Some can seem old hat. Others stand the test of time. But wedding traditions are the cornerstones of a wedding day. They are what set a wedding apart from any other party. One of the things that makes a wedding day extra special. So, whilst updating wedding traditions might seem like a great idea in 2022, your decision needs careful thought and planning.
Many modern couples want to put a new spin on wedding traditions. Giving old customs new interpretations and putting their own stamp on the format of the day. Here we caught up with Liz Taylor, a luxury wedding planner of over thirty years' experience, who has seen first-hand how wedding traditions have transformed over the years. She shares her ideas on how to nod to the old, while bringing in the new. Here is Liz's guide to updating wedding traditions.
Posted: 24 January 2022
The top 6 Wedding Photographers in Essex
We speak to some of Essex's finest photographers about their passions, the last year and find out what they think 2022 will hold...
Posted: 20 January 2022
Can you really plan a wedding in a few short weeks?
Celebrating a festive proposal? Already caught the wedding planning bug? Don't want to wait two years? Having assisted couples previously with their short lead time weddings, experienced and down to earth UK wedding planner Mary Briscoe gives some food for thought if you are considering tying the knot as soon as possible.
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it even planning a wedding within a few short weeks.
Posted: 19 January 2022
The flower language of roses: the hidden meaning behind each shade
Roses are still one of the most prominent wedding flowers chosen couples to feature in their big-day styling. But how do you know which colour rose to get? Luckily for you, each colour has a specific meaning, and depending on the occasion, one will be better suited than the other.
During the Victorian era, flower language, also known as floriography, gained prominence. Flowers, especially roses, were used to convey a secret message without having to speak. This tradition has carried through today, and roses are much appreciated as a stand-alone gift, as well as a sentimental complement to a main present.
The gemstone jeweller Angelic Diamonds has ranked the most popular colour roses in the UK based on Google search volumes and reveals the hidden messages behind each to help you find the perfect one.
Posted: 17 January 2022
7 unique wedding traditions from around the world
Weddings come in all different shapes and sizes, and there are so many unique traditions that make them special in different countries. There are many customs you are likely already familiar with, such as proposing with a diamond engagement ring and throwing your bouquet on the big day. However, there are so many other interesting traditions from around the globe that you're sure to love.
New research from engagement ring retailer, Angelic Diamonds, takes us on a trip around the world to find out more about wedding traditions and costs in every corner of the globe. Today, we're taking a closer look at some of our very favourite traditions. Despite their differences, there is one thing that all these traditions have in common. They are all in place to bring luck, happiness, and love to a union between the happy couple.
Posted: 14 January 2022
How to incorporate a slideshow into your best man’s speech
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've heard it many times before "they could relax once the speeches were given".
This anxiety of the wedding speeches affects not only the groom but also the groomsmen. Whether you enjoy public speaking or not, there's a lot of pressure on the best man to remember to thank the bride, do justice to the groom without revealing his worst stories, and crucially be funny - but not so funny you ruin the big day!
No matter how confident the bestman is, or how often they may do presentations at work, this is still a daunting task. If you've a wedding on the horizon and need some tips, James Robinson, Marketing Manager at presentation design agency Buffalo 7 offers his top tips on incorporating a slideshow in to the speech to help with proceedings...
Posted: 11 January 2022
The most popular and beautiful hotspots to propose in the UK
New research by London cornerstone jewellery brand, ABELINI, has revealed that even a global pandemic can't stop romantics tying the knot, as it is revealed that 79% of Brits would be happy to get engaged in the UK.
If you're reading this after having a festive proposal at the end of 2021 - did your very own engagement location make one of the top listed?
Whether your loved one is an ocean-obsessed water sign or a glamorous city slicker who would love to be proposed to with views over the capital, here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're loving these winners.
Posted: 7 January 2022
Essex-based wedding planner shares her tips on how to plan the big day!
With festive proposals accounting for 85% of all engagements, January is going to be a month where thousands of couples are discovering what planning a wedding really means! Essex based-wedding planner, Mary Briscoe, has a helpful guide for engaged couples who are embarking on their wedding planning journey.
"Where do you begin? It can feel like you are diving into a wedding abyss and knowing even where to start can seem rather daunting, especially as you have no doubt never planned such a celebration before," starts Mary.
Posted: 5 January 2022
How to plan a sustainable wedding
The ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode have put together a guide on how to plan a sustainable wedding without compromising on that luxury feeling on your big day. With the world becoming more environmentally conscious, a spokesperson for Ingle & Rhode said: "We're very passionate about ethical sourcing and we know through our customers that there are so many people out there who are interested in the idea of having a more sustainable wedding.
"Weddings often include a lot of single use items wrapped in plastic which of course isn't great for our environment."
Posted: 3 January 2022
Ring in the New Year - bottoms up!
If you had a festival proposal last weekend - lucky you - and it means this New Year there will be double celebrations now you're embarking on your wedding planning journey and entering 2022 as an engaged couple!
These delightful Gin cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate and bring in the New Year, restrictions maybe looming once again, but gin can travel!
Pinkster is locally grown and distilled in Cambridgeshire, Mermaid is crafted in the sea air of the Isle of Wight, Aviation American Gin is produced under Ryan Reynolds' watchful eye in Portland, Oregon and Jaisalmer Gin, inspired by the imperial age of Maharajas and Maharanis has flown all the way from Jaisalmer, India!
Posted: 28 December 2021
How to style your outfit for weddings this winter
Renowned high street footwear brand Clarks, analysed search volume data to reveal what wedding outfit colours the nation are searching for the most this winter. Blue wedding outfits came out on top, followed by black, pink, red and green! What's more, Clarks spoke to Lindsay from Lindsay Punch Styling to give her top tips on what shoes to pair with our upcoming wedding outfits, from styles to different colours. Read on for advice on winter wedding styling...
Posted: 24 December 2021
Whether it's a winter wedding, getting hitched in spring or a summertime country affair – Evercreatures' 'Weddies' offer the bride and her girl squad eye-catching footwear. These stylish cream coloured IDO wellington boots complete with bow come in short and tall options and could just be the perfect 'surprise' gift for the bride-to-be.
They are unique, funky and a fun fashion item for brides who dare to be different. Weddies, which are exclusively designed by Evercreatures, keep you looking and feeling bright and cheerful whatever the conditions!
The boots are made from natural, sustainable rubber and are coupled with Evercreatures' unique moulded design and padded inner to be super soft and comfortable enough to wear even when the elements aren't.
Posted: 21 December 2021
Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate open its doors for its Winter Wedding Showcase
Seamlessly blending historic country house splendour with luxurious and contemporary décor, Down Hall is the perfect place to tie the knot. Situated in 100 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and woodlands, the 19th century Italianate mansion boasts a recently renovated West Wing, with a range of function rooms available in an array of sizes and formulations. With the option of catering for any number between two and 220 guests, dedicated bridal and groomsmen suites, as well as a wedding gazebo perfect for summer al fresco ceremonies, Down Hall has a setting to suit every vision.
Posted: 21 December 2021
Perfectly plan your wedding with Pantone's Very Peri
Very Peri, Pantone Colour of the Year 2022, is a gorgeous shade that can inspire your wedding theme and colour scheme.
The Pantone Institute says of this new hue: Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.
We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing.
Posted: 16 December 2021
Yeti & The Fox is a simple yet effective pharmaceutical-free solution to the dreaded hangover. With many couples choosing to opt for hangover survival kit-style wedding favours (we love this idea) Yeti & The Fox is a must-have addition. Here comes the science bit! S-acetyl gluthione is the body's main natural antioxidant and immune system booster helping the body stay healthy. When combined with N-acetyl cysteine and vitamin B6, it becomes highly effective and fighting toxins ingested via food and drink. Glutathione is in fact needed by our bodies to break down toxic substance acetaldehyde the offending substance produced as alcohol is broken down by the liver. It's also to blame for liver damage and many of the most hideous symptoms experienced during a hangover. So, with the acetaldehyde-busting ingredient glutathione being at the core of Yeti & Fox it's clear to see why it works!
Posted: 16 December 2021
The ultimate indulgence with Essex's Mersea Mudcakes
With the changing seasons, the team at Mersea Mudcakes HQ have turned their thoughts to cosy nights in, frosty mornings and, most excitingly, to its new range of flavours and products. Owner, Meriam O'Neill says, "This year, our limited edition autumn flavour is the White Chocolate Apple Crumble Blonde Mudcake – and it's going down a treat – and our exceptionally popular Mersea MudSticks (hot chocolate stirrers) are making a comeback with new flavours! We've decided on a decadent Chocolate Orange and for our sweeter-toothed clientele, we have White Chocolate Gingerbread. Both are incredibly scrumptious and make the perfect hot chocolate!"
Posted: 9 December 2021
New offering from award-winning Essex-based designer
Award-winning Essex stationery designer Dawn Middleton, is the creative mind behind Rock'n Paper which offers a unique collection of personalised stationery suites covering save the dates, invitations and all the required on the day stationery elements. The company is extending its offering, launching a range of personalised gowns and eye masks for the bridal party. Available in a variety of sizes and colours to suit your wedding colour scheme, these robes would look great in photos when you're getting ready on the morning of your wedding or will make the perfect accessory for your hen do! Both stylish and practical, they make a great gift for your bridal party or a special treat for yourself.
Posted: 7 December 2021
Leigh-on-Sea’s Le Keux getting ready for some serious Christmas glam!
Leigh-on-Sea's Le Keux is gearing up for the festive season when it offers party services for small groups looking to celebrate differently – also great for pre-wedding get-togethers! Keuxties (Le Keux customers) can choose from cocktail-making, wreath-making, makeover photo shoots, festive-themed afternoon teas and so much more! In addition, Le Keux is now offering a wig styling service creating any vintage style in any length/colour on a lace-front wig for customers to easily change up their look. Models in this image are also wearing the salon's new range of Forever On Your Lips long-lasting lipstick, currently available in three different matte colours and perfect for events where you don't want to keep reapplying such as a wedding!
Posted: 25 November 2021
New Essex home fragrance business launches
Founded by sisters Farai and Tafadzwa, Rugare Candle Company was born out of their love for home scents and their Christian faith. "The word 'rugare' has a two-fold meaning in Shona, our native language; it means both to be blessed and to live well," shares cofounder Tafadzwa. "This is everything our products embody and hopefully will inspire in your life. Our soy candles and wax melts are an ode to the seasons of life where wisdom, growth and serenity are found." The new collection of candles and wax melts make for the perfect big-day wedding gifts, which can be adorned with bespoke labels either for the happy couple, or from the newlyweds to their guests. The company offers a huge discount when buying in bulk – perfect for weddings – as well as packages which can be tailored to the celebrants.
Posted: 23 November 2021
New wedding space in Brentwood, Essex
Brentwood's South Essex Golf Club now boasts an impressive new boutique wedding venue in its own grounds; providing a stunning romantic backdrop to host your wedding celebration. The new Garden Room benefits from a private terrace and relaxing garden, which is the ideal place for the wedding party to enjoy canapés and a drinks reception overlooking the water feature and the golf course beyond. Under the expert guidance of Umesh Sewnundun, couples tying the knot here have the support of an exceptional hospitality team and can plan their day for up to 76 day guests and an additional 40 evening attendees – for larger weddings there's the option of a marquee!
Posted: 19 November 2021
Lakeside's new store providing sleep solutions
Setting up your marital home? Check out the new Sleep.8 design-led store at Lakeside Shopping Centre! Following the success of its recently opened Bluewater and King's Road locations, Sleep. 8 continues to bring consumers face-to-face with sleep solutions. The new Lakeside store features a design lab that allows customers to tailor the bed of their dreams with a wide variety of fabrics, textures and colours. From bespoke beds to temperature-controlled pillows, luscious bedding and dream-enhancing sleep aids, Sleep.8 provides customers with tailored tools designed to improve the sleep environment, enhance rest and soothe those prevalent jagged sleep patterns. From the designated relaxation area to the luxurious full-body massage chairs, every detail heightens the tranquil retail experience.
Posted: 17 November 2021
Neil Dutta at Angelic Diamonds, a UK wedding jewellery specialist, explores why humanist weddings have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. With official guidance looking to change in the not too distant future, giving celebrants more legal power to actually marry couples - removing the need for a pre- or post-blessing registry office date - here at County Wedding Magazine HQ we think this is a trend that will continue to soar.
Posted: 5 November 2021
What's that? Even MORE wedspiration from CWM!
Here at CMW HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. Find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings - after all, if we're honest, who doesn't love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.
Posted: 5 November 2021
Five tips on how to ensure your caterer is acting sustainably
A typical British wedding produces one third of a metric tonne of solid waste and 14.5 tons of carbon dioxide in one day. To put that into perspective, annual carbon emissions per capita in the UK are around 9.1 tonnes. A large percentage of the waste comes from catering. In fact, an average of £488 worth of food is wasted at every wedding. There is a pressing need for change in how we approach weddings, keeping them fun, beautiful and memorable yet responsible.
Fortunately, more people today are turning to sustainable options, and this trend is here to stay. Aiming to have a sustainable wedding catering experience does not mean sacrificing luxury and quality – it means catering wisely and creatively. You do not need to forfeit your personal taste and unique preferences when envisioning an environmentally conscious wedding.
Tania Burton, the founder of a sustainable, family-run luxury wedding and event catering business Ginger Snap (https://www.ginger-snap.co.uk/), shares 5 ways to ensure your wedding catering is delicious and beautifully presented without harming the environment.
Posted: 2 November 2021
SoulPlay becomes the resident band for the Proud Cabaret Soul Supper UK evenings
When searching for your big-day entertainment, nothing beats seeing a live performance! Pop along to the Soul Supper UK Evenings at Proud Cabaret (Proud City site opposite Fenchurch St Station) where you can see London wedding party and function band SoulPlay perform live - perfect for pre-vetting your wedding entertainment. What's more, it gives you a perfect excuse for meeting up with loved ones before the wedding for a pre-wedding get-together - you could even turn it in to your hen or stag do!
Posted: 19 October 2021
