All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Essex, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Top hen and stag do destinations revealed for 2022
Following research, findings by the UK's leading savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk reveal that, when it comes to stag, hen and sten parties, there are several cities that go hand in hand with these pre-wedding celebrations. Many of those painting the town white this year are set to make their mark in London (21%), with Manchester (11%) and Liverpool (9%) following closely behind. Those travelling further afield, are set to hit the streets of Dublin (5%) and Ibiza (4%). Despite such glam locations making it to the list of most popular destinations, a third of disgruntled guests say costs have now gotten out of hand. Almost one in three (32%) say the cost of a UK party is almost the same as going abroad, while 24% feel an expectation from the happy couple to go overseas.
Posted: 4 June 2022
How much to spend on wedding day gifting?
The average cost of being a wedding guest is £541.90 which includes a new outfit, somewhere to stay, drinks and, of course, a gift. To help cut down some of this cost, the personal finance experts at Ocean Finance have run the numbers to reveal how much is appropriate to spend on a wedding present, depending on where you sit in the wedding party and whether you have an invite to the whole day or just the evening!
Posted: 3 June 2022
Holiday Inn Basildon unveils open lobby refurbishment
The Holiday Inn Basildon has unveiled a £350,000 refurbishment to transform its public spaces and showcase a brand new Open Lobby concept on the ground floor. The stylish Open Lobby, designed to provide guests with one multi-faceted public space to eat, meet, relax, socialise and work as they choose, will revolutionise the way guests live and interact in the hotel. The traditionally separate zones of a reception, lobby, bar, lounge, restaurant and business centre have been merged into one cohesive 'Open Lobby' space where guests can operate in a more instinctive, flexible and homely way.
Posted: 2 June 2022
Gift etiquette: top tips from Denby
As many couples can finally get married after two years of disruptions, wedding planning is once again underway. If you and your partner are unsure about how to make a registry or ask for contributions to the honeymoon fund, Carole Robinson — Head of Retail at Denby — has shared some top tips and gift etiquette to help your day run smoothly. When it comes to wedding planning, some tasks can be more enjoyable than others: while you may not get too excited about picking out the colour of your napkins, making a gift registry with your partner is more fun! However, as with most big celebrations, there's always an element of etiquette and expectation that surrounds wedding gifts. Read on for our top tips on making the ideal wedding list for you and your partner.
Posted: 1 June 2022
Colchester cottages for wedding guest accommodation
Friends and family coming from afar and need somewhere to stay for your big day? Rye Farm Self Catering, based just four miles from Colchester, offer comfortable self-contained cottages ideal for a relaxing break. With prices starting from just £58 per night, your wedding guests have the choice between a selection of modern and welcoming apartments housed in lovingly converted 17th century farm buildings. The Pondview apartment looks out over the property's moat and tranquil duck pond, while the patio area at the back is perfect for catching some afternoon sun.
Posted: 31 May 2022
New stationery for big-day planning
Whether you're planning your own nuptials or are celebrating a newly engaged couple, London-based stationery and lifestyle brand Martha Brooks has lots of new ideas to help. The beautiful, personalised pieces will inspire and delight its recipients. Founded by Martha Keith, the successful business has grown from humble beginnings in 2013 to the inspirational, feel-good lifestyle brand that it is today. Here at County Wedding Magazine HQ we're stationery lovers (stationery addicts more like) so we can't help swooning over the latest offerings from this stylish brand.
Posted: 30 May 2022
The biggest trends set to dominate weddings in 2022
A new study by financial comparison company money.co.uk has revealed the biggest trends set to dominate weddings in 2022 and beyond. Three trends are all tied in first place for the biggest trend of the year, with searches for pets at weddings, multi-coloured weddings and in-season wedding flowers all seeing a 200% year-on-year increase. With so many people adding a four-legged companion to their family over the past couple of years, it's no surprise that so many brides and grooms would want them to play a special part such as a ring bearer or just being a VIP guest. However, it's not just our beloved pets making an appearance, with some couples looking to hire slightly more interesting animals for their guests to marvel at, such as llamas. These friendly and gentle animals will certainly add a touch of uniqueness to the big day.
Posted: 28 May 2022
New wedding range from Timothy Taylor's
With 2022 set to be a big year for weddings, with many delayed due to the pandemic, personalised details have been named as a big trend by Etsy, who reported a 107% increase in searches for custom wedding favours[1]. This is clear from what people are searching for on social as well, with the hashtag #weddingfavours featuring in over 450,000 Instagram posts. People are looking for ways to make their big day extra special, whether that's finding gifts for those who've helped with the planning, exploring unique ways to decorate tables, or looking for presents for brides and grooms. Timothy Taylor's personalised range can be appreciated by all lovers of great-tasting, Yorkshire ale.
Posted: 27 May 2022
A personal touch: 5 tips for customising your wedding drinks
Amidst all the planning and organisation in the months beforehand, it's easy to forget that your wedding day should just be about eating, drinking, and dancing with the people you love most in the world. If you want to bring a unique touch to your celebrations among all the trends and traditional menus, Ben Turnbull — Director and Head Wine Buyer at House of Malt — shares his top tips on personalising the drinks offering on your special day.
Posted: 25 May 2022
Find your wedding entertainment with An Essex Wedding
Choosing music for your ceremony or reception can seem overwhelming, but luckily the team at An Essex Wedding are here to help. Step forward harp and cello couple Mav Duo, based in Hornchurch but available to provide wedding entertainment throughout the county and beyond. Harpist Oscar Quesada Gonzalez and cellist Alejandra Vargas Munoz met while studying music in Columbia. "We fell in love and have been playing together for more than seven years," says Alejandra. "Weddings are our passion, and as such we've been touring back and forth across America and Europe, telling stories with our music while enjoying every step in the process."
Posted: 24 May 2022
The ultimate guide to wedding favours
Looking for ideas on what to include in your wedding favour bags? This guide is a helpful resource for couples who want to make their guests feel really special. Find out the best wedding favour ideas to make your own unique table favours and browse our curated list of some popular items that can be included in the favour bags so you can make an inspired choice. The experts at Arches Beach Weddings have also included some helpful tips on how to go about choosing the wedding favours that will best suit your theme and guest needs.
Posted: 23 May 2022
Wedding Wine Guide Q&A with Sarah Knowles part three!
Sarah Knowles MW joined The Wine Society in March 2014 and passed her Masters of Wine qualification in 2015. She is responsible for Champagne, North America and Italy, as well as overseeing the portfolio of sparkling wines and spirits; so, there really is no better person to be advising you and answering all of your wedding questions? Red or white for a meat course? Wine or Champagne for your wedding toast? This final instalment in our three-part guide - check back over the last two Fridays if you missed one and two - answers your final questions!
Posted: 20 May 2022
Women propose new wedding trend
Until recently engagement rings were seen as exclusively a female item of jewellery but the team at Ingle & Rhode believe the time has come for both sexes to enjoy a little engagement bling. They have already sold several of the rings to women who were planning to propose to their partners and are confident the trend will continue to gain pace. Ingle & Rhode's mens rings include items fashioned from gold and platinum with many featuring ethically sourced diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other precious stones. There's something for most budgets with women able to choose from a modest ring for their man from as little as £495 or go for something more blingy up to £11,950.
Posted: 18 May 2022
Gift list options with Essex fitters
Stuck what to ask for in terms of wedding gifts from your nearest and dearest? With most couples living together before they get hitched the prospect of a new kettle and toaster is far from appealing - yawn! Instead, why not suggest a donation towards that much-needed home improvement you've been putting off investing in? Chelmsford-based Absolute Wardrobes design and install affordable, bespoke, made-to-measure fitted wardrobes, dressing rooms, home offices and entertainment units across the county and beyond.
Posted: 17 May 2022
Looking to tie the knot outside? Make sure it's legal!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we welcome any changes in the law that allow people to marry more freely. Following the Government's recent announcement that they'll permanently be making outdoor marriages across the UK legal, following temporary legislation introduced during the pandemic, this is great news to the thousands of couples who have creative outdoor ideas for their weddings. However, there is still a criteria which couples must meet in order for a wedding ceremony to be legally valid, and it's important that couples don't get caught out. Barrister Kate Van Rol at 4PB advises on how to navigate the legality of getting married in an outdoor setting.
Posted: 16 May 2022
Wedding Wine Guide Q&A with Sarah Knowles part two!
Sarah Knowles MW joined The Wine Society in March 2014 and passed her Masters of Wine qualification in 2015. She is responsible for Champagne, North America and Italy, as well as overseeing the portfolio of sparkling wines and spirits; so, there really is no better person to be advising you and answering all of your wedding questions? Red or white for a meat course? Wine or Champagne for your wedding toast? This is the second part in our three part guide, check back here every Friday to have these questions answered!
Posted: 13 May 2022
Down Hall announce Royal Afternoon Tea
Stunning country house hotel & spa, Down Hall, is celebrating Her Majesty's 70th year on the throne with a delicious afternoon tea that's a truly royal affair! Running from 27th May – 12th June, take a trip to the glorious Essex countryside to celebrate Her Royal Highness' remarkable milestone and raise a glass to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Served between 2 - 5:30pm on the hotel's beautiful al fresco terrace or in the elegant and recently refurbished lounge, the Royal Afternoon Tea begins with a Dubonnet cocktail, the Queen's favourite aperitif, served over ice.
Posted: 12 May 2022
Experts reveal what to write on a wedding card
The wedding season is upon us, with couples across the country bringing people together to celebrate getting married, but have you ever been lost for words when writing your special congratulations on a card? Searches for 'what to write in a wedding card' increased by +300% in the past 12 months1, indicating that people are struggling for words. To help, greetings card marketplace, thortful.com has collated the top things to write on a couples' wedding card.
Posted: 11 May 2022
Wedding plans stressing you both out? Take five and remember why you're getting married in the first place by heading for a date night at Danbury restaurant, The Griffin. Having recently undergone a renovation to bring seasonal fine dining to the village, the eaterie now boasts a spectacular Champagne and oyster bar, alongside a menu centred around exquisite fish and seafood dishes. Created by Executive Chef Mik Nelder, the cuisine showcases a host of delicious flavours and textures, with menu highlights including grilled lobster with garlic butter, thermidor and mayonnaise; and whole roasted poussin with a bourguignon sauce. Editor Claire Muffett-Reece was invited along to sample the menu and find out more...
Posted: 10 May 2022
Tying the knot over Jubilee weekend in June?
When planning your wedding day, when booking it on any date between the 2nd to 5th of June, I bet you didn't realise that the whole world would be having a celebration with you! But here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think you should embrace the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and make it part of your wedding celebrations. From afternoon tea to quirky union jack favours, there's a whole host of fun and royal touches you can add to proceedings. To help you along, Cadbury has some great limited-edition products that have just hit the shelves to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and keep your hungry wedding guests happy, kids and adults alike!
Posted: 9 May 2022
Must-have hen do accessories from TeamHen
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we adore the products from TeamHen - super-cool and on trend, the chic range is the perfect way to accompany your hen party bridal look! The brand's latest offering, the Luxury Tulle Bow Veil, is no exception. Featuring a beautiful, creamy white sating bow, it's bee paired with a soft white tulle veil measuring 80cm. Conveniently attached to a clip, you can just pop it in and away you go!
Posted: 6 May 2022
Innovative new way for sharing big-day memories
WeSnapthat is a free event photo sharing app, which is private and secure and means you won't miss out on all of the pictures friends and family are taking on your wedding day. Founder, Tarandip Rehall, says, 'After attending several weddings, I noticed that professional wedding photographers took over the event and guests felt a little left out. I could see that guests were taking loads of photos and videos, and I was wondering were all those beautiful moments that were captured ever be seen by the bride and groom or other guests. Hence WeSnapThat was created to help remove the hassle of chasing and missing out of photos and videos, plus the app get attendees to be more engaged with your event and make it more joyful as they feel part of your special day.'
Posted: 5 May 2022
Expert tips for elevating your drinks offering
From cocktail stations to party favours, David Cooper from glassware company Forever Crystal shares his top tips on how to get creative with your drinks on the big day. Here are four inspiration ideas for your wedding drinks and toast with something special when you say, 'I do'! Signature cocktails: While you might want to give your guests an open bar, hiring bar staff and footing the bill can end up being an expensive gesture. One way to sidestep this added cost while still providing some free refreshment is to make your own batch of signature cocktails. Choose two mixed drinks or cocktails that you know your guests love and stock up on plenty of ingredients before the big day. For a spring or summer wedding, mixed drinks like Pimm's and lemonade or gin and elderflower tonic are great options, especially as you can provide bowls of fruit and mint leaves to use as a garnish.
Posted: 5 May 2022
Getting married in 2022? Experts reveal the top five wedding cake trends
With full-scale weddings back up and running, having a show-stopping cake is more important than ever. If you're walking down the aisle this year and in the process of finalising your menu, you must ensure that you are up to date with the latest trends so you can choose the perfect wedding cake.
From delicate florals to bright colours and sculptured designs, experts from AYRE Events share the most popular up and coming trends to keep in mind.
Posted: 4 May 2022
Vumbura Plains: The perfect honeymoon destination for adventure seekers
Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains, set in the heart of the Okavango Delta World Heritage Site in Botswana, has reopened after an extensive refurbishment of both the camp's exteriors and interiors.
The refreshed look and feel showcases its sense of place and culture, enhanced by an outstanding menu and courteous hospitality. Vumbura offers holiday-makers a sublime African wilderness journey, prepare to experience arguably the best wildlife encounters in the Delta on your honeymoon.
"With its iconic Delta landscapes and phenomenally diverse habitats, Vumbura is truly a must-visit safari choice, one that unreservedly celebrates the best of Botswana's natural and cultural heritage."
Posted: 4 May 2022
We have a great line up of experts to give you first hand advice and discussions about bridal fashion, hair, makeup, to name but a few!
Take a look at our Celebrity Interviews!