Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Simon James Home introduces new fruity range

Award-winning luxury home fragrance brand Simon James Home is excited to introduce the Cocktail Scented Candle Collection. This playful, yet sophisticated, trio of scented candles is inspired by three classic cocktails: Espresso Martini, Gin & Tonic, and Peach Bellini – offering a sensory celebration. Expertly hand-poured in Kent, each candle is crafted with vegan-friendly soy wax, paraben-free fragrance oils, and sustainable, plastic-free packaging.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

County Wedding Events comes to Penshurst Place, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Penshurst Place, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 9th November 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face wedding 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.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

New kid on the block! Byre Barn set to open this Autumn

A new luxury wedding venue is opening its doors in the heart of Kent this autumn. Byre Barn combines rustic countryside charm with refined design, offering couples an exclusive use venue where food, drink, and detail take centre stage. The doors will officially open at the Autumn Open Day on Sunday 21st September, from 12–3pm, giving couples their first opportunity to step inside and experience Byre Barn's Walled Garden, elegant barn interiors, and autumn inspired styling.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

You're Invited: Wedding Showcase at Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Planning your dream wedding? Join Dover Marina Hotel for one of their exclusive open days! Step into the beautifully dressed event spaces, styled with the latest wedding trends to inspire your vision. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival, sample our delicious canapés, and imagine how your special day could look and feel in the stunning seaside setting. Meet some of our highly recommended local suppliers, from florists to photographers, all hand-picked for their creativity and reliability. It's also a fantastic chance to chat with Lisa & Randuli, and the weddings team, ask questions, share ideas, and discover how they can help make your day seamless, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

A Vintage Vision: literary inspiration for your nuptials

This styled shoot is a captivating blend of past and future, inspired by the upcoming restoration of Charles Dickens' enchanting Swiss Writing Chalet. The historic and picturesque Eastgate House wedding venue, served as the perfect backdrop; setting a scene steeped in Dickens romance and rich heritage. More than just a photoshoot, this event was a celebration of styling – where past meets present

NYETIMBER - THE ULTIMATE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE

For those planning a wedding or celebratory party, Nyetimber English sparkling wine offers a range of bespoke packages and wine tastings – helping people to select the perfect sparkling wine to impress their guests. Nyetimber has a dedicated weddings and celebrations manager, Helen MacKenzie, who runs personalised Nyetimber tastings, so people can select the best sparkling wines for the occasion, with a bespoke pricelist.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

THE KOREAN COWGIRL OPENS ANOTHER RESTAURANT!

The highly anticipated opening of The Korean Cowgirl, a vibrant new restaurant that blends bold Korean fried chicken with traditional smoked America barbecue, is officially here. Located in Ashford's Eureka Park, this exciting culinary destination is set to offer both locals and visitors an unforgettable dining experience. The Korean Cowgirl offers a fresh twist on traditional dishes, combining the fiery heat and savoury umami of Korean cuisine, with the satisfying smoked flavours from Texas. From spicy bites and wings to melt-in-your-mouth smash burgers, the restaurant is redefining fusion dining with creative and mouth-watering dishes.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

A FIRST LOOK AT KENT’S NEWEST WEDDING BARN

The Ferry House is set in the beautiful waterside hamlet of Harty, on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Owned by local farming family, the Burdens, since 2000, the team has invested decades of wedding experience into designing the ideal, purpose-built space for wedding celebrations. "We're so excited to share this first look at Spring Barn with our couples," says Victoria Burden, co-owner of The Ferry House. "We've designed it to feel timeless, in keeping with The Ferry House's 16th century origins, with a modern edge."