, there's a place in the UK that will accommodate whatever spa break you're looking for.

Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up and even run into the tens of thousands. And with the current cost of living, couples will also be navigating rising costs. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

New venue alert! Check out Betteshanger Country Park

Set among 250 acres of beautiful Kentish countryside, Betteshanger Country Park was created in the early 2000s as an outdoor recreational venue, based on the old Betteshanger Colliery. Not your usual wedding venue! It has since developed into the modern, vibrant and unique location it is today. Purchased in 2019, the current owners have delivered their vision of not only an outdoor park and activity site, but also a beautiful location for events of all shapes and sizes.

Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May

Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.