Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Inn on the Lake offers breathtaking views and serene photograph opportunities

Surrounded by nature's splendour, the grounds of Inn on the Lake are a haven of tranquillity, with three enchanting lakes and sprawling woodlands. The venue offers breathtaking views and serene photographic opportunities, whether enjoying the calming waters or strolling through the picturesque surroundings.

Ceremonies can take place al fresco in the Lakeside Gazebo, which can seat up to 200 guests. Inside, the Fountain Suite, with soft drapes, warm fairylights and panoramic views of the gardens, seats 80 and has standing space for up to 130 friends and family.

From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings

At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink. A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.

Top tips to get to sleep before your wedding

Pre-wedding jitters cause a large number of brides and grooms to struggle to get to sleep. Upcoming nuptials, even if a positive stress, can be a leading cause of sleepless nights. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee gives advice to those Brides- to- be who are struggling in the lead- up to their big day, and gives top tips on how to improve their sleep. As a bride, you face an immense amount of stress, especially in the final days that countdown to your wedding. With plenty of last minute preparations that are trying to please everyone, it's easy to let yourself get swept up and forget to prioritise your sleep. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox, has partnered with Get Laid Beds to share FIVE expert tips to ensure you wake up on your wedding day like a princess, feeling refreshed and radiant, and not like a bridezilla.

County Wedding Events coming to Lympne Castle, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Lympne Castle, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 15th September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

Enjoy Leeds Castle’s new luxury Lakeside Lodges

Enjoy an enchanting summer escape in the new luxury Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone, Kent. Situated within the picturesque grounds of historic Grade I-listed Leeds Castle, steeped in over 900 years of history, the lodges offer an exclusive break surrounded by vibrant nature and serene summer tranquillity.

Nestled amidst nature, guests can soak up the sun on their private deck while appreciating the melodious bird song, offering glimpses of blue tits, robins, and goldcrests darting among the trees and swans, ducks, and wildfowl gliding along the Great Water. A picturesque scene to enjoy while having a soak in the luxurious outdoor sleek black bathtub — making it a truly idyllic summer escape.

The Alexander Centre is an attractive Victorian building in the heart of Faversham

The Alexander Centre is an attractive Victorian building in the heart of Faversham, a picturesque Medieval market town. The structure's impressive façade makes a real statement within the town's architecture and features a grand portico, perfect for taking gorgeous photographs. Its convenient location ensures it's easy to get to with numerous facilities nearby, including hotels and B&Bs, to accommodate your guests.

Tie the knot in the Jubilee Room, a light and airy heritage room with large windows, high ceilings, detailed cornicing and parquet flooring.

Alcohol-free options for weddings with Mocktails

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world. Mockarita - A zesty twist on the classic Margarita. Notes of lime, quinine and acacia flower with a refreshingly tart finish. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're finding it hard to choose our favourite... Mocksow Mule anyone?

Autumnal fragrances from Woodwick and Yankee Candle

Connect to nature with scents and colours drawn from the breathtaking outdoors with the cosy new Autumn collection from Yankee Candle®, Cottage Getaway. Inspired by the nostalgic roots of outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty of our world, the collection seeks to spark creativity and inspiration, whilst bringing family and friends together. Launching in August 2024, the collection includes three warming fragrances, Woodland Weekend Memories, Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl, and Afternoon Scrapbooking. This comforting selection of candles is perfect for reliving cherished moments at home as the late summer falls away and the new season settles n. Relax into Autumn with fragrances that ignite the senses, whilst the bright greens fade from the leaves and dusk draws in earlier by the day.

CWM partnership with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway!

County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maya Deluxe and Dower & Hall for an exciting prize giveaway for our reader and social media followers! If you like or follow all three brands on either Facebook or Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £350 Dower & Hall gift voucher which can be redeemed online, as well as a £250 gift voucher for Maya Deluxe – that's jewellery and bridesmaids sorted for your wedding day leaving you more time and more budget to crack on with the rest of the wedding planning. Read on to find out more details about the brands and how to enter!

The Night Yard will be hosting a Greek Summer’s Night this August

Nestled in woodland and surrounded by fruit orchards, The Night Yard is located in the heart of Kent, just 10 minutes from Canterbury. Originally built to house cattle, the historic Night Yard offers everything you need for a relaxed and rural Kentish wedding venue from day to night.

The team at The Night Yard is hosting a new event ideal for future couples to view the venue for themselves. The Greek Summer's Night with Abba Chique will take place on Saturday 31st August. Doors open at 6pm, when you'll be able to grab yourself some delicious Greek- inspired food and a cocktail at the in-house bar while soaking in the sun on the lawn before heading inside to dance the night away to ABBA Chique and Chris the DJ.

County Wedding Events coming to Cave Hotel, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Cave Hotel, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 8th September 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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. A day to remember - a stylish sanctum that seamlessly blends a high-end contemporary look with a laid-back and welcoming approach, The Cave is not just a venue, getting married here is a truly holistic experience where you and your guests take center stage. You would be able to relax, eat, celebrate and sleep better than you ever have before; there really is nowhere quite like it.

Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and is full of history

Nestled in 125 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, and is full of rich history.

The gardens at Hever Castle combine perfectly with its history to provide a wedding venue of distinction at any time of the year. One of the most magnificent areas of the gardens is the Italian Garden, which displays a splendid collection of Italian sculptures. There are breathtaking water features, including cascades, grottos, fountains, and ponds. The Rhododendron Walk, the Rose Garden, the Golden Stairs and the Blue Garden offer an unbeatable backdrop to capture those special moments.

Visit a Signature Wedding Show to win a mini-break with Classic Lodges

County Wedding Events, in association with Classic Lodges, is offering two overnight stays for two people to include a glass of Lanson Champagne on arrival, a three-course dinner and either a full English Breakfast or continental. What's more, the break can be taken at any Classic Lodges-owned property! Visitors must pre-register and attend a Signature Wedding Show to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges. Terms and conditions apply.

Instant photos make for lasting memories!

poignant keepsake for guests or a photo album. Instant photos make for lasting memories! The INSTAX mini 12 (£79.99) is the perfect product for guest use. Place on tables or dot them around the venue to allow for guests to personalise their memories, and most importantly, take them home. The INSTAX mini Evo (£174.99) is another great option for capturing what's important. The retro-themed exterior is fitting for those vintage-themed weddings – place next to the guest book so photos can be added straight in. The INSTAX SQUARE (£129.99) is a modern option for those photographic keepsakes. Connect the devise to phones and print polaroid straight from the camera roll. Instant photos are irreplaceable.

Chapel House Estate has won an award

Chapel House Estate has won 'Best Event Venue' at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2024. Recognised for its charm, impeccable service, and exquisite ambience, Chapel House Estate secured the top honour in its category.

Nestled amidst the Kentish landscapes and steeped in rich history, Chapel House Estate offers the perfect backdrop for weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. At the heart of the estate is the Chapel House, built in 1290, a large banqueting Thorne Barn, and a converted Old Malt Granary that sets the standard for luxury and sophistication.

The Weald of Kent is a 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel

The Weald of Kent is a beautifully maintained 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel. Set in rolling countryside with far-reaching views, it's just a short drive from Maidstone and Ashford and conveniently located near the surrounding villages of Sutton Valence, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Tenterden.

With a manicured golf course and lakes, the grounds offer a picture- perfect backdrop, allowing you and your loved ones to relax and capture those memorable moments.

Elope in style - expert advice

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months, searches for 'elopement weddings UK' are up +83%, 'elopement wedding packages UK' increased by +85%, and 'intimate weddings UK' have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for intimate weddings. To find out what has motivated this trend, wedding decoration experts at Ginger Ray have conducted a survey of those engaged and in the midst of planning an elopement to see what their special day will look like. Why are elopements becoming more popular? Topping the list of factors driving couples towards intimate weddings is the quest to manage expenses. More than a third (32%) of respondents highlighted financial constraints as the primary factor influencing their decision to opt for a smaller celebration.

Say yes to saving for the big day - Top tips from Rathbones

Top tips from Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones Group Plc on budgeting together for the important day. A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter and likely one of the most important days of your life. While the day itself should be full of joy and stress free, a lot of our time and money goes into pre-wedding planning, to make sure this is the case. The cost of living crisis and sticky inflation are impacting prices across the board and wedding suppliers are no exception. For those gearing up for their wedding day, Kindar shares her top tips for anyone putting a budget together for that important day.

WealdenWoods has created new plantable wedding favours

Wildflower specialist WealdenWoods in Kent has created new plantable wedding favours featuring hand-made wildflower seed-bombs that are affordable, beautiful and eco-friendly.

These heart-shaped seed-bombs come in kraft boxes and are a must-have for wedding favours or goody bags. Each seed is individually decorated with real flowers or petals and the box is topped with a pressed sprig of lavender, making a sustainable, eco-friendly gift for your wedding guests that also helps pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Most popular TikTok wedding car revealed

Gone are the days of a horse-drawn carriage or a Rolls Royce pulling up to the wedding chapel, now it's all about modern cars! Couples across the UK are planning their dream weddings, with a twist. Searches for 'modern wedding cars' have surged by 60% in the last month according to Google Trends, signalling a shift from traditional vintage choices to sleek, contemporary vehicles that add a touch of modern elegance to the special day. ATS Euromaster, the tyre, MOT and vehicle services provider, has analysed TikTok hashtags and trends to reveal the changing popularity of wedding cars, both vintage and modern. Additionally, ATS has estimated rental costs for three-hour periods to help couples choose the perfect car for their special day.