All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Win a wedding suit and accessories worth up to £500
Whether groom, best man, father-of-the-bride, or a guest, dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial minefield. Get expert insight into precisely what to wear, no matter your role on the day with Charles Tyrwhitt.As well as being one of the happiest days of your life, it's worth remembering that your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life too. There's no sense in skimping on style, and your partner won't thank you for it come the big day. The first decision to make is whether to wear morning dress or a suit. Of course, there's no right or wrong here; really it comes down to how formal you'd like to be. Morning dress brings with it a sense of occasion, and can't help but impress. A black lightweight wool tailcoat, buff or sky blue double-breasted linen waistcoat, and striped morning suit trouser are truly timeless, and will match with a shirt and tie in all manner of different colours and patterns.
Posted: 28 April 2021
Florist to the stars, Ronny Colbie shares his advice for wedding season
Renowned florist Ronny Colbie launches into the wedding season with some of the most exclusive, bespoke weddings for 2021. As the wedding industry looks ahead - following the planned roadmap back to full wedding numbers in June – this summer certainly looks set to be the summer of love with more pre-booked and rescheduled weddings than ever.Flowers have long been an integral part of any wedding, they deliver emotional messages, are romantic and passionate and a way for couples to express themselves. For big-day blooms, the ever-growing wedding flower trend is: go large and deluxe! Basically, the smaller the guestlist, the more decadent and grander the flowers.
Posted: 28 April 2021
England's most popular themed wedding
After last year's wedding wipeout, it looks set to a bumper year for nuptials - so how do you set your wedding apart from the rest? Whether you've always dreamt of a traditional white wedding or you're excited to put your own twist on the romantic day, the planning is all part of the fun! With so many options out there, however, it can be difficult to settle on a theme. By analysing Google search data, Angelic Diamonds discovered England's top wedding themes...
Posted: 26 April 2021
Tips on how to create showstopping floral displays
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're certainly excited about the hundreds and thousands of weddings that look set to take place this spring and summer - oh how we've missed you! One of our favourite things to swoon over when we see wedding photos is the.... flowers! Events florist Hazel Gardiner shares her top tips for creating showstopping wedding floral displays for all those nearlyweds out there looking for some blooming marvellous inspiration. Read on to find out how to create the ultimate garden celebration-inspired big day, a huge wedding trend this year...
Posted: 23 April 2021
#trending: patterned wedding bands! Check out this new jewellery range
Fine jewellery e-tailer brand, Jessica Flinn, has launched a range of patterned gold and platinum wedding bands. Taking inspiration from traditional carved wedding rings, each intricate pattern has been created to add interest and elegance to engagement rings, without detracting from their sparkle. Each pattern flows around the whole of the ring, the unbroken pattern perfectly symbolising the unbroken love within a marriage. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, it's hard choosing our favourite... I do I do I do!
Posted: 21 April 2021
Picture-perfect hotels and destinations from Countrywide Hotels
From the North East and Yorkshire to London and Oxfordshire, Countrywide Hotels' properties are located across the UK in fantastic locations near top local attractions, stunning beaches and beautiful countryside.Whether you're after a romantic getaway in an historic stately home, a leisure break at a top golf and spa resort, of a family friendly location with the little ones there's truly something for everyone. Read on to find out all the latest news at Countrywide Hotels...
Posted: 21 April 2021
Welcome to The Apple Barn and Courtyard at Kent wedding venue The BarnYard
The BarnYard has been busy undertaking a new renovation to the old Farm Shop, which started just as lockdown hit and which has now been fully completed. Welcome to The Apple Barn and CourtYard, a new and separate wedding area within the grounds of The BarnYard - perfect for Twilight wedding ceremonies and party functions. This recently renovated and converted Apple Barn with its own integral Courtyard is simply gorgeous – strung with thousands of fairylights spanning the oak rafters inside the barn and festoon lights spanning the skyline above the Courtyard outside the barn – it will be love at first sight!
Posted: 20 April 2021
Searches for dog ring bearer increases
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've certainly seen many a trend come and go; but one we're thrilled looks set to stick around is.... pets at weddings! With over 7,854 posts on Instagram, the hashtag #dogringbearer is becoming increasingly popular, whilst Google data shows a 71% search increase for the term 'dog ring bearer' since lockdown began. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joe Jonas have previously involved their pets on the big day, whilst UK bride-to-be, Stacey Solomon, also announced her dogs will wear suits at her upcoming wedding. But how do you train your dog to be a wedding ring bearer? Engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone teamed with Certified Animal Behaviourist, Caroline Wilkinson, from digital pet coaching service, Barketplace, to reveal everything you need to know.We covered the most popular questions including:
Posted: 19 April 2021
Tastebuds at the ready - check out Freezecakes!
With wedding season looking set to be bigger than ever this summer; couples may have to think outside of the box when it comes to al fresco catering options. With outdoor settings looking to be a popular this summer, then this new tantalising range of Freezecakes – the world's first scoopable frozen cheesecake served in a tub - will be a must-have at summer soirees. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, our mouths are watering just thinking about these heavenly delights so we're sure they'll be a hit with your big-day guests!
Posted: 16 April 2021
We asked wedding planner Mel Revell-Leaman of Your Story Events what advice she'd give to a newly engaged couple wanting to know where to begin the planning process. Read on to find out what she had to say... "Firstly, congratulations! Here are my top tips for getting started on your planning – do take your time and enjoy it. Step one – talk to your partner. Have an in-depth conversation about what you both would and wouldn't like from ceremony type and venue style to the time of year and a rough guest list.
Posted: 15 April 2021
COVID hasn’t stopped the party
There are few words that we never thought we'd say so much in the last year: sanitiser, lockdown and masks are three that spring to mind! With traditional stag and hen dos off the agenda, it was time to get the thinking caps on and get creative: Zoom played a huge part, and so did.... face masks! Not the sort we're all now too familiar with, but the fun facemasks that always came out at parties and the only mask we really knew till the pandemic of 2020.
Posted: 14 April 2021
You do you, says Shelley Holmes of Kent wedding venue Solton Manor
We asked Shelley Holmes at Kent wedding venue Solton Manor for her advice on making an intimate wedding day super-special? Read on to discover her top tips... The best advice I can give is to have the wedding you want that reflects you as a couple. Focus on the things that are important to you: if you love food have the seven-course meal; if you're outdoorsy, utilise your venue's outdoor space with your photographer; if you love flowers have the archway and huge arrangements!
Posted: 13 April 2021
Five ways a cohabiting agreement can protect your assets
Cohabiting couples who have had to postpone their big day due to the coronavirus pandemic can look to interesting insights from family law experts about how their rights differ as an unmarried couple who are living together, with shared assets and children.With an estimated four out of five weddings postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic*, many couples may be wondering what they can do to protect themselves if marriage is not possible at present.By entering into a marriage, couples with shared assets, homes and children gain automatic rights, which can be considered by a court in the event of a divorce or the unfortunate passing of a partner.Family law experts at JMP Solicitors suggest couples who have had to postpone their wedding, but want to protect shared assets, may consider a cohabiting agreement.A cohabiting agreement, sometimes known as a 'living together' agreement, can cover a number of issues to be considered in the event of a separation such as property, bills, pensions, children and material assets.
Posted: 12 April 2021
Things to think about when gifting wedding money
As lockdown restrictions ease and the countdown to May 17th begins, couples will be eager to get their wedding plans back on track, so they can walk down the aisle to say those all-important words - 'I do'. The pandemic meant scores of couples had to postpone their big day and, for some, it meant cancelling altogether. Many will now be hoping they can get back to planning their celebrations. Although some couples may have been able to squirrel away more savings during lockdown, the cost of weddings, particularly as many may want bigger, more extravagant weddings after being apart from family and friends for so long, can run into the thousands. To help, parents, grandparents and other relatives may choose to gift money. Research from the Family Wealth Unlocked report by Prudential UK, found that one in six (16%) adults have received a financial gift to pay for their wedding. And this number could rise. For those considering or receiving a financial gift, Kirsty Anderson, Financial Planning Expert at Prudential UK shares four things couples should consider:
Posted: 9 April 2021
Win a luxury hen do worth up to £3,950!
After such a tough 2020 with so many weddings and hen parties cancelled, we are all eagerly awaiting this summer for that light at the end of the tunnel.We are delighted to introduce you to Kymani, the tailor-made group glamping company. Kymani offers bespoke luxury getaways in a choice of rural location for brides looking for something that bit different. Each site can be hired out on an exclusive basis so that groups have the entire place to themselves for a really special private getaway – all which will be set up in a completely safe, socially-distanced way.What makes Kymani different from other glamping operators is the ability for groups of up to 40 people to hire the sites out exclusively allowing you and your hens to get away from it all whilst having the whole place to yourselves.
Posted: 9 April 2021
We asked Kent-based wedding photographer Penny Young how to make the most of a super-stunning venue in those all-important photos. Read on to discover her top tips... The first step is to make sure you tell your photographer why you chose your venue and what you love about it. Tell them about the specific areas you like and then let them use their creativity to capture you in these locations on the day. Make sure you've allowed enough time for your photos, in particular your couple photo shoot, as feeling rushed is the worst and you'll want to make sure that you've had enough photos in your favourite spots.
Posted: 8 April 2021
Something new, something borrowed, something...green!
Sustainable weddings don't mean compromising on style or having to spend more - and here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we couldn't agree more! Often the sustainable choice is the most tasteful and affordable. There are great ways you can reduce waste and reuse materials that not only make your wedding planet-friendly, but also unique and memorable. Here, North London Waste Authority has some top tips for a sustainable wedding which will certainly still be stylish and beautiful...
Posted: 7 April 2021
Rustic bliss with Kent wedding stationer, Moments That Unite
We asked Jess Harrison of Moments That Unite how to tie wedding stationery in to a rustic-themed barn wedding. Here's what she had to say... "The two best ways to tie your stationery to your theme are by carefully selecting the card used and the details of the design. Card. We recommend opting for a card with a natural, rustic feel such as a brown Kraft card. This has a rustic feel right out of the box and is often 100 per cent recycled too. Colours. Those often found in nature during the spring are ideal here.
Posted: 6 April 2021
2021’s biggest wedding flower trends
One of the biggest trends to emerge, and one like to stay is shopping local. Whether this is due to the Covid-19 crisis - either a response to flowers becoming harder to import or the pandemic inspiring people to support local businesses; or an overall trend of the UK becoming more environmentally conscious - is unclear, but what is clear is that supporting local is a great way to find unique and gorgeous flowers for your big day.Direct2florist has also revealed more trends to be inspired by....
Posted: 5 April 2021
Five alternative ways to get married
Desperate to pledge your eternal vows to your betrothed, but plagued by uncertainty over when you'll be allowed to do it? It's hard to pin down a date for a 'traditional' wedding right now and although things are looking more positive, who knows where we'll be by summertime? There are, however, lots of ways to say: 'I do'. And not all have to involve a big party. Liz Taylor is a luxury wedding planner, and hospitality consultant, of over thirty years' experience. Here she shares just some of her alternative ways to celebrate getting married, which are so unique that you won't miss the grand party.
Posted: 2 April 2021
Spring has sprung with Kent-based Flowers of Foxhall
We asked Diana Critchell of Flowers of Foxhall how to reflect the fresh feeling of springtime in wedding flowers. Read on to find out what wisdom she had to impart... You can evoke the carefree airy feeling of the season in your wedding flowers whatever your chosen style. It's more of a mood than a theme. Spring blooms are a magical mix of delicate textures, sublime colours and symbolism. For example, tulips represent perfect love. In addition to beauty, spring flowers have an abundance of scent, which you'll forever remember.
Posted: 1 April 2021
Leeds Castle fools Kent with April Fool's Day prank!
Leeds Castle had the county fooled this morning with an April Fool's Day prank from "the loveliest Castle in the World", who claimed to be rebranding to Kent Castle. The 900-year old attraction claimed the rebrand was a move to end confusion over its location being in Kent and not Leeds in Yorkshire. Although the change of name was a hoax, it is true that staff at the popular attraction regularly encounter misunderstandings with people wishing to visit, believing it to be some 240 miles away in the north of England.
Posted: 1 April 2021
Celebrate wedding season with Marokka
After the excitement of a wedding invite dropping through your letter box - or via email for those tech-savvy couples - after thinking about what you're going to wear, next is thoughts of the gift list! At Marokka to celebrate all couples that can finally have their weddings again, whether planning something intimate or waiting until later on in the year for larger celebrations, its curated a selection of wedding day gifts you'll fall in love with. In keeping with Marokka's core values of collaboration and giving back, each range is the result of a partnership with another like-minded business as well as a promise to donate 10% of each sale to charity.
Posted: 31 March 2021
Create your own wedding gown with courses from The Robing Room, Kent
If binge watching The Great British Sewing Bee during lockdown has left you with a desire to create your own outfits, head over to the award-winning Robing Room Studio. In a series of short courses running throughout 2021 you can receive professional training in various fashion and textile skills. The courses will be taught by Robing Room owner Janet Robinson PGDHE, who is an approved trainer and has been making and designing garments for many years, with assistance from other specialist tutors from Draft and Stitch in Folkestone's Creative Quarter.
Posted: 30 March 2021
New wedding tablescapes from Setting Pretty
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we champion local wedding suppliers and think tying the knot close to home is also better for you, your loved ones and the planet! With abroad wedding looking uncertain for the next year or two, it's also another perfect reason to get married here in Blighty. Yes, you may not always have the sunnier weather, but why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your UK reception with this new range from Setting Pretty?
Posted: 29 March 2021
