An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Spring is here - it's time for SPF!

Whether you're in the garden or walking in one of Essex's beautiful parks, it's so important to look after your skin. Even though it's still not warm enough to leave your jacket at home, it's still oh so important to wear an SPF - and I wear SPF50 - even in winter. Here's some products available on your local high street which will help perk up your skin!

THE MUDDY AWARDS LAUNCHES

Now in their 12th year, The Muddy Stilettos Awards are back! The most coveted awards for independent small businesses across 35 counties, they're chosen by customers and Muddy readers. Muddy Stilettos is the UK's no.1 luxury lifestyle website outside London, reaching 4.4 million readers across 35 counties to make the most of where they live with local and brilliant things to do.

County Wedding Events coming to Old Essex Barn, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Old Essex Barn Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 9th March, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples in touch with local professionals for face-to-face wedding planning. 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. Old Essex Barn is a simply stunning renovated barn from the 15th century, located on the outskirts of the quiet village of Kelvedon. The barn oozes character with beautiful historic oak timbers and vaulted ceilings, it truly is a special place to say 'I do'.

The hidden language of roses, revealed by expert

Chris Waugh, Florist at Bloom & Wild discusses the symbolism of roses and the bridal trends we can expect to see: "Roses are set to remain a popular choice for weddings in 2025, remaining as one of the most traditional parts of a bridal bouquet. While floriography, known as the language of flowers, was popular during the Victorian Era, the hidden language of roses is still more apparent than ever. Whether you want your guests to be enticed by a feeling of love and passion by incorporating dark red roses into your big day, or if you'd prefer a more delicate approach to love and gratitude by using pink roses, it's important to pick each colour wisely to ensure you're getting the most appropriate messaging across to your guests."

New winter routes from London Southend Airport

easyJet has just announced three brand new winter routes from London Southend Airport to Barcelona, Lanzarote and Salzburg, with seats from just £29.99. Flights to Barcelona will operate on Thursdays and Sundays from 26 October, while flights to Lanzarote will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 27 October. The new Salzburg service will operate twice weekly on Saturdays from December.

New showroom for Affinity Fine Jewellers

Affinity Fine Jewellers has recently moved to a new, exclusive showroom setting, choosing to move away from the High Street in order to offer their customers a more exclusive and relaxed setting. The new showroom, near Southend On Sea, is by appointment only and allows you to browse the many ring samples we have to offer and discuss potential bespoke designs in a stress free, relaxed environment.

County Wedding Events coming to Sprowston Manor, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Sprowston Manor, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 2nd March 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. Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf and Country Club would make the perfect venue for your dream wedding. The Manor House hotel is over 450 years old with charming features from it's grand sweeping staircase to the original historical fireplaces, landscaped gardens and calming water features.

The Perfect Pairing: Champagne styles for every wedding

The Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to share some tips for couples who are planning to celebrate their big day with a sparkling touch; pairing the perfect Champagne styles with different wedding themes. Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration, and the versatility of its styles means there is a perfect style for every couple, no matter the wedding theme. If your wedding theme is classic and traditional Brut Champagne offers versatility, it is an excellent choice for celebrations where guests will feel part of the couple's love story. Brut Champagne makes up around 80% of Champagne shipments to the UK, beloved for its balanced structure and refreshing finish.

The Coach House at Markshall reopens

The Coach House at Markshall is now under new management and open for weddings and events. Nestled within the stunning 200-acre arboretum and gardens, and surrounded by 2,000 acres of ancient woodland and rolling farmland, this venue offers a truly enchanting setting for your special occasion, whether you want to say your vows beneath the gazebo or in the Coach House.

Exciting new chapter for C Taylor's Floristry

After much consideration and inspired by their recent award-winning success in wedding floristry, Charmaine Taylor of C Taylor's Floristry is excited to announce that the company is transitioning from a retail shop to a larger, workshop-based premises. This exciting change allows them to dedicate more time and creativity to make your wedding dreams blossom! The new workshop will give the team the freedom to elevate their floral designs and focus on their passion—crafting unforgettable wedding experiences.

Couples are making sustainable wedding choices from the beginning - engagement ring trend

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many couples are looking to take inspiration from the likes of royalty and celebrities who decided to remodel or repurpose their symbol of enduring love from a vintage or pre-loved item or family heirloom. Not only does it give your engagement ring a deeper meaning or story, it's also a more sustainable way to shop, for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you'll ever own – you'll end up saving potentially thousands of pounds, plus you could end up with something completely unique to you. One such jeweller who is helping couples with this big decision is Rachel Fox, Jewellery expert TV presenter from Channel 4's Millionaire Hoarders, and Store Manager from pre-owned luxury jewellery seller, S&R Jewellers. As one of London's top specialists in this area, S&R Jewellers reports a huge uptick in the number of couples choosing the pre-loved route for their engagement ring.

Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Couples share the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, greeting card marketplace, thortful, has spoken to five couples who are still going strong after many years about the key ingredient to a long-lasting relationship – and one is quite taboo. Speaking to the five couples, who have all been together longer than 10 years, communication, small gestures, and alone time were among the most common ingredients for a long-lasting relationship. All couples even unanimously agreed that farting in front of each other strengthens their relationships. Lack of communication is among the top reasons for break ups, according to experts, which is why Tom Lanaway, who has been with his partner for 11 years, claims strong communication to be the key to his strong connection.

Chelmsford's most desired gemstone

A brand new study, carried out by engagement ring specialists 77 Diamonds, analysed online search data to identify the most popular engagement ring stones in Chelmsford. By examining different keyword combinations from 21 precious gemstones, including templates such as "[stone] engagement ring", "[stone] [stone] engagement ring" and "[stone][style] engagement ring", the research revealed the top five most popular stones in Chelmsford.

Open Day at Downham Hall

Recently refurbished, Downham Hall is a family run venue with a whole heap of character, style and a welcoming country feel which provides the perfect backdrop for your stunning wedding day. Owners Christian and Andrew focus heavily on providing a personal, bespoke service for their couples and this countryside, boutique gem oozes relaxed quintessential English Manor House without any of the stuffiness. Surrounded by fields, part moated and with AA accolades for its' food and service,a s well as receiving several wedding awards, this bijou venue offers something rather different to the everyday.

Money and Matrimony: Mastering finances together

Managing money as a married couple can greatly differ from managing your own money as a single person. Where you previously only had to budget and save for one, and think about your own needs and wants, there is another person to think about, including their life goals and financial habits. For National Marriage Week, Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, shared his top tips on how to manage finances as a married couple.

National Marriage Week 2025

Wedding celebrations take place year-round. And with all the costs associated, it's little surprise that so many couples prioritise all the required bills and outgoings for their big day, rather than their combined financial future. With National Marriage Week upon us (7th to 14th February), it's a good reminder to add a fundamental money conversation to your to-do list before getting married. Whether it's buying your marital home, getting ready for your newlywed trip of a lifetime, or starting to combine your finances and savings goals - there are some important steps to take before your nuptials to ensure money doesn't become a source of stress for you both.

Mamta Shanbhag, Borrow Director at Tesco Bank, offers five money tips for anyone set to marry this year:

Moonpig reveal the most trending hen party and wedding themes of 2024

New data from Moonpig has revealed the top wedding and hen party trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data. Last Rodeo-themed hen parties were the most popular with a 69% increase in Google search volume. The way we celebrate is constantly evolving. A recent Pinterest report found a shift in consumer behaviour with more people opting for intimate gatherings and celebrating old traditions with a modern twist. .

Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, leading online greeting card and gift experts, Moonpig, has revealed the top hen party and wedding trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig shares expert commentary on why these trends are so popular...

Glass House Retreat Ranked Among the UK’s Top 5 Sustainable & Insta-Worthy Spas

With January's dark, dull days behind us, February is the perfect time to treat yourself to a well-earned spa escape.Beards & Daisies have curated a list of the UK's best eco-friendly spas that are as beautiful as they are sustainable. The plant experts started by identifying spas with Google ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, narrowed it down to those with eco-certifications, and ranked them by Instagram followers and hashtags to reveal the most aesthetic, eco-conscious retreats in the country.

Søstrene Grene now open in Colchester

Popular Danish lifestyle brand, Søstrene Grene, Danish retail chain, brought its signature Scandinavian charm to Colchester on Friday 17th January 2025. Located in Culver Square Shopping Centre, the new store marks an exciting step in the brand's UK expansion, offering a touch of Danish 'hygge' to kick off the year. The brand offers a wide assortment within home interiors, furniture, hobby items, kitchen supplies, children's toys, specialty food and candy, gift-wrapping, party supplies and more.