NEARLYWED NEWS

Start planning your big day with The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa at its wedding fair on Sunday 25th September 2022, where you can meet recommended local wedding suppliers, find inspiration and tour the venue. The fair is open from 11am to 3pm, entry is free and no booking is required.

With its glorious seafront location, beautiful bridal suite and boutique feel The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is a must-visit wedding venue in the heart of Kent with space to accommodate up to 190 guests. This four-star Victorian building provides a memorable backdrop to your celebrations, complete with elegant interiors and breathtaking views of Dover beach, Dover Castle and the magnificent White Cliffs.

Check out www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

HOT CAKES

Surviving one of the hottest British summers on record has made us wonder: is it still possible for couples to have their dream cake in the blistering conditions that are set to become a regularity over the years to come? We’ve heard one or two disaster stories about melting, collapsing bakes! However, having chatted to Claudia Newberry at Purple Flour we’re delighted to report that the answer, without compromise is, “Yes!”

Purple Flour has just delivered beautiful buttercream cakes, ganache masterpieces, and traditional iced classics, as well as naked and semi-naked creations all in the beautiful sunshine. We asked Claudia what her secret is! “The key is simple: planning,” she says. “You need to work with the whole wedding team, from the caterers, florists, venue and of course the couples to agree on three things. Firstly, how you’re going to store the cake before it goes on display. Secondly, where are you going to display your creation? And lastly, when are you going to cut it?

“We spent many an afternoon adding the finishing touches to our cakes while sitting on champagne crates in the back of a chiller van! You just need to plan. Cake in the sun? Heck yeah!”

Have a word with the experts at https://purpleflour.co.uk

NEWS Nearlywed

Catch up on the latest from around the county

BY THE SEASIDE

Continuing its mission to bring happy hotels to historical buildings on some of Britain’s most desirable streets, spring 2023 will see the boutique hospitality group GuestHouse open the doors to the third property in its portfolio in Margate.

No.42 Margate will embrace the nostalgia we know and love from this sunny seaside town. Housed in a Victorian beauty of a beachfront building it will include 21 bedrooms, a restaurant, rooftop, and spa where the town’s open love of uniquely English quirks will be felt all around.

Since the 18th century Margate has offered a home to eccentric English traditions, from iconic Dreamland and its listed rollercoaster and menagerie cages, to the unexplained shell grotto and beachside activities. With interiors that playfully draw from the motifs and subtle references that embrace the town’s nature, No.42 will be the perfect base for a hen or stag do, or minimoon to remember.

Check out www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

V.I.PETS

Searches for “pets at weddings” are up 200 per cent since 2020 proving couples are increasingly looking to give their furry friends a starring role in their special day. This recent data from Google comes as no surprise to the team at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells, who have seen a sharp increase in the number of enquiries from couples looking to book pet-friendly ceremonies. “For some, it’s non-neogtiable. Many couples we speak to book with us on the basis that their dog can be present for the ‘I dos,’ photos and drinks reception,” says commercial sales manager Courtney Smith. From delightful miniature outfits to adorable photography, Salomons Estate, which took first place in the Best Events Team category at the Kent Wedding Awards 21/22, has seen loved-up pet owners making their furry friend a ring bearer, flowergirl or groomsman.

Amongst the biggest wedding trends of 2022 the venue also lists grazing tables and outdoor pizza ovens as popular options, with the return of big weddings, which are making a comeback following the pandemic.

For further information on tying the knot at Salomons, head over to www.salomons-estate.com

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR

White Sky Events is delighted to have been asked to produce The Kent Wedding Fair at The Hop Farm, with its first show being held on Sunday 9th October. The event is open from 10.30am until 2.30pm and should attract around 50 exhibitors.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, so The Kent Wedding Fair gives you the chance to discover what suppliers are right for you in a relaxed environment, making your wedding planning simple and stress free. These events bring together the best local wedding suppliers and specialists in the industry, dedicated to making your special day perfect.

With a huge variety of different experts, catering to all tastes and budgets, this is also a great place to get some exciting ideas and inspiration. Family friendly, there are no restrictions on how many loved ones you bring with you on the day.

You’ll be treated to a goody bag on entry, along with a complimentary wedding magazine. Plus, there are lots of great on-the-day deals and discounts up for grabs. The event is free attend and no tickets are required. You can pre-register online to book your arrival timeslot and beat the queues, or simply come along on the day. Just head over to www.kentweddingfair.co.uk/bride-groom-registration

THE GIFT OF TIME

Goldsmiths, one of the UK’s leading watch and jewellery retailers, has opened its latest luxury concept showroom at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. The new store boasts a fresh feel embracing a modern and relaxed way to browse its line up of timepieces and fine jewellery brands.

Here you’ll find a vast collection of luxury Swiss watches and be given the chance to experience such latest releases at Tudor’s iconic Black Bay collection. Also on display is the new Oris PPX with chic coloured dials.

Craig Bolton, president of the Watches of Switzerland Group, UK & Europe says, “Our goal is to make everyone feel valued and at home when visiting our showrooms.”

To find out more, check out www.goldsmiths.co.uk

ONE OF THE UK’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY AND SPECTACULAR WEDDING VENUES

A magical place to dine and dance the night away, our stunning newly appointed glass orangery and terrace.

aspinallfoundation.org/weddings | 01303 234 111 Nr. Ashford, Kent, CT21 4PD