An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Chelmsford named UK’s third best spot for stargazing

A new study has crowned the UK's best spot for stargazing this winter, and its good news for Essex, as three destinations make the top ten. The research, conducted by JeffBet, awarded 100 UK towns and cities a score out of 100, based on their levels of artificial brightness, air pollution, and cloud cover. These scores were then totalled to determine the nation's stargazing capitals. The research measured cloud cover and light and air pollution to identify the places with the clearest view for seasonal stargazing. And what's best is that Colchester and Chelmsford are in fifth and third place respectively. Harlow is in at the tenth best spot!

Tea for two at Greenwoods

With the thought of Christmas and all the planning that comes with it a little overwhelming in November and December, I can confirm that a little self care is the perfect answer. I was so warmly welcomed at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa for a gorgeous afternoon tea. Decked to the nines, it instantly made me remember the true meaning of Christmas - not the running around buying presents like a headless chicken, but stopping and taking in the magic with a loved one.

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa celebrates Christmas!

There's nothing quite like a Greenwoods Hotel & Spa at Christmas! This multi-award winning boutique hotel and spa located in the heart of the pretty village of Stock is transformed into a magical winter wonderland from early November. Decorated in traditional style with decadently hung Christmas trees, sparkling lights and Nutcracker soldiers propping up the cosy fireplace, if you're looking for a special place to celebrate with family and friends, Greenwoods has plenty of events to enjoy.

Gladi-Waiter in the Buff – hen do firm offer

One of the UK's leading hen party planning companies is now offering Gladi-Waiters in the Buff in honour of the new Gladiator film hitting the big screen on the 14th of November. Butlers in the Buff are a hugely popular addition to hen weekends and are often scantily clad in just a small apron and a bow tie. However, GoHen are now offering buff butlers adored in gladiator helmets, shoulder pads and gladiatorial skirts. "Buff butlers are the modern-day gladiator," said GoHen's Head of Events, Ellie Silk. "They're performers, they're in great shape and they're often forced to entertain a rowdy crowd – what's the difference, really?

NEW BIJOU STAY IN STOCK

The perfect get away, located in a tree lined lane just outside Stock, one of the prettiest and most vibrant villages in Essex, The Little Pear Tree studio is a great new Airbnb property that's already welcoming guests as far flung as the Lake District and LA! It makes the ideal to visit the nearby countryside, pubs and restaurants as well as convenient if you're attending an event at one of the nearby venues including Greenwoods Hotel and Spa for a wedding or event.

Festive gifting with Joma Jewellery

Tis the season for gifting! Discover Joma Jewellery's brand-new Christmas jewellery & bracelet collection at your local John Lewis in Chelmsford. Filled with festive charms and meaningful sentiments for everyone on your list the collection is first class. For that extra special touch, you could even create a Personalised Christmas Bracelet or Necklace just for them, with Joma's 'Create Your Own' builder! Designed to make the Christmas countdown and the big day even more magical for your nearest and dearest, Joma Jewellery's Christmas Collection has something for every friend and family member, whether you're treating your mum, sister, best friend, or daughter.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Feeling beautiful on your big day

Sam Easter is a professional highly demanded make-up artist with over 20 years experience creating long lasting flawless make-up looks throughout Essex and surrounding counties. As you begin planning your special day, Sam, owner of Beautiful You would love to help you bring your bridal beauty vision to life. Sam recently spoke to An Essex Wedding Magazine and has give us all the details of the upcoming wedding fairs she will be exhibiting at in 2025, including two run by County Wedding Events!

Combating those November blues

November's here, and with summer well and truly gone, and the festive season just a little out of reach, the next few weeks can feel a little stationary. Before the Christmas chaos begins, November is the perfect time of year to treat yourself to a self-care retreat. Think cosy mornings in your cloud-like bed, luxury treatments, wellbeing classes and plenty of time just to yourself, soaking in the relaxing atmosphere of our purpose built wellness retreat.

Be inspired by The Lawn

The Lawn is nestled within three acres of perfectly striped lawns, wonderful seasonally planted flower beds, blossom trees and a stunning rose garden which, with its miniature privet hedges, makes the most perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding in the stunning gazebo. This all sits within The Lawn Estate with its 120 acres of rolling parkland and ancient woods. The beautiful Georgian Manor House with 100ft of covered, colonnaded Terrace has an outside bar during the summer.

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Bringing party-ready hair to Essex!

Who doesn't love a bouncy blow? With the festive season right around the corner, hair care favourite Philip Kingsley has some fabulous products to perfect your party hair. Whether it's a sleek ponytail, a bouncy blow-dry or time-saving overnight curls, Philip Kingsley has the secret to flawless, healthy locks every time - and what's best the products are available at your local Boots store!

New Experience Gift Vouchers for Talbooth House & Spa

Just in time for the gifting season, PoB Hotels, the exclusive collection of independent luxury hotels across the British Isles, has unveiled a collection of new experience gift voucher offerings including: 'Seasoned to Perfection', 'Pampers Paradise' and 'Time for Tea'. Each gift voucher allows guests to treat their loved ones to an experience at any of the hotels across the PoB Hotels collection.

Simply timeless - the wedding style going nowhere!

Simply timeless - the wedding style that is going nowhere! Make up artist, Lynsey Fordham, put together this styled shoot at Apton Hall. The vision combined cool, crisp whites alongside mellow sage greens. The outcome is perfectly timeless a relaxed vibe. Shot by John Payton Photography, be inspired and get your mood boards at the ready for this beautiful and elegant editorial shoot.

Muddy Stilettos Best Places To Live 2025

Muddy Stilettos, the UK's No1 women's lifestyle website outside London, has announced the launch of its 2025 'Top 300 Best Places to Live' . Covering more regions that ever before and with London, Yorkshire and Cheshire added to the list, it draws upon its unparalleled local knowledge and insight into the 35 most sought-after counties in England, guiding potential buyers to the local hot spots and up-and-coming areas.

Gemini Styling rebrands

After months of planning and consideration, Gemini Styling has rebranded to Lisa Curtis Bridal Hair & Education. Not feeling that the name Gemini Styling aligned with her business any longer, and with the new addition offering Bridal Hair and education, owner Lisa Curtis decided it was time for a complete rebrand. With over 25 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, we can't wait to follow Lisa on her journey and see what else she has in store!

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

St Osyth Priory launches new package!

Step into timeless elegance at St Osyth Priory and get married with this brand new 2025 wedding package, perfect for those wanting a more relaxed celebration. The Darcy Wedding package is available till June 2025, for up to 60 guests and includes: venue fee and a one-night stay in Darcy West, one reception drink per person, two-course hot buffet, half a bottle of wine per person plus pulled pork baps for evening food. The package costs, £10,995 on Sunday to Friday, with Saturday dates incurring a £2000 supplement. For enquiries, email one of the team at: info@stosythpriory.co.uk or call: 01206 430160.

Best Places to live in Essex revealed

Luxury lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos asked its readers to vote for the best local village, town or city to call home in 2024 using its Top 260 Places to Live guide. In a regional vote across 29 counties, Saffron Walden topped the poll of 10 potential candidates in Essex. From towns to villages, hamlets to commuter favourites, the 260 locations were independently researched and picked by the in-the-know Muddy Editorial team, and then over 27,500 readers went on to vote. The results revealed a passion for each location's sense of community, access to schools, restaurants, shops and culture, plus their feeling towards their overall immediate surroundings.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.