An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

New app launches to simplify one of marriage’s biggest admin headaches

Changing your name after marriage can mean updating details with countless organisations, from banks and subscriptions to official documents and employers. New app Name Change Navigator aims to make the process easier, guiding newlyweds through each step from one platform. Founded by Rebecca Dainton, Head of Product at Flutter UK & Ireland, the app was created to reduce the stress and mental load associated with name changes. It supports a range of naming journeys, including traditional surname changes, double-barrelling, blended surnames and other choices following marriage, civil partnership, divorce or personal identity changes. The launch comes as younger generations increasingly rethink traditional naming conventions, with technology offering a more streamlined approach to this often-overlooked part of newlywed life.

Oliver Bonas opens new store at Lakeside

British Independent lifestyle retailer Oliver Bonas is delighted to announce the opening of its brand-new store at Lakeside Shopping Centre on 15th August 2026, bringing its distinctive collection of fashion, homeware, beauty, jewellery and gifts to one of the UK's leading retail destinations. Located within Lakeside Shopping Centre, the spacious new 3,048 sq ft store has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the Oliver Bonas brand, creating an inspiring and welcoming environment where customers can discover beautifully crafted products that celebrate individuality, creativity and joyful living.

From best mates to distant relatives: Brits reveal the wedding gift hierarchy

How much should you spend on a wedding gift? It seems the answer depends on just how well you know the happy couple. New research from One4all Gift Cards has revealed that almost half of Brits (49%) would spend less on a wedding gift if they were not particularly close to the couple. The relationship came out ahead of travel and accommodation costs (38%) and paying for a hen or stag do (28%) when it comes to factors influencing how much guests are prepared to spend. For those closest to them, Brits consider an average of £77 per person to be an acceptable wedding gift. The most popular amount was between £50 and £100, selected by 43% of respondents, while 36% believe spending up to £50 is perfectly acceptable. Just 5% would spend more than £200.

Revealed: England and Wales’ most common wedding anniversary date as August accounts for nearly one in six

1 September is the most common wedding anniversary date, with an average of 1,557 marriages taking place on the date, new analysis has revealed. The research, from drinks and gifting retailer Bottled and Boxed, analysed 22 years of marriage registration data from the Office for National Statistics to identify the dates when couples across England and Wales are most likely to be celebrating their wedding anniversaries each year. Every date in the top 10 falls between late July and early September, showing how heavily the most common anniversaries are concentrated in late summer. August is the most common month for wedding anniversaries, accounting for 15.7% of all marriages analysed, with an average of 1,254 couples married per day.

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

Could Independent celebrants soon legally marry couples?

Couples in England and Wales could eventually have more choice over who conducts their wedding and where it takes place. The Government is consulting on wide-ranging changes to wedding law, including whether suitably trained and authorised independent celebrants should be allowed to conduct legally binding weddings. At present, independent celebrants cannot complete the legal marriage formalities, so couples usually arrange them separately with a registrar.

Five minutes with... photographer Fiona Bromsgrove

Based in Chelmsford, Essex, An Essex Wedding chats to photographer Fiona Bromsgrove, of Photography by Bromsgrove, about one of her recent couples..."From the moment I met Aimee and Tom at a wedding fair, through their beach engagement shoot and finally their wedding day, I found myself falling more and more in love with this wonderful pair. "There are so many things we remember from the weddings we photograph, but with Aimee and Tom, the love for those who couldn't be there was truly palpable. Every detail was so thoughtful, beautiful and understated. From the roses lining the aisle and the personal signature pendant, to the heartfelt mentions woven throughout the speeches, every element honoured a much-missed loved one. By the end of the day, I felt as though I knew him too. His presence was everywhere – in the stories, the smiles, the tears and the laughter. It genuinely felt as though he was there with everyone.

Perfect for wedding gifting: NEOM Wellbeing's limited-edition

NEOM Wellbeing has unveiled its beautiful new limited-edition Summer Scenting Collection, pairing two fresh, citrus-led fragrances with striking coloured glass vessels designed to brighten homes throughout the season. The collection features Squeeze The Day, a vibrant blend of grapefruit, mandarin and eucalyptus, alongside Great Day, combining sparkling wild mint and mandarin. Available as candles, reed diffusers and essential oil blends, the fragrances capture the freshness and optimism of summer while bringing a stylish pop of colour to interiors.

Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 20th September ! It's one of four Signature Wedding Show of 2026's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples 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.

Port Lympne's wedding show is in September - 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 Port Lympne, in Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 13th September 2026 - 11pm - 3pm! 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.

The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate's Wedding Fair

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at The Conservatory, Luton Hoo Estate, for inspiration on Sunday Sunday 20th September! 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.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show 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 Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 20th September, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Wedding Events again to host its Signature Wedding Show this autumn! If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braintree Village, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 27th September, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

Sun-ready with Rituals

Protect your skin with this invisible SPF 50+ sunscreen stick. The smooth, lightweight formula leaves a natural matte finish, enriched with a Hydra-Boost Complex and the uplifting scent of white tea and lotus flower. Plus, did you know that this SPF also includes Rituals signature hydra boost complex, a mix of aloe vera, algae as well as squalane for ultimate hydration! Perfect!

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDINGS REIMAGINED AT DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA & ESTATE

Set within 110 acres of picturesque Essex countryside, Down Hall unveils The Charles Garden – a stunning new outdoor wedding setting designed for moments meant to be remembered. This beautifully landscaped half-acre space offers a romantic open-air backdrop for up to 180 guests, where elegant jasmine arches frame the ceremony and a sweeping two-metre central aisle leads through to a dedicated bar and terrace – perfect for champagne moments and sunset toasts.

Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!

If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.

OPEN AIR CINEMA RETURNS TO DOWN HALL THIS SUMMER

This August bank holiday weekend, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate will once again transform its picturesque grounds into an open-air cinema, welcoming guests for three nights of films, food and entertainment beneath the sky. Set within the hotel's stunning 110-acre estate, the much-loved Enchanted Cinema experience returns with a line-up of crowd-pleasing favourites, including the iconic Dirty Dancing, feel-good musical The Greatest Showman and family favourite Paddington.