All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Essex, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Chelmsford's new Sleep.8 store opening
Setting up your marital home? Check out the new Sleep.8 design-led store at Chelmsford's Chelmer Village retail park! Following the success of its recently opened Bluewater, Lakeside, Chelsea and King's Road locations, Sleep.8 continues to bring consumers face-to-face with sleep solutions. The new store features a design lab that allows customers to tailor the bed of their dreams with a wide variety of fabrics, textures and colours.
Posted: 20 December 2022
Christmas winter wedding music
Getting married at Christmas doesn't mean that you have to plan a Christmas-themed wedding. Here, roaming band The Travelling Hands, suggest songs that would work well for a Christmas winter wedding and the songs to avoid! When it comes to music, the same rule applies. Just because you want to get married at Christmas it doesn't mean that your musical playlist has to be full of Wizzard & Cliff Richard if you don't want it to be there. When our acoustic roaming band The Travelling Hands perform at winter weddings we see a wide variety of decisions when it comes to Christmas songs. Some want to embrace the Christmas classics - adding these into their day. Others like a few placed in here and there, whilst some want to just stick to their favourite songs without any Christmas numbers added in at all.
Posted: 16 December 2022
Rayleigh florist's new packages
Deciding on wedding flowers is never easy, with price and season to consider. That's why Courts of Rayleigh Florist's Gillian Fautley now offers set packages for 2023. "We find the perfect combination to match the style, theme and seasonal selection to suit your day perfectly," says Gill. "For just £1,000 our Willow Package includes a teardrop or luxury handtied bouquet, special buttonhole and five additional buttonholes, four smaller bouquets, two corsages, altar/top table arrangement, six tall hired stand designs, eight pre ends and a pedestal for your ceremony and entrance to your wedding breakfast.
Posted: 15 December 2022
Outdated wedding laws need to change
In an article earlier this year there was discussion and praise aimed towards the Government's plans to allow outdoor weddings to be made permanent. The article also highlighted the eagerly awaited Law Commission report into marriage laws, which was due to be published in July. Now it has been published and we have had some time for the dust to settle, Kate Van Rol, Barrister at 4PB has looked into these recommendations, "Are wedding laws at present 'confusing, outdated and restrictive' as the Commission suggest, or would the implementation of their suggestions trivialise weddings and commercialise the ceremony?". Kate continues...
Posted: 14 December 2022
Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection
The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away. So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays. 1.Start a countdown to Christmas - who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.
Posted: 9 December 2022
Pantone’s Colour of The Year - we love it!
Pantone's Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect for wedding colour palettes whatever time of year. Claiming, 'It's a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,' how very appropriate for weddings!
Posted: 2 December 2022
New Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection
Just in time after the influx of festive proposals, Paper Crane Unique has announced the release of its Wedding Planner Journal & Keepsake collection launching January 2023. A bride- or groom-to-be's perfect planning companion; organise your wedding plans, write about your personal story and keep your photo memories safe altogether in one place that you can keep forever. The planners are 200 pages of wedding planning tools, inspiration boards, notes and journal sheets featuring a beautiful eucalyptus design inside, cloth cover and gold gilded edges. Priced at £32.95, the collection has a choice of four colours: classic ivory, blush pink, luxe gold and dusty blue.
Posted: 1 December 2022
South Woodford’s Grand Trunk Road launches new menu
Now, following London's elongated summer period, Suri and his Head Chef, the reputed Iqbal Ahamad, are launching two festive menus rich with warming flavour, expertly prepared and perfect for enjoying across the darker evenings for a pre- or post-wedding get together. Their Dawat Menu is a three-course delight boasting Spicy & crisp Tilapia Fillet with Carom Seed, Gram Flour and Chilli and Lamb Leg cooked with Creamed Spinach, Whole Spices, Onions and tinged with Fresh Ginger. The Shahi Dawat Menu is designed exclusively to blow minds; a six-course feast including Supreme of Chicken marinated in Cream Cheese, Garlic, Black Pepper and Cardamon, Fish with Tiger Prawns & Scallop in a mild Coconut Sauce with Curry Leaves and a beautiful Chocolate Indulgence with ice cream.
Posted: 30 November 2022
TAG Heuer now at Lakeside, Essex
The Watches of Switzerland Group, the UK's leading luxury watch specialist, is delighted to announce a new TAG Heuer boutique has opened in Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock. The impressive contemporary open-plan boutique has an interior which reflects TAG Heuer's motoring heritage with tones of grey and sleek and dashes of TAG Heuer's iconic red. Commenting on the boutique opening, Rob Diver, Managing Director of TAG Heuer Europe, said "We are excited to continue our journey with long standing partner the Watches of Switzerland Group with the re-location to a bigger space the TAG Heuer Boutique in Lakeside Shopping Centre. The team will welcome existing as well as new customers into the new concept boutique and offer the full TAG Heuer experience, sharing their expertise in the search of the perfect timepiece."
Posted: 29 November 2022
Brand new to the wedding scene, April & Bloom have a vision to redefine wedding gifting, by providing a range of elegant gifts for engagements, the bride-to-be, bridal party proposals and for 'the morning of'. The luxe gifting brand promises on-trend products and 'insta-worthy' moments, through its carefully curated range of signature floral gift boxes, wedding planners & notebooks, bespoke gift box service and wedding favours. Filled with stylish products from a range of desirable brands – including Whispering Angel, Pale Fox, Charbonnel et Walker, Chalke Valley and more – April & Bloom's signature keepsake gift boxes are unlike anything on the market, and come adorned with preserved posies, all wrapped up with luxurious ribbons and bows for those precious "wow" wedding moments. There are 13 signature keepsake gift boxes available from the April & Bloom website (aprilandbloom.uk), in blush, cream and neutral colour schemes.
Posted: 28 November 2022
Down Hall's autumnal al fresco offering
Essex country house hotel, spa and estate, Down Hall, has partnered with leading British gin, Berkshire Botanical, to transform the al fresco terrace into an enchanting autumnal escape with a brand new "G & Tea" experience. Proudly positioned outside the pillar fronted hotel with views across the manicured gardens, the terrace draws inspiration from the 110-acres of grounds that surround the hotel with autumnal blooms – think burnt oranges, yellows and reds – adorning the space, alongside a giant swing chair, floral feature wall and hand-painted mural. Those who may feel a chill in the air need not worry, as each table will be kitted out with heaters, blankets and cushions to keep the cold away on those balmier days.
Posted: 23 November 2022
Winter weddings: how to create the perfect tablescape
Creating the perfect tablescape to bring that wow factor is an important part of your wedding. But how does winter change things? Here, Suzanne Pearce from the interior experts Casa Bella offers some tips. Planning the aesthetic and decoration for your wedding is an exciting task, but it can be tricky to know how to adapt to the seasons when you are having a winter wedding, as so many classic wedding tablescapes are inspired by floral summer designs. But there's still plenty that you can do to incorporate the seasons and make your wedding table look as beautiful and atmospheric as you like. The added drama of seasonal foliage and scenery can add a whole new level to your winter wedding, and can make for some truly memorable photos. Here, we'll show you how you can create a beautiful winter wedding tablescape that's personal to you and your partner.
Posted: 22 November 2022
Stylish advice for grooms, fathers-of-the-bride and ushers
Choosing your wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to styling your big day. In order to achieve a coordinated look, it's important to think about what the men who make up the wedding party will be wearing. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding you're planning, the location and of course the time of year. Here Cliff Bashforth, MD of Colour Me Beautiful shares with us his advice on how to ensure that they not only look the part but feel comfortable too. Do not overlook the men who will be at your wedding. What they choose, or you tell them, to wear must complement what you are wearing and be consistent with the rest of the bridal party. A little guidance on colour and fit will ensure that they, too, look the part and feel comfortable.
Posted: 18 November 2022
How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?
We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren't your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.
Posted: 9 November 2022
Mmm cake! What your cake-cutting etiquette says about you
It's fair to say that cake is a universal dessert - from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries there's no better way to celebrate an important occasion than with cake. The best part about this yummy dessert is that it can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's after lunch or dinner, or if you're feeling adventurous - maybe even for breakfast! Everyone has their favourite flavours, their go-to for any celebration and this is why this wonderful delicacy has become customary for all kinds of events. Quite simply because it tastes great and is guaranteed to hit the spot! Cake is truly the best dessert, but did you know the way you cut your cake can actually say a lot about your personality traits? The cake connoisseurs at Sponge.co.uk have revealed what your cake-cutting etiquette says about you. From the traditional slice, to using props in a weird and wonderful way – this list will be sure to keep you thinking for when you next cut into your next spongey treat.
Posted: 7 November 2022
Happy feet: 5 expert tips to care for your feet at a wedding
Whether you're a wedding guest or it's your own big day, sore feet and rubbing heels can get in the way of you having the time of your life on the dancefloor. With these five top tips from Rachel Clinkard — of family-run shoe company Charles Clinkard — you can give your feet some more TLC during wedding season. Weddings are some of the most memorable days of our lives, so it's important that we enjoy these special occasions without the distraction of sore feet or painful shoes. However, from dancing the night away to that all-important walk down the aisle, we tend to be on our feet all day. To help you stay comfortable and celebrate into the small hours, here are five of my top tips for looking after your feet at weddings.
Posted: 4 November 2022
How to style your bridesmaids…
When it comes to planning your wedding the team at Colour Me Beautiful knows only too well that dressing your bridesmaids for your big day can be beset with difficulties. Here Cliff Bashforth sets out his advice on how to avoid the pit falls. It is an honour to be a bridesmaid, and often those you have asked will be as excited as you are. Shopping for bridesmaids' outfits can be a fun experience for you all, although you will need a clear idea of what you want them to look like because they will frame you in your wedding photographs. Happy bridesmaids make good photographs, so ensuring they are comfortable in what they are wearing will guarantee everyone is radiant on the day.
Posted: 2 November 2022
Why An Essex Wedding readers should pay a visit to Ri Ri's
Ria Carroll, owner of the Billericay boutique, on why An Essex Wedding readers should pay her a visit..."We are in our ninth year of business and stock a huge range of bridal gowns from designers Evie Young, Madison James by Allure, Phoenix, Danielle Couture and Mary's Bridal. Our bookings are exclusive one-to-one appointments, so the whole bridal floor is for you and your bridal party alone – with no other shoppers to distract you! We have a huge variety of dresses in sizes ranging from 8 to 24, with our prices in the region of £850 to £2,500. My team is personal and genuinely passionate about giving you a magical experience. I'm also a resident bridal expert on E4's One Stop Wedding Shop, where I help brides-to-be see their wildest wedding dreams come true! You're most definitely in the safest of hands when shopping with us."
Posted: 1 November 2022
County Wedding Events comes to Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa in Kent
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa in Kent for inspiration on 6th November, 2022. A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer; 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: 31 October 2022
This is your dream wedding according to your star sign
It's not always easy to decide on your wedding theme, and searches for 'wedding ideas' have seen a +23% increase in the past twelve months. To offer some inspiration, thortful.com have collated the best dream wedding ideas for each star sign! Perhaps you're a Taurus, and would love to be married in a mansion, or a Leo dreaming of a castle wedding? astrologer, Inbaal Hongiman, to reveal the dream wedding for each star sign in order to provide some inspiration for those planning their big day.
From Leos' wanting to get married in an opulent castle to Sagittarius' eloping on a beach, here are the weddings each star sign dreams of having
Posted: 28 October 2022
Go wild in Brentwood with new hen and stag offering
Looking for something different to do for your hen or stag? Try the new interactive gaming course at King George's Playing Fields in Brentwood. TAGactive is a game for all ages and takes place in an obstacle course arena split into zones, each of which contain a large number of illuminated TAGs. Players collect points by 'tagging' these with a sensor on their wristband, the points value of each TAG being determined by the degree of difficulty in reaching it. A player's score then appears on an electronic scoreboard to add an extra dimension of competition with rivals, as well as trying to post the best score of the day – or even of all time.
Posted: 27 October 2022
Classy alternative from Basildon supplier
Want a festival-style wedding – but without those dreaded festival-style portaloos? Basildon-based His & Hers Luxury Toilets is the answer! "All of our units are of a seriously high quality, with Molton Brown hand wash and cream as standard," says owner Alison Martin. "We provide fresh flowers in the larger units, in the colour choice of the customer; with complimentary toiletries for the ladies, with these units also having background music. We do free site visits for customers who are unsure on venue space, and we can even supply attendants for functions if required."
Posted: 25 October 2022
How to ensure a good night's sleep before your big day
Anxious brides and grooms-to-be have been offered top tips on beating their wedding nerves and getting a good night's sleep ahead of their all important day. The fitted furniture experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have provided their tips to those who are likely to be overcome by nerves, affecting their sleep. Among the nerve-busting tips are incorporating sleep inducing scents into your room, planning a pre-bed workout and avoiding spicy foods. Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: "Pre-wedding nerves often lead to a lack of sleep ahead of what is regarded as the most important day of many people's lives.
Posted: 24 October 2022
Sara Davies, Fred Sirieix and Raj Somaiya revealed as BBC judges
BBC Two's Master of Ceremonies will see eight wedding planners battle it out to prove they are Britain's next best wedding expert as they design spectacular ceremonies for six couples. Dragons' Den star Sara Davies, First Dates favourite Fred Sirieix and wedding industry expert Raj Somaiya will be the judges and mentors - overseeing the planners as they create dream weddings for our couples. Throughout the competition they will send home the weakest planner until just two remain in the final where the planners will face one final challenge to decide who will be crowned the winner.
Posted: 21 October 2022
Pre-wedding with Colchester’s e.m.skin clinic & beauty
If you're in search of a beauty salon for all your pre-wedding needs then consider Colchester's e.m.skin clinic & beauty, previously known as Amy Gordon Skin Clinic & Beauty Boutique. The multi award-winning advanced skin clinic and beauty salon, situated on North Hill, came under new ownership back in June, when senior beauty specialist Emily Farrell took over the business from founder Amy Gordon. Now launched as e.m.skin clinic & beauty, the brand offers a vast range of luxury treatments. "This is an exciting new step for us at the salon," says Emily. "While our clients will notice the change in name, the quality of our service, treatments and products remains as high as ever. Over the past five years the salon has always been ready to provide the best and most innovative treatments through a team of expert therapists and specialists."
Posted: 20 October 2022
To help you find inspiration for your big day, take a look at what's caught the eye of our editors.
There are literally hundreds of ideas, products and services from wedding suppliers across the UK along with links to their web sites as pointed out by our ever resourceful team.
Take a look at what our Editors Love!
