An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

New website for Elly's Flower Studio

Elly's Flower Studio began in 2021, when she started selling bouquets with the dream of one day working in the wedding industry. She's now fortunate to work at some of the most stunning wedding venues across the country, creating incredible floral installations for my wonderful couples. Four years on, and it's time for a website refresh and doesn't it look fantastic.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

Greenwoods Hotel 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 Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, 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.

Calling all newly-engaged couples!

And just like that we've stepped into 2025! I love the start of the year, a fresh start. Time to de-clutter, open that brand new diary (stationery addicts you know the feeling!) and manifest the best year of your life. This is when the countdown truly begins for our 2025 brides and grooms - your year has arrived. And if your other half got down on one knee this December, we wish you a huge congratulations! Let's get planning!

Cheapest cities for NYE celebrations

A new study has found the cheapest cities for a night out this NYE, with Colchester taking 8th place. Ticket supplier Skiddle analysed the average cost of a list of items from Numbeo, including a new outfit, alcohol, fast food, cigarettes, and transport. They found each city's expected cost for an individual for a night out and ranked these from lowest to highest to find the cheapest on New Year's Eve.

Manor of Groves 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 Manor Of Groves, Hertfordshire, for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 26th January 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.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Get your skates on!

Fabulously festive news: the Ice Rink is back at Braintree Village for the second year running! Open from 15th November to 5th January, 2025, the spacious rink offers guests an enchanting space to go for a spin throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. So, what are you waiting for - get your skates on with family and friends!

Last few days for 20 per cent off sale!

Moments Like This Weddings is currently running a special offer. Book your 2025 wedding package with wedding coordinator Joanne before 31st December 2024 and receive 20 per cent off *subject to availability. Moments Like This Weddings believe that your wedding should be a true reflection of you – your quirks, your style, and the moments that brought you together. That's why Joanne starts with a blank canvas, designing celebrations that elevate your story into an unforgettable experience.

Down Hall unveils new 2025 retreats

Wellness tourism is well and truly on the rise, evolving from a luxury niche into a mainstream phenomenon, and recently renovated, AA Hotel of the Year England - Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate - is fully embracing holistic health experiences with its new wellness weekend retreats for 2025. Promising the ultimate getaway to escape the stresses of modern living and taking place against 110-acres of stunning greenery in the heart of the Essex countryside, the Wellness Sound Bath Weekend (17th January) and Breathwork Weekend (Friday 21st February) are the perfect idyllic breaks to switch off, reset and dedicate some well-needed zen time.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Be inspired by Hatfield Place

This styled shoot honours the old money aesthetic. Think understated elegance, and luxury that whispers rather than shouts.Organised by Julia and You Photography and Louise Perry Weddings, a classic and elegant venue was a must for this timeless styled shoot. Hatfield Place, the exquisite Georgian country house, was an obvious choice to fit the brief. The theme was inspired by the 'old school money' aesthetic. In today's society, when trends come and go, this shoot proved that understated luxury with a touch of nostalgia will never go out of fashion and provide picture perfect memories to last a lifetime.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Festive Menus and Winters Escape offers at The White Hart Inn, Mersea Island

For a taste of seasonal, local and delicious food in a laidback setting this Christmas, The White Hart Inn on Mersea Island is offering a delicious new Festive Menu, available throughout December for lunch or dinner. In the Michelin rated and 1-Rosette restaurant, Head Chef Ed Campbell and his team have created dishes featuring ingredients coming into season and at their best for December.

The Royal Forest is now OPEN

The Royal Forest is now open, following a multi-million pound refurbishment and it is brimming with quirky touches and historical British charm. Chingford's latest addition to the dining scene is the fifth pub with rooms from award-winning Heartwood Inns which is part of Heartwood Collection and sister company to Brasserie Blanc. The refurbishment honours The Royal Forest's heritage, restoring key features such as a stunning stained-glass window depicting Queen Elizabeth I.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Josh Wood Colour launches new range

Josh Wood Colour has long been synonymous with expert hair colour & care, trusted by millions for its innovative approach to salon quality colour in the comfort of your own home. Now, they are taking things one step further with the exciting launch of their newly reformulated range of Miracle shampoos and conditioners, specifically designed to maintain and protect coloured hair without compromise.

The UK’s most instagrammed wedding castles

For those who dream of having a fairy-tale wedding set in the surroundings of a magical castle, you don't have to travel to Disneyland, as believe it or not, the UK is home to some of the world's most beautiful castles. However, while some castles are packed with tourists keen to explore the history that lies beneath the walls, those who are getting married are looking for somewhere a little more secluded, so they can enjoy their special day in private.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."