All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Essex, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Win a minimoon in London worth £2,000
Located in the heart of Kensington, The Milestone Hotel is a luxury residence which marries mid 20th-century design with 18th-century architecture. With 43 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxury suites to choose from, there's also The Milestone Residences that allow the authentic experience of renting a private home with the service, facilities and security of a five-star hotel.Licensed for civil ceremonies, The Milestone provides the perfect venue for an intimate celebration with traditional British style and unrivalled service.
The property's expert team of chefs, sommeliers, waiting staff and event organisers will put couples' minds at ease and ensure an ideal setting for the most important day of their life. The hotel itself is elegant and romantic lending itself perfectly to the occasion. Fine ornaments, antiques and unique artwork adorn the walls, and professional floral displays to complement the colours of the wedding party can be arranged. Intimate ceremonies can be coordinated in The Oratory – one of the oldest and historic wedding venues in the country.
Additionally, there are six luxury two or three bedroom residences, which are perfect for pre- and post-wedding days; couples can relax and rejuvenate after their special day soaking up views from their private terrace – the hotel is ideally located opposite Kensington Palace with views over Kensington Gardens!
Posted: 4 May 2021
Meet Lizzie from the wedding and events team at luxury Essex venue Braxted Park
Meet Lizzie Pakenham, a wedding and events executive at the stunning Essex wedding venue Braxted Park. Lizzie tells us, "At the head of the breathtaking tree-lined drive lies the house itself, the secret walled garden, an enchanting pavilion and exquisite orangery; the perfect backdrops for your wedding whether intimate or grand, traditional or modern. All distinctively yours for the day. We offer a personal approach, every wedding is unique and we love creating your perfect day."
Posted: 4 May 2021
Macarons and wedding days - a match made in heaven!
As we excitedly continue our journey on the roadmap out of lockdown and back to normality; here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're thrilled about every step towards weddings resuming to their brilliant best. What's more, wedding planning is in full swing now for those tying the knot from the summer and beyond, and what better place to start then choosing delectable sweet treats for your wedding day? A definite must-have! Petite, chic, colourful and oh-so divine macarons really are the perfect accompaniment to nuptials. Whether you have a showstopping tower to represent your wedding cake, or individual treats for favours the choice are endless – they can even be personalised. London's Oh La La! Macarons create picture-perfect bespoke macarons, designed to bring fun and joy to your special day.Handmade in Bloomsbury and naturally gluten-free, its irresistible bites of goodness are whipped up with a higher content of almond than most and filled with deliciously light buttercream frosting.
Posted: 3 May 2021
Sustainable, zero-waste weddings guide
Do you know how much of an impact your big day could have on the world around you? Here are some startling statistics which might make you reconsider how you want your wedding to be.Everything we throw away which can't be recycled has a negative impact on the environment. If something isn't biodegradable, it could take thousands of years to break down naturally. Plastic is unsurprisingly at the heart of the issue. Individually, one wedding can produce as much as 20kg of plastic waste. What's more, the black bags used to collect the rubbish are themselves potentially harmful. They can take as many as 90 years to break down under the ground.
Posted: 30 April 2021
Get your glow on with Essex's Beautiful You Makeup
Here at An Essex Wedding magazine want you to feel your absolute best on your big day. That's why we get our team of local talented hair and beauty experts to answer your questions. Today, Samantha Easter of Beautiful You Makeup gives her best advice and answers your question on getting a glowing complexion for your big day. "How can I get a fresh, glowing make-up look for my spring wedding?" Read on for the answer...
Posted: 29 April 2021
Win a wedding suit and accessories worth up to £500
Whether groom, best man, father-of-the-bride, or a guest, dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial minefield. Get expert insight into precisely what to wear, no matter your role on the day with Charles Tyrwhitt.As well as being one of the happiest days of your life, it's worth remembering that your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life too. There's no sense in skimping on style, and your partner won't thank you for it come the big day. The first decision to make is whether to wear morning dress or a suit. Of course, there's no right or wrong here; really it comes down to how formal you'd like to be. Morning dress brings with it a sense of occasion, and can't help but impress. A black lightweight wool tailcoat, buff or sky blue double-breasted linen waistcoat, and striped morning suit trouser are truly timeless, and will match with a shirt and tie in all manner of different colours and patterns.
Posted: 28 April 2021
Florist to the stars, Ronny Colbie shares his advice for wedding season
Renowned florist Ronny Colbie launches into the wedding season with some of the most exclusive, bespoke weddings for 2021. As the wedding industry looks ahead - following the planned roadmap back to full wedding numbers in June – this summer certainly looks set to be the summer of love with more pre-booked and rescheduled weddings than ever.Flowers have long been an integral part of any wedding, they deliver emotional messages, are romantic and passionate and a way for couples to express themselves. For big-day blooms, the ever-growing wedding flower trend is: go large and deluxe! Basically, the smaller the guestlist, the more decadent and grander the flowers.
Posted: 28 April 2021
Wedding make-up tips from Essex expert Shades of Beauty
Here at An Essex Wedding magazine, we want to help you plan your dream wedding. That's why we put your wedding planning questions straight to our local wedding experts so you can get the best advice. Today, Rue Garande of Shades of Beauty Essex answers your question and gives advice on wedding make-up. "I don't wear much make-up normally. How will I know what styles and shades will suit me for my big day?" Read on for the answer...
Posted: 27 April 2021
England's most popular themed wedding
After last year's wedding wipeout, it looks set to a bumper year for nuptials - so how do you set your wedding apart from the rest? Whether you've always dreamt of a traditional white wedding or you're excited to put your own twist on the romantic day, the planning is all part of the fun! With so many options out there, however, it can be difficult to settle on a theme. By analysing Google search data, Angelic Diamonds discovered England's top wedding themes...
Posted: 26 April 2021
Tips on how to create showstopping floral displays
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we're certainly excited about the hundreds and thousands of weddings that look set to take place this spring and summer - oh how we've missed you! One of our favourite things to swoon over when we see wedding photos is the.... flowers! Events florist Hazel Gardiner shares her top tips for creating showstopping wedding floral displays for all those nearlyweds out there looking for some blooming marvellous inspiration. Read on to find out how to create the ultimate garden celebration-inspired big day, a huge wedding trend this year...
Posted: 23 April 2021
We love Essex wedding venue The Kings Oak
Built in 1887, the Victorian façade of Kings Oak is adorned with decorative trees and elegant lighting, which overlooks Epping Forest. The venue boasts a large tree-lined garden, private walled gardens, Tiki bar and an original 1930s lido for some serious wow factor. There are four event suites, each showcasing the venue's signature glamorous look. The Kings Room (up to 200 guests) provides glitz and sparkle, and offers state-of-the-art lighting to bathe the space in colour.
Posted: 22 April 2021
#trending: patterned wedding bands! Check out this new jewellery range
Fine jewellery e-tailer brand, Jessica Flinn, has launched a range of patterned gold and platinum wedding bands. Taking inspiration from traditional carved wedding rings, each intricate pattern has been created to add interest and elegance to engagement rings, without detracting from their sparkle. Each pattern flows around the whole of the ring, the unbroken pattern perfectly symbolising the unbroken love within a marriage. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, it's hard choosing our favourite... I do I do I do!
Posted: 21 April 2021
Picture-perfect hotels and destinations from Countrywide Hotels
From the North East and Yorkshire to London and Oxfordshire, Countrywide Hotels' properties are located across the UK in fantastic locations near top local attractions, stunning beaches and beautiful countryside.Whether you're after a romantic getaway in an historic stately home, a leisure break at a top golf and spa resort, of a family friendly location with the little ones there's truly something for everyone. Read on to find out all the latest news at Countrywide Hotels...
Posted: 21 April 2021
Wonderful weddings at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa
Located in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the picturesque village of Stock, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa is an idyllic big-day setting in the Essex countryside. Dating back to the 17th century, the impressive building boasts many original features, and recent extensions are in-keeping with the style of the original manor house. Inside, wedding couples will love the sweeping staircase and grand fireplaces, while outside the delightful sunken garden makes a great photo opportunity for couple portraits.
Posted: 20 April 2021
Searches for dog ring bearer increases
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've certainly seen many a trend come and go; but one we're thrilled looks set to stick around is.... pets at weddings! With over 7,854 posts on Instagram, the hashtag #dogringbearer is becoming increasingly popular, whilst Google data shows a 71% search increase for the term 'dog ring bearer' since lockdown began. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joe Jonas have previously involved their pets on the big day, whilst UK bride-to-be, Stacey Solomon, also announced her dogs will wear suits at her upcoming wedding. But how do you train your dog to be a wedding ring bearer? Engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone teamed with Certified Animal Behaviourist, Caroline Wilkinson, from digital pet coaching service, Barketplace, to reveal everything you need to know.We covered the most popular questions including:
Posted: 19 April 2021
Tastebuds at the ready - check out Freezecakes!
With wedding season looking set to be bigger than ever this summer; couples may have to think outside of the box when it comes to al fresco catering options. With outdoor settings looking to be a popular this summer, then this new tantalising range of Freezecakes – the world's first scoopable frozen cheesecake served in a tub - will be a must-have at summer soirees. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, our mouths are watering just thinking about these heavenly delights so we're sure they'll be a hit with your big-day guests!
Posted: 16 April 2021
We love The Boundary, a Southend venue with a difference
The Boundary is a large marquee venue located at one of Essex's finest cricket grounds. The family-run blank-canvas venue is situated within ten acres of the privately owned Garons Park Trust land in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. As well as the luxurious marquee, couples can host wedding celebrations within the quirky Scoreboard Barn for a rustic feel. Food is at the forefront of the experience here and the venue has its own talented in-house catering team.
Posted: 15 April 2021
COVID hasn’t stopped the party
There are few words that we never thought we'd say so much in the last year: sanitiser, lockdown and masks are three that spring to mind! With traditional stag and hen dos off the agenda, it was time to get the thinking caps on and get creative: Zoom played a huge part, and so did.... face masks! Not the sort we're all now too familiar with, but the fun facemasks that always came out at parties and the only mask we really knew till the pandemic of 2020.
Posted: 14 April 2021
Check out Hylands Estate, one of Chelmsford's most iconic wedding venues
Proudly located within 574 acres of historic parkland in Chelmsford, Hylands Estate offers ancient woodlands, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens to explore. Visitors can enjoy anything from a leisurely stroll in the ornate Victorian Pleasure Gardens to a four-mile hike in the grounds. The jewel in the crown is Hylands House – a beautifully renovated Grade II* listed Neoclassical villa. With its white stucco exterior, portico and ionic pillars, it was considered the height of Georgian elegance.
Posted: 13 April 2021
Five ways a cohabiting agreement can protect your assets
Cohabiting couples who have had to postpone their big day due to the coronavirus pandemic can look to interesting insights from family law experts about how their rights differ as an unmarried couple who are living together, with shared assets and children.With an estimated four out of five weddings postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic*, many couples may be wondering what they can do to protect themselves if marriage is not possible at present.By entering into a marriage, couples with shared assets, homes and children gain automatic rights, which can be considered by a court in the event of a divorce or the unfortunate passing of a partner.Family law experts at JMP Solicitors suggest couples who have had to postpone their wedding, but want to protect shared assets, may consider a cohabiting agreement.A cohabiting agreement, sometimes known as a 'living together' agreement, can cover a number of issues to be considered in the event of a separation such as property, bills, pensions, children and material assets.
Posted: 12 April 2021
Things to think about when gifting wedding money
As lockdown restrictions ease and the countdown to May 17th begins, couples will be eager to get their wedding plans back on track, so they can walk down the aisle to say those all-important words - 'I do'. The pandemic meant scores of couples had to postpone their big day and, for some, it meant cancelling altogether. Many will now be hoping they can get back to planning their celebrations. Although some couples may have been able to squirrel away more savings during lockdown, the cost of weddings, particularly as many may want bigger, more extravagant weddings after being apart from family and friends for so long, can run into the thousands. To help, parents, grandparents and other relatives may choose to gift money. Research from the Family Wealth Unlocked report by Prudential UK, found that one in six (16%) adults have received a financial gift to pay for their wedding. And this number could rise. For those considering or receiving a financial gift, Kirsty Anderson, Financial Planning Expert at Prudential UK shares four things couples should consider:
Posted: 9 April 2021
Win a luxury hen do worth up to £3,950!
After such a tough 2020 with so many weddings and hen parties cancelled, we are all eagerly awaiting this summer for that light at the end of the tunnel.We are delighted to introduce you to Kymani, the tailor-made group glamping company. Kymani offers bespoke luxury getaways in a choice of rural location for brides looking for something that bit different. Each site can be hired out on an exclusive basis so that groups have the entire place to themselves for a really special private getaway – all which will be set up in a completely safe, socially-distanced way.What makes Kymani different from other glamping operators is the ability for groups of up to 40 people to hire the sites out exclusively allowing you and your hens to get away from it all whilst having the whole place to yourselves.
Posted: 9 April 2021
How to get gorgeous spring wedding florals – with The Flower Mill
At An Essex Wedding magazine, we want to help you plan your dream wedding. That's why we put your wed-min questions straight to our local wedding experts so you can get the best advice. Today, Karen Borden of The Flower Mill in Wickford answers your question and gives advice on spring wedding flowers. "We're having a quintessentially English spring wedding. How do we make the most of the season with our flowers?" Read on for the answer...
Posted: 8 April 2021
Something new, something borrowed, something...green!
Sustainable weddings don't mean compromising on style or having to spend more - and here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we couldn't agree more! Often the sustainable choice is the most tasteful and affordable. There are great ways you can reduce waste and reuse materials that not only make your wedding planet-friendly, but also unique and memorable. Here, North London Waste Authority has some top tips for a sustainable wedding which will certainly still be stylish and beautiful...
Posted: 7 April 2021
How to define your wedding style – with Essex-based Love Rocks
At An Essex Wedding magazine, we want to help you plan your dream wedding. That's why we put your wed-min questions straight to our local wedding experts so you can get the best advice. Today, Hollie Kneller of Essex venue stylists Love Rocks answers your question and gives advice on finding your own wedding style. "We're overwhelmed by the amount of wedding styles and themes. How do we narrow down the choices and find something to reflect us?" Read on for the answer...
Posted: 6 April 2021
To help you find inspiration for your big day, take a look at what's caught the eye of our editors.
There are literally hundreds of ideas, products and services from wedding suppliers across the UK along with links to their web sites as pointed out by our ever resourceful team.
Take a look at what our Editors Love!
