An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Find your big-day musicians a County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

When attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Wembley Stadium couples will find a host of wedding entertainment options to be inspired by. Saxophonist Zechariah Seekins of ZPBS Music Presents is exhibiting at the event on Sunday 8th October 2023. Providing a live saxophone service for your special day, from background music during your meal to a party performance to dance the night away, Zechariah can perform everything from Jazz and Swing, '60s to '90s classics, modern hits and so much more.

Renowned entertainers exhibiting at three Signature Wedding Shows!

TheRocketsCollective Showband provides luxury entertainment to weddings and events across the UK and internationally. In January, it launched its new branding along with more energy, more party and more fun (if that was possible). From ceremony duos to a 12-piece flagship showband for the evening do, they've got every aspect of entertainment covered for your wedding day with some of the best musical talent in the industry.

St Osyth Priory Wedding Showcase

Join the super friendly team at St Osyth Priory for its Wedding Showcase taking place on Sunday 24th September 2023, for a first hand experience of the magnificent estate. These Wedding Showcases take place regularly throughout the year and provide you with the perfect opportunity to see the estate and its various facilities as they might be when prepared for a wedding.

Wembley Stadium show offer with S.R.E Favours and Guestbooks

Essex-based S.R.E Favours and Guestbooks is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 8th October. Specialising in supplying the finer details of the day, owner Philippa, tells us more about the business..."I started my company in November 2022 and named it in memory of my dad, who I lost in January 2023," shares Philippa. "His moto in life was 'Enjoy what you do and work hard for your goals' and that's exactly what I'm doing.

Four tips for storing your wedding dress after the big day

With September tipped to be the most popular month for weddings, when the big day is done deciding what to do with a wedding dress can be tricky. Whilst some people sell them or donate them so future brides can use them, others prefer to keep hold of them and preserve the memory of their wedding day. If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage is essential in maintaining its pristine condition. With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station shares four tips for storing your wedding dress to keep it in pristine condition. Vlatka adds: "Before putting your dress into storage, make sure you have it cleaned to remove any stains or marks that may have appeared from your wedding day. The most important thing to remember when putting your wedding gown into storage is that it shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag or hung on a hanger. "Plastic covers don't allow for humidity changes and can often let light in that will fade the material of your dress. Hanging your dress can also affect its shape by adding unnecessary stress on the seams or the fabric."

Unique gifts couples give each other on their wedding day

The team at hampers.com recently surveyed UK adults who have gotten married or attended a wedding in the past five years, with the goal of determining what the gifting landscape looks like for wedding season. In doing so, they spoke to almost 800 newlyweds from across the UK and a further 1,400 UK adults who have attended a wedding in the same time frame. Firstly, the study found that it's common for brides and grooms to buy each other a gift for the wedding day itself, with 65% stating they did this for their own wedding day. The average spend was found to be £115, with women most likely to purchase a pocket watch (24%) or a vintage bottle of alcohol (22%) and men most likely to purchase jewellery (37%) or personalised 'Mrs' clothing (19%)...

Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.

Dog festival at Down Hall

Dog-friendly Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is hosting an all-day exclusive dog festival on 10th September, in collaboration with leading canine events company Pop + Bark. Whilst the Golden Retriever Café has sadly sold out on this date, owners of Dachshunds and French Bulldogs will be pleased to hear the invitation to paw-ty has been extended to them, with two dedicated sessions announced for each breed.

Aldi to supply wine for three lucky couples

Let's face it, in Essex (and UK-wide) you're never too far away from an Aldi - and isn't their wine great? Well, you're in luck! Newlyweds-to-be can be in with a chance of having their wedding wine for free in Aldi's new competition open until 11th September. Proving that you can't put a price on love and to celebrate these impressive savings, the discounter is offering three lucky couples 'to be' 60 bottles of award-winning wine to contribute to their special day – FOR FREE!

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

TONI&GUY Billericay celebrates 20 years

Established in July 2003, Jim Shaw and his sister Maria opened the TONI&GUY Billericay salon, growing it into the reputable and award-winning salon it is today, with many of the original staff still working in the salon today 20 years later. The team prioritise training, are ahead of the trends and constantly adapt and evolve with the ever-changing world of hairdressing, which has led them to grow and succeed despite challenges including recessions and COVID-19.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Pop-up Golden Retriever Café

Following the success of its Cockapoo Cafe in May, leading canine events company Pop + Bark is returning to dog friendly Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate on 10th September. This time, they're inviting gorgeous Golden Retrievers to paw-ty with their pals, promising a barking good time all round! Free parking is available to all guests and those wishing to make a woof-y weekend of it can stay overnight and book a dog-friendly room directly with the hotel, with discounted room rates starting from £180.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

Talbooth Restaurant open day

Come and see one of Essex's most breath-taking venues this Sept. Meet the team and start picturing your wedding day in this enchanting setting. The Team will be dressing the marquee and welcoming guests to explore and get a feel for what a special day at Talbooth Restaurant will be like. Enjoy a glass of fizz or tea and coffee whilst you meet a member of the Milsom Wedding team who will greet you and discuss all your exciting plans and guide you through the beautiful riverside venue.

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

Hoops - whatever your style!

Hoop earrings are a timeless classic that work whatever the occasion. A fashion staple that can elevate any outfit in an instant, hoops are the wear-with-everything accessory that work harder than anything else. There's styles for brides, for honeymoon or for your hen do! And what's best you can view collection in person at Fenwicks Colchester, Lance James Jewellers, Chelmsford or Fever Accessories in Braintree!