Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The British Heart Foundation in Sidcup recently received a donation of 100 new wedding dresses

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Sidcup recently received a donation of 100 new designer wedding dresses. The gowns were donated by Adrian Chapman, who donated them in memory of his friend and business partner. The Malaysian designer Steven Sin passed away very suddenly after having a heart attack. Steven spent a year designing and creating each of the one hundred one-of-a-kind dresses. He had planned to enter the bridal wear market but unfortunately passed away in April 2022, before they could be sold.

The dresses were sold at a BHF wedding fair in Sidcup on Thursday evening, and the money raised will help the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease.

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Rowhill Grange is set in acres of romantic gardens

Nestled in the Kent countryside, Rowhill Grange is set in acres of romantic gardens with a winding drive that leads up to the hotel, providing sweeping views across the lawn. Easy to access with ample parking, the property offers a countryside feel, perfect for rustic weddings. The hotel is licensed for ceremonies for up to 120 friends and family.

A pretty wedding gazebo is located at the bottom of the gardens, which is the perfect spot for an idyllic outdoor ceremony.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Rebecca Rees Design has released a new framed guest book

Kent-based Rebecca Rees Design has released a new framed guest book. Available in a range of styles and sizes, every framed artwork is made up of hearts signed by wedding guests on the big day, as well as coloured hearts in the couple's chosen colour palette. The artwork can be personalised further to include special text chosen by the couple, such as first dance lyrics, vows and speech text.

Over the last decade, Rebecca has worked with couples from all over the world. "It's a real privilege to work with couples to create such personal artwork," says Rebecca. "I love how each frame reflects the uniqueness of the couple's special day and the knowledge that the finished artwork will be hung on a wall and enjoyed every day."

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Hythe Imperial Hotel is an award-winning hotel on the seafront

Nestled in impeccably manicured gardens, the award-winning Hythe Imperial Hotel's enviable seafront location allows for panoramic seaside views. Its exterior is an architectural marvel that beautifully complements its picturesque surroundings.

More than just a wedding venue, it's a luxurious haven that exudes both elegance, charm and exhibits a neutral colour scheme, providing a perfect blank canvas for wedding themes. It also houses a magnificent chandelier, the tallest in Europe! This resplendent centrepiece reaches dizzyingly high into the elegant, vaulted ceiling of the hotel's grand entrance hall.

Beautiful in Curves has launched a new mother-of-the-bride/groom collection

Beautiful in Curves, a boutique for curvy brides in Ashford, Kent, has launched a must-have collection for mother-of-the-bride and groom.

We spoke to Zoe Dowle from Beautiful in Curves to find out more: "We enjoy researching beautiful dresses that we know you are looking for. As such, we are very particular about the designers we want to work with. With many years of experience in the bridal and special occasion industry, we choose our dresses to offer a superb fit and flatter along the way. Choosing your dress for the mother-of-the-bride or groom should be a memorable occasion and one to enjoy. With this in mind, we offer private, no-obligation appointments. We know that once you see the dresses, you will be spoiled for choice! The gowns are available in sizes 18 to 26."

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Vicki’s Bridal Boutique is now a stockist of the Jacqueline Louise Bridesmaid Collection

Vicki's Bridal Boutique, based in Tenterden, Kent, is now a proud stockist of the Jacqueline Louise Bridesmaid Collection. This beautiful collection of multiway bridesmaid dresses is available in a variety of colours and fabrics. This style has endless possibilities, making it the perfect dress for bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes.

Available in junior and adult Vicki's Bridal Boutique is the exclusive Kent stockist of the collection and offers a personal experience for brides and their bridal parties with full shop exclusivity.

New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades

Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.

New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season

Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.

West Heath is an impressive 18th-century manor house in the Kent countryside

Set in 32 acres of stunning Kent countryside, West Heath is an impressive 18th-century manor house. Approached by a sweeping drive, there's a turning circle at the front of the property that ensures a grand entrance for the couple and their guests. Its beautiful grounds, large south-facing lawn, and surrounding gardens are home to a stunning collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, originally dating back to the 1790s. The property is encircled by mature woodland with a huge ancient Lebanese cedar tree that provides an impressive backdrop.

From the spacious foyer to the intimate bridal suite, all rooms are classically designed in Georgian style, boasting high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and a neutral colour scheme. With an abundance of original marble fireplaces, oak panelling, polished floors and intricate details throughout, West Heath really is a breathtaking venue.

7 top tips for including your pooch in your wedding

Considering including your pooch at your wedding? Here are 7 top tips from Petpals. With 57% of UK households boasting a furry friend, it is no wonder many couples dream of having their beloved dog join them on their special day. In fact, a whopping eight in 10 Brits say they would want their four-legged companion to be part of their wedding festivities. But before you entrust your pooch with the role of ring bearer, it is essential to be well prepared to ensure that your big day is nothing short of paw-some for both you and your pup. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, the UK's longest-established pet-care franchise, shares some top tips on how to seamlessly incorporate your canine companion into your wedding day.

How to avoid guests over indulging on alcoholic drinks on the big day

One in six (16 per cent) wedding guests admit to driving home the morning after a wedding, when they could still be over the alcohol limit, reveals new research1 from Direct Line Motor Insurance. In a bid to remind drivers about the risks of getting behind the wheel after celebratory drinking, a car was crashed into a three-metre-high wedding cake outside Blenheim Palace2, one of the UK's most instagramable wedding venues.

With one in five (20 per cent) guests saying they have been driven home by someone they thought was over the drink drive limit, the morning after celebrating nuptials, the smashed wedding cake highlights the risks involved with driving the morning after.

6 Star Wars cocktails for the ultimate Star Wars hen do

Calling all brides-to-be and their intergalactic squadrons! Prepare to elevate your hen party to new heights as leading hen party company Fizzbox teams up with magical tavern, The Cauldron, to concoct a range of Star Wars cocktails, perfect for celebrating the bride's journey to the galaxy of marriage! Set your blasters to fun as The Cauldron's mixologists transport you to a galaxy far, far away with their selection of otherworldly drinks inspired by the iconic saga. From Darth Vader-inspired concoctions to drinks that will have you feeling like you're partying on the Millennium Falcon, there's something to delight every Jedi bride and her entourage.

The most popular wedding cars of 2024 and how much they will cost

As we head into the Spring/Summer wedding season, many couples will be tying up the last elements of their weddings before the big day. Often left to the last minute is transport, with many couples wanting to arrive and leave their wedding venues in style. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts decided to investigate which cars are the most popular when it comes to wedding hire, and also how much hiring one will set you back. To work out the most popular wedding car of 2024, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has analysed Google search volumes, Google search trends and TikTok data including the number of posts per model, monthly searches and the YoY search trend.