Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Wine recommendations from the Head Winemaker, Mary Bridges

Head Winemaker Mary Bridges, of Kent-based Gusbourne, recently got engaged herself and is excited to share her expert selections for the big day. "It's so important to have things that you like at your wedding, and I absolutely love the sparkling Rosé - it's always been a personal favourite of mine! It is full of bright citrus and delicate red fruits, making it perfect for a summer wedding, and the time on lees has given it a deliciously rich shortbread flavour.

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Ask the Experts - Bridal Outlet Edition

Over the years, we have all seen the variations on wedding dresses and how people have expressed individuality. But what if you know you want to wear a classic dress, but you don't typically wear dresses in your regular life? You're bound to feel a little lost and uncomfortable when it comes to picking the most important gown you will ever wear. Luckily, bridal outlet Little White Dress has come in to offer some stellar advice on how to find your dream dress.

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

The Clifton Folkestone finishes refurbishment

Bringing together elements of modern style and traditional charm, voco The Clifton Folkestone has recently been refurbished and provides an ideal location for celebrating your big day. The refurbishment stretches throughout the rooms and public areas, adding a fresh, new look to the property. The hotel's rebranding comes after it joined the voco collection of luxurious hotels and boasts an impressive location for any wedding or celebration.

The Lost Village of Dode hosts its first elopement

The Lost Village of Dode, a romantic wedding venue in Detling, Kent, has hosted its fi rst elopement wedding. Helena and Andrew tied the knot on 21st December 2024 in a magical winter solstice ceremony after winning The Lost Village of Dode's Elopement Wedding Giveaway on Instagram. The venue's charm captured Helena's heart before she even stepped foot on its grounds.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve welcomes new suite

New for 2025 is Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve's whimsical Moroccan Courtyard Suite. Located in the heart of the Port Lympne Mansion, this new space is a true celebration of romance and decadence. With a sumptuous interior and the option to turn the pink marble courtyard below into your private sanctuary for the duration of your stay, the Moroccan Courtyard Suite is the ideal location for couples to spend the first night of forever together

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is making waves

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa has been renovated to cater to the 21st-century guest while retaining its Victorian charm and elegance. The four-star property has also opened a new bar and lounge, three presidential suites, and a royal suite to complement the wedding suite, creating a charming haven for your big day. Tie the knot in their newly renovated venue and then explore the seafront for some spectacular wedding pictures.

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

Cherished memories with David King Photography

David King Photographer, based in Canterbury, Kent, is now offering a videography package alongside his photography services. The rise in content creation for wedding means that people are looking to share pictures and videos online. This expansion for David King is a logical move and enables more content for those all-important Instagram feeds! Check out what David has to say on the matter.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

Al Fresco Romance at Leeds Castle

The historic Leeds Castle in Kent has introduced two new ceremony spaces ready for the 2025 wedding season. The Pavilion Lawn and Castle Island will join the castle's collection of diverse wedding spaces suitable for both large and small celebrations. Castle Island is located against the fairytale backdrop of the 900-year-old castle and is surrounded by a tranquil moat and lush greenery with space for up to 100 guests.

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.

Braxted Park Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th MAY! The 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.