An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Mint Velvet to join retail lineup at Braintree Village in July

Braintree Village has announced that premium womenswear brand, Mint Velvet, will be joining its already stellar retail lineup on 9th July. The 1,894 sq ft store will be located next to Polo Ralph Lauren. Founded in 2009, the brand is renowned for its concept of relaxed glamour – a contemporary, feminine style that interprets the latest trends into versatile, flattering shapes.

Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars

Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.

PAWS & REFLECT WITH DOGGY YOGA RETREATS AT DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA & ESTATE

Returning for a second year, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate invites guests for a soul-soothing weekend of relaxation and connection with their four-legged friend at its Doggy Yoga Retreats. Set against the backdrop of the hotel's 110 acres of picturesque grounds, the unique experience is designed to deepen the bond between you and your canine companion through a carefully curated blend of mindful activities, scenic exploration and play.

Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season

Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...

Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026

Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.

The Institute theatre to screen the World Cup

The Institute, Braintree's Grade II listed theatre, is delighted to announce it is all set to screen England's World Cup matches this June – with free entry and no tickets required. Forget cramped pub corners, blocked views, and spilled pints – the theatre is transforming the main auditorium into the town's very own answer to the iconic BOXPARK in London. Hooray!

5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed

61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.

Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert

Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.

Live from the Lawn Returns to Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate this Summer

Back for another summer, the much-loved live music series, Live from the Lawn, is returning to Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate. Set against the backdrop of the luxury hotel's 110 acres of picturesque grounds in Essex, the open-air series promises another year of standout performances and unforgettable sunset sessions.Taking place on select Friday evenings from 7pm - 9.30pm from 12th June until 18th September 2026, the hotel's gardens are transformed into a vibrant outdoor venue where live music, sunset cocktails, and relaxed summer dining take centre stage. This year's line-up will see returning crowd favourites such as Greg the Sax, Lovelight DJ, Runaway South and Gary Winter each bring their own unique sound to the lawn - from Ibiza-style sets and country favourites to soulful party anthems, jazz classics and Motown hits.

Divided down the aisle: The UK’s feelings on the most controversial wedding choices uncovered

Weddings bring with them lots of excitement, joy and happiness, but couples also often face the added challenge of trying to balance their personal wishes and preferences with the opinions of their guests. From who qualifies for a plus one to how much to spend on an engagement ring, new research conducted by Pandora UK has uncovered the nation's true feelings about the most divisive wedding decisions¹. Pandora has also enlisted wedding expert and events director at The Post Barn, Daisy Bradley to share advice on the best ways to handle tricky decisions with guests.

The “2 dinners a week” rule that could transform your love life, according to expert

Google searches for 'emotional connection' are up 78% over the past month, while searches for 'relationship advice' are up 54%, showing that many are struggling and searching for ways to strengthen their bond with their significant other. Interiors brand Oak&More have spoken exclusively with award-winning sex and relationship expert Gemma Nice to find out why eating at the table a couple of nights a week can strengthen, or maybe save, your relationship.

Stress-Free Wedding Plan: Affording Your Big Day Without Breaking the Bank

Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, said: "Money plays a really important role in our lives, helping us prepare for major life moments such as weddings or other special occasions. While it enables us to create meaningful experiences, it can also become a source of stress when facing the costs that come with them. Taking the time to understand what things may cost is the first step when saving for your big day. This awareness can help you make informed decisions, whether that's setting a realistic wedding budget, building a dedicated savings plan, or seeking support to bring your dream day to life."

Women want a personal engagement ring not an expensive one

New research suggests a shift in how women approach one of the most traditional luxury jewellery purchases, with 75% saying they want an engagement ring to prioritise personal meaning over size or value. A study of 1,353 UK women carried out by 77 Diamonds* found that 75% say they would prioritise a personalised engagement ring over a larger or more expensive diamond. What seems to stand out is not a complete rejection of convention, but rather a rebalancing and reassessment of value. 59% of women say their preference still leans towards traditional ready-made ring designs, and only 11% want an entirely custom-made piece But the emotional drive behind preferences and purchasing decisions does appear to be changing with 30% expressing a desire for rings that carry additional meaning through small modifications, engravings or design adjustments.

Perfect Wedding or Perfect Post? Gen Z Couples Feeling the Pressure

Wedding planning has always come with its pressures, but for Gen Z couples in 2026, the landscape has changed. Social media has transformed what should be a joyful, shared experience into a high-stakes performance. Scrolling Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can turn inspiration into comparison, pushing couples to measure their plans against celebrity weddings, curated feeds, and friends' picture-perfect posts. Grace Loves Lace, the Australian bridal brand known for effortless, movement-friendly dresses, has partnered with relationship therapist Amanda Lambros, who has over 25 years' experience, to explore how couples can navigate these pressures and enjoy the planning journey without burning out.

Dainty London's Saltwater Coral Ring

Dainty London's stunning Saltwater Coral Ring is inspired by the ocean, made to respect It! The ocean is a recurring character in Dainty London's story. The company is now based in Chelmsford, but founder Jade grew up in Cornwall, where the sea was simply part of life. That connection shapes the brand's designs, including the new Saltwater Coral Adjustable Statement Ring.

One in seven couples choose sleep over sex on their wedding night

As the UK's spring and summer wedding season begins, new research by Mattress Online suggests the traditional idea of a passion-filled wedding night doesn't always match reality, with one in six couples (15%) saying they did not have sex after their big day. To understand why, the bed experts also asked survey respondents what their reasoning was behind this. They also provided additional insight on the idea of the "wedding night" from Relationship Expert, Jenni Trent Hughes. The findings show that exhaustion was by far the most common factor, with more than two in five (44%) of couples saying they were simply too tired after the celebrations. As weddings often involve early starts, long days, emotional highs, and late nights, rest is a more realistic priority than romance once newlyweds are in bed.

Common wedding planning mistakes that can ruin your photos, according to a photographer

From rushed timelines to crammed shot lists, planning can have a big impact on how your wedding photos turn out. With the average UK wedding now costing £21,990, couples are investing heavily in a single day, with photography alone typically costing around £1,500, and often making up around 10% of the total budget. Behind that cost is far more than just the day itself. Photographers will often take between 5,000 and 7,000 images, narrowing these down to around 650–800 final shots,

Trio of womenswear brands to join Braintree Village’s lineup this month

Braintree Village has announced the upcoming arrival of three iconic British womenswear brands; Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight. Set to open on 22nd May, the trio will be housed in a joint 2,366 sq ft store, located next to French Connection. The store's opening marks a significant milestone for the Essex-based outlet shopping destination, offering guests three heritage womenswear brands at up to 60% off the RRP.

The Perfect Bridal Party Gift - Personalised Pjs

The Peter Alexander Bridal Collection is designed to celebrate love, friendship, and those unforgettable pre-wedding moments. Thoughtfully curated, the collection features beautifully coordinated pyjama sets - perfect for gifting your bridal party or creating picture-perfect matching memories as you prepare for your big day. Each piece can be personalised, adding a meaningful and heartfelt touch for every member of your bridal squad. With an inclusive size range from extra small through to plus sizes, there's something for everyone - because every bride deserves her whole crew by her side in comfort and style.

World Cocktail Day: The Hen Party Drinks Everyone’s Ordering

World Cocktail Day 2026 lands on 13th May, marking over two centuries since the word "cocktail" first appeared in print back in 1806. What started as a simple mix of spirits, sugar, water and bitters has evolved into a global culture of creativity and an absolute essential for hen parties. Leading hen party company, Hen Party Deals gives us the lowdown on the most popular hen party cocktails right now and how to make them at home if you're planning your own celebration.