An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Searching for the one? Head to Bluewater's wedding fair

Little White Dress, an exciting bridal outlet in the heart of Gravesend's Heritage Quarter, is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October. A family-run business, proud to have helped thousands of brides to be in finding their perfect dress, its team work hard to source some of the most beautiful gowns and the bridal experience is reflected in its daily five-star reviews across social media. A very warm welcome awaits you, whatever your budget. Bridal outlet offering designer gowns up to 75% off RRP plus additional discounts for NHS, Military and Emergency Service personnel

Meet renowned photographer at TWO Signature Shows

Renowned London-based photographer, Richard Payne Photography, is exhibiting at not one, but two County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Shows: Bluewater and Ascot Racecourse! "Commissioned worldwide for more than 15 years my unique use of film and digital cameras, alongside my handmade prints and books, has been catching the eye of hundreds of couples on the lookout for something unique and special for their big day. Come to my stand and see first hand what I can offer for your special day," says Richard.

15% discount on all photography packages

Natalie Chiverton Photography is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, and has some exciting discounts for couples visiting on the day that you're not going to want to miss out on! "I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Bluewater Wedding Show," says Natalie. "Say hello and receive a 15% discount on all my packages. Choose between the all-inclusive, straightforward packages or the flexible, timeless collections that best fit your needs.

Show special: free Aerial Drone! Value £499 with every Premium Package.

Award-winning filming, photography and content creation, why settle for a wedding video when you can have a cinematic experience with Kent-based Video UK. Show Special: Free Aerial Drone! Value £499 with every Premium Package. Owner Mike says: "Let's Meet! Choosing your suppliers can be very daunting, if you can't make the fair I invite you to visit my Hempstead studio where we can discuss your wedding plans over a coffee and get to know each other. Examples of my work are readily available and you are never pressurised to make a decision there and then, I always agree to hold the date for you to have enough time to make up your mind.

"Choose from our BESPOKE DESIGNED SERVICE, our EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM EXPERIENCE or our budget ESSENTIAL PACKAGE. What's more....

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show

Award-winning wedding band The Redfords to Exhibit at Bluewater Signature Wedding Show on 6th October 2024! Couples, along with family and friends, are warmly invited to visit their stand and discover how The Redfords can transform your special day into an incredible celebration. At the show, you'll have the chance to meet and chat with band members, request your favourite songs, and learn how they can create the party of a lifetime at your wedding! With a reputation built since 2006, The Redfords are celebrated for their ability to keep dancefloors packed with a dynamic mix of classic hits and contemporary favourites across genres like rock, pop, indie, soul, disco, and Motown.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Meet Hair by Linzi at the Bluewater Wedding Fair

Clips and Twists Wedding Hair by Linzi is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday October 6th 2024! "Hello, I'm Linzi the passionate artist behind clips and twists wedding hair by linzi. With a heart full of creativity and a keen eye for detail, I've been dedicated to the art of bridal hair for over 20 years. "My journey began with a deep love for making brides feel their absolute best on one of the most important days of their lives. I specialize in creating stunning, personalized bridal hairstyles that perfectly complement your vision for your big day. With a deep passion for beauty and a keen eye for detail, my experienced styles work closely with you to craft a look that enhances your natural beauty and harmonizes with your wedding theme.

£50 discount for couples at Bluewater

"Have you thought about who will deliver your wedding plan on the day? Come and have a chat with me and I will explain how I can take the stress from you, making your wedding the best day ever!" shares Michael, of Men in Red. Men in Red is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October, 2024. Michael acts as your event coordinator and Master of Ceremony. Managing guests, making announcements, liaising between suppliers and keeping on schedule - not to mention sorting out any unforeseen problems!

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Bespoke accessories, ready-to-wear creations and bridal kits

Looking for big-day accessories at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Buewater? Pop along to Aritsan Bride's stand. Owner Nicola, says, "Welcome to Artisan Bride, where we share our expert craftsmanship and tailor bridal trends to offer a world of wedding accessories for brides, no matter your budget. We thrive on the belief that every bride and every love story is different, therefore your final 'I do' style should reflect that. "From bespoke accessories to ready-to-wear creations and our famous DIY bridal kits, we've got something to complete every bride's look. Explore how to make a veil of your dreams, discover bridal garter sets, shop tiaras for every hairstyle and make your dream day Instagram-perfect. Artisanbride is a friend and guide to brides, making their wedding accessory journey not just a purchase but a delightful experience.

Multi-award-winning Royal photographer at Bluewater Wedding Fair

Multi-award-winning Royal photographer and Kent-based wedding photographer Ian Jones will be exhibiting at the Bluewater Signature Wedding Show, on 6th October 2024. Ian, a former personal photographer to the late Princess Diana and current host photographer for Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle & St James's Palace will be exhibiting at the event and would welcome the opportunity to chat about your wedding photography requirements.

15% off show discount from Dress Code Nine

Essex-based Dress Code Nine is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October 2024. "Our mission is to dress you to the nines for your special event," shares owner Carla. "We strive to do this by offering a unique and personal experience. Whether that's a wedding, prom or a glamorous evening occasion, we are sure to have the dress for you! We are offering 15% off any full price bridal dress purchased between the 8th October 2024 - 8th December 2024, when you book an appointment with us on the day or after seeing our lovely Emma at the Bluewater Shopping Centre on the 6th October. Emma is looking forward to meeting you and giving you all more information."

20% off on-the-day bookings for renowned singer

Kelly, of Kelly Pepper Weddings will be showcasing her exceptional voice at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October - what's more, couples who want to book Kelly on the day will receive a 20% discount! Kelly adds, " I have been a professional singer since the age of 21 and have performed at all types of venues all over the UK and Europe from Royal Hospital Chelsea – home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners, to performing to at festivals of 10,000 people alongside the likes of Tinie Tempah, Example, Labrinth, Pixie Lott and more. I pursued a career as a 'pop star' for several years where I had my tracks played on Capital FM, Radio 1 and music channels, as well as securing record deals in Europe and Asia and writing for up and coming talent, but ultimately I decided that career path was not for me, got married and settled down in Kent in 2017 and started a family in 2020 and now have 2 beautiful girls.

Bespoke special effects for your wedding day

If you're looking to add that wow factor to your wedding day, pop along at chat to the ForceFX team at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater, on Sunday 6th October, 2024. From intimate indoor gatherings to grand outdoor affairs, its team collaborates closely with you, the venue, and other suppliers to deliver an exceptional service for your special event. Big-day special effects - Colds sparks - Perfect for your first dance or cake cutting celebration, our cold spark fountains add a touch of elegance and romance to your evening.

County Wedding Events coming to Ravenwood Hall Hotel, Suffolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Ravenwood Hall Hotel, for inspiration on Sunday 6th October 2024! 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. Ravenwood Hall is the perfect setting for your dream wedding in Suffolk. The Hall, parts of which date back to Henry VIII, is conveniently located just three miles from the ancient market town of Bury St Edmunds. Set in seven acres of secluded, tranquil gardens in the lovely Suffolk countryside, the Hall makes the perfect backdrop for a country house wedding.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

New Padel Tennis Staycation at Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate

Rackets at the ready! Award-winning Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate has revealed its new Padel Tennis Staycation, inviting both seasoned players and newcomers to enjoy a game of the fastest growing sport. Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside just 45 minutes from central London, the hotel offers a unique blend of sporting excitement and serene relaxation set within 110-acres of picturesque grounds, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

The Ritual of Karma

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