All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Essex, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Wedding favours that make a difference
Parkinson's UK has launched a new collection of wedding and celebration favours and place cards, meaning couples can rest assured with their ethical wedding choices. From old favourites to stunning new designs, there's something for everyone, and even better, with every purchase they're helping someone living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Posted: 10 April 2023
How to announce your wedding and involve your WIPs (Wedding Important People)
There are various levels of Wedding Important People (WIPs), which Rachel from The Wedding Party (TWP) says should govern how you tell them. "Significant WIPs, such as parents or guardians, should be face-to-face wherever possible. Getting families together to announce can kill two birds with one stone, but if your families have not met yet this can produce more nerves. If there are likely to be any reservations, then perhaps speak to your WIPs separately to allow for this. In the same breath, if parents are separated (yours or your partners), arrange to visit them separately but on the same day if possible. Finally, remember that using the video software available to you can ensure that you do this face-to-face no matter the circumstances.
Posted: 7 April 2023
Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate wins Large Hotel of the Year
Essex Based property, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, has won 'Large Hotel of the Year' at this year's East of England Tourism Awards, which champions the very best tourism and hospitality businesses in the region, recognising quality, innovation, and best practice. Held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday 16th March, the awards highlight the incredible work being done in the East of England, and celebrate the people, places, and partnerships that enable the tourism sector to grow and thrive.
Posted: 6 April 2023
How to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding
Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, provides her top tips on how to manage financial anxiety when planning a wedding: "Understanding and managing your finances is never an easy task at the best of the times, however, throwing in a big goal, such as saving for a wedding, can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Wedding planning should be fun, not daunting, therefore this Stress Awareness Month, I've pulled together my top tips to help reduce financial anxiety and make the process as enjoyable as possible.
Posted: 5 April 2023
The 5 most booked spas in Essex
Lifehouse Spa and Hotel has been revealed as Essex's most booked spa. The findings have been revealed by Europe's leading spa experience and booking agency Spabreaks.com which totalled 39.6% of all bookings made in Essex this year. The second most booked spa was Stoke by Nayland Hotel with 21.3% of the bookings. Closely behind in third and fourth place was Five Lakes Resort and Bannatyne Kingsford Park. And with 5.5% of the bookings made in Essex last year was Bannatyne Chafford Hundred.
Posted: 4 April 2023
Markshall Estate cancels weddings from October onwards
Beautiful wedding venue, Markshall Estate, near Coggeshall, will no longer hold weddings from October 1st, according to an official announcement made on Tuesday morning. The statement on the Markshall Estate Facebook page reads, "We are very sorry that Markshall has had to make the difficult decision to cease holding weddings from 1st October 2023. As a charity we have to respond to the cultural and economic changes that are happening around us and operate in a way that ensures our long-term future. We understand that this will be very disappointing and upsetting for those affected. We will provide help and support in their search for finding an alternative location or other solution in any way we can. Markshall Visitor Centre, Orchard Kitchen and the Arboretum will remain open. We have recently announced the opening of a new adventure play area and school holiday events called Percy's Adventures which delivers educational activities and content in an innovative, entertaining way."
Posted: 3 April 2023
County Wedding Events coming to Houchins in Coggeshall!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at to Houchins, in Coggeshall, Essex, for inspiration on Saturday 1st April 2023! A must-visit for couples, the event brings you 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.
Posted: 31 March 2023
The number one cause of wedding planning stress and how to reduce it!
What causes stress in wedding planning is something that is individual to each couple, but where does it mainly come from? Friends? Family? Finances? "A staggering 92% of our couples planning a wedding are feeling the pressure financially and it is causing overwhelm", says Rachel Allen, the CEO of The Wedding Party (TWP)." This was the reason that Rachel formulated The Overwhelm Button® to help couples to get good support. Rachel continues, "Being stressed over finances can take several different forms, the main three being as follows...
Posted: 31 March 2023
Sustainable wedding table ideas from LIGA
Known for their love of nature's wonder material - cork, LIGA's sustainable tableware collections are a stylish and unique wedding dining-setting choice. With their extensive collection of placemats, coasters, trays and candle holders, all made from eco-frendly and recycled materials, LIGA create clean and contemporary pieces, bringing a naturally beautiful element to the tablescape. Each with a unique grain and pattern, the organic cork selected by LIGA is lightweight and soft to touch, a wonderful raw material which is naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Sourced from the Montado Forests in Portugal, LIGA's cork is hand harvested using age-old skills without damaging the trees or the delicate eco-systems which thrive in the forests. Once cork has been made into a LIGA product it continues to absorb CO2, so a living and breathing piece of homeware.
Posted: 29 March 2023
Executive Chef Robert Pearce from Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex mentored 13-year-old student, Alisha Baines, to this year's final of Springboard's Future Chef, where she won Best Presented Dish. The finals were held on 13th March at Westminster Kingsway College in London and saw 12 young chefs aged between 12 to 16 battle it out for the top spot.
Posted: 28 March 2023
Team Hen's new Jelly Bag has landed
Meet the jelly bag that every bride tribe wants their hen party favours to arrive in 2023. Landing in three gram-worthy hues (off-white for the bride, dusky pink for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honour and pink for the hens). These reusable beauties are perfect for filling with Team Hen's latest array of coveted hen party favours and gifts whilst flaunting a cool, retro vibe. Plus, each comes tied with a matching ribbon, professionally printed in a luxe puffed design to create a slightly raised font effect. Not only are they the gift that keeps on giving (post-hen recipients can use them from beach to bar) but at £3.99 they're a steal!
Posted: 27 March 2023
County Wedding Events coming to Haycock Manor in Wansford, Cambridgeshire!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Haycock Manor, in Wansford, Cambridgeshire, for inspiration on Saturday 26th March 2023! 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.
Posted: 24 March 2023
Get your caffeine fix with Beanies
Pop along to any County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at and you'll discover a delicious Beanies sachet in your goody bag. "At Beanies we think life is all about flavour. So we've made a flavour coffee to suit every moment. Because sometimes it's a super Sticky Toffee kinda day. And others it's a cheeky Cherry Chocolate kinda day. You name it, we've got the full-on, all-out flavour to go with it. Every one is full to the brim with the biggest, boldest, most delicious-est tastes you can imagine. And they're sugar free and low in calories too, so it's guilt-free indulgence all the way. Whatever the occasion, we've got the flavour to match. From the moment the jar is popped open and releases the aroma, to the very last sip, we make sure that the experience is full-on and ultimately satisfying."
Posted: 23 March 2023
Hada Labo Tokyo's new suncare collection
Hada Labo Tokyo, the cult beauty brand from Japan, has launched two suncare products which combine the very latest skin science and innovations from the East with strength European sunscreen standards and regulation. And both are available right here in Essex! High street store, Superdrug, is stocking the new Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen: Face Cream SPF 50 and sun lotion.
Posted: 23 March 2023
New equipment for Herts entertainment company
Herts-based, award-winning Sight 'N' Sound has had a complete overhaul of equipment, with virtually everything new since COVID. Couples can see the company's new range at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on April 16th 2023. For its 2023 new look, which will feature as much as possible at the Mercedes-Benz World show, there are new white speakers, white moving heads and white cosmos spheres. As well as white podiums and DJ booths back lit with synchronised LED fittings. Sight 'n' Sound has also invested in a new top-of-the-range media player and computer controlled lighting desk
Posted: 23 March 2023
County Wedding Events coming to the Compleat Angler, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Compleat Angler, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, for inspiration on Sunday 2nd April 2023! 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.
Posted: 21 March 2023
Inspired by an amazing little boy, Isaac, who has spent some time between Broomfield Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), The Bearded Photographers who have met Isaac at multiple weddings, have decided to do their bit to help out and are making a five per cent donation of every new wedding booking to Great Ormond Street Hospital until the end of 2023! Further to this, they are also making a 20 per cent donation from every print that you purchase through your wedding link! In March they passed over a cheque to GOSH of £3200. That's a great achievement.
Posted: 21 March 2023
Venue inspiration at Mercedes-Benz World
Historic Brooklands Museum, a wedding venue unlike any other. Whether you are looking for a small intimate wedding or an extravagant celebration Brooklands Museum caters for it all, including licensed ceremonies on Concorde. Pop along to our stand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 16th April where our friendly team can talk you through all the amazing experiences you can have for your special day. First opening in 1907, Brooklands has been through two World Wars, the Jet Age and beyond. It's a place of great endeavour and ground-breaking achievements, spawning many great pioneers, drivers, aviators and engineers. Couples can take advantage of the many photo opportunities, such as under the wings of the Concorde, with the wedding car on the oldest remaining British motor racing track or next to remarkable motor racing vehicles.
Posted: 21 March 2023
County Wedding Events comes to Selden Barns, Worthing, Sussex
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Selden Barns, Worthing, Sussex for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 16th April, 2023! 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.
Posted: 21 March 2023
Involving your family pet on the big day? Check out this personalised offering
Involving your four-legged friend on your wedding day? Are they taking a staring role walking down the aisle? If so, then you have to take a look at these smart and stylish personalised leather dog ring bearer pouches (£24) from Create Gift Love. Create Gift Love design and make personalised keepsake gifts and accessories to celebrate all of life's special moments, all handmade to order in its UK workshop from sustainable natural materials.
Posted: 17 March 2023
Say cheese with Browning Bros.
Browning Bros. has introduced its brand-new selfie pod for weddings and events! As an additional hire, this top-of-the-range, British-made selfie pod can take GIFs, photos, Boomerangs and burst GIFs. Once set up, simply gather your friends, family or significant other, and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime! The images can then be sent directly to each user via text or email and the client will receive full digital gallery following the event.
Posted: 16 March 2023
The most popular 2023 trends according to Pinterest
To provide insight on the most popular wedding trends for spring 2023, the experts at Aura Print compiled a list of 25 popular trends after scouring Pinterest to discover the number of Pins for each. And here are the top 15 most popular spring 2023 wedding trends to be insipired by...First place for the most popular wedding trend for spring 2023 goes to the floral-themed trend. This trend had 22,148 Pins on the image sharing platform. It can include things like floral arches, flower-themed cakes or flower crowns. With a total of 11,765 Pins, the blue-themed wedding trend places second in the study. The trend also appeared on 116 Pinterest boards from 2022 onwards, cementing its popularity for the upcoming season. What is more, there's been a great interest in navy blue wedding invites, which had a whopping 16,725 Pins.
Posted: 15 March 2023
Thousands of excited royalists lined the streets of Colchester to welcome His Majesty King Charles and the Queen Consort who visited the city on March 7th. Mili Mili, the style conscious bridal boutique was keen to be part of the action, especially when they learned that his well-known, black Rolls Royce would be passing the shop front on Sir Isaac's Walk.
Posted: 14 March 2023
Fancy a big-day cocktail bar? Check out Whitebox Cocktails
Whitebox Cocktails, the ready-to-serve cocktail specialists, have everything you need to create the ultimate in wedding cocktail offering. From classic cocktails like the Pocket Negroni and Squeezy's Margarita, to unique and refreshing long drinks like Hippy Fizz and Disco Baby, take the hassle out of the perfect pour on your big day with a wide range of ready-to-serve cocktails to suit every taste. Expertly mixed by the award-winning team of bartenders, Whitebox Cocktails' convenient single-serve cans mean there's no need to limit your cocktail menu, as there's no mixing, no mess and no long wait at the bar. For casual weddings, cocktails can be served in ice buckets for guests to help themselves and enjoy straight from the can. Alternately, for a more elevated occasion, simply chill and serve the cocktail in a glass with ice and a garnish of choice.
Posted: 13 March 2023
The best UK cities for a hen do
With Google search volume data revealing a 402% search increase for 'hen party ideas' since December and 2023 wedding season in touching distance, organising a pre-wedding celebration is already on the bridal party to-do list. Getting all of your nearest and dearest pals together for a hen party can be challenging - whether it's catering to availability, budget, activity preferences or dietary requirements. Hen party decoration supplier, Ginger Ray, has done a little digging to find the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding celebrations.
Posted: 10 March 2023
We have a great line up of experts to give you first hand advice and discussions about bridal fashion, hair, makeup, to name but a few!
Take a look at our Celebrity Interviews!