An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The Warm Embrace

The Warm Embrace Package, at Orsett Hall Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, is available currently and has been so popular it is being extended until 31st March 2025. The experience includes a 25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage with one of Orsett's Christmas candles. The candle will be used during your massage and you can take it home and use as a moisturiser, massage oil or burn it to glow in your own home. This will be followed by two hours use of the spa facilities and coffee & cake in Cafe Sartoria. Utter bliss on a bleak, winter's day.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

Recommended supplier - Little Peony Cakes

Little Peony Cakes is excited to announce it's a recommended supplier at the newly reopened @markshallevents! Little Peony Cakes believes that a wedding cake should be more than just another part of your long planning list – it should reflect who you are as a couple. Based in Witham, Essex, but serving couples in Suffolk, Hertford, Cambridge and beyond, Hanna creates elegant bespoke wedding cakes that encapsulate your relationship and tells your journey together through design.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

Explore Southend's stunning venue!

Take this chance to explore Southend's stunning venue - Cliffs Pavillion. Taking place on Sunday February 2nd, you can view the fully dressed wedding function suites and explore the iconic and picturesque location on Southend's famous cliff top with panoramic views over the estuary. A knowledgeable, expert wedding team will show you round and help bring your special day to life.

Smell scent-sational this V Day

Our sense of smell is the most connected to our memory which explains why scents can transport us through time and space in an instant. It also means scent is an aspect of attraction that can't be overlooked – the gift of a romantic fragrance is a classic Valentine's gift, however the new scents we have compiled are a cut above the rest. Why not treat you and your partner to a matching set and experiment with layering? Or if you're a part of the singles club, invest in self-love with a jus that will have you nuzzling your own elbow all day long...

Hintlesham 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 Hintlesham Hall, Suffolk, for inspiration on Sunday 19th January 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

The Coach House at Markshall is back

Sign up for an exclusive opportunity to explore the relaunched Coach House at Markshall Estate. This stunning venue, set within 2,500 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, is a perfect backdrop for your dream wedding. The venue is hosting a Wedding Showcase on the 19th January11am till 3pm. Nestled within 200 acres of breathtaking arboretum and gardens, and surrounded by 2,000 acres of ancient woodland and picturesque farmland, Markshall Estate offers an enchanting location for your special occasion.

New website for Elly's Flower Studio

Elly's Flower Studio began in 2021, when she started selling bouquets with the dream of one day working in the wedding industry. She's now fortunate to work at some of the most stunning wedding venues across the country, creating incredible floral installations for my wonderful couples. Four years on, and it's time for a website refresh and doesn't it look fantastic.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Greenwoods Hotel 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 Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

Calling all newly-engaged couples!

And just like that we've stepped into 2025! I love the start of the year, a fresh start. Time to de-clutter, open that brand new diary (stationery addicts you know the feeling!) and manifest the best year of your life. This is when the countdown truly begins for our 2025 brides and grooms - your year has arrived. And if your other half got down on one knee this December, we wish you a huge congratulations! Let's get planning!

Cheapest cities for NYE celebrations

A new study has found the cheapest cities for a night out this NYE, with Colchester taking 8th place. Ticket supplier Skiddle analysed the average cost of a list of items from Numbeo, including a new outfit, alcohol, fast food, cigarettes, and transport. They found each city's expected cost for an individual for a night out and ranked these from lowest to highest to find the cheapest on New Year's Eve.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Manor of Groves 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 Manor Of Groves, Hertfordshire, for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 26th January 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning 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.

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.