An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Vaulty Manor wins best event venue in Muddy Stilettos Awards

Vaulty Manor, the stunning countryside Wedding and Events venue near Maldon, has been voted Best Event Venue in Essex in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025, a prestigious lifestyle accolade celebrating the county's finest independent businesses.This year's Muddy Stilettos Awards reached over 11 million people nationally, with more than 500,000 nominations and votes cast across 21 categories in 35 counties, making it one of the UK's most influential lifestyle awards. Vaulty Manor's win underlines its reputation as one of Essex's most versatile and sought-after venues for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and private gatherings.

Down Hall Unveils New Family Staycation Experience

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate – AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England – is putting the magic back into the summer holidays with the arrival of its new Estate Family Rooms and enchanting Teddy Bears Picnic Staycation, in partnership with beloved family brand Teddy Tastic. With 110 acres of idyllic countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, Down Hall's latest family offering cements its reputation as a leading destination for luxury, family UK staycations.

Braintree Village to welcome trio of brands this month

Braintree Village has announced that Joules and Belstaff will be opening their first Essex-based outlet stores at the shopping destination this month, along with Brick Lane Bagel Co. joining its food and beverage lineup. Joules will open on 22nd May in a 1,862 sq ft unit located opposite Adidas, whereas Belstaff will open on 29th May in a 1,779 sq ft space next to Ralph Lauren. The Brick Lane Bagel Co. is located opposite Guest Services.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

Live From The Lawn & Summer Series Returns to Down Hall Hotel & Spa

This summer, live music returns to the gardens of Down Hall Hotel & Spa in Essex, as the award-winning estate brings back its much-loved Live from the Lawn series, alongside the soulful sounds of its Sunday Jazz Brunch events. From laid-back Friday evenings with cocktails and acoustic sets, to relaxed Sunday brunches with smooth jazz and sparkling wine, Down Hall sets the scene for alfresco moments to savour.

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

Getting to know... Hylands Estate  

Award-winning Grade II listed mansion, Hylands House, is set in 574 acres of landscaped parkland. Here, you'll find the beautifully restored ceremony and reception rooms, plus the Grand Pavilion and outdoor wedding ceremony garden a few steps away. Stunning parkland and never-ending views of the Essex skyline are all around you. The grounds and formal gardens within Hylands Estate offer adream setting for your wedding photos. Take a stroll into the Pleasure Gardens filled with seasonal flowers, including our famous wisteria in the later spring months, or visit our outdoor ceremony garden for some woodland inspired photos amongst the changing colours of the grounds.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

Down Hall wins LuxLife and SME 'Best Country House Hotel' awards 2025

One of England's most established hotels, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex, has recently won LuxLife - Best Country House & Spa Hotel 2025, South East England. This accolade celebrates the hotel's unique blend of history, luxury and contemporary décor, making it the perfect destination for leisure breaks, business retreats, wellness focused escapes and picturesque weddings. In addition, the stunning property has also won SME Best Country House Hotel – England Award 2025 a true reflection of the team's commitment to providing the warmest hospitality in the heart of the countryside.

8 Tips To Avoid Wedding Guest Burnout This Wedding Season

As peak wedding season rolls in, it's not just brides and grooms who are feeling the pressure. New research reveals a growing trend of wedding burnout, and it's hitting guests just as hard. From back-to-back hen-dos and stag weekends to pricey gifts and cross-country travel, the cost and commitment of attending multiple weddings have left many guests feeling emotionally and financially drained. To help guests avoid burnout this wedding season, the experts at Queensmith have shared their 8 top tips to beat the 'wedding guest hangover', from setting a budget to knowing when to say no.

Essex Local Businesses Take Top Spot in 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards

Now in their 12th year, the hotly contested 2025 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards have been announced with 21 brilliant local indie businesses winning the coveted lifestyle crowns across Essex. Readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos have been nominating and voting in their hundreds of thousands for their favourite independent businesses across 21 different lifestyle categories – from Best Destination Pub to Yoga/Pilates Studio, Boutique Stay to Local Food/Drink producer – and shining a light on the most creative, unique indie businesses across the counties. Reaching over 11 million people nationally in eight weeks, with half a million votes and nominations cast nationwide, making it the most popular Muddy Stilettos Awards to date.

Barn at Alswick 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 The Barn at Alswick, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 11th May 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Forming part of the historic Alswick Hall Estate, the Barn at Alswick has been lovingly restored to a stunning contemporary event space for exclusive hire. Adorned with rustic wooden beams, the light-flooded space is perfect for your wedding vision to come to life.

Hotpod Yoga Takes on Mental Health Week

Mental health awareness week (12th – 18th May) is upon us and it's time we get serious about our feelings. With the constant rise in social media consumption and the cruelty of the media, it's vita we understand how we can support our mental health. Hotpod Yoga in Birmingham are facing the week head on and, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), are helping locals support the worthy cause.

County Wedding Events coming to Frasers, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Frasers, Kent for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 11th May, 2025! 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. Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, the idyllic rural setting at Frasers offers rustic charm and elegance. With panoramic views across the countryside, it provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs all year round.

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 11th MAY! 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.

This new cleaning trend is ruining your engagement ring!

The newest trend to clean engagement rings with a coffee steamer, whilst entertaining to watch, is a sure-fire way to ruin your precious ring! We have to be very careful about our jewels and must not forget that it is four simple prongs that hold in our sparkling beauties. To educate us as to why this hack should get the sack is Neil Dutta, managing director of the engagement ring specialists, Angelic Diamonds

High House Weddings unveils The Orangery

Wedding venue, High House Weddings is delighted to announce the opening of The Orangery, a stunning brand- new addition to High House, nestled within the tranquil beauty of the Essex countryside. The Orangery officially opened on April 18th, 2025, The Orangery takes the place of the venue's former marquee, providing happy couples with an elegant, intimate setting for their wedding day.

B Calm Introduces a Personalised Body and Face Care Set

Born from Becky's personal journey of healing, B Calm offers beautifully designed, organic products to support modern women in finding daily balance and calm. In May 2025 they will proudly unveils their latest innovation – the Personalised Body + Face Care Set. Designed to empower individuals to create a unique self-care ritual, this customisable trio features a hydrating mist, nourishing carrier oil, and pure essential oil blend to support radiant skin and holistic well-being.

Leez Priory celebrates 30 years of weddings with a search for its first couples

Leez Priory goes in search of couples who married at its Essex venue in May
1995 to celebrate 30 years since the first wedding was held. Part of the Country House
Weddings Group, the wedding venue will be hosting a 30th anniversary party for staff and its
suppliers and hopes to have its first couples in attendance to mark the occasion. The
company will also announce the winner of its Win A Wedding competition, running
throughout May.