Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Tie the knot at Cave Hotel & Golf Resort

Cave Hotel and Golf Resort near Faversham is a stylish sanctum that seamlessly blends a high-end contemporary look with a laid-back and welcoming approach. Getting married here is a holistic experience! The grounds boast several picturesque spots, which make for beautiful wedding photography. One of the best can be found at the edge of the golf course, in the orchard garden. Another, is by the water features, such as the pond for a touch of tranquillity. The venue also features scenic trails and paths that lead to quiet and secluded areas, perfect if you want to escape alone together for a while.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Having served as a glamorous host for 900 years, check out Leeds Castle for your big day

Beautiful by design and first-class hostess to royalty, nobility, and glamorous guests for more than 900 years, Leeds Castle rises majestically from the water among the glorious Kentish countryside. Home to mesmerising historical gardens and architectural landscapes, the grounds are full of dazzling beauty perfectly lending themselves to all seasons for a chic destination wedding vibe.The Princess Alexandra Gardens are massed in banks of azaleas that bring extraordinary colour, while tall bamboo brings out the ambience of the Far East in the Oriental Garden. Meanwhile, The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces remind visitors of sun-drenched Europe. Leeds Castle boasts no fewer than three venues in which to celebrate your entire day.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

Karina O'Donnell from Simply Ceremonies shares the benefits of an outdoor wedding

This issue we asked the county's experts for the advice on tying the knot al fresco. Celebrant Karina O'Donnell from Simply Ceremonies (https://celebrant-uk.co.uk) says that the main benefit is being able to take advantge of the natural beauty of your surroundings. She continues: Whether this is a beach setting, mountain backdrop or stunning gardens. Being somewhere that has meaning to you can create a more romantic and intimate setting for you both, and obviously makes for stunning photographs. Weddings held outside often offer more flexibility in terms of the number of guests you need to seat, as well as in your choice of décor.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

Plan your al fresco nuptials with Nicola Rose Weddings and Events

This issue, we asked the county's experts for their advice on planning an al fresco wedding. Here, Nicky Clements from Nicola Rose Weddings and Events (www.nicolaroseweddingsandevents.co.uk) shares some words of wisdom. An outdoor wedding can be an incredibly beautiful and memorable experience for both you and your guests. However, ensuring everything runs smoothly requires careful consideration and attention to detail. First and foremost, have a back-up plan as al fresco weddings are susceptible to unpredictable weather conditions. Hire a stretch tent with pretty sofas, chairs and low tables placed on large rugs. This will give you both shade on a sunny day, and cover from drizzly rain.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

Tie the knot at Bilsington Priory

This grand monastic building retains its Medieval structure, built from local Kentish ragstone. Set in seven acres of mature, landscaped gardens surrounded by a moat and the abbot's former fishponds, the Priory offers a photographer's paradise. What's more, its secluded, rural position lends it a truly exclusive setting, off the beaten track, yet only 15 minutes from Ashford, South Kent's major travel hub. The Priory's Medieval stone structure and cavernous oak-beamed Grand Ceremony Room is the most romantic setting. Steeped in history, it was built in 1253 for the Canons Regular of St Augustine's, I a French style of the period. Able to seat 100 ceremony guests, there's also plenty of space for a musical quartet.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

How to keep your cool when it comes to al fresco big-day bakes

This issue, we asked the county's experts for their advice on planning an outdoor wedding. Here, Chelsea Prior from Chelsea Buns Cake Design (www.chelseabuns.co.uk) tells us how to keep your cool when displaying your big-day bake outside. Think about your cake carefully. Many people who go for an outdoor wedding choose to go for a more rustic, relaxed style cake (naked, semi-naked or buttercream finishes), which looks lovely and fits perfectly with the vibe of their day. However, during the summer months you have to consider the weather when choosing your cake. I always advise my couples of the risks that come with these cakes during the season as unfortunately buttercream and heat are not friends! If you take some simple steps though, the dangers hot weather will put your big-day bake in can be reduced.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

Tie the knot at The Weald of Kent

The Weald of Kent is a beautifully maintained 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel. Set in rolling Kent countryside with far reaching views, it's just a short drive from Maidstone and Ashford, and convenient for the surrounding villages of Sutton Valance, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Tenterden. Recently decorated in a fabulous neutral tone with the addition of luxurious carpets, together with freshly painted walls throughout, the licensed wedding rooms can hold not only your ceremony, but your wedding breakfast and evening reception too. Whatever your chosen wedding palette, the new look will complement your day. With a highly-manicured golf course and beautiful lakes, the grounds also offer a picture-perfect backdrop, allowing to relax, enjoy and capture those memorable moments.

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.

Kentish wedding suppliers triumph at the Muddy Stilettos Awards

Celebrating their 10th year, the Muddy Stilettos Awards have been announced for 2023. Designed to support and promote local businesses and high streets, they're prized for recognising those with originality, creativity and quality. This year, 77,000 were nominated and an astonishing 800,000 votes were received. On hearing of the announcement, we here at Your Kent Wedding eagerly scanned the list of Kentish winners to see if any of our local wedding industry pals were fortunate enough to take home a gong and we're pleased to report there was a whole host!