An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

New Study Reveals the Best Places in England to Get Married

With wedding season fast approaching, the wedding experts at F.Hinds have analysed hundreds of the best wedding venues that England has to offer, to uncover where nearly-weds should be adding to their shortlist this summer. The study considered several factors such as popularity, reviews and weather predictions and awarded bonus points for how "Instagrammable" the aesthetic is. The systematic scoring system has revealed the "best of the best" English wedding venues for couples planning a wedding in 2025.

Outdoor cinema returns to Braintree Village

Braintree Village is set to welcome back it's open-air cinema for the late May Bank Holiday weekend.The Outdoor Cinema at the Essex shopping outlet will screen 10 movies over four days with the line-up including family favourites, blockbuster hits and much-loved classics. Launching on the evening of Friday 23rd May, the Braintree Village Outdoor Cinema will be open all weekend until the night of Monday 26th May.

To pre-nup or not to pre-nup?

What is a pre-nuptial agreement and why does it sound so intimidating? Anna Cross, Legal Director in Ellisons' Family Law Team unpacks the rise in the pre-nuptial agreement and why this should be explored by newly engaged couples. Pre-nuptial agreements offer couples transparency and peace of mind, helping them enter marriage with a clear understanding of their financial rights and responsibilities.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

DAINTY LONDON UNVEILS AÉRÅ

Dainty London, the award-winning jewellery brand, based in Chelmsford, proudly announces the launch of AÉRÅ, a groundbreaking new fine jewellery collection that marries sustainable luxury with conscious shopping. Founded by former Children's Heart Transplant Nurse Specialist Jade, Dainty London has rapidly become one of Britain's most innovative sustainable jewellery brands. The company has received multiple accolades, including "Online Retail Strategy of the Year" at the UK Jewellery Awards 2024.

Youth Chairman at Billericay Rugby club takes on the London Marathon

Paul Bolton, a dedicated runner and passionate advocate for grassroots rugby, is set to take on the challenge of the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby. Paul, who works as a Marketing Manager for Ford Motor Company, first laced up his running shoes in 2018 when he attended his local Parkrun. Despite not always enjoying running, he quickly became hooked on the supportive atmosphere, the opportunity for self-improvement, and the camaraderie of fellow runners. During the Covid lockdowns, running became an even more significant part of his life, helping to improve both his mental and physical health.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Getting to know... Leez Priory

Leez Priory is a stunning Tudor manor house. The ancient red brick architecture is steeped with characterful features including castle-like battlements, leaded windows and an outer gate house complete with original and ornately carved solid oak doors. The historic Great Tower, accessed by a fairytale spiral staircase, is a fantastic feature and can be used for a more intimate ceremony, for photographs and also as the backdrop for your nuptials too.

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 27th April 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. 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.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 27th April! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. 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.