All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Kent, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Top tips for having a low waste wedding
Getting married is one of the most exciting days of your life, and you'll want it to be as special as possible. But you might also want your wedding to be kinder to the planet than the usual nuptials — indeed, a study found that British weddings create 18kg of plastic waste per event, adding up to 4,910 tonnes of plastic waste every year. Even for the biggest event of your life, this is a lot of waste to produce during a single day, and many people are increasingly looking to find ways of reducing it and have more sustainable nuptials. If you want to enjoy the big day but also make it more of an eco-friendly event, suppliers of catering equipment Alliance Online have put together some tips for you to take forward in your wedding planning. Even though getting married is a big event, you can still keep the carbon footprint small.
Posted: 20 February 2023
Proposing a prenup? A guide to practical romance this February
Some consider February to be one of the most romantic months of the year. With January finally over, we can start to look forward to Spring, and the warmer months ahead. Each leap year, the 29th of February is traditionally held as a day when the tables can turn and women are supposed to propose marriage to men, instead of the other way around. However, most obviously, February contains Valentine's Day and the celebrations of lovers up and down the country who look to St Valentine for inspiration for their friendships and romantic relationships.
Posted: 17 February 2023
Forever Memories has received an award from Pretty Little Poser Magazine
Wedding photographer Lisa Ford at Forever Memories is celebrating another award win from Pretty Little Poser Magazine in recognition of her portrait-taking prowess. She tells us, "I applied for the All Stars category in May 2022 by submitting my image on the Facebook page. Hundreds were posted from all over the world. From there I was selected to go through to the editor's choice and was narrowed down to the final 30, at which point the competition was opened up to a public vote. My image got the most votes and I was awarded Gold People's Choice!"
In November 2022, Lisa decided to apply for another category, Perfect Beauty and the same happened again, with a second Gold People's Choice award. So, one thing's for sure, if you were to book Forever Memories for your big day, you'll be left with showstopping couple portraits to treasure for lifetime!
Posted: 16 February 2023
Say ‘I Do’ to a Dry Wedding with Mavrik Alcohol-free Cocktails
With a growing number of people going sober or choosing to moderate their drinking, the traditional wedding 'knees up' may be a thing of the past as today's couples opt for a more sober affair - which everyone can remember! In the past, non-drinkers or designated drivers would be somewhat left out of the celebrations with access to only a sad selection of soft drinks or juices. However, now nearlyweds-to-be are putting as much effort into deciding what alcohol-free drinks to offer as they would apply to sourcing the Champagne for the toasts! Plus, not only are dry weddings a huge money saver, but they also allow guests to enjoy the day with a clear head and leave the event with all those special memories firmly in tact.
Posted: 15 February 2023
Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel was built around an original Georgian dower house
Built around an original Georgian dower house, this charming four-star hotel offers the perfect blend of traditional and modern. The oast house provides a grand entrance for you and your guests, while the original Georgian dower house and terrace has a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. All of the function rooms here are decorated in a neutral palette able to complement any colours or theme you desire.
The Parkside Suite is the largest of the function rooms situated on the ground floor and is fully-accessible. Here, there's ample space for 150 loved ones for both ceremony and celebrations. It has its own private function bar and direct access to a private garden, meaning your guests have everything they could need in one place. It's also licensed for entertainment until midnight.
Posted: 14 February 2023
Five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free)
Dr Rachel Taylor is a neuropsychologist, podcast host and founder of UNBroken. She has this advice on the five things that mean more to love than Valentine's gifts (and are free). "The brain has many different circuitry mechanisms associated with feelings of love. Below are some suggestions that mean more to love than commercial gifts."To appreciate is to raise in value, so the appreciation of another is truly better than a gift. Appreciation of another triggers a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which is directly involved in controlling our circadian rhythm. We also get a dopamine hit which supports us to be more motivated to perform the same behaviour. The more we appreciate a person, the more motivated they are to carry on being the amazing person that we think they are.
Posted: 11 February 2023
5 ways to get your pooch involved in your wedding
Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, and if you have a dog, you might want to get them involved in the event too. But how? Here, Lisa Melvin from Webbox offer some ideas. Organising a wedding can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. If you have a dog, you might be wondering if you can involve them in the event too — your pooch is most definitely part of your family, and it's natural to want them to be a part of your special day. Read on to find out some ideas for how you can bring your pooch to the wedding.
Posted: 10 February 2023
The Kent Wedding Fair at Priestfield Stadium is back for 2023
The Kent Wedding Fair at Priestfield Stadium is back for 2023 following a three-year break. The event, organised by White Sky Events, is one of the largest wedding shows in the Medway towns and offers a wide variety of suppliers dedicated to making your special day perfect. The fairs will take place on Sunday 19th February and Sunday 21st May, 2023, and are open from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Priestfield Stadium, Redfern Avenue, Gillingham.
Posted: 9 February 2023
How to create a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding
Your wedding should be as personalised, luxurious and enjoyable as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception! Here, Steve King, managing director at the drinks retailer Bottled & Boxed, shows you how to bring together a bespoke drinks menu for your wedding. Organising a wedding is as exciting as it is overwhelming: you'll want your day to be as special as possible, and the drinks menu is no exception to this. It's becoming more and more popular to create your own personalised drinks, with Google searches for 'bespoke drinks menu' increasing 10% since the beginning of 2022.
Posted: 8 February 2023
Dover Marina Hotel is a Grade II listed building renovated to cater for the 21st-century guest
The Hotel has been renovated to cater for the 21st-century guest while retaining its Victorian charm and elegance. A Grade II listed building Dover Marina Hotel has retained its original appearance. There are balconies on the first floor and the ground floor alcoves in the restaurant and bar overlook the sea.
Located on Dover's waterfront, the terrace garden boasts outdoor seating allowing you to relax and enjoy the sea views. For weddings, the front facade of the Hotel with Dover Castle in the background make for an ideal backdrop for excellent photos.
Posted: 7 February 2023
F.Hinds advises on your wedding selection
Jewellers F.Hinds, boasting more than 115 stores across England, advise on what precious metals your wedding rings could be made from... Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life, and we're so happy that you're about to embark on this new chapter, no doubt you are too! With an exciting engagement comes a whole load of happiness and emotion, but with that what also comes is a never-ending list of things you need to do before the big day, and we can bet that one of them is going to be to "find the perfect wedding rings".
Posted: 7 February 2023
How to choose your wedding date
You would have thought choosing the date for your wedding would be the easiest part? Simple pick a date that suits you as couple and your venue. Well, yes, that is often the case. But there will always be other factors you should consider before making the final choice. If you're hosting a marquee wedding at private residence, then you're fortunate enough to have a little more flexibility with a date than those opting for a wedding venue. However, whether a marquee or venue it's wise to take into account some of the following factors that may make deciding on the best date for your special day a little easier....
Posted: 6 February 2023
Valentine’s Day: 9 tips to help you spoil someone special without breaking the bank
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to show someone special how much they mean to you. However, the cost of living crisis means that people are more concerned than ever about money. To help, jewellery specialists, Queensmith have pulled together 9 ways to spoil your partner on a budget...1.Set a budget ahead of Valentine's Day. This is an important first step. The last thing you want is for one of you to spend double the amount of money compared to the other, and fall out over gifts on Valentine's Day.
Posted: 6 February 2023
County Wedding Events comes to Hampton Court Palace Golf Club in Surrey!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club in Surrey for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 5th February 2023!! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months; the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.
Posted: 3 February 2023
Engagement ring trends for 2023
Whether you're future-gazing about your dream proposal or just like keeping up to date with the latest styles, Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, predicts the new wave of engagement ring trends that will be taking over our Instagram feeds in 2023. Here at County Wedding Magazines it's hard to pick our fav? Really, can we only choose one?
Posted: 3 February 2023
Victoria Elaine Bridal is one of five UK stockists to launch the Disney Platinum collection
Located in the heart of Maidstone, luxury bridal boutique Victoria Elaine Bridal has been announced as one of five UK stockists to launch the Disney Platinum collection. Owner Victoria Walton tells us, "Until now, the collection could only be seen in the Say Yes to the Dress shop in Birmingham, but because we've been the top stockist of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings in the country, we were offered it too!"
The collection will be launching in the boutique on Valentine's Day 2023 and is definitely one to seek out for the die-hard Disney fan!
Posted: 2 February 2023
Abroad stag and hen dos not an option due to cost of living crisis
Couples planning stag and hen festivities this year may need to think again as Brits admit they would not attend an abroad celebration. Luxury fashion retailer Fenwick, has surveyed the nation to find out opinions on stag and hen dos, including the amount they'd be willing to spend and whether they'd travel abroad. Many people now take their bridal parties or groomsmen on holiday to celebrate their big day. These trips can often end up costing a lot of money especially if heading to popular destinations such as Marbella, Budapest or even Vegas which when the majority of the UK is being squeezed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, isn't something many can afford. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 50.70% would refuse to attend a stag do abroad, preferring to celebrate closer to home in the UK.
Posted: 1 February 2023
Donnington Manor Hotel offers a seamless blend of modern-day comfort and fabled British heritage
Combining 15th-century charm and elegant spaces, Donnington Manor Hotel offers a seamless blend of modern-day comfort and fabled British heritage. The beautifully appointed wedding spaces here have been designed to be blank canvases allowing you to add your own personal stamp and décor.
The Riverhead Suite was designed with large weddings in mind. It provides everything you need for your big day. Here you can host 200 loved ones for a drinks reception, 160 for the ceremony, 140 for a seated wedding breakfast and 160 for the evening with buffet and dancefloor.
Posted: 31 January 2023
The most eye-catching wedding decor revealed
A new study, conducted by the wedding financial experts at money.co.uk, involved surveying 1,000 future newlyweds and asking them to estimate how much they will spend on 70 wedding items. Images of these 70 items were then used in an eye-tracking study to reveal the specific elements that people spend the most time gazing at. Fairylights came out on top, with guests staring at them for 5.53 seconds which is impressive considering they are the decorations that those planning a wedding expect to pay the least for (£106.25). So, if you're looking to impress your guests without splurging then try draping your venue in tiny, twinkling fairylights.
Posted: 30 January 2023
A man’s perspective to changing names after marriage
NameSwitch has interviewed some trail blazing men who took a bold step into the future. When you're planning a wedding, whether small and informal or grand-scale, there's a myriad of tasks to organise. And, these days, guys are expected to pull their weight when it comes to sorting everything from flower arrangements and wedding cakes to transport and catering. But, before you even walk down the aisle to say, "I do", there's another important factor to consider – whether you intend to take your partner's surname.
Posted: 27 January 2023
Penshurst Place & Gardens hosts Wedding Open House to unveil new event space
An open invitation has been announced by Penshurst Place & Gardens in the Weald of Kent for wedding couples to view the beautiful banqueting rooms and a new space now available at the magnificent historic house and Kent country estate during an open house event on Sunday, 26th February 2023 between 10am and 3pm. The award-winning wedding venue will be throwing open its doors for couples and those planning a special celebration to drop-in without an invitation on 26th February. It provides the perfect opportunity to see the stunning banqueting rooms in the ancient manor house beautifully dressed for a celebration, as well as view The Garden Room -- a new area that can be used for ceremonies, receptions and parties.
Posted: 27 January 2023
Penshurst Place and Gardens has been named Wedding Venue of the Year 2022/23
Penshurst Place and Gardens has been named Wedding Venue of the Year 2022/23 by the Kent Wedding Awards, scooping the prestigious accolade for the fourth time. Set in the beautiful Weald of Kent and brimming with romance, Penshurst Place is a stunning 14th- century country house, surrounded by 11 acres of historical gardens. The judges described it as a beautiful venue that would provide many lovely memories for its couples and were impressed with the clear and concise wedding packages offered. They commented that they especially loved how couples could tailor their day to make it truly individual and commended the hands-on, high-quality team who seamlessly guide their couples and wedding party from the initial enquiry to the very end of their big day.
Posted: 26 January 2023
Is keeping your maiden name at work right for you?
NameSwitch shares its advice on the dilemma that many women face in the workplace, and that's whether to keep your maiden name? Read on to find out more... The process of getting married comes with a million personal choices to be made along the way – do you want a big white dress or something more minimal? Do you want a DJ at your celebration or a live band? Do you want to keep your maiden name or embrace your married one? Each choice is personal and unique and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Even when it comes to something as momentous as what name you'll be known by for the rest of your life, there are different options and choices to be made. And just like decisions about what kind of dress to buy, the choices you make about your name will also be influenced by your personal preferences and life experiences.
Posted: 25 January 2023
The Best Western Clifton Hotel provides an ideal location for celebrating your big day
Bringing together elements of modern style and traditional charm, The Best Western Clifton Hotel, Folkestone provides an ideal location for celebrating your big day whether it be low key or large scale. Situated on The Leas in Folkestone, next to the Clifton Gardens, the hotel offers some idyllic spots for capturing those all-important couple portraits with the English Channel in the background.
The Hotel's function suites are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies for a maximum of 70 guests. The Playdell Suite is ideal for small weddings with space for a dancefloor. It can hold 50 nearest and dearest. The Romney Suite can play host to 30 and works well for an intimate celebration. Finally, and with the same capacity is The Garden Suite overlooking the Hotel gardens.
Posted: 24 January 2023
Free Valentine's wedding with Frankie & Benny’s
Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny's has been swamped with applications after offering a free wedding for Valentine's. The popular restaurant has launched the ultimate cost of living crisis busting wedding and they've already had thousands wanting to say 'I do'. The team at Frankie & Benny's have been astounded by the number of applicants, many of the lovebirds had their first date at one of the restaurants and want to celebrate their special day where they first met. You still have a chance to win, so long as you've just tied the knot, or about to, have a great love story, then you can apply for the free wedding. All applications need to be submitted via Facebook/Instagram by January 29, 2023.
Posted: 23 January 2023
