All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in South Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
The Vale Resort and Hensol Castle are hosting a wedding fair
The Vale Resort and Hensol Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan are hosting a wedding fair on Sunday 1st October 2023. Organised and run by the Wedding Guild of Wales, the Inspirational Wedding Fayre is the perfect opportunity to meet over 80 exhibitors, including members of the prestigious Wedding Guild of Wales and specially selected guests. Visitors will be able to see these two stunning venues on the same day and win some exciting prizes. Drawn live on the day, one lucky winner will receive £1,000 to spend on any exhibitor they meet.
Posted: 28 September 2023
County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.
Posted: 27 September 2023
Bryngarw House has a romantic history dating back to the 15th century
Bryngarw House dates back to the 15th century, and it is believed that in 1775, a gentleman named John Popkin gave the house and its grounds to his sister Frances as a wedding present. A symbol of love from the very start, the owners are proud to have transformed Bryngarw House into a beautiful wedding venue almost 250 years later.
Located in the heart of Bryngarw Country Park, there are an array of photo opportunities available, including the golden meadows, never- ending woodland, and the iconic ornamental bridge in the stunning oriental garden.
Posted: 26 September 2023
Halloween hen party ideas for 2023
If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.
Posted: 25 September 2023
Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign
Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.
Posted: 22 September 2023
Penarth Pier Pavilion invites you to its Autumn Showcase Open Evening
Penarth Pier Pavilion invites you to its Autumn Showcase Open Evening on Thursday 28th September 2023. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony and reception or a lively party for all your family and friends, Penarth Pier Pavilion is the perfect setting.
Arrive anytime between 5pm and 8pm and be greeted with a glass of bubbles and the soft sounds of the grand piano. Wander the space and enjoy canapés from Epic Catering and styling by Cinnamon Pig, and ask the team any questions you might have.
Posted: 21 September 2023
Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!
Posted: 20 September 2023
Let's talk about sleep - the importance of rest
A new nationwide study has revealed as many as 86 percent of us now regularly struggle to drift off - not good if you're wanting to look and feel your best physically and mentally in the run up to your wedding day and on-the-day itself! Research has revealed the top 20 natural sleep inducers in the modern age – and counting sheep or mugs of Horlicks did not make the cut. In fact, modern Brits are more likely to get intimate with their other half, listen to a true crime podcast, watch a comedy show, tidy their room from top to bottom, or cuddle up with their pet. But the survey shows, simply reading a book is the number one snooze inducing activity (23 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (22 percent), despite the consensus that looking at phones is bad for our sleep patterns.
Posted: 20 September 2023
Cefn Tilla Court is a grand wedding venue that dates back to the 17th century
Dating back to the 17th century, Cefn Tilla Court is a grand wedding venue that was once home to Lord Raglan, the youngest son of the Duke of Beaufort.
Ceremonies take place in the pagoda, next to the oriental lily pond, with up to 140 of your friends and family.
Alternatively, the historic Great Hall, located at the front of the house, can accommodate up to 100 of your guests. The windows overlook the lawns and lily pond, letting in plenty of natural light, and the wood panelling and carved family crest exude a sense of history and charm.
Posted: 19 September 2023
Swansea’s four-star Morgans Hotel is hosting a wedding fair
Swansea's four-star Morgans Hotel is hosting a wedding fair on Saturday 14th October, 2023. This stunning venue will be open to the public from 1pm to 5.30pm with lots of local wedding suppliers to chat with. View the beautiful, fully licensed wedding rooms in their full glory, speak to the in-house wedding coordinators about your special day, and enjoy a selection of complimentary treats courtesy of Morgans Hotel.
Posted: 14 September 2023
Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is a charming family-run Victorian vicarage
Nestled in the village of Wolfscastle is the award-winning Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa. This family-run property is a charming Victorian vicarage with 20 en-suite bedrooms, a two AA rosette restaurant, a contemporary brasserie, a boutique spa and impressive views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne rocks.
The Garden Room is a bright and airy space with high ceilings, impressive bi-folding doors that open up to the rear garden and room for 120 of your friends and family.
Posted: 12 September 2023
Dylan Coastal Resort has opened its new Milk Wood Spa
Luxury Lodges, a collection of five-star self-catering resorts, has launched Milk Wood Spa at its South Wales site, Dylan Coastal Resort. Set in the ancient town of Laugharne, tucked away in Carmarthenshire, couples are invited to make use of the sleek and world-class spa facilities at Milk Wood Spa and delight in a luxurious spa experience. Relax in the heated, outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool and admire the panoramic views of the vast Taf Estuary and beyond. Enjoy Milk Wood Spa's state-of-the-art facilities, including the large indoor pool, themed showers, Herbal steam room, Tepidarium, and Mezzanine relaxation zone – the perfect spot to wind down after a session in the sleek gym which offers Technogym equipment.
Posted: 7 September 2023
The Vale Resort is home to 143 on-site bedrooms and two championship golf courses
The Vale Resort is home to 143 on-site bedrooms, two championship golf courses, an award-winning restaurant, sports facilities and Wales' largest spa. Located within 650 acres of countryside, the resort boasts landscaped gardens, perfect for your wedding day photographs, as well as gorgeous greenery and well-kept seasonal plants.
There are nine deluxe suites available for weddings at this glorious garden venue. The Castle Suite is perfect for large celebrations, with high ceilings, grand windows, a private bar and space for 400 of your loved ones throughout the special day.
Posted: 5 September 2023
Four tips for storing your wedding dress after the big day
With September tipped to be the most popular month for weddings, when the big day is done deciding what to do with a wedding dress can be tricky. Whilst some people sell them or donate them so future brides can use them, others prefer to keep hold of them and preserve the memory of their wedding day. If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress after the big day, or pass it down to future generations, proper storage is essential in maintaining its pristine condition. With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station shares four tips for storing your wedding dress to keep it in pristine condition. Vlatka adds: "Before putting your dress into storage, make sure you have it cleaned to remove any stains or marks that may have appeared from your wedding day. The most important thing to remember when putting your wedding gown into storage is that it shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag or hung on a hanger. "Plastic covers don't allow for humidity changes and can often let light in that will fade the material of your dress. Hanging your dress can also affect its shape by adding unnecessary stress on the seams or the fabric."
Posted: 4 September 2023
Big-day gifting ideas from Don't Buy Her Flowers
Gift company, Don't Buy Her Flowers, prides itself for having thoughtfulness at its core, with customers able to create a bespoke gift box that perfectly suits the person and occasion. Whether it's to celebrate, commiserate or offer someone some TLC during a tough time, Don't Buy Her Flowers offers a range of luxury British products from delicious treats, cashmere socks and bubble bath to the perfect G&T and a selection of great books. Each gift box is beautifully gift wrapped with the customer's personalised message handwritten on the gift tag, making it the perfect package for everyone from mothers, newlyweds, teachers and employees.
Posted: 1 September 2023
Unique gifts couples give each other on their wedding day
The team at hampers.com recently surveyed UK adults who have gotten married or attended a wedding in the past five years, with the goal of determining what the gifting landscape looks like for wedding season. In doing so, they spoke to almost 800 newlyweds from across the UK and a further 1,400 UK adults who have attended a wedding in the same time frame. Firstly, the study found that it's common for brides and grooms to buy each other a gift for the wedding day itself, with 65% stating they did this for their own wedding day. The average spend was found to be £115, with women most likely to purchase a pocket watch (24%) or a vintage bottle of alcohol (22%) and men most likely to purchase jewellery (37%) or personalised 'Mrs' clothing (19%)...
Posted: 1 September 2023
Penhein is introducing a host of wild gourmet dining options
Penhein, a glampsite offering luxury Persian Alachigh tents, is introducing a host of wild gourmet dining options for guests this summer. Penhein Glamping is set in a 450-acre Monmouthshire family-owned farm with wildflower meadows, an adventure playground for kids and a cooling brook to dip your toes in. The accommodation comes in the shape of eight luxury, high-domed tents, each sleeping up to five people.
Posted: 31 August 2023
Norton House Hotel is an independent country house with plenty of period charm
Boasting elegant windows, 17 individually designed bedrooms and an impressive entrance, Norton House Hotel is an independent country house with plenty of period charm. Renovated to a high standard with home comforts that don't compromise the historic features, this Grade II listed venue has been thoroughly refurbished with weddings in mind.
The private grounds, which include a secluded lawn, an original raised patio, and wide stone steps, look stunning in photographs.
Posted: 29 August 2023
Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine
The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".
Posted: 28 August 2023
7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids
Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.
Posted: 25 August 2023
Claire Hill Designs has launched a new collection
Claire Hill Designs, an independent jewellery brand based in Wales, creates responsibly handmade pieces. Claire has launched a collection focusing on the hidden beauty of new lab-grown diamonds and adding everyday luxury that will last. Included in the collection are 100 per cent recycled 925 sterling silver pieces, 14K gold vermeil plating, ethically sourced or lab-grown gemstones and recyclable gift boxes.
Posted: 24 August 2023
Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular
Posted: 23 August 2023
Tall John’s Weddings is a charming venue situated within acres of exquisite grounds
Situated within acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across Brecon, Tall John's Weddings is a charming venue that's perfect for nuptials. The gardens at Tall John's House are the brainchild of Willow Cracroft, who transformed it from an overgrown and neglected space into an amazing garden with features such as a rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle and a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.
The restored Welsh Barn is available for weddings and looks across the Black Mountains. Boasting an enchanting courtyard and a wooden gazebo that can be decorated with flowers and covered in Perspex if the weather is unkind, the space has electric points, underfloor heating, insulation, hard floors and a catering area.
Posted: 22 August 2023
Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!
Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).
Posted: 21 August 2023
Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR
Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.
L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.
Posted: 19 August 2023
