An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

World's Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course Heads to Braintree Village

Braintree Village is set for an action-packed summer as the world's largest inflatable assault course, The Monster, arrives during the summer holidays. From Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August, the Essex shopping outlet will transform the surrounding area into a giant playground with 300 metres of inflatable madness. Packed with more than 40 obstacles including the 18-metre Mega Slide, the chaotic Exterminator, and the infamous House of Hell, The Monster promises unforgettable fun for all ages.

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Hylands Park to host Radio 2 in the Park 2025

Chelmsford will host another major music festival this summer, with BBC Radio 2 in the Park set to take place in Hylands Park from Friday 5 – 7 September. The announcement was made yesterday morning, live on air from Hylands House on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show, with Scott speaking to Radio 2 presenter, Ellie Taylor. The Essex-born comedian enjoyed a morning at Hylands Park for the broadcast, which included taking part in a Go Ape zipwire through the park's trees. Radio 2 presenter and TV personality, Rylan, also joined Ellie for the announcement, to celebrate the festival taking place in his home county.

Colchester one of the UK’s best Northern Lights spots

As the Northern Lights dazzle the skies this week, a new study has named the best UK regions to witness the phenomenon. The research, conducted by QR Code Generator, awarded 100 UK towns and cities a score out of 100, based on their levels of artificial brightness, air pollution, and cloud cover. These scores were then totalled to determine the best spots to see the Northern Lights.

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

Vaulty Manor wins best event venue in Muddy Stilettos Awards

Vaulty Manor, the stunning countryside Wedding and Events venue near Maldon, has been voted Best Event Venue in Essex in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025, a prestigious lifestyle accolade celebrating the county's finest independent businesses.This year's Muddy Stilettos Awards reached over 11 million people nationally, with more than 500,000 nominations and votes cast across 21 categories in 35 counties, making it one of the UK's most influential lifestyle awards. Vaulty Manor's win underlines its reputation as one of Essex's most versatile and sought-after venues for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and private gatherings.

Down Hall Unveils New Family Staycation Experience

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate – AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England – is putting the magic back into the summer holidays with the arrival of its new Estate Family Rooms and enchanting Teddy Bears Picnic Staycation, in partnership with beloved family brand Teddy Tastic. With 110 acres of idyllic countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, Down Hall's latest family offering cements its reputation as a leading destination for luxury, family UK staycations.

Braintree Village to welcome trio of brands this month

Braintree Village has announced that Joules and Belstaff will be opening their first Essex-based outlet stores at the shopping destination this month, along with Brick Lane Bagel Co. joining its food and beverage lineup. Joules will open on 22nd May in a 1,862 sq ft unit located opposite Adidas, whereas Belstaff will open on 29th May in a 1,779 sq ft space next to Ralph Lauren. The Brick Lane Bagel Co. is located opposite Guest Services.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

Live From The Lawn & Summer Series Returns to Down Hall Hotel & Spa

This summer, live music returns to the gardens of Down Hall Hotel & Spa in Essex, as the award-winning estate brings back its much-loved Live from the Lawn series, alongside the soulful sounds of its Sunday Jazz Brunch events. From laid-back Friday evenings with cocktails and acoustic sets, to relaxed Sunday brunches with smooth jazz and sparkling wine, Down Hall sets the scene for alfresco moments to savour.

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

Getting to know... Hylands Estate  

Award-winning Grade II listed mansion, Hylands House, is set in 574 acres of landscaped parkland. Here, you'll find the beautifully restored ceremony and reception rooms, plus the Grand Pavilion and outdoor wedding ceremony garden a few steps away. Stunning parkland and never-ending views of the Essex skyline are all around you. The grounds and formal gardens within Hylands Estate offer adream setting for your wedding photos. Take a stroll into the Pleasure Gardens filled with seasonal flowers, including our famous wisteria in the later spring months, or visit our outdoor ceremony garden for some woodland inspired photos amongst the changing colours of the grounds.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

Down Hall wins LuxLife and SME 'Best Country House Hotel' awards 2025

One of England's most established hotels, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex, has recently won LuxLife - Best Country House & Spa Hotel 2025, South East England. This accolade celebrates the hotel's unique blend of history, luxury and contemporary décor, making it the perfect destination for leisure breaks, business retreats, wellness focused escapes and picturesque weddings. In addition, the stunning property has also won SME Best Country House Hotel – England Award 2025 a true reflection of the team's commitment to providing the warmest hospitality in the heart of the countryside.

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Essex Local Businesses Take Top Spot in 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards

Now in their 12th year, the hotly contested 2025 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards have been announced with 21 brilliant local indie businesses winning the coveted lifestyle crowns across Essex. Readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos have been nominating and voting in their hundreds of thousands for their favourite independent businesses across 21 different lifestyle categories – from Best Destination Pub to Yoga/Pilates Studio, Boutique Stay to Local Food/Drink producer – and shining a light on the most creative, unique indie businesses across the counties. Reaching over 11 million people nationally in eight weeks, with half a million votes and nominations cast nationwide, making it the most popular Muddy Stilettos Awards to date.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.