Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Wedding favours that make a difference

Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)

There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you're looking for somewhere special to hold your wedding reception in Canterbury, then Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is well worth a look. Situated in the inspiring grounds of the Cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city, the venue caters for any size of wedding reception from small and intimate to a sit-down meal for up to 120 guests.

You can choose to enjoy a drinks reception in the Kentish Barn, which boasts beautiful views of the Cathedral from its large bay windows. Alternatively, the Campanile Garden is available for summer drinks receptions and, of course, those all-important photos whatever the season.

How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding

Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Wedding planning sorted with The Eventist Group at Mercedes-Benz World

When attending our County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023 couples can seek expert advice from Tapenade and The Walled Garden from The Eventist Group, to help when planning their wedding day. Tapenade, one of the group's original brands, the bespoke event caterer has years' of experience in delivering unique events to exceed all expectations.

Bexley-based Cake It Or Leave It features on Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh

There's exciting news from Bexley-based Cake It or Leave It, whose cakes have recently featured on ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. Owner Lyndsay Allen-Trott tells us, "I was commissioned to design a Regency cake, which was featured on the Valentine's special. These period-style bakes are back in fashion thanks to Bridgerton and they date back to the era of Jane Austen. She herself would bake with eggs from her own Aylesbury ducks, which lived in her back garden. This is very apt since I keep Muscovy ducks in my own back yard, who provide all the eggs for my cakes too!"

Get the reception started with Night Lights DJ & Event Services

As a DJ and event services provider, Nightlights understand that events and celebrations are not just ordinary occasions. They are moments that deserve to be remembered and cherished for a lifetime. That is why they incorporate high-quality music, lighting, and entertainment to create a memorable atmosphere for their clients. With years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction, Nightlights DJ & Event Services is committed to taking your event to the next level. Whether it is a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or any occasion that needs a touch of excellence, trust Nightlights DJ & Event Services to provide a one-of-a-kind experience."

Considering a celebrant-led ceremony? Meet Susie Mitchell

From weddings to baby arrivals, renewing of vows to naming ceremonies a celebrant is able to lead a bespoke service at these special occassions. Berkshire's, Susie Mitchell of Full of Love Ceremonies, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. She says, "I'm Susie, I love helping people create magical moments of love in their lives and can plan a spectacular ceremony for you. My journey to being a celebrant has evolved over forty years, from my love of people and creating unique memories in people's lives celebrating all milestones. My style is true connection; listening to your needs and wants and having that blank canvas to create your happy times and craft your beautiful love story.

The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!

What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...

Tie the knot at Betteshanger Country Park

Betteshanger Country Park offers two stunning venues set among 250 acres of Kentish grounds. The contemporary building constructed woods and metals offers a great first impression to arriving guests. The in-house team of event experts can also tailor bespoke packages and menus, enabling you to personalise your big day. The venue also offers a free wedding tasting for its three course menu, a wedding coordinator to help with the planning and bespoke packages tailored to meet your needs.

Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA

Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.

Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed

Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!

Entertain the little ones with Grumpy Fox Events

Fetcham-based Grumpy Fox Events specialises in boutique, aesthetically pleasing, play sets in neutral and white tones. You can view this delightful collection at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. Owner Kerryn says, "Our set are a perfect addition to your beautiful wedding venue. Keeping your special little guests entertained for hours with no compromise on style, our muted hues can be themed to match and complement the colours you have chosen for your day to create a magical haven for little people."

Sweet treats from Surrey baker

Showcasing her latest cake designs at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th, Lisa Broughton has more than twenty years' experience of creating beautiful, elegant, and stylish bespoke wedding cakes. Specialises in high quality luxury wedding cakes with handmade sugar flowers, from initial enquiry through to consultation, design, delivering and setting up your wedding cake Lisa prides herself on giving the highest personal customer service.

Learn more about this outstanding riverside wedding venue

Meet the team of this Thames-side wedding venue, The Mitre, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. Set amongst a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1600s and overlooking the River Thames, The Mitre commands panoramic views over the heart of Hampton Court. The backdrop of the River Thames and the surrounding landscape provide beautiful picture perfect moments. The Mitre is quintessentially English, think classic, romantic and elegant with a feel of town meets countryside. Steeped in history, but with stylish interiors and modern finishes, each room is individually designed with a playful use of colour, and antiques lend soulfulness giving each room its own unique character.

New product launch at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding show

The County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, on April 16th 2023, is an oppotunity for couples to meet with local suppliers and discover new products. Personalise365 specialise in personalised wedding decor, gifts and craft supplies, using a variety of wood and acrylic materials to make its products. A new product, which Helena and the team are very excited about, this new Guest Book Drop Box comes completely personalised for the wedding couple.

Sussex wedding venue exhibiting at Mercedes-Benz World

The Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th, 2023, hosted by County Wedding Events' provides couples with the perfect opportunity to find their wedding day venue. Roll out the red carpet at South Lodge, where you'll be heartily welcomed by 93 acres of gentle West Sussex countryside. The undulating South Downs are the backdrop to the 19th-century Victorian country house, where delicious food, stunning gardens and sumptuous spa will make your wedding day complete.

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel Spa hailed a spa sensation!

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel Spa has been revealed as Kent's top spa by spa experience and booking agency, Spabreaks.com. The Hotel hit the top spot with 23 per cent of all bookings made in Kent this year. Nearby, and following close behind, was Rowhill Grange Hotel in second place. Located close by and in the same region, you'll find the third and fourth place winners too, Ashford International Hotel & Spa and Marriott Tudor Park Country Club. Following very close behind and securing just under 10 per cent of all bookings is Bridgewood Manor in fifth place.

New equipment for Herts entertainment company

Herts-based, award-winning Sight 'N' Sound has had a complete overhaul of equipment, with virtually everything new since COVID. Couples can see the company's new range at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. For its 2023 new look, which will feature as much as possible at the Mercedes-Benz World show, there are new white speakers, white moving heads and white cosmos spheres. As well as white podiums and DJ booths back lit with synchronised LED fittings. Sight 'n' Sound has also invested in a new top-of-the-range media player and computer controlled lighting desk

Win a Boomerang Booth for your wedding!

When attending the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023, couples will have the chance to win a Boomerang Booth for your wedding! The Boomerang Booth is a petite, digital photo booth that takes selfie still photos and Boomerang GIFs which are sent immediately by text message - 100% fun guaranteed. Go see the Boomerang Booth team to fill in a form for a chance to win the brilliant Boomerang Booth at your wedding day. (*T&C apply).