An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Getting to know... Downham Hall

The Orangery at Downham Hall with its olive-green walls was the perfect backdrop to this fresh, elegant, styled shoot. Shoot organiser, Charmaine Taylor describes the day. "The inspiration behind this shoot started out with the idea of curating a modern, stylish and intimate wedding breakfast, with a colour palette of greens. I didn't want the green of the floral arrangements to come too much from foliage, so instead I focused on strong tonal flowers such as hydrangeas, viburnum and mollucella, along with adding in fresh moss in place of foliage."

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Skincare preparation for your wedding day

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life and naturally, you want your skin to look radiant and flawless. But achieving that bridal glow doesn't happen overnight. The secret lies in a well-thought-out skincare routine combined with professional guidance, starting months before the big day. Visiting a skincare expert saves you so much time and stops you wasting money on products that aren't suitable.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Saying cheers to Wetherspoons!

Summer is still upon us, and with that comes warm, lighter evenings spent in a beer garden with your friends and family, and for many Brits, a trip to the local Wetherspoons is the perfect place to be. The research team at Chicks Gold examined the locations of every Wetherspoon in the UK and compared them against the area's population. Figures for the number of Wetherspoons per 100,000 residents were then obtained to create the final ranking.

Barn at Alswick 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 The Barn at Alswick, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 5th October 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. Forming part of the historic Alswick Hall Estate, the Barn at Alswick has been lovingly restored to a stunning contemporary event space for exclusive hire. Adorned with rustic wooden beams, the light-flooded space is perfect for your wedding vision to come to life.

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.

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.

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.

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.