An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Get your skates on!

Fabulously festive news: the Ice Rink is back at Braintree Village for the second year running! Open from 15th November to 5th January, 2025, the spacious rink offers guests an enchanting space to go for a spin throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. So, what are you waiting for - get your skates on with family and friends!

Last few days for 20 per cent off sale!

Moments Like This Weddings is currently running a special offer. Book your 2025 wedding package with wedding coordinator Joanne before 31st December 2024 and receive 20 per cent off *subject to availability. Moments Like This Weddings believe that your wedding should be a true reflection of you – your quirks, your style, and the moments that brought you together. That's why Joanne starts with a blank canvas, designing celebrations that elevate your story into an unforgettable experience.

Down Hall unveils new 2025 retreats

Wellness tourism is well and truly on the rise, evolving from a luxury niche into a mainstream phenomenon, and recently renovated, AA Hotel of the Year England - Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate - is fully embracing holistic health experiences with its new wellness weekend retreats for 2025. Promising the ultimate getaway to escape the stresses of modern living and taking place against 110-acres of stunning greenery in the heart of the Essex countryside, the Wellness Sound Bath Weekend (17th January) and Breathwork Weekend (Friday 21st February) are the perfect idyllic breaks to switch off, reset and dedicate some well-needed zen time.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Be inspired by Hatfield Place

This styled shoot honours the old money aesthetic. Think understated elegance, and luxury that whispers rather than shouts.Organised by Julia and You Photography and Louise Perry Weddings, a classic and elegant venue was a must for this timeless styled shoot. Hatfield Place, the exquisite Georgian country house, was an obvious choice to fit the brief. The theme was inspired by the 'old school money' aesthetic. In today's society, when trends come and go, this shoot proved that understated luxury with a touch of nostalgia will never go out of fashion and provide picture perfect memories to last a lifetime.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Festive Menus and Winters Escape offers at The White Hart Inn, Mersea Island

For a taste of seasonal, local and delicious food in a laidback setting this Christmas, The White Hart Inn on Mersea Island is offering a delicious new Festive Menu, available throughout December for lunch or dinner. In the Michelin rated and 1-Rosette restaurant, Head Chef Ed Campbell and his team have created dishes featuring ingredients coming into season and at their best for December.

The Royal Forest is now OPEN

The Royal Forest is now open, following a multi-million pound refurbishment and it is brimming with quirky touches and historical British charm. Chingford's latest addition to the dining scene is the fifth pub with rooms from award-winning Heartwood Inns which is part of Heartwood Collection and sister company to Brasserie Blanc. The refurbishment honours The Royal Forest's heritage, restoring key features such as a stunning stained-glass window depicting Queen Elizabeth I.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Josh Wood Colour launches new range

Josh Wood Colour has long been synonymous with expert hair colour & care, trusted by millions for its innovative approach to salon quality colour in the comfort of your own home. Now, they are taking things one step further with the exciting launch of their newly reformulated range of Miracle shampoos and conditioners, specifically designed to maintain and protect coloured hair without compromise.

The UK’s most instagrammed wedding castles

For those who dream of having a fairy-tale wedding set in the surroundings of a magical castle, you don't have to travel to Disneyland, as believe it or not, the UK is home to some of the world's most beautiful castles. However, while some castles are packed with tourists keen to explore the history that lies beneath the walls, those who are getting married are looking for somewhere a little more secluded, so they can enjoy their special day in private.

Chelmsford named UK’s third best spot for stargazing

A new study has crowned the UK's best spot for stargazing this winter, and its good news for Essex, as three destinations make the top ten. The research, conducted by JeffBet, 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 nation's stargazing capitals. The research measured cloud cover and light and air pollution to identify the places with the clearest view for seasonal stargazing. And what's best is that Colchester and Chelmsford are in fifth and third place respectively. Harlow is in at the tenth best spot!

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

Tea for two at Greenwoods

With the thought of Christmas and all the planning that comes with it a little overwhelming in November and December, I can confirm that a little self care is the perfect answer. I was so warmly welcomed at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa for a gorgeous afternoon tea. Decked to the nines, it instantly made me remember the true meaning of Christmas - not the running around buying presents like a headless chicken, but stopping and taking in the magic with a loved one.

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa celebrates Christmas!

There's nothing quite like a Greenwoods Hotel & Spa at Christmas! This multi-award winning boutique hotel and spa located in the heart of the pretty village of Stock is transformed into a magical winter wonderland from early November. Decorated in traditional style with decadently hung Christmas trees, sparkling lights and Nutcracker soldiers propping up the cosy fireplace, if you're looking for a special place to celebrate with family and friends, Greenwoods has plenty of events to enjoy.

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

NEW BIJOU STAY IN STOCK

The perfect get away, located in a tree lined lane just outside Stock, one of the prettiest and most vibrant villages in Essex, The Little Pear Tree studio is a great new Airbnb property that's already welcoming guests as far flung as the Lake District and LA! It makes the ideal to visit the nearby countryside, pubs and restaurants as well as convenient if you're attending an event at one of the nearby venues including Greenwoods Hotel and Spa for a wedding or event.

Festive gifting with Joma Jewellery

Tis the season for gifting! Discover Joma Jewellery's brand-new Christmas jewellery & bracelet collection at your local John Lewis in Chelmsford. Filled with festive charms and meaningful sentiments for everyone on your list the collection is first class. For that extra special touch, you could even create a Personalised Christmas Bracelet or Necklace just for them, with Joma's 'Create Your Own' builder! Designed to make the Christmas countdown and the big day even more magical for your nearest and dearest, Joma Jewellery's Christmas Collection has something for every friend and family member, whether you're treating your mum, sister, best friend, or daughter.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Feeling beautiful on your big day

Sam Easter is a professional highly demanded make-up artist with over 20 years experience creating long lasting flawless make-up looks throughout Essex and surrounding counties. As you begin planning your special day, Sam, owner of Beautiful You would love to help you bring your bridal beauty vision to life. Sam recently spoke to An Essex Wedding Magazine and has give us all the details of the upcoming wedding fairs she will be exhibiting at in 2025, including two run by County Wedding Events!