Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Spotlight on...Glen-Yr-Afon

Glen-Yr-Afon is a stunning Victorian Villa that has been decorated to exude modern elegance while maintaining traditional feature. Set amongst the Monmouthshire countryside, this wedding venue has everything you could need for a special celebration. Privacy, tradition, and space for your loved ones. With both indoor and outdoor ceremonies available, this venue can be customised to suit your wedding needs. Click through to find out more about this exclusive venue!

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Pickled Pumpkin Catering - Your experts reveal 2026 trends

What started in 2020 as a one-man mission has grown into one of the South West's most exciting catering brands! From humble beginnings, they quickly evolved; transforming The Pavilion into a vibrant catering hub, refining showground catering, and serving weddings, corporate events, and high-profile partnerships with flair and precision. Today, they hold residencies at some of South Wales' most luxurious wedding and events venues; bringing bold, flavour-driven food to exclusive celebrations daily!

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Ask the Experts: Anna Bennett Make-Up

My wedding is in the summer, and I'm worried about my make-up 'melting' off - what do you recommend? There are few things to consider in relation to your wedding day make-up, especially when you expect hot weather. Invest some time into getting to know your skin needs and recognising its type for example: do you have oily skin? Or have you been suffering with dry patches? Then give it some TLC, starting at least a few months before the big day. All products, especially make-up, perform and look their best on a well-balanced complexion.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

WEDDING GLAM FOR LESS

Makeup Locker isn't just a service, it's an experience curated by a professional who specialises in bridal make-up and hair. With years of expertise, Emma, the founder of Makeup Locker, understands the intricacies of bridal beauty, from enhancing natural features to creating stunning, camera-ready looks that last. Every bride deserves to feel like the most beautiful version of themselves, and Makeup Locker is dedicated to making that a reality. Using Charlotte Tilbury and other high-end brands, they're committed to insuring your make-up lasts for the duration of your wedding day and evening.

ANNE MORGAN JEWELLERY SPRING EXHIBITION

Anne Morgan Jewellery prides itself on being the number one location for contemporary jewellery designs and exhibitions, and its Sp-Ring Exhibition 2025 is set to be exactly that. This year, the exhibition features a vibrant mix of established designers and exciting new talent, alongside some returning artists. The event will welcome Boo Jewellery, Chloe Solomon, Claire Quick, Dainty London, Deborah Cadby, Jemma Slade, Lyndsay Fairley, Momocreatura, Natalie Perry, Rebecca Burt, Woodengold, and of course, Anne Morgan herself.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

LUSH SPA IS READY TO UPLIFT YOU

Lush, known for its revitalising scents and phenomenal products, is offering a new 50-minute facial, Rewilding, at its Cardiff Lush Spa. The luxurious facial utilises hot and cold therapy, facial massages and lymphatic techniques to make the skin appear sculpted and rejuvenated. The quality of your skin is at the forefront of what Lush do, so this facial has been created by its in-house spa development team, achieving maximum results with minimal interference. The Rewilding facial (£125) is available to book now via the app or your local Lush Spa.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

Penarth Pier Saved the Date

Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth and looking out over the Bristol Channel is the iconic Penarth Pier Pavilion, a romantic venue with spectacular sea views for you and your guests to enjoy. First opening in 1929, Penarth Pier Pavilion is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture, with a vaulted main gallery and several charming wedding spaces to choose from. Hosting events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.