Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

New Dog Chaperone Service Has Launched

Coop's K9's has introduced its new Wedding Dog Chaperone Service which is ideal for couples looking to have their fourlegged friends looked after on the wedding day! Business owner, and the ultimate dog-lover, Laila will take your dog(s) for a walk before the ceremony, provide transport to your venue, help the photographer get the best shots, provide transport and care back home, and wash and blow dry for your pup beforehand!

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Lush Bridal Showers

Calling all Lush lovers! The Cardiff Lush branch has launched its new spa parties. Full of hands-on activities, spa treatments and pampering, Lush's new Spa Parties are perfect for wedding celebrations, baby showers and friends and family get-togethers. Guests make their own fresh face mask, learn Lush skincare secrets, enjoy a Fresh Facial or Tangled Hair and a back massage, indulge in a fresh fruit platter and refreshments, then take home an after-party box full of skincare goodies to continue the relaxation at home

Award Win for Camille - Queen of Crowns

Offering stylish headpieces and wedding jewellery handmade from its Welsh studio, Camille is celebrating after winning at the Wedding & Honeymoons Awards. Owner and designer Jayne Nevins says, "I launched two years ago after making bridal headpieces as a hobby for about 12 years. To say I'm obsessed with all things bridal is an understatement, I just love everything about weddings and bridal fashion and I'm passionate about good old fashioned customer service and creating beautifully crafted pieces"

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

New Wedding Stationery by Lovelee

Lovelee Wedding Stationery, by designer Kate Lee, is based in Bridgend, and has just launched the Lovelee Classic Collection making it affordable for couples to have beautifully printed and digital wedding stationery. A graphic designer by profession, Kate's worked in the industry for more than 20 years and is a truly passionate designer of wedding invitations and stationery - the perfect person to employ for your wedding stationery needs!

Award winners!

Check out your local winners and what they are being recognised for. We've got it all from wedding photographers to venues! This winners line-up recognises South Wales' business such as One Vision Photography, Tricycle Treats, High Society Bridal and Wolfcastle Country Hotel. This is your one-stop shop for the best in the business! Make some notes and see how o can get involved.

Modern day hen do ideas - time to celebrate

The hen do is the perfect opportunity to shower your bridesmaids with love before the big day. It's all about celebrating your friendship, laughing until your cheeks hurt and making the most of your time together. If you're looking for unique and fun ways to honour your girlies, here are some ideas from hen experts, bookaparty.com. Treat your bridal crew to a bottomless brunch where the prosecco and pancakes keep coming. Head to the city centre of your choice and enjoy a fun atmosphere, good music and tasty food to suit a range of tastes. Whether it's a full English breakfast, avocado toast, fluffy waffles or pizza, your taste buds will be in heaven, and unlimited drinks help you to kick off your day in style. Sip on free-flowing glasses of fizz, cocktails, beer, cider or soft drinks as you let your hair down and even enjoy some live entertainment from DJs to cabaret shows.

One Vision Photography Wins Award

Director, photographer and videographer Michael Lundbeck says, "I was so honoured to be voted Number One Wedding Photographer in the World 2024 by WedAward (wedaward.com). "I love meeting new people every time I go out and photograph a couple. I have been shooting weddings since 2007, and I enjoy it more every time I shoot a wedding". Here we find out more!

2025 wedding wine trends unveiled by Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the UK's leading online wine merchant, has revealed the top five wedding wine trends of 2025. Created by experts from Laithwaites' wedding wine service, this list reflects the current vogue for unique, cost-conscious wedding celebrations that leave a lasting impression on guests. "Couples are coming to us looking to create experiences that focus on value, showcase their personalities and give their guests a great time. It's so often the food and drink that makes a great wedding stand out," says Greg Roberts, Wine Educator at Laithwaites. Wedding wine trends for 2025.

The Eve Appeal: The UK’s Leading Gynae Cancer Charity’s Get Lippy Campaign

The Eve Appeal is on a mission is to save lives by focusing on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of the five gynaecological cancers. Throughout May, they are encouraging everyone to Get Lippy alongside some of the leadingnames and brands in beauty. The campaign raises awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval andvaginal through a series of fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives to prevent these cancers before they start.

Fancy a FREE Katsu Curry?

Banana Tree, the award-winning Southeast Asian restaurant, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first-ever Welsh location right in the heart of Cardiff. And to celebrate this milestone, they're giving away a mouth-watering 2,000 FREE Katsu curries (or Pad Thais, if that's more your vibe) to hungry locals ready to dive into bold Southeast Asian flavours. Cardiff's Banana Tree officially opens on Monday 2nd June this summer in the city's buzzing Mill Lane.

Brits are calling for an end to ‘rowdy’ stag and hen celebrations

Gone are the days when stag and hens revolved around a simple send-off - with costs spiralling out of control, Brits are calling for an end to 'rowdy' stag and hen celebrations. The study by the UK's most-trusted discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, reveals Brits are forking out £1,000 more than they'd like to celebrate their friends' and families' upcoming nuptials, with the average person willing to spend just £214. With many celebrations now lasting several days and requiring trips abroad, the average stag and hen now costs an eye-watering £1,208. It's therefore no surprise that a whopping 71% of people say costs have gotten out of control.

PERFECTION BRIDAL HAS MOVED!

Renowned local bridal boutique Perfection Bridal has moved to a lovely new location in Fforestfach, Swansea. The new, relaxed and intimate boutique is on the outskirts of Swansea City centre, with convenient free parking onsite. As a complete service boutique, they not only sell dresses off-the-peg at reduced prices, but they can order new gowns at the RRP. Alterations can be done in-house, and they will store your dress free of charge,

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.