Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The Leicester Arms has been named as one of the best pubs in Britain

Penshurst wedding venue and country pub The Leicester Arms has been named in The Good Food Guide's inaugural 100 Best Pubs in Britain. The accolade recognises the historic village inn for its outstanding food, quality drinks, and friendly, attentive service.

The listing comes hot on the heels of the venue's recent inclusion in The Guardian's 30 Best UK Pubs for an Autumn Escape with Great Food. The country inn plans to build on this momentum with a packed calendar of events and experiences celebrating great food, drink, and hospitality in the heart of the Kent countryside.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

Calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has won an award

Thanet-based calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has been named a South East Regional Winner at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 in the Stationery category. Regional winners now go through to the national final being held in Liverpool in January 2026.

Ami Taylor, the calligrapher and artist behind Signed.Ami, says: "It was such a surprise to be nominated, and then to go on to win in such a huge region, which includes London, is simply amazing! I'm blown away by the votes and comments from the couples I have worked with over the last year locally. I learned calligraphy four years ago and have built the business working evenings and weekends around the demands of family life with high-support- needs, neurodivergent children."

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

Local supplier spotlight: ReNovia

Firm friends and business partners Mel and Lisa founded the bridal boutique ReNovia this year. Former secondary school teacher Mel and wedding and events planner Lisa have combined their experience and knowledge to launch this exciting business venture. Not only do they sell new and pre-loved wedding gowns and mother-of-the-bride/ groom dresses, but they also run a bridal-wear agency, plan weddings and events, and have even started a networking group in Hythe, Kent.

ReNovia has appeared at several wedding fairs this autumn and has begun forming collaborations with venues across Kent to work on exciting projects such as fashion shows and a curated wedding-fair experience, where couples can enjoy a fully interactive event with selected suppliers. Mel and Lisa have also featured as live guests on Simply Business Club's radio show, Business Networking Show.

Simon James Home has unveiled its most giftable collection yet

Simon James Home has unveiled its most giftable collection yet — a range of luxury soy candles designed to fill homes with warmth, comfort, and a touch of sparkle. This year's festive gift season celebrates indulgent scents and thoughtful gifting, with signature favourites and subtle nods to classic festive fragrances, from the nostalgic sweetness of Gingerbread to the citrus-spiced charm of Orange Biscotti and the winter- fresh sparkle of Berry Sorbet.

Each candle is hand-poured in Kent, vegan, and crafted from sustainable soy wax, making them both luxurious and planet-friendly. Perfect for thoughtful gifting or as wedding favours, the candles also support the environment: every order placed this season plants a tree, meaning your gift spreads joy far beyond the home.

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 Weddings - Magazines and Events to host its Signature Wedding Shows at the site from January 2026. Based in Essex, renowned local wedding show organisers County Wedding Events host wedding shows across the Home Counties; the company's largest events, its Signature Wedding Shows, are at iconic locations Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent – sister shopping centre to Braintree Village in Essex.

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Calling all men out there who need to get their side of things sorted – the outfit.

Whether you're the groom, best man or father of the bride, dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial minefield - you want to feel your best on the Big Day. Don't stress, Charles Tyrwhitt have your back – they've got every dress code covered, from the finest morning suits to luxe tailoring in all kinds of fabrics, designs and fits. They'll be exhibiting at the Bluewater Wedding Fair on Sunday, 1st March. Don't miss out on the opportunity to check out their smart menswear and get expert advice on what to wear for your wedding occasion, no matter your role on the day. Size and fit can differ vastly depending on suit fabric and style, so you'll be able to ensure the dream fit by booking an appointment at the Bluewater store. You'll get one-on-one fitting and styling advice from the Tyrwhitt experts, so you'll nail that wedding look – effortlessly.

Local supplier spotlight: The Barn

Built in the traditional Kentish style, with warm oak beams and a naturally rustic charm, The Barn offers an intimate, welcoming atmosphere from the very moment guests arrive. Reconstructed from a centuries-old Elizabethan barn and lovingly re-erected on its present site in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Barn carries with it a rich sense of history and charming character.

Just a two-minute stroll away lies a beautiful park, perfect for capturing photographs, while the sunny courtyard garden provides a serene setting by day and transforms into a softly lit haven by night. The garden has earned multiple awards in the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom competition, a testament to its charm.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

The Radnor Arms has been listed in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Pubs in Britain

The Radnor Arms, Folkestone, has been awarded a place in The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Pubs in Britain. Since the new owners took charge of The Radnor Arms in 2019, it has undergone a complete transformation – a true labour of love that has turned the historic pub into a vibrant dining destination that can also be hired for private events.

Jack Nimmons, operations director of The Pickled Egg Pub Company, said: "We are absolutely blown away by the support from our customers. Being recognised in The Good Food Guide and now receiving a spot in the UK's top pubs is a huge honour."

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Local supplier spotlight: Leeds Castle

Surrounded by over 500 acres of rolling parkland, Leeds Castle sits in the heart of the Kentish countryside near Maidstone. Manicured gardens, tranquil water features and sweeping lawns create a romantic, ever-changing landscape rich with seasonal colour, wildlife and more than 900 years of history, forming a breathtaking natural backdrop for your wedding day.

The interior of Leeds Castle is elegant, grand and atmospheric, with beautifully restored state rooms filled with natural light, pastel tones and historic details. From the refined Ceremony Room to the opulent Salon with its stone fireplace and ebony floors, and the glamorous 1930s Drawing Rooms, the Castle offers timeless romance and refined luxury throughout.

Simply Ice Cream has announced the launch of new two-litre scooping tubs

Multi-award-winning artisan producer Simply Ice Cream has announced the launch of new two-litre scooping tubs. The tubs will initially be available in two of the brand's best-selling flavours, Dreamy Vanilla and Heavenly Honeycomb, making them the perfect addition to any wedding dessert table.

Handmade in small batches in the heart of the Kentish countryside, Simply Ice Cream's creations are crafted using natural ingredients, with no artificial colours, flavours, or emulsifiers.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! 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. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! 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.

Local supplier spotlight: Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa

Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa is the perfect wedding venue for couples seeking a blend of elegance, charm, and modern luxury. Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, this beautiful Georgian mansion provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Surrounded by 12 acres of private grounds and woodland, the hotel offers a tranquil, romantic setting ideal for outdoor ceremonies, stunning photography, and intimate celebrations. Combining classic beauty, modern amenities, and an idyllic location, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa delivers everything you need for a truly memorable and magical wedding day.

Offering fully customisable wedding packages, the dedicated team will ensure every detail reflects your style and preferences, expertly coordinating everything, from catering and décor to timings and logistics, to make the planning process seamless and stress-free.

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.