Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Cobham Hall is a Grade I listed building that dates back to 1208

Nestled in 150 acres of Grade II-listed parkland, Cobham Hall dates back to 1208, when the original manor was granted by the King to the De Cobham family. Cobham Hall is an English country house that's one of the largest and most important houses in Kent.

Only 28 miles from Central London and within easy reach of the A2, M2, M20 and M25, the venue is conveniently situated while enjoying a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Offering a maximum of 20 weddings per year, Cobham Hall is a hidden gem that will amaze your guests with its history, grandeur, elegance and dedicated wedding team, who will help you create a day designed exclusively for you.

True costs of saying 'I do' revealed by the experts

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Hodge dived into the averages of how much each part of a wedding costs, revealing that food and the honeymoon were the two most expensive parts. When it comes to wedding attire, couples spare no expense to look their best on their special day. According to Hodge's research, the average cost of wedding outfits in the UK is substantial. For instance, the engagement ring alone sets couples back around £1,948 on average, surpassing even the cost of the bride's dress, which averages £1,500. But, the wedding bands cost substantially less, on average couples only spend £1,000 for both rings.

The Speech Surgery: Indian wedding speeches with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. I'm giving a Maid of Honour speech at a large Indian wedding. I've never been to one before... any etiquette I need to be aware of? Speeches are finally getting the attention they deserve at Indian weddings. A couple of decades ago they still weren't that common but now they're finally taking centre stage. And quite literally. In terms of etiquette, there's no major difference but the scale of the event will impact your speech. As we know, most Indian weddings are big events. It's not uncommon to have a guestlist anywhere from 400 to 1,000 guests and speakers are often up on a stage with lighting, sound crews and being filmed too! Check with the bride and find out...

Show your bridesmaids some love with the One4all Beauty & Spa Gift Card

Finding a range of gifts all your bridal party will love can be a struggle, especially when you've got a long wedding checklist to tick off. That's why the One4all Beauty & Spa Favourite Gift Card is an ideal addition to any bridal box or thank you card, it gives your hens the choice to pamper themselves with much-loved brands such as Boots, The Perfume Shop, Rituals, SpaSeekers and many more. It can be loaded with any amount from £15 to a generous £100, perfect if you've got a tight budget but still want to treat your bridesmaids.

Daisy’s Flower Preservation is offering our readers an exclusive discount

If you're currently in the midst of planning your wedding, you understand the significant amount of time, effort, consideration, and resources required to ensure that the floral arrangements for your special day are perfect.

At Daisy's Flower Preservation, owner Kate specialises in creating exquisite keepsakes using the very same bouquet that accompanied you down the aisle. "I carefully preserve your beautiful flowers and present them in frames, either as a complete bouquet or as a smaller selection, tailored to complement your home décor," shares Kate. "And let's not overlook the buttonhole! Many of my brides have been moved to tears upon seeing their finished piece, as it transports them back to that enchanting day."

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

St Julians Club is an attractive venue with an old-world charm

St Julians Club is an attractive venue with an old-world charm and bohemian atmosphere. The property boasts an eclectic combination of 1950s architecture and Grade II-listed rooms, a conservatory and tall bay windows framing the expansive views across the Weald Valley.

The Georgian country house transforms into the perfect canvas for weddings. The grounds are a charming setting, with manicured lawns and gardens with elegant stairways into a semi-ancient woodland. Bluebells grow in the spring and gorgeous blooms are in abundance throughout the summer, all nestled into the hillside with outstanding views.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

The British Heart Foundation in Sidcup recently received a donation of 100 new wedding dresses

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Sidcup recently received a donation of 100 new designer wedding dresses. The gowns were donated by Adrian Chapman, who donated them in memory of his friend and business partner. The Malaysian designer Steven Sin passed away very suddenly after having a heart attack. Steven spent a year designing and creating each of the one hundred one-of-a-kind dresses. He had planned to enter the bridal wear market but unfortunately passed away in April 2022, before they could be sold.

The dresses were sold at a BHF wedding fair in Sidcup on Thursday evening, and the money raised will help the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Rowhill Grange is set in acres of romantic gardens

Nestled in the Kent countryside, Rowhill Grange is set in acres of romantic gardens with a winding drive that leads up to the hotel, providing sweeping views across the lawn. Easy to access with ample parking, the property offers a countryside feel, perfect for rustic weddings. The hotel is licensed for ceremonies for up to 120 friends and family.

A pretty wedding gazebo is located at the bottom of the gardens, which is the perfect spot for an idyllic outdoor ceremony.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Rebecca Rees Design has released a new framed guest book

Kent-based Rebecca Rees Design has released a new framed guest book. Available in a range of styles and sizes, every framed artwork is made up of hearts signed by wedding guests on the big day, as well as coloured hearts in the couple's chosen colour palette. The artwork can be personalised further to include special text chosen by the couple, such as first dance lyrics, vows and speech text.

Over the last decade, Rebecca has worked with couples from all over the world. "It's a real privilege to work with couples to create such personal artwork," says Rebecca. "I love how each frame reflects the uniqueness of the couple's special day and the knowledge that the finished artwork will be hung on a wall and enjoyed every day."

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

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. 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 to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Hythe Imperial Hotel is an award-winning hotel on the seafront

Nestled in impeccably manicured gardens, the award-winning Hythe Imperial Hotel's enviable seafront location allows for panoramic seaside views. Its exterior is an architectural marvel that beautifully complements its picturesque surroundings.

More than just a wedding venue, it's a luxurious haven that exudes both elegance, charm and exhibits a neutral colour scheme, providing a perfect blank canvas for wedding themes. It also houses a magnificent chandelier, the tallest in Europe! This resplendent centrepiece reaches dizzyingly high into the elegant, vaulted ceiling of the hotel's grand entrance hall.

Beautiful in Curves has launched a new mother-of-the-bride/groom collection

Beautiful in Curves, a boutique for curvy brides in Ashford, Kent, has launched a must-have collection for mother-of-the-bride and groom.

We spoke to Zoe Dowle from Beautiful in Curves to find out more: "We enjoy researching beautiful dresses that we know you are looking for. As such, we are very particular about the designers we want to work with. With many years of experience in the bridal and special occasion industry, we choose our dresses to offer a superb fit and flatter along the way. Choosing your dress for the mother-of-the-bride or groom should be a memorable occasion and one to enjoy. With this in mind, we offer private, no-obligation appointments. We know that once you see the dresses, you will be spoiled for choice! The gowns are available in sizes 18 to 26."