An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

South Of England wins battle of the spas reveals Spabreaks.com

Spabreaks.com 2022 booking data has revealed that spas in the South totalled 57.4% of all bookings made in 2022, winning the battle of the spas against the north of England. The UK spa industry has a lot to offer, whether you're looking to escape to the countryside or fancy break in the city. Whether it's in the north or south, there's a place in the UK that will accommodate whatever spa break you're looking for.

Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up and even run into the tens of thousands. And with the current cost of living, couples will also be navigating rising costs. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Hullabaloo's wedding showcase

Ever wondered what your big day could look like as an outdoor wedding? On Sunday 4th June, Hullabaloo Events will be joined by a host of fabulous suppliers and partners to showcase some of the best outdoor wedding solutions available to you. So if you love tipi weddings but aren't quite sure just where to start, then please save the date!

Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May

Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.

Summer festival season!

Al Festo music and beer festival will be held at The Sun Inn, Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border on 15th to 17th July - just a few weeks away! The annual festival is set to be a special one this year as it marks 20 years of The Sun Inn, under its current ownership by Piers Baker. Expect music, drinks and food aplenty!

Maileg Wedding Mice back at Bluebell's Burrow

Award-winning, family-run toy business, Bluebell's Burrow, is one of the UK's leading stockists of Maileg toys. These super-stylish, picture-perfect collectable toys are loved by both children and adults. With the wedding season fast-approaching, Maileg Wedding Mice Set (priced at £64) comes in a pretty presentation box, which opens up to reveal the bride and groom on their wedding day. Their clothes and accessories are removable, providing dress-up opportunities and imaginative play for children.

Bizarre wedding traditions: The Eurovision edition

Wedding traditions are dramatically different around the world. From the type of cake served to the attire of the bride, you'll be amazed at what happens on wedding days around the continent. To celebrate Eurovision 2023 taking place in the vibrant city of Liverpool, engagement and wedding ring experts at Steven Stone have rounded up some of the most bizarre traditions from participating countries – including the Big 5.

The do's and don'ts of having pets at weddings

Are you considering including your dog in your wedding festivities? While it can be a lovely way to honour your furry best friend, there are some important considerations to remember to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, shares the do's and don'ts of including your dog in your wedding, from making sure your dog is properly trained and socialised to creating a comfortable and safe space for them during the event. These tips will help ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout the celebration...

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate Awarded 2 AA Rosettes

Essex based property, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is pleased to have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its fine dining restaurant, Garden Room. Restaurants who are awarded 2 AA Rosettes aim for and achieve higher standards and better consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there is obvious attention to the selection of quality ingredients. What an achievement!

Introducing Story Locker’s wedding podcast

With the ever growing popularity of podcasting, welcome to the next big thing which makes podcasting accessible. Story Locker, a one of a kind in the UK podcast recording service that lets participants create a personal podcast based on their life story or to celebrate other special moments in life. The couple can choose to either record their podcast before their wedding day and recall the journey of their love story – from when they first met & the engagement (how it all happened!) to setting the date, the planning and build up to the big day or record their podcast after their wedding day to include memories of the big day too!

TGI Friday - every day of the week

Fancy sitting down to some tasty and filling food; be it for a romantic pre- wedding date or for gathering your nearest and dearest for your hen or stag? An Essex Wedding paid a visit to TGI Fridays in Braintree to sample some of their 12 brand new dishes now available across the UK ... Claire Muffett-Reece gives us the lowdown!

Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations

Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

The Sun Inn, Dedham 20th anniversary

The Sun Inn in the beautiful village of Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border has been the destination pub, restaurant and place to stay since 2003 and a stop off for travellers and locals since before artist John Constable immortalised the village and surrounding countryside in the 18th and 19th Century. This July, the inn celebrates its 20th anniversary under the ownership and management of Baker Hospitality which also owns Church Street Tavern in Colchester and The White Hart Inn which opened on Mersea Island last June.

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

Get the Sofia Richie look!

Sofia Richie's wedding look is everywhere right now, but if like us you can't afford one let alone three Chanel wedding dresses, the below products from the got2b Glued range will help you achieve her beautiful slicked back bun in just four simple steps. And what's best, the ranges are available on your local high street - Boots, Superdrug and Wilko to name a few!

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

PoB Hotels’ Breaks with Four-Legged Friends

From muddy dog walks through the countryside to blustering beach runs, who doesn't love exploring the great outdoors with their dog in tow? Guests of PoB Hotels can choose from a selection of fantastic stays for four-legged friends, from beautiful beachside retreats to city breaks in the hustle and bustle. What's best, PoB Hotels has named Talbooth House & Spa as 'Best for a pampered pooch'!

Free cocktail with bookings at Braintree bar

Number 92 is an ambient bar in Braintree town centre, which has a total seating capacity of 50 people. It was launched in September 2020 and offers seated table service. It has established itself as a premium venue in the district. Number 92 is available to rent in its entirety (40-person maximum capacity) or alternatively you can reserve the basement (16-person maximum capacity) for your sole use – what a great location for a hen do!

The venue is offering An Essex Wedding magazine readers a free grape cocktail on arrival for hen parties of over 10 participants.