An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Summer 2026 availability at Hedingham Castle

Celebrate your wedding in style at the magnificent Hedingham Castle this summer. This exceptional all-inclusive package offers exclusive use of the castle, beautiful grounds and elegant ballroom marquee, complete with fine dining, drinks, evening entertainment and dedicated coordination - all designed to create a seamless and magical day. With prime summer dates available and savings of over £3,000, this is a rare opportunity to host a truly spectacular celebration in one of England's most breathtaking and romantic settings.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

County Wedding Events coming Kimberley Hall, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kimberley Hall, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face 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. Built in 1712 during the reign of Queen Anne, Kimberley sits at the centre of a 700 acre park laid out in 1778. The house boasts spectacular views past grazing cattle and Norfolk's greatest concentration of ancient oaks, to a large lake at the bottom of the River Tiffey valley. Centrally located in Norfolk, 9 miles west of Norwich and close to arterial road, rail and air links (plus a private airstrip), Kimberley is ideally positioned.

Braxted Park Estate 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 Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th February, 2026! The 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.

Bradbourne House 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 Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 22nd February, 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.

Crondon Park 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 Crondon Park, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 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. Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK.

Down Hall Launches New Reformer Pilates Retreat for 2026

Bringing a renewed focus to movement for 2026, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate has unveiled a brand new Reformer Pilates Retreat, created in exclusive partnership with neighbouring studio Rural Health & Fitness. Set in the heart of the Essex countryside, the experience combines a personalised Reformer class with an overnight stay, breakfast as well as a guided morning yoga session.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

easyJet launches new route from London Southend to Ibiza for summer 2026

easyJet, London Southend's largest airline, has today announced the launch of a new route for summer 2026 to Ibiza, with seats and holiday packages now on sale. The inaugural flight will take off for the first time on 29th April 2026, with twice-weekly departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The latest in a long line of recent new routes from the airport mean customers now have the opportunity to explore cultural sites such as historic Dalt Vila, relax along the island's stunning coastline, or enjoy Ibiza's renowned culinary scene and famous nightlife. Whether exploring Ibiza's lively Capital San Antonio or meandering along the pebbled streets of its old town or basking in Ibiza's crystal-clear waters, this Spanish Island favourite has something for everyone.

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

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.

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.

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.

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.