An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Witham celebrant is recognised as one of the UK’s top wedding professionals

A Witham woman has been recognised as one of the country's top wedding professionals, according to wedding planning platform Hitched.co.uk . Catherine Forsyth, known as The Sparkling Celebrant, has been named as one of the winners of the 5th annual Hitched Wedding Awards. The awards celebrate excellence across the UK wedding industry, with winners chosen solely based on genuine reviews from recently married couples. More than 45,000 verified reviews collected in 2025 were analysed across over 31,000 professionals listed on Hitched, making this accolade one of the most comprehensive and transparent recognition programmes in the UK wedding sector.

Kids stay free this half term at Down Hall

For a February half term break that keeps everyone happy, the multi award-winning property, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, invites families to escape to the countryside where luxury meets playful adventure. From 14th to 22nd February, children under 12 stay completely free with an exciting first for the estate; pampering for all the family with dedicated spa treatments just for kids.

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Calling all men out there who need to get their side of things sorted – the outfit.

Whether you're the groom, best man or father of the bride, dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial minefield - you want to feel your best on the Big Day. Don't stress, Charles Tyrwhitt have your back – they've got every dress code covered, from the finest morning suits to luxe tailoring in all kinds of fabrics, designs and fits. They'll be exhibiting at the Bluewater Wedding Fair on Sunday, 1st March. Don't miss out on the opportunity to check out their smart menswear and get expert advice on what to wear for your wedding occasion, no matter your role on the day. Size and fit can differ vastly depending on suit fabric and style, so you'll be able to ensure the dream fit by booking an appointment at the Bluewater store. You'll get one-on-one fitting and styling advice from the Tyrwhitt experts, so you'll nail that wedding look – effortlessly.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Weddings - Magazines and Events to host its Signature Wedding Shows at the site from January 2026. Based in Essex, renowned local wedding show organisers County Wedding Events host wedding shows across the Home Counties; the company's largest events, its Signature Wedding Shows, are at iconic locations Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent – sister shopping centre to Braintree Village in Essex.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Beat the Blues with Prezzo Italian Braintree

Monday 19th January marks 2026's Blue Monday. The day that is apparently the most depressing day of the year. In a bid to cheer up the nation, Prezzo Italian - the home of Italian classics - has come up with the ultimate blues banisher! Diners can enjoy a selection of pasta and pizza dishes for just 99p for one day only on Monday 19th January. Prezzo's Blue Monday Menu will be available across the UK (dine-in only) to bring the joy of Italian dining to customers at purse-friendly prices.

Find your creative hen do at Blueprint Woodcraft, Canvey Island

Looking for a unique and memorable hen or stag activity that doesn't involve a sore head the next day? We've found just the thing. Blueprint Woodcraft, a family-run studio on Canvey Island, Essex, specialises in crafting beautiful bespoke wood and resin pieces – and they also host hands-on workshops where you can learn the art for yourself. Our deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, joined one of their popular resin woodwork classes to create her own stunning serving board, and it's safe to say she was hooked from the start. Ideal for creative brides, grooms or anyone wanting a fun group experience, this workshop offers the perfect blend of craftsmanship, relaxation and unforgettable memories.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Crown Banqueting Suite expands offering with fully customised menu planning

Ilford venue Crown Banqueting Suite has introduced fully customised menu planning through its newly launched in-house brand, Prestige Catering, giving clients greater freedom than ever to shape their event dining experience around their guests' needs. Rather than choosing from fixed or pre-set menus, clients can now work closely with the catering team to design bespoke packages that reflect cultural traditions, personal preferences, and dietary requirements. Options include vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-friendly menus - all prepared to the highest standards of care and attention.

Ongar’s Tanishq Named Restaurant of the Year 2025

Essex is celebrating a national culinary achievement as Tanishq Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary Indian dining destination in Ongar, has been crowned Restaurant of the Year 2025 at the Asian Food & Restaurant Awards (AFRA), held at The Dilly Hotel in Piccadilly, London. Competing against leading restaurants from across the UK, Tanishq's win highlights the county's growing reputation for high-quality dining.

Micklefield Hall Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

ESCAPE TO DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA & ESTATE THIS VALENTINE’S

Let love blossom with the new Romance Package at the stunning Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex. Set within 110 acres of sweeping countryside, this indulgent escape is designed to make hearts flutter, pairing elegant surroundings with thoughtful touches for a memorable Valentine's. Available from the 8th – 15th February and priced from £345 per couple, check in for a luxurious overnight stay and three-course dinner for two. Let Down Hall take care of all the little details with rose petals scattered across the bed, acomplimentary bottle of chilled English sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries awaiting in-room.

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

Lucy Can't Dance Launches 'Atomic Bloom'

Celebrated non-traditional bridal house, Lucy Can't Dance, marks its 10-year anniversary with the launch of its most vibrant and diverse collection to date, 'Atomic Bloom'. The new line is a joyful celebration of colour, comfort, and unique personality, confirming the brand's position as a leader in alternative bridalwear. To mark the significant 10-year milestone, founder lucy drew inspiration from the brand's past hits, resulting in a collection that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.