An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Treat your skin this winter

As the temperature drops, our skin becomes more vulnerable and our shower habits often make it worse. From too-hot water to over-exfoliating and skipping post-shower hydration, winter self-care can unintentionally strip and stress the skin. Here we list some of the main problems and provide solutions with products you can easily pick up on the high street to soothe your skin over winter.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Cabros Tapas Bar coming to Coggeshall!

Cabros, an exciting, new tapas style restaurant is coming to 1 Market Hill, Coggeshall. Focused on bringing a fun, warming environment to the local area, expect delicious dishes in a stylish setting. Cabros believes in sourcing the best local & British produce. Combining different flavours & techniques whilst still keeping a traditional tapas feel. Cabros is set to open its doors this November - we can't wait!

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA & ESTATE

AA Hotel of the Year, England, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is embracing Halloween with a frightfully fun line-up for all ages, from a weekend of open-air film screenings in the 110-acre grounds to a devilishly good afternoon tea. Wrap-up under the stars as the hotel's open-air cinema, complete with comfy seats, blankets and hot water bottles returns for a spine-chilling weekend of Halloween-themed movies. Choices include Casper (PG), Jaws (12+), Beetlejuice (12+) and Scary Movie (18+).

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

Explore Astrid & Miyu’s 2025 Festive Suite

It really is that time again. This year we're helping you ace the gifting game. Celebrate the festive
season with Astrid & Miyu's 2025 Festive Suite - set to be top of everyone's wish list. Ace the gifting game this year with luxury advent calendars, festive crackers, and gift sets; there's something for every jewellery lover. As a lover of huggie hoops, I'm obsessed!

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.