All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Misson launched to raise profile of Medway's historical treasures for weddings and events
Couples are invited to create their own historic moments in unique locations as Medway reveals its hidden gems - a collection of wonderful historic venues now available for a wide range of ceremonies, celebrations and events. With the backdrop of the finest Norman Keep in the country, the grandeur of the second oldest cathedral in England, and a packed programme of festivals, it's easy to see why Rochester is such a great visitor destination full of history and plenty to see and do. This bustling, charming town has been turning heads since before Charles Dickens was a boy and 152 years since England's most famous author breathed his last in nearby Higham, it continues to impress. Listen closely and you might just hear the tap of bridal shoes and practiced speeches along the cobbled High Street.
Posted: 2 September 2022
Goodnestone Park has announced a new state-of-the-art orangery
Once a regular haunt of much-loved novelist Jane Austen, Goodnestone Park has announced a new state-of-the-art orangery – the ultimate space for weddings.
A vast, privately-owned estate in the heart of the Kent countryside Goodnestone Park boasts a grand house, built in 1704. One of Jane Austen's favourite retreats the property was home to her brother, Edward, who settled there shortly after he married Elizabeth Bridges. In fact, in 1796, Jane decided to use the estate as a writing retreat, penning her most famous novel, Pride & Prejudice there. Literary scholars believe Goodnestone Park inspired some of the houses in her works since she frequently wrote about it in her letters.
Posted: 1 September 2022
County Wedding Events coming to Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa, Surrey!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa, Guildford, Surrey for inspiration on 4th September, 2022! It's one of our first wedding shows of the autumn wedding show season 2022, and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer! The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
Posted: 31 August 2022
Set in the heart of rural Kent, Frasers of Egerton sits within a 300-acre estate
Set in the heart of rural Kent, Frasers of Egerton sits within a 300-acre estate. Oozing luxury and charm, this private eco estate is available for exclusive hire for weddings of all sizes, as well as other celebrations and events. Surrounded by stunning scenery and an abundance of nature, there are a multitude of photo opportunities to choose from including meadows of wildflowers, rustic rural landscapes and spectacular sunsets.
Ceremonies are hosted in the romantically-decorated Frasers Barn, a Kentish oak-framed timber building. After the "I dos" your guests will move through to the Stag's Barn for drinks and canapés, while you and your new spouse head off to have your photos taken.
Posted: 30 August 2022
Budget friendly ways to propose to your bridesmaids
Weddings are one of the costliest events in life which get more expensive year on year. Asking your besties to be your bridesmaids is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of the process, however, this can soon chip away at your budget when looking at personalised presents or expensive goodie bags to pop the question to them. To help save some costs, greetings card specialist thortful (thortful.com) has shared five budget-friendly, yet fun and creative ways, to ask your besties to be your bridesmaids. From having a spa day at home to custom fortune cookies, these bridesmaid proposal ideas are sure to get the reaction you want without breaking the bank.
Posted: 29 August 2022
Before I Do - the honeymoon must-have, you won't put it down!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we do love a good book to get our teeth into - not literally of course, cake's great for that - and the description for this new novel Before I Do from Sophie Cousens already has us hooked! What would you do if the one that got away turned up the night before your wedding? Audrey is marrying Josh; steady, dependable Josh, the love of her life. They share a flat and a bank account, and it's the only relationship that Audrey's ever had that feels like something she can put her trust in. But romance should be full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is 'the one'. So, when Josh's sister Miranda arrives at their rehearsal dinner with Fred - Audrey's 'What If?' guy, the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with but never saw again - Audrey can't help but see it as a sign.
Posted: 26 August 2022
Mercure Tunbridge Wells as some great offers on late availability for 2022
Built around the original Georgian Dower House, Mercure Tunbridge Wells is a charming four-star hotel offering the ideal combination of the traditional and modern for your big day. And if you're looking for somewhere to tie the knot this year, the hotel has some great offers on late availability for some dates in 2022.
The package, priced at £4,500, allows you to invite 50 days guests and 70 evening guests. It includes a wedding planner, ceremony room hire, reception drink, three-course meal, wine with the meal, toast drink, dedicated on-the-day manager to act as toastmaster, table linen and napkins, chair covers and sashes, private function room hire, private staffed bar, hire of the hotel's cake stand and knife, evening buffet, bedroom for the newlyweds on the wedding night including breakfast, and complimentary wedding menu tasting prior to the big day.
Posted: 25 August 2022
Brits would end a relationship if they're not engaged after five years
With a +360% increase in Brits searching for 'how to hint at an engagement' and a +215% increase for a 'dream wedding'* it seems many Brits are eagerly waiting for their partner to pop the big question – but how long do Brits wait? A new study by greetings card marketplace thortful.com, who polled 1,000 Brits who are either engaged or newly married, revealed just how long you might be waiting for a ring and the nation's true thoughts on everything to do with getting engaged.
The study showed that our partners are proposing 7 months too late as the preferred waiting time is just 2 years. And, on average, Brits would call time on a relationship if they're still not engaged after 5 years of being in a relationship.
Posted: 24 August 2022
The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-famed tythe barn bursting with character
The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-famed tythe barn bursting with character and is home to the venue's accommodation complete with stylish newlywed suite and two additional double ensuite rooms.
The New Barn is used for ceremonies and receptions, and is simultaneously opulent and neutral to coordinate with any colour palette or theme. Oak-framed and open plan, with large windows and a light tiled floor, it also features a wooden dancefloor. The space is romantically softened with ivory drapes and fairylights, while the starlit ceiling guides you onto the dancefloor for your first dance.
Posted: 23 August 2022
Natural ways to relieve wedding day nerves
Wedding day jitters are normal — but not necessarily welcome! In this article Jo Webber, Herbal Education Lead at Pukka Herbs, shares four natural ways to keep them at bay. Weddings are one of the most significant life events you can go through, so its no surprise that wedding day jitters are so common. Even the most committed couple are bound to get butterflies when standing up in front of everyone they know to say their vows, and no matter how excited you are to tie the knot, nerves before or even during the ceremony are completely normal. That said, no one wants nervousness and anxiety to get in the way of enjoying their big day. But how can you relieve your wedding day jitters in a natural way? Here, I'll share four simple methods for curbing your nerves ahead of a wedding.
Posted: 21 August 2022
UK couples turning to ‘pet-nups’
With around 60% of UK households owning a pet, it's no surprise that who gets custody of any animals can be a key area of negotiation when relationships break down. Megan Bennie, a solicitor specialising in divorce and family law at Kent law firm Furley Page, said: "For many people a pet is not just an animal, it's a fully-fledged member of the family, so it's no wonder that pets can be a particularly emotive topic for clients when relationships end. Unfortunately, a pet's treatment by the law hasn't kept up with the way they are generally viewed by their owners."
Posted: 20 August 2022
When organising a wedding, it's easy to get caught up in how things look. From wedding décor to dresses, the focus is often on aesthetics. Understandably so, the photos from your day being one of the main ways you'll look back and remember those delicate details you spent what seems like forever planning. Fragrance, however, can be just as important in transporting you back to the joy you felt on the day you said I do. And in 2022, scent is taking centre stage as one of the biggest wedding trends of the summer. Here, Clare Logan from home, bath and body care brand ARRAN Sense of Scotland outlines everything you need to know about creating your own scent-sational wedding day. "This year, weddings are all about fragrance," begins Clare, who is just in the process of planning a wedding herself and being immersed in the world of perfumery on a daily basis, knows a thing or two about fragrance and weddings.
Posted: 19 August 2022
2022 marks a decade in business for Treats on a Tricycle
2022 marks a decade in business for Treats on a Tricycle, an accomplishment of which the team are understandably very proud. Given this wealth of experience and many a wedding behind it, the company has become one of the South East's most recognised ice cream professionals offering vintage ice cream.
Treats on a Tricycle is available to bring a touch of nostalgia and class to your big day providing services from traditional ice cream tricycles and a designated Pimms tricycle, to the rare vintage ice cream van, Little Esther.
Posted: 18 August 2022
Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco DOC launches in the UK
Internationally renowned designer and style icon Vera Wang has just launched her premium Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco DOC wines here in the UK. The most stylish choice for weddings and every other kind of celebration, the top-quality sparkling white and rosé wines come in stunning matt silver bottles as striking as her fashion, fragrance, jewellery, home and accessories designs. "Prosecco isn't just for special occasions. Whether you are celebrating by yourself, or with friends, PARTY is about toasting every day, making the most of life's moments," says Vera Wang. The Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco DOC white wine is crafted from 100% Glera grapes and boasts aromas of apple and stone fruit, citrus notes and fresh acidity on the palate, with a soft and fruity finish. It's perfect for any occasion, brunch, party or wedding, paired as an aperitif with seafood, cheeses and salty snacks, or to serve with more substantial dishes including pasta, sushi, fried chicken and spicy Chinese takeaways!
Posted: 18 August 2022
The Alexander Centre is a Victorian building in the heart of Faversham
The Alexander Centre is an attractive Victorian building in the heart of Faversham, a picturesque Medieval market town. The structure's impressive facade makes a real statement within the town's architecture and features a grand portico, which makes for gorgeous photographs. Its convenient location ensures it's easy to get to and there are numerous facilities nearby including hotels and B&Bs to accommodate your guests.
Ceremonies take place in the Jubilee Room – a light and airy heritage room with large windows, high ceilings, detailed cornicing and parquet flooring.
Posted: 16 August 2022
Chelsea Peers, has unveiled a stunning bridal edit
Modern loungewear brand, Chelsea Peers, has unveiled a stunning bridal edit designed with the bride tribe in mind! This elegant collection of women's sleepwear, loungewear and swimwear in silky satin and modal provides the perfect lounging look to take the crew from hen party to big day. From gorgeous satin PJs like the Sage Bee Print Button Up Short Pyjama Set (£38) to the lovely Gingham Scoop Back Swimsuit (£42) there's something for everyone to look and feel confident and wedding picture ready!
Posted: 15 August 2022
94% of dog owners getting married want to involve their pets
On the biggest day of their lives, 94% of dog owners planning a wedding for this year revealed they will give their dog a starring role in the celebrations. This shows a new trend for this year, increasing by more than a third (39%) since pre-Covid and reaching more than three times the level of 30 years ago (213% increase). The new research by charity Guide Dogs shows that the wedding roles dogs can expect to play over the next 12 months will vary. The most common roles were however found to be starring in the first dance (42%), walking a bride down the aisle (39%), being the Dog of Honour or Best Man (37%) or taking ringbearer responsibilities (30%).
Posted: 14 August 2022
The most Instagrammable wedding flowers
Trying to decide between roses and hydrangea for your wedding? Perhaps this latest research from gardening experts AllAboutGardening.com will help! The company analysed hashtag counts of over 100 different types of flowers, on Instagram to establish which flower is the most popular on the social media platform. Roses were revealed as the most Instagrammable flower. To date, there are 79.6million posts using the hashtag 'rose' or 'roses', contributing to its status as the most Instagrammable flower. Roses, when cut, can typically last up to one week but to keep the flower fresh requires additional care tips. The best way to keep roses fresh is to remove all the leaves from the stem, as allowing leaves to be submerged in water can lead to your roses harbouring bacteria and will speed up the process of your roses wilting. Similarly, roses should always be kept in a cool spot with vase water that is regularly changed.
Posted: 13 August 2022
Love Lane Photography is offering a free boudoir photo shoot session
Catherine Price is the woman behind the camera at Love Lane Photography in Rochester. She specialises in beautiful, natural family photography, capturing all those special, mesmerising and funny moments that you'll want to treasure for a lifetime. Along with maternity, baby, cake smash and family shoots, she also offers boudoir photography at her body-positive all-female studio.
A boudoir shoot is a way to capture a moment in your life and preserve it forever. And when better than as you prepare for your wedding day? "Our shoots are artistic and contemporary, offering an experience you'll never forget," Catherine says. Your day will start with hair and make-up followed by guidance on posing and expression. Before you begin, you'll also have the opportunity to discuss exactly how you wish to be photographed and ask any questions you may have.
Posted: 11 August 2022
Is a pre-nup on your wedding to-do list?
Whilst this wedding season, most nearlyweds-to-be will be considering invites, dresses, venues and flowers, an increasing number will have pre-nuptial agreements on their minds before they walk down the aisle. Market research from leading consumer legal services company, Slater and Gordon, shows that more than half (53%) of unmarried couples would only consider getting married, if a pre-nuptial agreement was put in place. The research is following the news that Britney Spears and her new husband, Sam Asghari, signed an "iron-clad" prenuptial agreement before their wedding, last month. It is understood that one of the conditions of the document is that if the couple were to separate, Sam wouldn't be entitled to any of the tens of millions that Britney earned prior to their marriage.
Posted: 10 August 2022
St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house just outside Sevenoak
St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house set in charming surroundings just outside Sevenoaks and has been a secluded private club since the early 1950s. It has been licensed for weddings for more than 15 years and the professional team of experienced wedding planners will work with you to arrange your wedding your way.
The Lounge is the original drawing room of the house, with long bay windows that open onto the flagstone terrace outside. It has a beautiful marble fireplace and Steinway grand piano, which is available for you to use during your big day. Double doors lead to the Victorian conservatory, which boasts a wonderful canopy of wisteria blooming fragrantly up to four times a year. The Gallery is a great place to sit and enjoy the views and the bay window is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding ceremony.
Posted: 9 August 2022
10 simple tips for a stress-free wedding
From trying to keep yourself and your spouse-to-be happy, to accommodating ample requests from friends and family, weddings can cause a lot of stress and anxiety during the planning period as well as on the big day itself. In the past year searches for 'wedding anxiety' have increased by +60% which highlights you're not the only one if you're feeling like this. To ensure couples have a wonderful and stress-free wedding experience, life insurance broker, Reassured has put together 10 helpful tips to reduce stress.
Posted: 7 August 2022
3 months for your father-in-law to like you!
A new survey, conducted by greetings card marketplace, thortful.com, has looked to reveal the time it takes father-in-laws to approve of their son/daughter's partner, revealing that the average amount of time is three months. The study quizzed 1,000 father-in-laws across the UK on how long it takes for them to approve of their son-in-law, as well as the attributes that are most important to them. It was found that a quarter of father-in-laws (25%) said they actually approved of their son/daughter partner from the first moment they met them, with just less than one in 10 (9%) taking 7 months or longer to approve.
Posted: 5 August 2022
The UK's most popular wedding venues
Here in the UK we're truly blessed with ample gorgeous wedding venues offering couples tying the knot in this country such variety; from historic castle to beach-side hotels, Victorian manor houses to tree houses and woodland weddings - the options really are endless. The wedding financial experts at money.co.uk analysed TripAdvisor to reveal the venues with the most mentions of 'weddings' in their reviews and then used Instagram data to discover which ones have been shared the most on the platform and ranked them from highest to lowest to reveal the most popular in the UK.
Posted: 4 August 2022
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve has two new wedding offerings
New to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve's wedding offering this year are two gorgeous on-site locations: The Pergola and The Orangery. Tucked away in Port Lympne mansion's ancient whispering walled garden is the newly-appointed garden pergola, a super-romantic spot for your "I dos." Fully-licensed for civil ceremonies, this quiet setting can accommodate up to 120 loved ones for the vows, after which they'll be able to follow you out into the tiered terraced gardens for a celebratory glass of bubbly.
Posted: 4 August 2022
