An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

NEW STREET FOOD FESTIVAL SET TO LAUNCH AT BRAINTREE VILLAGE

Braintree Village has announced a brand-new free event, launching next month. The outlet's first-ever Street Food Festival will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September, with the two-day event promising a weekend of flavour-packed dishes, artisanal produce and music performances. Local traders will include ROK Kitchen, who started out at Chelmsford market 10 years ago and have gone on to win multiple awards for their Korean street food.

Festive Stays at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate

Skip the stresses and let the team take care of everything while enjoying the enchanting surrounds of the 110 acre estate and feast on exquisite food and fizz for a magical celebration to remember . With options spanning Christmas, Twixmas and New Year's, which cater for all ages, Down Hall Hotel is the perfect destination for families, friends and couples alike.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

Knowledge is power with Laura Mercier

Before you venture in to your local Laura Mercier counter, use the quick and easy virtual foundation shade finder on the company's website to find the shade and product best for you. I could spend hours trying different lip shades and even eye shadows - as if I need any more excuse to be on my phone! I particularly love the Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

BRAINTREE VILLAGE SALES UP 14.9% ON LAST YEAR

Data from owner Landsec, shows shopping sales at Braintree Village rose 14.9% year-on-year during April – June this year, as shoppers flocked to new openings such as Crocs and Belstaff. It comes as Landsec reports a strong quarter across its entire portfolio of prime retail destinations, with significant year-on-year increases in both sales and footfall, and follows a record year for Landsec across its retail destinations.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

Orsett Hall 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 Orsett Hall, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 21st September, 2025! 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.

Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club 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 Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, Hertfordshire for inspiration on Sunday 21st September 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. With its majestic tree-studded lawns and impressive indoor and outdoor settings, the Hertfordshire makes for a wonderful venue to plan your wedding. A grand Broxbournebury Mansion is not just one of the most picturesque locations, but also a witness of many stories of love. Once owned by a prominent Bosanquet family, the mansion was celebrated for its renowned rose garden, grown by the mistress of the house herself, who even established her own kind the rose named after the family.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

SOUL FUSED PERMANENT JEWELLERY

Soul Fused was founded by sisters-in-law turned business partners Sam and Natalie Marsh from Billericay, Essex who are on a mission to bring beautiful long-lasting jewellery to you this summer! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Soul Fused offers a refined and bespoke alternative to traditional jewellery. Perfect for marking special life moments including weddings, baby showers, anniversaries as well as birthdays, permanent jewellery is an exciting new trend that adds a touch of long-lasting sparkle!

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

New luxury bedding collection from Lathams

Independent homeware retailer and interior design studio Lathams, based locally in Epping, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new premium collection of cushions and bed throws under their in-house label, "Lathams with Love." The 'LOVED' bedding collection showcases Lathams' signature leopard print in four colourways: Ash, Stone, Grass and Grass Reverse, adding an effortless, hotel style finish to your bedroom. Stunning!

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Protect your skin and your memories

Green People, the UK's experts in sensitive skin, are making it their mission to protect the UK's summer memories with their collection of dermatologically tested natural and organic sun care. Proud to offer natural and organic sun care solutions for all the family, Green People has also released a SPF finder tool, which aims to make it easier to find the perfect SPF to protect your skin from daily sun damage.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

Dress Code Nine is moving!

Dress Code Nine is relocating back to its original location of Kelvedon, in Woodhouse Lane. The team are busy packing up stock from the Braintree premises, so if you're after a bargain do pop in - as there is a big sale on! Currently they are all on target to be moved out by end of august! With a Kelvedon opening date of September 3rd.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.