An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples

The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.

The White Company arrives at Lakeside

Leading British lifestyle brand The White Company is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of a new full format store within Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, scheduled for 25th March 2026. Located on the upper level of the shopping center, surrounded by premium retailers, the new Lakeside location reflects The White Company's commitment to carefully curated store placements. Spanning approximately 5,900 square feet, with 3700 square feet of trading space, The White Company Lakeside is the second store within Essex and marks the brand's 75th store to open its doors across the UK and Ireland. Showcasing a wide product offering across homeware, clothing, fragrance and childrenswear, this new store will create local employment opportunities and represents a strategic expansion from the brand's existing site eight miles away in Bluewater Shopping Centre.

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

MUM’S ROLL TO WIN AT BILL’S THIS MOTHER’S DAY

This Mother's Day, Sunday 15th March, Bill's is inviting families across the country to come together and celebrate the leading ladies in their lives in delicious style. Whether you're toasting Mum, Step-Mum, Grandma or a special motherly hero, Bill's believes they deserve nothing less than to be spoiled. All those celebrating will have the chance to win a FREE glass of Lady A Rosé (125ml, worth £10.45), or a FREE dessert of their choice. All they have to do is roll a dice to see whether a dessert or delicious glass of Rosé is in store for them.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

easyJet flights to Paris take off from London Stansted Airport

easyJet has celebrated the inaugural flights of its new twice-weekly route from London Stansted to Paris. The new route operates on Thursdays and Sundays throughout March before switching to Mondays and Fridays throughout the summer. Paris captivates visitors with its iconic landmarks, world-class art, and timeless elegance along the River Seine. Customers can now make the most of their time and quickly immerse themselves in Paris' atmosphere – exploring its iconic landmarks, see the world-famous cabaret at the Moulin Rouge or take a trip to Disneyland Paris.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

Ware Priory 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 Ware Priory, for inspiration on Sunday 8th March 2026! Ware Priory offer a historic, yet contemporary setting for a wedding and understand that finding the right wedding venue can be one of the most challenging parts of planning your special day. At Ware Priory they tailor your wedding so that it is as individual as you are, their team help you plan every finishing touch. Whether you are wanting a civil ceremony, a wedding reception or perhaps both, then the Ware Priory team are here to make sure you have the perfect day.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Down Hall

This Mother's Day (Sunday 15th March), treat the leading lady in your life to an unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, complete with a special gift for every mum to take away. Set within the splendour of the country house hotel, unwind with glass of bubbly or loose-leaf tea while indulging in warm scones with clotted cream and Tiptree preserves, alongside a beautifully curated selection of sweet and savoury delights.

Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 1st March 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer 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.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Alanis Morissette coming to Hylands Park

Brand new major weekend camping festival State Fayre has today announced that seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Alanis Morissette will be coming to Hylands Park in Chelmsford to headline the Saturday night of the inaugural event. Alanis Morissette's appearance comes on the heels of her most acclaimed UK shows ever this past summer, with a sold out night at the O2 Arena and a career-defining set at her first-ever Glastonbury appearance. She will also be joined by musical powerhouse group Skunk Anansie.

Prezzo Italian Braintree stylish new look and kids eat for £1

Prezzo Italian Braintree has officially reopened its doors with a stunning new look, a refreshed menu, and an exciting money off deal to boot. Over half-term, with every purchase of an adult main, the kids can eat for £1 only! Simply download a voucher from the Prezzo Italian website for the deal. Vibrant and buzzy Prezzo Italian is nestled within the bustling Freeport  Shopping Centre which boasts over 90 stores, Prezzo Italian Braintree offers a serene retreat from the crowds, allowing you to savour the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

A Royal Visit to The Sun Inn, Dedham

On Thursday 5th February, The Sun Inn was honoured to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen as part of a wider visit celebrating community, sustainability and local heritage. The award-winning pub-with-rooms The Sun Inn hosted a diverse group of guests invited to meet Their Majesties, including local volunteers, representatives from sustainable and regenerative businesses, members of the military, and civic dignitaries. Among those attending were Danbury Ridge Wines, Thorrington Mill Wines, and regenerative farmer Pete Thompson, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible land use, local production and community values.

New look, same great choir

Southend Vox has unveiled a bold new brand — a joyful evolution that reflects who they are today: confident, collaborative, rooted in our community and ambitious for the future. For more than 15 years, Vox has been growing and bringing music to Southend. Now, with a refreshed identity, nearly 80 members from the local area and a renewed energy, they're looking ahead to deepen their impact across Southend's cultural life and beyond.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.