Blog

What is a Wake?

At some point in your life, you may have wondered: what is a wake? Deeply rooted in the history and culture of the UK and Ireland, this ancient tradition dates back centuries and is practiced to honour departed loved ones. 

Our picks for the best local Essex Wedding photographers

Are you looking for the perfect photographer for your big day? Here at The White Hart, we have years of experience helping couples tie the knot in our stunning venue and have worked with some of the best Essex wedding photographers.

How to Select the Perfect Spring Flowers for a Wedding

Spring weddings are a dream come true for many couples, with warmer weather, brighter skies and, of course, lots of budding blooms. Should you be thinking about tying the knot this sweet season, then you’re in for a treat with all sorts of fresh and vibrant florals ready to add an eye-catching touch to your day. 

2025 Wedding Trends: The latest and Greatest

If you’re planning to tie the knot this year but are looking for inspiration, our 2025 wedding trends guide has you covered. 

With years of experience helping brides and grooms-to-be plan their big day, at The White Hart, we know what’s hot and what’s not, so can help you plan a day that gets everyone talking for all the right reasons. 

So, let’s jump into the top trends you should consider for your big day.

Unmissable 2025 events in Essex

Annual highlights in the cultural calendar like Essex Book Festival are bolstered by exciting newcomers like Chelmsford City Live 2025.

The Best Christmas Markets in Essex

With December almost here and temperatures getting frosty, thoughts are jumping ahead to the most wonderful time of year! Festive tunes are already playing and fairy lights are already twinkling on many Christmas trees. The festive season is upon us!

Rustic and stylish barn wedding ideas

So, you want a barn wedding – but you're a little stuck for inspiration. Perhaps, in fact, your list of barn wedding ideas doesn't go much further than 'barn' and 'wedding'.

Fret not, brides- and grooms-to-be. Here at The White Hart, we began hosting gatherings around the same time Christopher Columbus was sailing to America. It's fair to say we know a thing or two about planning a memorable wedding.

Eco-friendly wedding favours for a greener wedding

As we become more aware of our carbon footprint, more couples are embracing more environmentally conscious celebrations. From food to transport to floral decorations, there are plenty of opportunities to make your wedding more sustainable. So where do you start?

Eco-friendly wedding favours are a quick and easy way to make your wedding more mindful of the planet. Having come from far and wide, your guests will appreciate that little token of thanks for coming to join the celebrations. However, done without thought, these can quickly end up in the recycling bin or left behind at the end of the day, creating unnecessary waste.

Spring Wedding Ideas to Make it a Day to Remember

With lengthening days, lighter evenings and the blooming of new life, spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year for a wedding.

Take advantage of the gently warming days, glorious spring flowers and the accompaniment of birdsong and uncover our top spring wedding ideas for a day to remember.

Elf Occasions Essex Wedding Venue Decoration

For some planning the decorations and styling for a wedding can be a minefield of different ideas and inspirations. The White Hart Wedding Venue always enjoy working with first class suppliers like Elf Occasions to make sure your wedding looks fabulous. Elf Occasions are based in Witham, Essex and specialise in wedding venue decoration. Emma and her team are brilliant at transforming venues for the big day using creative chair decoration and chair cover hire along with their original and stylish table centrepieces. We asked owner Emma some questions about her business and how she makes sure that the couple get a beautiful looking wedding venue on the day.