NEARLYWED NEWS

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. Or buy our Rosa Package, with a rose, Gypsophila and foliage handtied bouquet, NEWS two smaller posy handtied bouquets, four rose buttonholes and two spray rose corsages – all for just £250!” https://courtsofrayleigh.co.uk Nearlywed All the latest from around the county

G & TEA…?

If you love afternoon tea, but fancy more of a kick to your scones and sarnies, head to Down Hall Hotel & Spa for their brand new ‘G & Tea’ experience.

Partnering with leading British gin, Berkshire Botanical, this sumptuous affair features a selection of savoury and sweet bites, created by Executive Chef Robert Pearce, alongside Berkshire Botanical cocktails. Feast on smoked salmon and honey roast ham finger sandwiches, before indulging in freshly baked scones with cream and fruit preserves, plus sweet treats of raspberry and lime éclair, strawberry custard tart, and chocolate delice. Priced at £42.50 on weekdays, and £47.50 on weekends, the tea comes complete with your choice of Gin Spritz served from a traditional teapot and porcelain teacup. www.downhall.co.uk LET’S MAKE UP

Google ‘Essex Make-Up Artists’ and you’ll be hit with nearly six million results. Gulp. Step forward Billericay’s Leanne Perilly, with an impressive 17 years as a professional make-up artist under her belt. “My passion is for attention to detail, making you look and feel your most confident and beautiful on your special day,” says Leanne. “I’ve introduced a special offer for 2023 brides who book me before the end of March 2023 for mid-week Essex weddings. For £410 – saving you £50 – this includes your make-up on the day, along with four others, in addition to your pre-wedding make-up trial.” www.leanneperilly.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON… GREENWOODS HOTEL & SPA

For a wedding venue that stands out for all the right reasons consider Stock’s Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, set in stunning gardens and providing a tranquil setting. With three luxurious function suites blending traditional and contemporary, Greenwoods can accommodate both intimate and grand ceremonies. Heart set on a romantic outdoor wedding? Its dovecot-style gazebo caters for up to 120, and is situated in the gardens with pretty trees and sweeping drive. https://www.greenwoodshotel.com

NICE AND STABLE

Need somewhere to stay pre or post your big day? Check out Gosfield’s The Stables & Silos at Iron Pear Tree Farm. “We offer wedding accommodation in a variety of beautifully converted farm buildings, whether you’re looking to relax with your bridal party before your big day, or somewhere to spend your wedding night,” says owner Carrie-Anne Porter. “Our packages vary from two to 12 guests, offering quirky but comfortable accommodation with private spa facilities and great views. All packages include a turn down service for the bridal suite, as well as wedding hampers and other romantic touches. New to our business is our Enrich Your Stay element, where you can book additional activities during your stay, while supporting local businesses.” www.thestableyardgosfield.co.uk COCKTAILS WITH CLASS

Looking to hold a pre-wedding get together? Book Braintree’s Bar Number 92, which has recently incorporated the Essex Cocktail Club into its premises.

Both venues are available for private use, with Bar Number 92 hosting up to 40, while the Essex Cocktail Club can cater for up to 20. The high calibre venue has an extensive menu, with an incredible list of cocktails, with spirits from the Essex Spirits Company featuring heavily. There’s a wide range of wines from New Hall Wine Estate to enjoy, plus an excellent cheese and charcuterie selection from the East Anglian region.

The Essex Cocktail Club also has bespoke packages available, including options such as Cocktail Making and Wine and Spirit Tasting sessions. Guests are encouraged to make the place their own – with the option to decorate, change the lighting scheme, play your own music and enjoy your choice of cocktails! www.barnumber92.com

TAG TEAM

For a gift your other half will treasure head to the new TAG Heuer boutique, now open in Thurrock’s Lakeside Shopping Centre. Over 150 timepieces are available, including the brand’s newest launches, such as the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronographs in bright racing colours, as well as in-demand limited edition pieces. Alongside these you’ll also find fun monochromatic, rubber strap timepieces, featuring models from the Carrera, Aquaracer, Monaco, Formula 1, Link and Autavia collections.

Visit www.goldsmiths.co.uk/store/514 for more information.