All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Essex, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Mermaid Gin expands its delicious range
The Isle of Wight Distillery has launched Mermaid Zest Gin, a limited-edition, smooth and refreshing grapefruit and gentle juniper London Dry Gin. Mermaid Zest Gin is the fourth addition to the sustainable range which includes Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Pink Gin and Mermaid Salt Vodka. Mermaid Zest Gin is produced in Seaview at the Isle of Wight Distillery, the first and only distillery on the island. Mermaid spirits are shaped by the distillery's stunning surroundings and the unique character of the Isle of Wight, all whilst minimising waste using ethically sourced and often locally sourced ingredients to hand-craft a range of smooth yet complex spirits with a hint of sea air, and the new gin is produced in harmony with the Island's coastal elements, using foraged rock samphire and rosemary.
Posted: 3 July 2022
Thinking about a crash-diet for the wedding? Don't do it!
With wedding season upon us, a new plan, devised by nutrition and fitness experts at PowerWave, the portable home-gym training device, has been launched to help brides (and grooms) get ready for their special day. Created by PowerWave founder "Coach" Jay Laville, its free healthy weight loss guide covers everything from macros to mindset, calories to caffeine and from sugar to sleep. It is also packed full of healthy recipe ideas and inspirational advice from the PowerWave team.
Posted: 1 July 2022
Hen Party Animal Experience at Colchester Zoo
Looking for a unique way to celebrate your final days as a singleton? Why not enjoy a day like no other with a Hen Party Animal Experience at Colchester Zoo? The day begins in Penguini's Restaurant, where you'll tuck into a delicious breakfast to set you up for the day. On the experience you will explore love in the animal kingdom from penguins and sea lions, as well as getting the chance to meet either the lemurs or the giraffes. A buffet lunch will also be provided in the exclusive private dining room, while throughout the day, an experienced host will be on hand to ensure that your hen party is nothing less than perfect.
Posted: 30 June 2022
Loved-up Brits turn to puzzles to pop the question
A new craze sweeping the UK is seeing hundreds of people send their partners a puzzle to crack that unlocks a code to a video or text message comprising the four magical words: "Will you marry me?"! However, if you're already engaged fear not, as you can use this same innovative idea for wedding day messages, or asking your loved ones to be your bridesmaid and groomsmen etc. The craze of 'puzzle proposals' was sparked by the launch of a website in July 2020, after a locked down London-based couple, Bobbie Jackson and Will Hall, found themselves with a fair bit of time on their hands. They proceeded to spend the first months of lockdown in their kitchen creating puzzles to surprise family and friends with.
Posted: 29 June 2022
Chelmsford-based company going from strength-to-strength
Artificial and paper flowers are becoming increasingly popular at weddings, with Chelmsford-based Elisabeth Bluck's company, Paper Greenhouse, going from strength-to-strength. "My business began when brides asked for flowers on the wedding cakes I also create," she explains. "They were either out of season or not suitable to be in contact with food, so I learnt how to make flowers from wafer paper. I then saw giant flowers on Pinterest and loved the impact and wow factor they had, so decided to try making some myself. My peonies are made from high-quality Italian crepe paper and come in sizes roughly 45cm and 60cm in diameter. My roses, meanwhile, are made from isolon, a lightweight foam with a silky texture. Every petal is cut and shaped by hand – which gives each flower a unique appearance – and different length stems are available, which can be bent to make arrangements with varying heights."
Posted: 28 June 2022
New wedding favour collection from Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan's new collection of wedding favours are beautifully crafted and are a great way to thank guests, honour absent friends and raise money for the growing number of people living with cancer in the UK. new range this year includes something to suit every taste, including a variety of cultural and religious favours and rainbow pin badges. 100% of the profits of every wedding favour purchase from Macmillan's shop will help the charity to continue doing whatever it takes to support the millions of people living with cancer across the UK.
Posted: 27 June 2022
Bespoke wedding gifting for celebrity-loving couples
Wedding season is here and to mark the occasion Cameo, the celebrity engagement platform, has analysed data from the site over the past 12 months, finding star James Buckley as the most booked when it comes to helping a couple pop the big question, nail a cheeky hen/stag party video, or to help deliver the perfect message for a wedding gift. Buckley, known best for his performance as Jay Cartwright in the hit comedy series The Inbetweeners has been involved in hundreds of wedding-related Cameo messages, making him the most booked celeb on the platform across all three occasions (engagements, stag / hen parties, wedding gifts).
Posted: 25 June 2022
What to do if your wedding day doesn’t go as planned
Many couples plan their wedding down to even the most minute of details, but ethical jewellery experts at Ingle & Rhode understand that unfortunately no one's big day goes exactly as planned. You may forget something at home, some guests may be late or the day just might not be going how you envisioned it. That's why the team at Ingle & Rhode are giving their advice on what to do if your wedding day doesn't go exactly how you thought it would as well as providing tips on planning ahead with things like photography and weather - we do live n the UK after all!
Posted: 24 June 2022
New jazz night in the heart of London’s King’s Cross
A stylish hotspot in the heart of London's King's Cross, luxury Grade II listed Great Northern Hotel is bringing back the glitz and glamour of the golden age of jazz with its Jazz & Negroni Nights – with the next event in this new series confirmed for the 28th June. Taking place from 6.30pm onwards, the buzzy GNH Bar and Terrace will offer vibrant live music and a delicious new signature Negroni menu - the perfect excuse to take a break from the wedmin and enjoy a pre- or post-wedding get-together!
Posted: 23 June 2022
Game, Set, Match & Afternoon Tea at Down Hall
From 27th June to 10th July, renowned wedding venue Down Hall is serving up an ace limited-edition tennis-themed afternoon tea to celebrate the return of the famous grass court Grand Slam. What better time to take a break from the wedmin and indulge in some pre-wedding R&R. What's more, with the hotel boasting hard tennis and Padel courts, you can get in some ball action at the same time! The Perfect Match: Begin with a refreshing glass of Pimm's, before tucking into a selection of delicate finger sandwiches such as honey roast ham with wholegrain mustard and truffled egg mayonnaise alongside a mouth-watering brie and caramelised onion quiche!
Posted: 23 June 2022
Start saving for your hen and stag do
According to a study by Hotels.com®, 2022 is the year to go bigger and bolder than ever when it comes to planning your hen/sten/stag do - we're all making up for lost time over the past two years! After 2020/21 nearlyweds had to reschedule a stag or hen party, this year revellers are using more holiday days and spending more money than ever to celebrate their friend's final months of unmarried life in style. The study found the average pre-wedding celebration now costs a whopping £242 compared to the more subtle cost of £150 in 2012. Nearly 47% of those surveyed believe that these pre-wedding celebrations have become more extravagant over the last decade, with 46% of travellers believing it's because people have been saving up and have larger budgets to spend on these special occasions over the pandemic.
Posted: 22 June 2022
Scotland to run out of kilts this summer as wedding bookings soar
Scotland could run out of kilts this summer with many suppliers already closing their books due to record demand. With two years of delayed weddings now able to go ahead, along with this year's planned ceremonies, the iconic ceremonial dress is in short supply meaning the unthinkable could happen; Scotland may actually run out of kilts! David Dalrymple of A1 Kilt Hire said, "We have never seen such a high level of demand for kilt hire. The pandemic has created a record number of wedding bookings for the summer; some people have been waiting since early 2020 to tie the knot, there's also those people who cancelled in 2021 plus couples who had always planned to get married in 2022 all trying to secure a kilt for their big day. Everyone needs one at the same time and although we've managed to accommodate all requests so far, others have already reached their capacity for the whole summer."
Posted: 20 June 2022
The songs millennials want played for their first dance
Over the past year, UK searches for 'first dance songs 2022' have increased by +1,300%, whilst searches for 'first dance ideas for non-dancers have increased by +300% showing that more couples are looking for inspiration. The first dance is likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your wedding, so naturally, newlyweds are determined to pick the most suitable song. A decision needs to be made whether to choose an old classic or maybe the new love song that's currently in the charts.
Posted: 19 June 2022
World Martini Day 18th June - shaken or stirred?
World Martini Day - which could also be James Bond day! - is on the 18th June. And whether you like it shaken like Mr Bond himself, or stirred for something different, wet or dry, however you like your favourite tipple celebrate with five Gin Martini cocktails from Aviation Gin, Cotswolds Dry Gin, Mermaid Gin, Pinkster Gin and Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit. What's more, the following provides drinks-piration for wedding day cocktails you might want to try... here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we can't pick our fav! Bottoms up!
Posted: 18 June 2022
Visit Essex puts Essex on gastro map
The county's tourism body, Visit Essex, is launching a campaign to firmly place Essex on the gastro map. Highlighting the county's boom in Essex wine and vineyards, ahead of English Wine Week (18-25 June), movers and shakers in the industry met at Great Bardfield Vineyard, near Braintree, on 16 June to mark the industry's recent successes. Vineyards in Essex have expanded at phenomenal rates in recent years, and the East Anglia region now provides at least 10% of English wine in Great Britain.However, the majority of wines are grown in Essex (at least 50 vineyards), an area famed for its dry sunny climes and a shared geology with the champagne region of Northern France, which is helping Essex vineyards produce award-winning wines.
Posted: 17 June 2022
Author of new book Wedding Toasts 101 The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech, Pete Honsberger, walks the reader through the building blocks of making a great speech, anecdotes and advice from past weddings, and an easy-to-follow checklist to make sure you hit all your points. An essential read for the wedding couple and the bridal party, this humorous guide will take the fear out of public speaking - what's more you might even enjoy it!
Posted: 17 June 2022
Yes you can! New launch from Vin du Can
Newly launched Vin du Can, is a convenient single serve wine in a can perfect for al fresco drinking this summer at wedding celebrations. Whether it's on the day itself, or a pre- or post-wedding get-togethers, the range includes three varietals, Pale Rosé, French Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec. All three are vegan friendly and packaged in aluminium cans which are fast to chill and 100% recyclable. The Vin du Can logo sits prominently at the front of the can and is surrounded by etched wine glasses and a number of these represent fun line drawings of people and animals.
Posted: 15 June 2022
5 ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Essex this year – and support local businesses
With Father's Day just around the corner, you're likely to be planning how best you can celebrate with your beloved dad. Fortunately, if you're based in Essex, you're in luck! The county is home to an abundance of wonderful businesses who are putting on fantastic Father's Day offerings this year, meaning you can treat your dad to a day he'll love whilst enjoying the people, products, places, and foods that Essex is so well known for.
Posted: 15 June 2022
UK wedding guests to spend £15.6 billion in 2022
Spending by wedding guests has risen again this year as they enjoy a return to restriction-free ceremonies across the UK in 2022. New research from American Express reveals that British wedding goers will spend £883 on average to attend each wedding this year equating to £15.6 billion across the population, with guests spending more on accommodation, travel, outfits and hair, beauty & grooming compared to 2021. Of those who have or are planning to spend more on weddings this year, a third (33%) say this is because they want to celebrate with friends and family who they haven't seen as much due to the pandemic, while 27% say they are happier to spend more now that restrictions have been removed.
Posted: 13 June 2022
Top ways to save money and have that dream wedding
With wedding season now in full swing, brides and grooms to be will all agree that with so much to plan for, from clothes and shoes to flowers and photography, costs can soon escalate. But saying 'I do' doesn't mean you have to break the bank, Anita Naik, Consumer Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk shares this brilliant money saving tip to help make your dream big day a little more cost effective... and it's all in the timing!
Posted: 11 June 2022
7 things to consider when planning a same-sex wedding
June is Pride month! Unbelievably, same-sex weddings are fairly new in the UK, having only become legal in 2014, so for LGBTQ+ couples planning their big day, it's about doing what feels right for you as a couple. Lisa Forde, wedding expert and founder of stationery favourites Tree of Hearts, said: "A wedding is all about celebrating your special love for one another so if anything that is deemed a 'wedding tradition' that doesn't make sense to you or feels outdated then you can simply ignore it.
Posted: 9 June 2022
Musicircus! Colchester hosts music festival
As the first large public event since the city status announcement, Colchester is set to host a unique symphony of music performances in a dramatic live event on Sunday 12th June, 1-3pm in the city centre. Hundreds of musicians from across the county will come together to be a part of Musicircus, a free event that will immerse Colchester in sound. The event will provide the perfect opportunity to grab your loved ones and enjoy a pre-wedding celebration - hen and stag do anyone?
Posted: 8 June 2022
Loving all things wedding? Check out this new novel
If while planning your wedding day you have fallen in love with the wonderful world of weddings, then this new release from Katy Birchall, The Wedding Season will certainly keep you in the wedding bubble. The perfect accompaniment when taking a break from the wed min, this will have you laughing out loud! Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organised, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember....
Posted: 6 June 2022
Colchester welcomes e.m.skin clinic & beauty - a new name in beauty
One of Colchester's most well-known high street businesses, Amy Gordon Skin Clinic & Beauty Boutique, came under new ownership on 1st June. Emily Farrell, who has been the front of house manager and a senior beauty specialist at the multi award-winning advanced skin clinic and beauty salon on North Hill in Colchester, has taken over the business from founder Amy Gordon, who gave the company her name. Launching as e.m.skin clinic & beauty, the new brand will be offering luxury beauty treatments and a vast range of medically graded skin treatments for the people of Colchester.
Posted: 6 June 2022
A sweet hen/stag and sten do idea - The London Dessert Festival
The UK's tastiest event is launching this summer and it's the perfect alternative for pre-wedding celebrations! Hen/stag or sten parties are great, but they can be a little too focused around alcohol and, although modern couples are pushing the boundaries when it comes to the big 'dos', they can still be incredibly expensive and not that much fun! Gather your BFF squad and head to the London Dessert Festival to make sure you have a day full of laughs and delicious food - what's not to love?
Posted: 6 June 2022
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