All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
From one bride to another: essential wedding tips!
Greetings card marketplace thortful.com interviewed 15 newlyweds to share their essential wedding planning tips to help future couples-to-be. From what to plan for the big day itself to things to remember when getting ready, here are the top 15 pieces of advice from one bride to another. spokesperson at thortful says, "We wanted to make the tips as authentic and real as possible, so we asked newlyweds what they wish they could have told their pre-married self as they prepared for their big day. We hope these tips can truly help any bride who's worried about the planning and make the day extra perfect!"
Posted: 7 July 2022
Here at CWM HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. Here, you'll find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings – after all, if we're honest, who doesn't love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.
Posted: 7 July 2022
The big day without the big price tag
With the average wedding in the UK now costing £32,273 it can be an expensive milestone in many people's lives. However, your big day doesn't have to come with a big price tag. With wedding season now upon us, and more people looking to tie the knot after prolonged pandemic engagements, it's more important than ever to plan your finances and work out where you can make savings in anticipation of the big day. With this in mind, Stacey Lowman, financial coach at Claro Money, shares her tips for budgeting for the occasion and saving on different aspects of the day.
Posted: 6 July 2022
Frasers Egerton has launched a new garden area
Based in an idyllic spot near Ashford, Frasers Egerton is a wedding venue bursting with charm and elegance. Boasting panoramic views across the surrounding countryside you're never short of a stunning photographic backdrop and the team, which prides itself on attention to detail, ensures every wedding is both beautiful and relaxing. Since no drinks are allowed to be served in the licensed ceremony area an hour before the "I dos" begin, the venue recognised the need to provide a scenic spot for guests arriving in ample time to sit and relax while they wait for proceedings to start. The new garden area, complete with trendy upcycled bar and five covered pods is just the ticket, offering the perfect place to meet and anticipate the big moment.
Posted: 5 July 2022
New launch: new UK-wide virtual wedding planning service
Newly launched Wed-Start is led by industry veteran Isabel Smith, who has over 10 years' experience in planning luxury weddings all over the world. She has brought together the UK's very best wedding planning experts to offer a Wed-Start to all couples planning their dream wedding. Isabel says, "As industry experts, we know that a lot of couples feel overwhelmed in the early stages of wedding planning. There's so much fantastic advice out there, but there is also a lot of pressure. From family politics, to friends' opinions, to conflicting online guidance, it can all feel like too much...
Posted: 4 July 2022
Mermaid Gin expands its delicious range
The Isle of Wight Distillery has launched Mermaid Zest Gin, a limited-edition, smooth and refreshing grapefruit and gentle juniper London Dry Gin. Mermaid Zest Gin is the fourth addition to the sustainable range which includes Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Pink Gin and Mermaid Salt Vodka. Mermaid Zest Gin is produced in Seaview at the Isle of Wight Distillery, the first and only distillery on the island. Mermaid spirits are shaped by the distillery's stunning surroundings and the unique character of the Isle of Wight, all whilst minimising waste using ethically sourced and often locally sourced ingredients to hand-craft a range of smooth yet complex spirits with a hint of sea air, and the new gin is produced in harmony with the Island's coastal elements, using foraged rock samphire and rosemary.
Posted: 3 July 2022
Thinking about a crash-diet for the wedding? Don't do it!
With wedding season upon us, a new plan, devised by nutrition and fitness experts at PowerWave, the portable home-gym training device, has been launched to help brides (and grooms) get ready for their special day. Created by PowerWave founder "Coach" Jay Laville, its free healthy weight loss guide covers everything from macros to mindset, calories to caffeine and from sugar to sleep. It is also packed full of healthy recipe ideas and inspirational advice from the PowerWave team.
Posted: 1 July 2022
North Downs View Shepherd’s Hut is new space, perfect for minimoons
Nestled just below the North Downs in a secluded setting boasting stunning scenery, you'll find the new North Downs View Shepherd's Hut, recently created by owners of the family-run Parsonage Farm in East Brabourne. The two-person hut has been crafted by a local team of experts using traditional designs and materials. It features a fully-fitted kitchenette with a two-hob cooker and fridge, electric log burner, king-size bed, en-suite shower room, double sofa and more. It also boasts a fully-integrated, temperature control system with underfloor heating to keep you comfy during those cooler nights. Outside, a chiminea and dining area offer the perfect setting for a romantic evening under the stars.
Posted: 30 June 2022
Loved-up Brits turn to puzzles to pop the question
A new craze sweeping the UK is seeing hundreds of people send their partners a puzzle to crack that unlocks a code to a video or text message comprising the four magical words: "Will you marry me?"! However, if you're already engaged fear not, as you can use this same innovative idea for wedding day messages, or asking your loved ones to be your bridesmaid and groomsmen etc. The craze of 'puzzle proposals' was sparked by the launch of a website in July 2020, after a locked down London-based couple, Bobbie Jackson and Will Hall, found themselves with a fair bit of time on their hands. They proceeded to spend the first months of lockdown in their kitchen creating puzzles to surprise family and friends with.
Posted: 29 June 2022
A new sustainable shopping experience is arriving at Ashford Designer Outlet
A new sustainable shopping experience is arriving at Ashford Designer Outlet, as it welcomes pre-loved designer apparel store Bond Street to Your Street. The brand offers guests a chance to buy and sell their pre-loved designer clothes and accessories bringing a new breath of life to their wardrobes. Launching in 2009, the brand began by hosting pop-up boutiques in private homes and offices across London, before spending the last five years managing bricks and mortar stores around the country. Bond Street to Your Street has become a trusted name within its market boasting a global following, and stocks designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Gucci all with pieces at a fraction of their original price.
Posted: 28 June 2022
New wedding favour collection from Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan's new collection of wedding favours are beautifully crafted and are a great way to thank guests, honour absent friends and raise money for the growing number of people living with cancer in the UK. new range this year includes something to suit every taste, including a variety of cultural and religious favours and rainbow pin badges. 100% of the profits of every wedding favour purchase from Macmillan's shop will help the charity to continue doing whatever it takes to support the millions of people living with cancer across the UK.
Posted: 27 June 2022
Bespoke wedding gifting for celebrity-loving couples
Wedding season is here and to mark the occasion Cameo, the celebrity engagement platform, has analysed data from the site over the past 12 months, finding star James Buckley as the most booked when it comes to helping a couple pop the big question, nail a cheeky hen/stag party video, or to help deliver the perfect message for a wedding gift. Buckley, known best for his performance as Jay Cartwright in the hit comedy series The Inbetweeners has been involved in hundreds of wedding-related Cameo messages, making him the most booked celeb on the platform across all three occasions (engagements, stag / hen parties, wedding gifts).
Posted: 25 June 2022
What to do if your wedding day doesn’t go as planned
Many couples plan their wedding down to even the most minute of details, but ethical jewellery experts at Ingle & Rhode understand that unfortunately no one's big day goes exactly as planned. You may forget something at home, some guests may be late or the day just might not be going how you envisioned it. That's why the team at Ingle & Rhode are giving their advice on what to do if your wedding day doesn't go exactly how you thought it would as well as providing tips on planning ahead with things like photography and weather - we do live n the UK after all!
Posted: 24 June 2022
Folc, England’s highest ranking still rose, is set to launch its new vintage just in time for summer
Folc, England's highest ranking still rose, is set to launch its new 2021 vintage just in time for summer. Having launched last year, Tonbridge-based Folc impressed wine critics and accrued numerous awards both nationally and on an international scale. Folc' 2021 vintage is a blend of six different grape varieties all sourced from family-run vineyards in Kent, East and West Sussex and Suffolk: pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay, pinot gris, bacchus and kerner. The grapes will then make a short trip to Canterbury where they meet Folc's talented winemakers with a combined 60 years of winemaking experience.
Posted: 23 June 2022
New jazz night in the heart of London’s King’s Cross
A stylish hotspot in the heart of London's King's Cross, luxury Grade II listed Great Northern Hotel is bringing back the glitz and glamour of the golden age of jazz with its Jazz & Negroni Nights – with the next event in this new series confirmed for the 28th June. Taking place from 6.30pm onwards, the buzzy GNH Bar and Terrace will offer vibrant live music and a delicious new signature Negroni menu - the perfect excuse to take a break from the wedmin and enjoy a pre- or post-wedding get-together!
Posted: 23 June 2022
Start saving for your hen and stag do
According to a study by Hotels.com®, 2022 is the year to go bigger and bolder than ever when it comes to planning your hen/sten/stag do - we're all making up for lost time over the past two years! After 2020/21 nearlyweds had to reschedule a stag or hen party, this year revellers are using more holiday days and spending more money than ever to celebrate their friend's final months of unmarried life in style. The study found the average pre-wedding celebration now costs a whopping £242 compared to the more subtle cost of £150 in 2012. Nearly 47% of those surveyed believe that these pre-wedding celebrations have become more extravagant over the last decade, with 46% of travellers believing it's because people have been saving up and have larger budgets to spend on these special occasions over the pandemic.
Posted: 22 June 2022
The BarnYard embarks on another major improvement to its wedding offerings
As 2022 arrived so did the builders at The BarnYard, as the venue embarks on another major improvement to its wedding offerings. And let us tell you, both existing and prospective couples are in for a real treat! The permanent marquee, which has been in situ in various forms for approximately 15 years is being completely renewed from the ground up. The existing structure will be treated to new ceiling panels and ceiling curtains, the plastic panelling at the sides are being replaced with bi-folding glass doors all the way around, and a new floor is being installed incorporating a built-in dancefloor. The bar has been dismantled and will be replaced with a new up-to-date version located next to the dancefloor with new lighting and décor. Click play or scan the QR code to see the diggers in action!
Posted: 21 June 2022
Scotland to run out of kilts this summer as wedding bookings soar
Scotland could run out of kilts this summer with many suppliers already closing their books due to record demand. With two years of delayed weddings now able to go ahead, along with this year's planned ceremonies, the iconic ceremonial dress is in short supply meaning the unthinkable could happen; Scotland may actually run out of kilts! David Dalrymple of A1 Kilt Hire said, "We have never seen such a high level of demand for kilt hire. The pandemic has created a record number of wedding bookings for the summer; some people have been waiting since early 2020 to tie the knot, there's also those people who cancelled in 2021 plus couples who had always planned to get married in 2022 all trying to secure a kilt for their big day. Everyone needs one at the same time and although we've managed to accommodate all requests so far, others have already reached their capacity for the whole summer."
Posted: 20 June 2022
The songs millennials want played for their first dance
Over the past year, UK searches for 'first dance songs 2022' have increased by +1,300%, whilst searches for 'first dance ideas for non-dancers have increased by +300% showing that more couples are looking for inspiration. The first dance is likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your wedding, so naturally, newlyweds are determined to pick the most suitable song. A decision needs to be made whether to choose an old classic or maybe the new love song that's currently in the charts.
Posted: 19 June 2022
World Martini Day 18th June - shaken or stirred?
World Martini Day - which could also be James Bond day! - is on the 18th June. And whether you like it shaken like Mr Bond himself, or stirred for something different, wet or dry, however you like your favourite tipple celebrate with five Gin Martini cocktails from Aviation Gin, Cotswolds Dry Gin, Mermaid Gin, Pinkster Gin and Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit. What's more, the following provides drinks-piration for wedding day cocktails you might want to try... here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we can't pick our fav! Bottoms up!
Posted: 18 June 2022
Author of new book Wedding Toasts 101 The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech, Pete Honsberger, walks the reader through the building blocks of making a great speech, anecdotes and advice from past weddings, and an easy-to-follow checklist to make sure you hit all your points. An essential read for the wedding couple and the bridal party, this humorous guide will take the fear out of public speaking - what's more you might even enjoy it!
Posted: 17 June 2022
Driven Elegance is a new company offering classic cars
Set up during the course of various lockdowns, new kid on the block wedding transport supplier Driven Elegance offers beautiful classic cars, allowing couples to begin their nuptials in style. Owner Paul inherited some incredible vehicles, such as a Jaguar E-type, which has been in his family since new and has glamorously travelled through the Alps numerous times on its way to the Monaco Grand Prix – how very James Bond! It's a very special example of its type and the company offers photo opportunities with this beauty, even if you don't need transport for your big day.
Posted: 16 June 2022
Yes you can! New launch from Vin du Can
Newly launched Vin du Can, is a convenient single serve wine in a can perfect for al fresco drinking this summer at wedding celebrations. Whether it's on the day itself, or a pre- or post-wedding get-togethers, the range includes three varietals, Pale Rosé, French Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec. All three are vegan friendly and packaged in aluminium cans which are fast to chill and 100% recyclable. The Vin du Can logo sits prominently at the front of the can and is surrounded by etched wine glasses and a number of these represent fun line drawings of people and animals.
Posted: 15 June 2022
Bex the Celebrant has received a highly commended accolade at The Wedding Industry Awards
Orpington-based wedding celebrant, Rebecca McMonagle, professionally known as Bex the Celebrant, has received the highly commended accolade at The Wedding Industry Awards. This is an incredible achievement given she has only been qualified for a year. When Bex's day job as a TV producer slowed down during lockdown 2020, she decided to use the time to develop a project close to her heart and trained as a wedding celebrant to bring a fun, personalised approach to the ceremonies of like-minded couples. She was delighted to have been nominated by one of her many newlyweds and was shortlisted by the judges as a regional nominee.
Posted: 14 June 2022
UK wedding guests to spend £15.6 billion in 2022
Spending by wedding guests has risen again this year as they enjoy a return to restriction-free ceremonies across the UK in 2022. New research from American Express reveals that British wedding goers will spend £883 on average to attend each wedding this year equating to £15.6 billion across the population, with guests spending more on accommodation, travel, outfits and hair, beauty & grooming compared to 2021. Of those who have or are planning to spend more on weddings this year, a third (33%) say this is because they want to celebrate with friends and family who they haven't seen as much due to the pandemic, while 27% say they are happier to spend more now that restrictions have been removed.
Posted: 13 June 2022
