Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The Bilsington Priory Estate has announced the launch of its new website

The Bilsington Priory Estate, a historic gem nestled near Ashford, has announced the launch of its new website. In collaboration with Lemonade Design Co., the updated site features an enhanced user experience, highlighting the Priory's rich history, a range of wedding packages and the Edwardian manor house with fabulous afternoon teas and events.

Libby Lawson, the owner of Bilsington Priory and Estate, tells us: "We are excited to unveil our new online presence. The new website reflects our commitment to providing an engaging and informative experience for recently engaged couples, our wonderful returning afternoon tea guests, and visitors to the numerous and exciting events we hold across the Estate. We invite everyone to explore the site and discover what makes Bilsington Priory a unique destination for a wedding or celebration."

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect 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. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

The George Vaults is a vibrant venue boasting five wedding spaces

Nestled in the heart of historic Rochester, The George Vaults is a vibrant venue boasting five stunning spaces for all your eating, drinking and entertaining needs. This 14th century wedding venue is perfect for couples seeking a historic setting near Rochester's magnificent cathedral, historic castle and charming cobbled streets.

The team offers comprehensive packages for both wedding breakfasts and evening receptions within the enchanting ambiance of the Vault. With a dedicated team of professionals, you will receive personalised assistance to help you plan every detail of your special day, ensuring a memorable experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Celebrant Kate is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Kate Mitchell, who runs Celebrant Kate, is a talented wedding celebrant based in Kent. Kate tells us more about her company: "As a celebrant, my passion is creating wedding ceremonies that are completely personal to you and that provide the perfect start to your lives together. As you can see from these photos, your wedding ceremony with me can happen wherever you wish, and it will be written just for you! If you're planning a winter wedding, let me help you create your perfect celebration. I'm offering 10 per cent off my usual wedding fee to anyone who books me for a winter wedding in 2025. That means that you will have more money to spend on all those little touches, which make all the difference! Book your free discovery call and find out how I can help you have the perfect celebrant-led, wonderful winter wedding."

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife reserve with over 900 endangered animals

An enchanting setting draped in history, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent's largest wildlife reserve, set within 600 acres of private parkland and home to 900 endangered animals. With picture-perfect panoramic views of the English Channel and Romney Marsh, the reserve's centrepiece, the Grade II* listed Port Lympne Mansion, surrounded by 14 acres of landscaped gardens, is regarded as one of England's finest country houses and has entertained royalty, aristocracy, prominent politicians and playwrights for over a century.

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Make your wedding day truly bespoke with Personalise 365

Looking for something unique and different for your wedding table decor? Surrey-based Personalise365, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World and may have just the thing you're looking for. Making a variety of personalised engraved guest place names that double up as wedding favours, the company can also create guest books that can be engraved with any wording of your choice.

Book your dream safari honeymoon at Bluewater this Sunday!

UBON Safari specializes in crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences and luxury beach holidays across the breathtaking landscapes of Southern and Eastern Africa. Its tailor-made journeys take you to some of the continent's most romantic and awe-inspiring destinations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start your honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding blessing in the Serengeti, where the Maasai tribe will honour your union amidst the stunning backdrop of Africa's endless plains. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll create memories that will last foreve

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Don't miss this wedding offer from De Vere Horsley Estate

Horsley Towers offers a variety of beautiful spaces to make weddings of any size truly special. The team will be on hand to discuss all-things wedding at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Fairytale-inspired weddings take place at this country bolthole, with the grounds home to a secret chapel, beautifully tiled cloisters and the lakeside 19th-century mansion. The estate has unveiled the first phase of a £1.2million refurbishment to 51 of its bedrooms located in Horsley Place, a distinctive contemporary hotel which sits alongside the historic mansion house, Horsley Towers within more than 75 acres of grounds. Ten new academy double rooms and five new academy superior double rooms have been refurbished, along with the creation of five new Horsley Place suites.

Venue styling sorted with Surrey's Chair Cover Dreams

Surrey-based Chair Cover Dreams is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October 2024. Owner, Maxine has worked in the industry for 12 years specialising in weddings and events in the UK, from the Ivy in London to marquees that seat 600, celebrity weddings to smaller intimate affairs. Providing chair covers, table décor, venue styling, theming, centrepieces, focal points, draping, mood-lighting, interior design and event management; the company can provide fairytale weddings to masquerade balls.

Singer Kelly Pepper is offering couples visiting the Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater a discount

Kelly Pepper is a talented wedding singer based in Kent who offers bespoke packages and beautiful live vocals for your wedding day. Kelly can perform any genre of music at your wedding ceremony or reception, from romantic acoustic covers to lively dancefloor classics. Kelly can also learn songs on request for your walking down the aisle song, wedding exit, or first dance.

Kelly will be exhibiting at the Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October 2024 and is offering any couples who book on the day a 20 per cent discount on her services.

Wedding and mini-moon destination The Relais Cooden Beach

For those who love being by the water, The Relais Cooden Beach is the perfect wedding venue. Located on a picturesque part of the South Coast between Eastbourne and Hastings, this property offers a stunning beachfront backdrop, with panoramic views of both Beachy Head and the English Channel. The hotel offers a unique setting on the British coast and one that is open year-round, combining both elegance and a destination wedding vibe. The experienced team at The Relais Cooden Beach will ensure every detail is perfect and they work closely with couples to create bespoke wedding packages from traditional through to more relaxed celebrations, with each one tailored to suit individual needs, requirements, and vision. Licensed for civil weddings and with a variety of ceremony rooms, one standout option is the Balinese pagoda located in the gardens with stunning sea views.

Considering a magic mirror? Pop along to our Signature Wedding Shows

Windsor's The Best Magic Mirrors will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show. If you are considering a magic mirror for your wedding day, then popping along to the wedding fair gives you the perfect opportunity to see see one for yourself and speak with owner Lauren, who's on hand to answer all of your questions. She says, "When it comes to evening entertainment at your wedding, you want something that's going to capture the memories of your special day that you can re live over and over again. That's why our Magic Mirror is the perfect choice. We take photobooth fun to a whole new level, providing a unique experience with our state of the art Magic Mirror using colourful animations and touch screen technology to give you a magical, interactive 'selfie' experience.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Bottom's up with The Fabulous Filly's show offer

Impress your guests with your own personalised bar - hire The Fabulous Filly Horse Box Bar for your special day. "We offer tailored drink packages including signature cocktails served in vintage glassware," shares owner Nicola. "Come and see us at the show for an exclusive show offer - Free Champagne Tower Glass Hire included with your booking! This supplier is exhibiting at the following County Wedding Events shows: Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

Inn on the Lake boasts plenty of beautiful photograph opportunities

Surrounded by nature's splendour, the grounds of the Inn on the Lake are a haven of tranquillity, with three enchanting lakes and sprawling woodlands. The venue offers breathtaking views and serene photographic opportunities, whether enjoying the calming waters or strolling through the picturesque surroundings.

Ceremonies can take place al fresco in the Lakeside Gazebo, which can seat up to 200 guests.

Inside, the Fountain Suite, with soft drapes, warm fairylights and panoramic views of the gardens, seats 80 and has standing space for up to 130 friends and family.

Bespoke stationery with Amanda Stroud Creations

Amanda Stroud Creations is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on 27th October - be sure to pop along and meet Amanda at the show to talk about your wedding stationery needs. "Hi, I'm Amanda at Amanda Stroud Creations, I understand how important it is to choose wedding stationery that expresses your wishes and any theme or colour scheme you have in mind," shares Amanda. "Let's face it, you want your special day to be as individual and unique as you are as a couple! "All my wedding stationery can be personalised to match what you are looking for, if you prefer I can adjust any aspect of the samples I display at shows or on my website, alternatively I can create a completely different design, unique for your occasion. The choice is yours! "I'm confident that you will be delighted with any of my Wedding Stationery that you choose and that it will become a precious keepsake that you and your guests will reflect on for years to come."