Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

Dearest gentle reader

Bridgerton fans can soon host Regency-style weddings at a real filming location, as The Commissioner's House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham reopens this June following a £3.5 million restoration. The 1704 mansion, the oldest surviving naval residence in the UK, has been carefully refurbished to restore its Georgian grandeur. Its gardens, featured in the Netflix hit Bridgerton as the Bridgerton family gardens, now allow couples to celebrate in a piece of television history. The House and gardens offer an exclusive setting for events from intimate ceremonies to grand weddings of over 200 guests.

New Bluewater goodybag sponsor - Aesop!

Visitors to our Bluewater Wedding Show this October can enjoy complimentary Aesop samples in their goody bag, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover the brand for yourself. You can also visit the Aesop store at Upper Mall, Unit U114, Upper Guildhall, Bluewater to explore the full range. As one of our Signature Wedding Shows of the 2026 autumn season, this is a must-visit event for couples who got engaged over the summer and are ready to start planning their big day. Meet a fantastic selection of local wedding professionals face-to-face, from photographers and cake makers to florists, musicians, venue stylists and more. Whether you're just beginning your wedding planning journey or putting the finishing touches to your celebrations, you'll find plenty of inspiration and expert advice to help bring your dream day to life.

Tiered elegance - Hall of Cakes

Hall of Cakes has launched a beautiful new collection of wedding cakes, available to order via its website. Offered in one, two or three tiers, each cake can be styled with your own fresh flowers or personalised with one of the company's luxury acrylic toppers. Faux tiers can also be added to create a more dramatic look without increasing the number of portions. Established wedding cake makers in Kent, Hall of Cakes has over 18 years' experience creating and delivering wedding cakes across London, Kent, Essex and Surrey.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Wedding Events again to host its Signature Wedding Show this autumn! If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braintree Village, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 27th September, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

Spring and summer scents

Kent-based home fragrance brand Simon James Home is celebrating spring with three new reed diffusers, designed to bring fresh, uplifting scents into the home as the days grow warmer. Perfect as wedding gifts, the new fragrances include cardamom and myrtle, coconut and tonka bean, and peach bellini. Each scent reflects the season, from aromatic warmth and creamy sweetness to bright, sparkling fruit notes inspired by springtime celebrations. These new diffusers join the brand's existing collection, and Simon James Home is also launching matching candle and diffuser bundles for each scent. The bundles allow couples to layer fragrance effortlessly, pairing the continuous aroma of a reed diffuser with the richer, on-demand scent of a hand poured candle.

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!

If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.

Congratulations to Kent's Olly Knight

Canterbury's Olly Knight has been named UK National Winner in the Wedding Photographer category at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026. Olly, who began photographing weddings in 2011 after shooting a friend's wedding, said: "I love documenting real moments rather than posing people. Winning Best Photographer for the South East over the past three years has been amazing, but to achieve a national win is truly incredible. I'm so grateful to my couples and to the judges for their support." The 2026 Awards were decided based on over 25,000 client votes, combined with feedback from the past 12 months and the opinions of more than 160 expert judges. From 1,300 entrants, 280 regional winners became national finalists, highlighting the best talent in the UK wedding industry.

Wake up at a castle: enjoy an atmospheric getaway at historic Leeds Castle

Looking for a romantic minimoon, anniversary escape or unique pre-wedding getaway? Leeds Castle offers a truly magical stay in one of Britain's most iconic historic settings. Just an hour from central London in the heart of Kent, the 900-year-old castle has been home to kings and queens for centuries. Surrounded by 550 acres of beautiful parkland and one of the UK's few remaining water-filled moats, it's the perfect destination to unwind and experience castle life after the day visitors have gone home. Guests can choose from a range of charming accommodation, including the elegant Stable Courtyard bedrooms, characterful holiday cottages and the recently introduced Knights' Retreat lodges. The Stable Courtyard rooms feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, robes, slippers and views across the gardens and lake, while the family-friendly lodges combine modern comforts with mythical-inspired charm.

Rustic romance

Preston Court, the enchanting estate known for its 17th-century barns, working steam engines, and a whimsical carousel, is celebrating after taking home two awards at the Kent Wedding Awards. The venue was announced as 'Wedding Venue of the Year – Something Different' as well as the overall 'Wedding Venue of the Year'. Anna List Brain, director of Peacock Events at Preston Court, said: "Winning two awards in one night is overwhelming, but to do so as a female-led team in such a competitive county feels like a real milestone. We approach every wedding with a 'what if we could?' mindset, and it seems couples, and judges, notice."

Experience England’s Fastest Zipline and Europe’s Highest Swing

Looking to swap the usual bottomless brunch or pub crawl for something a little more unforgettable? Hangloose Adventure Bluewater offers an exciting alternative for stag and hen celebrations, combining adrenaline-filled experiences with plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories before the big day. Located less than an hour from central London, the venue is ideal for groups wanting to celebrate together in a way that's a little out of the ordinary.

ALDI reveals scent-sational summer home fragrances

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your home (or wedding this summer) without the designer price tag? Aldi has unveiled its latest Hotel Collection home fragrance range, with prices starting from just £3.99. Available in stores from June, the collection sees the return of customer favourites including the Premium Hotel Collection candles in Bergamot & Vanilla, alongside new summer-inspired scents such as Waffle Cone Sundae, Tropical Hibiscus, Lemon and Neroli and Sea Salt & White Sails. The range also includes reed diffusers and classic fragrances such as Cardinal Red, Liquid Luxe and Intense Passion, allowing shoppers to layer scent throughout the home.

RSVPing 'YES' to multiple weddings? Here's how to budget!

Attending weddings can be a joyous occasion, but it can also be expensive, particularly if you're invited to more than one over the course of the year. Costs such as new outfits, travel and accommodation, and gifts mean the overall expense of attending can quickly add up. Duncan Fortune, Head of Commercial at Tesco Bank, says: "Wedding season can be a significant expense for households. Planning ahead and setting a dedicated budget for celebrations can help spread the cost over several months, allowing people to make the most of the celebrations while keeping their finances on track."

How to treat the father-of-the-bride this Father's Day

Father's Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father of the bride. After all, he's been there through the wedding planning, the emotional speeches, the last-minute panics and probably more than a few budget discussions too. Whether the wedding has already happened or it's still to come, Father's Day is a brilliant opportunity to show him just how much he's appreciated. If you're looking to do something a little more exciting than buying another novelty mug or pair of socks, wedding experts The Stag Company share their favourite experiences that can make the day feel extra special.

Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars

Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.

Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season

Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...

Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026

Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.