An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

DUO OF NEW BRANDS LAUNCH AT BRAINTREE VILLAGE

Essex-based outlet shopping destination, Braintree Village, has announced the arrival of two new brands; family-friendly value retailer, The Works, and luxury menswear brand, Malford of London. The new The Works store is now open and is located opposite Julian Charles. The 2,200 sq ft store showcases an array of arts and crafts products, alongside stationary, adult's and children's toys, and games and puzzle books, all at outlet prices. Guests can also shop trending 'BookTok' titles and sprayed edge releases, plus Halloween and Christmas lines are in store now.

Prezzo Italian launches The One Million Pound Giveaway

This autumn, dining at Prezzo Italian just got a whole lot more delicious - with the chance to win big! Prezzo Italian is launching its biggest ever promotion - The One Million Pound Giveaway. Guests dining all across the UK have the chance to win a share of over one million pounds worth of prizes, just by enjoying a meal. Sounds good!

Chilston 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 Chilston Park, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 26th October 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. There is something about Chilston Park that gives the perfect wedding day a little extra sparkle. Hold your dream wedding ceremony in an elegant period room; this 17th-century manor house has plenty to explore. Surrounded by 77 acres of stunning Kent parkland, Chilston Park is tailor-made for memories.

County Wedding Events coming to Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Rackleys Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 19th October, 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples 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.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

DAZZLING DISPLAYS AT DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA & ESTATE

Get your sparklers ready as Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate celebrates its much-loved annual Fireworks Night on Sunday, 9th November. Set in 110 acres of Essex countryside, this magical evening promises family entertainment, tasty seasonal treats and a spectacular display that lights up the historic estate. Gates open at 6pm with a family-friendly disco, face painting station and plenty of street food favourites from stone-baked pizzas and burgers to toffee apples and mini doughnuts. Steaming cups of hot chocolate, coffee and tea will keep hands warm as all eyes turn to the skies at 7pm for the big display.

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Spotlight on Channels!

Channels Estate is an amazing space to celebrate your day! The Barn is located on the Channels Estate, with Channels Hotel and Restaurant only a stone's throw away. The main entrance to the venue is impressive, and perfect to park that wedding car for amazing photo opportunities. This 17th century Essex Barn is full of character and charm, with open beams. Family owned and run for 50 years, with exceptional food and service, it's simply perfect to celebrate your marriage.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate Achieves AA Red Star Status 2025

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex, has been awarded the prestigious AA Red Star status, receiving four Red Stars, at this year's AA Hospitality Awards, held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London. The Red Star is the AA's highest accolade for hotels, reserved only for the very best establishments across the British Isles, marking Down Hall as one of the UK's leading country house hotels.

Germaine De Cappucini Product Launch

Join Glass House Retreat for an exclusive evening to experience a live demonstration of the spa's newly launched: Wrink-less Facial by Germaine De Capuccini. Enjoy twilight spa access, a glass of bubbles on arrival, grazing dinner table and the opportunity to browse the Christmas gift collections. This is a ticketed event with limited spaces, available on a first come, first served basis - so be sure to book quickly!

County Wedding Events comes to Penshurst Place, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Penshurst Place, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 9th November 2025! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face wedding 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.

PURE INDULGENCE TURNS 20

Located in one of Leigh on Sea's busiest shopping and leisure spots, Pure Indulgence five-star winning salon, opened it doors late summer 2005 and is still welcoming clients 20 years on. Owned by Benfleet-based Tracey Woolley, 53, who also set up and ran a successful salon in David Lloyd club Southend during the 20 years Pure Indulgence in Leigh is still a trusted salon.

Styled shoot: Studio solstice

The creative environment at The S.P.A.C.E, based in Southend-on-sea, was the perfect space to really show off this beautifully bohemian, elegant, styled shoot. Captured by Julie Clarke Photography, we loved the juxtaposition of the bride's boho styling against the starkness of the studio setting. Dark chocolatey brown loose waves, textured updos and perfectly dewy skin perfectly complemented the bride's natural beauty.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Pumpkin Patch Staycation at Down Hall

Get into the Autumn spirit with a 'Pumpkin Patch Staycation' at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate (AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England), just in time for October half term (27th – 31st October). The award-winning countryside hotel is inviting families for a seasonal escape with an overnight stay, breakfast and a host of autumnal activities for all ages to enjoy.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal