Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Simply Luxury Escapes can help with your honeymoon!

At Simply Luxury Escapes, we specialize in curating bespoke honeymoons featuring destinations worldwide. Each couple receives the personal attention of a dedicated coordinator who guides them through every step of their journey, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Plus, we offer a best price guarantee! Since 2008, we have been creating unforgettable honeymoons and destination weddings. Our expertise is reflected in the happiness of hundreds of couples, as seen in their glowing 5-star reviews. As the winner of the 'Best Travel Company for Luxury Holidays' at The British Travel Awards and recognized by the St. Lucian Tourist Board for our exceptional honeymoon services, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to perfection.

Visit us at the show to discover why Simply Luxury Escapes is the perfect choice for a unique and personalized honeymoon experience. Plus, don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper, Afternoon Tea at The Shard, and a £100 John Lewis voucher!

Simply Ceremonies will be exhibiting at two wedding shows this autumn

Simply Ceremonies, an award-winning celebrant team based in Kent, will be exhibiting at Lympne Castle on 15th September 2024 and at the Kent Cricket Ground on the 5th and 6th October 2024. This is the perfect chance to meet the owner, Karina O'Donnell, and discuss your big-day plans.

Karina tells us more about her business: "We are an experienced, multi- award-winning team of friendly and creative independent celebrants, based in Kent, who cover the UK. We write personal ceremonies and spend a lot of time getting to know our couples and their families. Every wedding is as important to us as it is to our couples and we want them to start their married life with a beautiful and memorable event. Our creation and presentation of each ceremony is bespoke, incorporating the couple's personal details and unique elements while giving the guests something that they will enjoy and talk about for many years to come."

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

In awe of magic? Meet magician Adam at Bluewater

Adam Smith is a phenomenal magician who will leave your guests in awe during your drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or evening celebration. You can see him in action at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October 2024. With more then 21 years' of experience, Adam has built an outstanding reputation not only for his incredible magic but also for his engaging personality and unique charm, he truly is the complete package and he is one of the most in demand magicians in the South East.

Wedding flower inspiration from floral designer Dawn Jennings

Pop along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to meet floral designer Dawn Jennings who will be exhibiting at the event. "Myself and the team are all qualified and professional florists and pride ourselves in being outstanding creatives and visual storytellers - always making dazzling fresh floral designs that are individually unique as every one of our couples!

£20 off a bespoke, personalised, wedding or anniversary cushions

Claire, creator of Treasured Textiles, makes bespoke, handmade wedding and celebration cushions, will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October. Her personalised cushions can be treasured forever and are all individually handmade, based on your wedding photos. Her cushions make a perfect gift and keepsake for the couple themselves, or as a perfect 'Thank You' to parents, bridesmaids, or even flowergirls, that helped make your big day truly special. They would make an excellent 1st anniversary, 10 year or even 50th Golden Wedding anniversary presents! Claire also offers personalised ring cushions for the big day itself!

Alma Makes joins County Wedding Events for the first time

We're excited to announce that Alma Makes will be joining the upcoming County Wedding Events team for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Show! Alma Makes specialises in bespoke flower preservation and personalised memorial keepsakes in Surrey; transforming cherished memories into timeless pieces of art, preserving the beauty of wedding bouquets, memorial flowers, and pet tributes in resin. "We're also pleased to invite you to visit us at the upcoming County Wedding Events' show," shares Alma. "We'll be showcasing our latest creations and offering special promotions exclusively for event attendees.

Showstopping cars from Ultimate Classic Car Hire

Tony Allen began turning his teenage passion for collecting classic motor vehicles to good use by lending his cars for friends' weddings. Then, way back in 1990, as the collection grew, he established his classic car hire business: Ultimate Classic Car Hire. The company, and some of its fleet will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, 2024. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially into one of the most impressive in the South East of England. Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, now offers a remarkable selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars.

Meet Maki's Cakes at Mercedes-Benz World for the first time

Maki's Cakes is excited to be showcasing its work for the first time at the upcoming, County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz Wedding on Sunday 13th October! Meet the designer, Makiko Searle and explore its bespoke wedding cakes, custom designs and delicious treats, all crafted with precision and creativity. "We look forward to seeing you at the show!" says award-winning cake designer Makiko.

The lowdown from formalwear expert Stephen Bishop Suiting

Regular show favourite Stephen Bishop from Woking-based formal menswear store Stephen Bishop Suiting shares his top advice for choosing your big-day attire. What's more, Stephen will be on hand, at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse, on 27th October and also Mercedes-Benz World on 13th October - here he can answer all of your wedding day questions and will have a huge selection of his suits and coordinating accessories on display. Established in 2013, Stephen Bishop Suiting opened specifically to offer men a higher-end, one-stop-shop for formal wear, specifically with weddings in mind. I'm a multi-award-winning formal wear specialist with more than 30 years of experience.

Find out more about this new venue

Anna's Garden Parties' events are lovingly tailored to meet your event's needs, and the team will be on hand to chat at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. Anna's Garden Parties's offers a beautiful garden venue to host wedding receptions; the space is completely immersed in flowers, woodland, and lawn with a private pond for a truly outdoor experience, coupled with unique features to make the day down-to-earth, fun and gorgeous all round.

"Perfect space for smaller, intimate, down to earth and outdoor events - even micro- weddings - we offer a beautiful space and great food at a competitive and reasonable price," says Anna

Meet renowned photographer at TWO Signature Shows

Renowned London-based photographer, Richard Payne Photography, is exhibiting at not one, but two County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Shows: Bluewater and Ascot Racecourse! "Commissioned worldwide for more than 15 years my unique use of film and digital cameras, alongside my handmade prints and books, has been catching the eye of hundreds of couples on the lookout for something unique and special for their big day. Come to my stand and see first hand what I can offer for your special day," says Richard.

Searching for the one? Head to Bluewater's wedding fair

Little White Dress, an exciting bridal outlet in the heart of Gravesend's Heritage Quarter, is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October. A family-run business, proud to have helped thousands of brides to be in finding their perfect dress, its team work hard to source some of the most beautiful gowns and the bridal experience is reflected in its daily five-star reviews across social media. A very warm welcome awaits you, whatever your budget. Bridal outlet offering designer gowns up to 75% off RRP plus additional discounts for NHS, Military and Emergency Service personnel

The Lost Village of Dode is a beautiful Norman church in Kent

A beautiful Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, The Lost Village of Dode has floors covered with straw, while candles and torches cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built and the atmosphere and restful silence within are palpable.

Standing on an ancient, pre-historic mound overlooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two-cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a village pond and stone circle. Its walls are comprised of local flint, with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy, truly evoking the atmosphere of times long since passed. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak in the 16th-century style.

Show special: free Aerial Drone! Value £499 with every Premium Package.

Award-winning filming, photography and content creation, why settle for a wedding video when you can have a cinematic experience with Kent-based Video UK. Show Special: Free Aerial Drone! Value £499 with every Premium Package. Owner Mike says: "Let's Meet! Choosing your suppliers can be very daunting, if you can't make the fair I invite you to visit my Hempstead studio where we can discuss your wedding plans over a coffee and get to know each other. Examples of my work are readily available and you are never pressurised to make a decision there and then, I always agree to hold the date for you to have enough time to make up your mind.

"Choose from our BESPOKE DESIGNED SERVICE, our EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM EXPERIENCE or our budget ESSENTIAL PACKAGE. What's more....

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show on 6th October 2024! Couples, along with family and friends, are warmly invited to visit their stand and discover how The Redfords can transform your special day into an incredible celebration. At the show, you'll have the chance to meet and chat with band members, request your favourite songs, and learn how they can create the party of a lifetime at your wedding! With a reputation built since 2006, The Redfords are celebrated for their ability to keep dancefloors packed with a dynamic mix of classic hits and contemporary favourites across genres like rock, pop, indie, soul, disco, and Motown.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

15% discount on all photography packages

Natalie Chiverton Photography is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, and has some exciting discounts for couples visiting on the day that you're not going to want to miss out on! "I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Bluewater Wedding Show," says Natalie. "Say hello and receive a 15% discount on all my packages. Choose between the all-inclusive, straightforward packages or the flexible, timeless collections that best fit your needs.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

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; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! 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.