Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve has launched a new Elopement Package for 2024

Micro weddings and elopements are set to be a big trend this year, so Kent's Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve has launched a new Elopement Package for 2024. Ideal for couples wanting the intimacy and simplicity of it just being the two of you, no guest lists or table plans, just heartfelt vows and love. An enchanting and unique setting draped in history; Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent's largest wildlife reserve set within 600 acres of magnificent private parkland. With picture-perfect panoramic views, the reserve's centrepiece the Grade II listed Port Lympne Mansion, is surrounded by 14 acres of landscaped gardens and is regarded as one of England's finest country homes.

Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list

Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition equals a winning recipe for an amazing time for your pre-wedding get together! How does a side of shuffleboard or darts with your cocktails sound? Whether you're looking for a daytime plan or something to keep you partying into the early hours, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are great options. Both have resident DJs banging out the tunes, and both offer fab bottomless brunch packages if an afternoon booze session is more what you're after. They're also perfectly designed for the most amazing insta-worthy pics

Dont have a mare...have a moment with The Rare Mare Photobooth

The Rare Mare Photobooth is a family run business that specialises in bringing fun and quirkiness to your event. Buckinghamshire-based The Rare Mare Photobooth is a quirky 1970s horsebox photobooth that is a showstopper at events. Alongside the booth, the company also has a beautiful matching ice cream bike, create a stunning sweet atmosphere for your guests.The ice cream bike will be making an appearance to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th 2024.

Kent-based Video Events Ltd award winners in the videography category

Kent-based Video Events Ltd named winners at annual awards ceremony in 2024, and has been crowned as one of the best wedding professionals in the UK. These awards are based on reviews left by married couples in the past year. Video Events Ltd received a total of 8 reviews and a rating of 5 out of 5 determined by the couples who planned their weddings with them.

Revealed the UK’s best venues with woodlands to achieve dreamy cottage-core weddings

A recent study revealed the UK's highest-rated venues for woodland-themed weddings, with Creeksea Place being named the best. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analysed user-generated review data to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated woodlands venues by creating an overall rating score. The study has revealed that Creeksea Place is the most highly rated woodland in the nation. Located in Essex, the manor house, which includes picturesque woodland, has been rated five stars over 220 times giving it a perfect score of ten out of ten.

For every occasion, non alcoholic sparkling wine from the Veneto hills, Italy.

Bella is an Italian alcohol free drink, crafted to charm the most exigent and curious palates all over the world. What's more, the brand is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World where you can sample the range. Made by a family winery half-a-century old, with exquisite local grapes from Northern Italy, it appeals to a unique community of lifestylers always looking for new amazing tasting experiences. A new way to share conviviality while embracing sobriety.

Meet the team from Burhill Golf Club at Mercedes-Benz World in April

Burhill is steeped in history, with a stunning Georgian Mansion that offers views over the golf course and River Mole. Tucked away in beautiful quiet woodlands Burhill is one of Surrey's most enchanting locations for your big day. The team will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, to answer couples queries on tying the knot at this gorgeous venue perfect for civil ceremonies, partnerships and wedding receptions.

The new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection

Find an oasis this spring with the new Yankee Candle® SS24 collection, Under the Desert Sun. The new collection will brighten the home with fragrances that exude memories of warmer days, including four refreshingly light and bright fragrances including, Desert Blooms, Aloe & Agave, Sweet Vanilla & Horchata, and Stargazing. Inspired by the unique beauty of the desert, the new collection has been designed to help escape the ordinary and satisfy wanderlust, immersing the home in sun-drenched scents. The Under The Desert Sun collection features exotic fragrances such as aguaro cactus, aloe and blue lotus, as well as soothing lavender and eucalyptus.

Check out The Vintage Games Company at Mercedes-Benz World

Surrey's The Vintage Games Company will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th and will have a range of vintage games on display. "We are passionate about beautiful vintage and antique games, and the magic they can bring to you and your guests. We believe that although some of our games have plenty of history, they all have an exciting future being enjoyed at your events, parties and weddings. Nothing beats the childlike joy of playing with these antique and vintage beauties!" shares owner Amelia. "Come and find us at the wedding show to have a go with some of our games, and post your enquiry in our traditional red post box!"

Browns Kitchen Events will be exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Browns Kitchen Events will be exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge on April 28th. Based close to Dorking in the Surrey Hills, the company is in the perfect location to do what they do best in the Surrey area having helped create and deliver many stunning weddings in the county over the years. Owner, Lee Brown says, "We offer not only professional and innovative catering but also guide you through your Wedding day step by step, giving you advice and direction where required, ensuring a smooth and memorable day.

Surrey's Love Me Do Brides has some exciting news it wants to shout about

Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World regular, Love Me Do Brides, has certainly been busy since our last event in October - the company now has its own wedding TV Show! Called Wedding Mayhem, it launched just three months ago and has already won an award for it! "We've just had Arg from TOWIE in this week to talk about his wedding band," shares owner Sharon. "It was mad! He was lovely and helped launch our rebrand!

Three spicy but sophisticated hen party ideas

Throwing a hen party that will please all attendees can be tricky. Striking a balance between risque and tame activities can be one of the most controversial challenges you'll face when planning. In fact, some of the more crude hen party gimmicks came out in the top 10 most hated parts of a hen party in this report. However, you can create a hen party that strikes the perfect balance between spice and sophistication, ensuring a night to remember for both the bride and her friends. Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared three amazing themes for the perfect spicy but sophisticated hen party:

Meet The Oyster Society at our events and try a delicious oyster!

Oysters are the perfect addition to elevate your wedding reception with luxury! Catering to weddings and events across the UK, The Oyster Society, is a premium mobile event caterer from London, offering exclusive services with expert oyster shuckers and Champagne walkers. "Our hostesses will roam during your wedding reception, serving freshly shucked oysters and Champagne directly to you, ensuring the freshest and most luxurious experience possible," - the team at The Oyster Society

Check out Sight 'n' Sounds' set up at Mercedes-Benz World

The award-winning Sight 'n' Sound is one of the leading mobile discotheques in the Southeast of England, and will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 28th April. "Once again Sight 'n' Sound will be exhibiting our 'white wedding disco' along with our exclusive LOVE letters and uplights," shares owner Harvey. "We will be on hand to explain how we can make your function special and unique, plus answer your questions. We also have a white sparkly LED dancefloor and low-smoke dry ice effect machine."

GiGi Events' new wow-factor chandeliers

GiGi Events specialises in wedding design, event styling and hiring for celebrations of all sizes, and has expanded its offering to chandeliers and lighting. Georgie Porter, event stylist, planner and founder says, "The new selection of chandeliers and lights are there to transform an already existing space into something spectacular. The hanging chandeliers are perfect for a stunning marquee, dropping perfectly for the ceiling. "Alongside the chandeliers, GiGi Events also has new custom-made stands. These stands have been precisely designed by a local blacksmith to allow the perfect curve over your table. The stands have also been designed so that your florist can decorate them to fit with the rest of your centrepiece design."

Looking for a calm, friendly, down to earth wedding photographer?

Myriame Lawley Photography is an award-winning Surrey-based photographer exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th. Myriame's adds, "Based in Surrey and covering the south of England I am dedicated to delivering you beautiful and timeless memories of your wedding day, so if you think we would be a good match, then pop by my stand at Mercedes- Benz Signature Wedding Show - I would love to meet you, hear your plans and ensure you remember your wedding day! "I shall be offering a £200 discount off any of my three collections if booked on the day, or 10% off any collection if booked within two weeks of the show."

Pop along to the Mercedes-Benz World wedding fair to see HayLee Duo perform live

Looking for mesmerising, emotive and memorable musicians for your wedding day? Meet HayLee Duo and watch them perform live at the Mercedes-Benz Signature Wedding Show, on April 28th hosted by County Wedding Events. HayLee are an elegant, female, acoustic duo who always strive to ensure they deliver beautiful, heartwarming and harmonious music to your wedding tailored to your own personal unique taste. The combination of Hayley's warm and soulful voice along with Lee's harmonies and guitar or piano backing makes this joyful duo a complete must-have on your special day - creating beautiful memories and a day you and your guests will never forget!

Come and meet Sandra and Paul, an instrumental duo on violin and guitar

In the last ten years Sandra & Paul, with the violin and a guitar, have made hundreds of events memorable and will be showcasing their musical repertoire at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 28th. What makes them stand out is their imaginative, tasteful arrangements and synergic, communicative playing. Their repertoire spans many genres and styles covering songs from every decade from the 1920s till today.Whether you're after an elegant and refined duo at the reception, an upbeat and wild country folk barn dance, or DJ freestyle violin impro, Sandra and Paul are able to enhance and excite your event with music and make it memorable.

Find your big-day bake at Mercedes-Benz World

Irresistible Cakes by Michelle specialises in crafting modern wedding cakes. With more than 14 years of experience in cake crafting and training from the esteemed culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, Michelle is committed to making your dream wedding cake a reality. Join her at the Signature Show at Mercedes-Benz World, where you can experience her unique creativity firsthand, seek answers to all your cake-related queries, and receive a complimentary wedding cake checklist to ensure seamless planning for your special day.