When it's time for you look for local businesses to help you with your wedding, take a look at our advertisements below. Most will have links to their own websites. These advertisements are updated regularly so please revisit often and mention Your South Wales Wedding when making any enquiries.
All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in South Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Weddings can finally take place at licensed venues in Wales
After months of lockdown, we're excited to say that weddings and civil partnership ceremonies can finally take place in licensed venues across Wales! While receptions are still unable to go ahead, couples looking for a small celebration will finally be able to say 'I do' at their chosen venue. Only register offices and places of worship were allowed to perform ceremonies, but now hotels, stately homes that have a ceremony license can host a service. Social distancing measures are still in place, and the number of people who can attend the service will be determined by the size of the venue, so we suggest you get in touch with them to discuss how many guests can attend.... read more
Posted: 1 March 2021
‘Insta-worthy’ engagement posts
From famous landmarks to atmospheric candles - Austen & Blake, diamond ring specialists, has revealed the engagement posts that got the most love and what makes them so 'likeable'. The company analysed hundreds of the top 'liked' Instagram photos from around the world to find out the common features that appear the most.With more than 2 million #isaidyes and 1 million #wereengaged and #wegotenagaged hashtags appearing on the popular platform, there was no shortage of love announcements to choose from.So what makes an engagement picture go viral other than people being happy for you? Below, Austen & Blake breaks down the features you need to know about if you want to nail the perfect post.... read more
Posted: 1 March 2021
How to incorporate spring into your wedding flowers
Every season has a different feel often reflecting the natural environment in which your wedding is taking place. Of course, it's always possible to move away from tradition, but few people actually do. I find couples will almost always choose the season that suits them because they like what time of year has to offer. For me, spring is all about pastels and bright light. It helps that pastels are set to become a big trend for 2021. The darker, bolder hues we saw so much of for the last few years and becoming muted, and a paler palate is taking over.... read more
Posted: 26 February 2021
Pop the question with Team Hen
After this week's announcement giving us the go ahead to start making plans again for the summer and beyond it's no better time to set about planning your hen do! From hen party connoisseurs Team Hen, the arrival of its new bridesmaid and maid-of-honour proposal gift boxes means there's no better way to pop the question to your bride tribe. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think they make the perfect gifts for you best girls - can we have one!... read more
Posted: 26 February 2021
Loxus Hair & Make-up by Maya Jasinska HMUA is offering brides-to-be a free trial
Loxus Hair & Make-up by Maya Jasinska HMUA is an award-winning hair and make-up artist in Cardiff. Maya is offering brides-to-be who book her wedding services between April 2021 and April 2021 a free trial. To redeem this offer, use the code 'Free Trial' when enquiring. Maya tells us more about her company: "I always wanted to be a hairdresser and used to practice on my friends and family. When I finished my college course, I was finally qualified and won several competitions across Bristol and South Wales. I learnt so much and had fun doing theatre and prosthetics, but weddings are my true love. I offer brides-to-be hair and make-up for their big day and run workshops so they can learn how to create their own look."... read more
Posted: 25 February 2021
Questions to ask before hiring a celebrant
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and deciding on a type of ceremony is an essential part of this. A celebrant led service will give you freedom of choice, and most suppliers will be delighted to accommodate your wishes and preferences. Consider the following: Make sure they have availability on your chosen date and will travel to your area. Always meet your celebrant face-to-face to make sure that you connect and feel confident that they understand your style and approach.... read more
Posted: 24 February 2021
I do, I do, I do... with a prenuptial agreement in place!
Not just reserved for celebrities and millionaires, prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly popular with modern couples too, no matter their financial status. With the uncertainty 2020 has brought to the economic and employment market, it can only be seen as a positive step to raise awareness of the importance of prenuptial agreements and eliminate the stigma surrounding them. Millennials, in particular, need to be made aware of the significance of prenups, as they aren't necessarily something to be viewed negatively or avoided, it's simply a sensible way to protect yourself and your finances.... read more
Posted: 24 February 2021
The road map to freedom.... and weddings!
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ yesterday, as we waited with bated breath to hear what Boris Johnson had to say in his announcement, our biggest concern was that he wouldn't address the wedding and events sector at all in his initial proposals for the coming months. One big exhale later, and we were delighted that we had SOMETHING we can start shouting about and we're certainly here to be the ones to do it - yipee!... read more
Posted: 23 February 2021
Take a peek at Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Llancaiach Fawr Manor is a Grade I listed property that's steeped in history. The building is one of the finest surviving fortified Tudor manor houses in the country and is located in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. Its secluded and peaceful setting is the ideal location for any weddings and is close to major transport links. The 16th-century manor has been restored to how it was during the royal visit of King Charles I in 1645. The Parlour is ideal for an atmospheric candlelit ceremony for up to 30 guests. Alternatively, the Great Hall can be used to accommodate up to 50 people.... read more
Posted: 23 February 2021
Welsh Government announces changes to the restrictions on weddings
The Welsh Government has announced the law will soon be changed to allow more weddings to take place. Licensed wedding venues, such as hotels, will be allowed to re-open for weddings ceremonies. Receptions and social gatherings after the service are still prohibited, but it's a step in the right direction for couples who want a small celebration. The first minister, Mark Drakeford, announced the changes on Friday after the Welsh Government concluded its 21-day review of the level four restrictions in place. He said: The industry was clear what they didn't want was to be left in the dark. That's why I was clear with them: in the next six weeks, our priority will be children and education, whether it's possible to open some non-essential retail, whether it's possible to have a modest reopening of tourism. Hospitality, if we can accomplish that successfully, their turn will come as well."... read more
Posted: 22 February 2021
Getting married? Make sure you debunk your mortgage before tying the knot
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...... a mortgage! Yes, it may not sound that romantic, but owning your own home is high on the agenda for many nearlyweds-to-be. While wedding plans may be top of the list, lots of couples picture themselves settling into married life in the comfort of their perfect home without always considering the complexities that need some thought before achieving homeownership – such as being self-employed, having bad credit or being a single parent. Applying for a mortgage can feel like information overload, and hard to separate the facts from fiction. There are many misconceptions around mortgage lending, which can be harmful as many people are left feeling insecure about their financial situation. To help couples navigate the word of mortgages, Paul Coss, Co-Founder of Haysto, has debunked five common myths:... read more
Posted: 22 February 2021
Things to take into consideration before booking your florist
For many of you, finding a florist might be high on your list and one of the first things you want to book. Keep in mind that flowers aren't just bouquets and buttonholes, they're quite often the main source of decorations for your big day. If your big-day blooms are important to you, get booking your florist as soon as possible. Ask your venue and photographer if they have any recommendations. They will have worked with lots of suppliers and will likely know who will be suitable for your big day. Remember that recommendations are just people's opinions and everyone has their own style.... read more
Posted: 19 February 2021
This past year has placed extra significance on those precious holiday memories, and if you're dreaming of far away lands and distant shores then these travel-inspired prints will be a welcome delight. Perfect to add to your big-day gift list, and to adorn your home as newlyweds, Places & Spaces Art Co. has a wide range of original and personalised art prints - why not gift to your loved one with the sentiment of looking forward to your honeymoon when we can travel again?... read more
Posted: 19 February 2021
The Makeup Locker is offering a 20 per cent discount on bridal trials
Emma R. Locke is a hair and make-up artist based in Blackwood. We spoke to Emma to find out more about her business, she tells us: "I trained straight after A-Levels to be a Theatrical and Media Make-up Artist. I always used these qualifications to do many theatrical shows, face paintings, wedding make-up alongside a full-time job as a chartered accountant. Then the time came to re-focus on my passion, so I refreshed my skills at London School of Make-up and then Izabella Hammon.... read more
Posted: 18 February 2021
We get asked this question a lot! For a more casual style, how about picnic baskets on each table, filled with all your favourite savoury and sweet treats? Alternatively, you could ask your caterer to put sharing boards of meats, cheeses, savoury nibbles and salads down long tables so your guests can help themselves to the feast in front of them. If you're looking for casual, but hot food, how about designing a bespoke gourmet burger with your caterer? We've had several weddings ask to do this, and it's a lot of fun at tasting sessions providing different burgers and assorted fillings.... read more
Posted: 17 February 2021
In lockdown 3.0 most of us would be hard pushed to remember a time when we could plan a wedding without having to consider the necessary social restrictions. Usual headaches like seating plans and flowers seem minor in comparison to having to contend with whether The Big Day can even go ahead or how the guest list can be reduced enough to comply. Even with the initial successes of the vaccine rollout, we're all still facing a long road ahead, before we can get back to normality.... read more
Posted: 17 February 2021
Government announcement – what we need to happen
With less than a week to go until Monday the 22nd February, the whole wedding industry waits on Boris Johnson's announcement to outline the roadmap out of lockdown. Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we have completely and whole-heartedly empathised with the whole of our wedding community, from the couples who have had to postponed their weddings on multiple occasions, to the businesses that have had to adapt to new restrictions and regulations to overcome such dire prospects in the last year. The UK wedding industry normally hosts 20 million wedding guests and 252,000 weddings every year, worth more than £10billion to Britain's economy. Unbelievably despite these astronomical figures, many wedding industry professionals have had little if any support from government financial schemes over the course of the last year.... read more
Posted: 16 February 2021
Celebrate your big day at voco St Davids, Cardiff
Voco St Davids, Cardiff is a luxurious five-star wedding venue that's surrounded by breathtaking views of Penarth and 19 acres of Cardiff Bay's wetlands reserve. The property boasts a sleek and elegant interior with a modern style and a glass-fronted façade. The Roald & Dahl Suites, which form part of a larger room, can be used to accommodate 150 loved ones for the ceremony and 180 for the reception. The Dylan & Thomas Suites can also be used to create a larger space with room for 220 friends and family for the vows and 300 for the evening celebration.... read more
Posted: 16 February 2021
Most romantic destinations in the UK
The last year has certainly changed the way we make our plans; local weddings and UK minimoons will be a priority for this year and beyond! Luckily, the UK has some stunning coastal locations, idyllic countryside hotspots and cool cities to suit whatever your desires. Why not even mix it up with a city escape mixed with countryside charm; London and the home counties are all on your doorstep! Holiday cottage company, Lyme Bay Holidays have analysed data to find the UK's most romantic destinations and Bristol ranks in the top ten. Read on to find out if your area features in the romance chart...... read more
Posted: 15 February 2021
Claire and Samuel celebrated their love of music with an entertained-filled wedding
Claire and Samuel met while studying music at Cardiff University. "We bonded over our mutual love of musical theatre and folk music," says Samuel. "I accompanied Claire to a lunchtime concert series, and we became good friends. We quickly fell for each other without even realising it." Samuel popped the question on New Year's Eve in front of Claire's family. "We looked at rings together earlier in December, but Claire didn't know when the proposal would be," shares the groom. "It was also a surprise for the rest of our friends and family."... read more
Posted: 12 February 2021
De Vere donates over £200,000 to NHS Charities Together
De Vere, a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels - many of which are outstanding wedding venues - has donated £202,248 to NHS Charities Together to help NHS staff, volunteers and patients at the centre of the COVID-19 crisis. The money was raised when De Vere pledged a proportion of the value of each direct bedroom booking, including VAT, to NHS Charities Together* after the hotels were allowed to open in August 2020. De Vere's donation will help support NHS staff, volunteers and patients in key areas including welfare and wellbeing, assistance for patients leaving hospital, and long-term mental health support for NHS workers.... read more
Posted: 12 February 2021
Cefn Tilla Court has recently undergone a refurbishment and is offering a new wedding package
Llandenny-based wedding venue, Cefn Tilla Court has two exciting pieces of news. Firstly, The Lord Raglan room has recently undergone a refurbishment. Previously the Drawing Room and later the Library of Lord Raglan, the space has been transformed to create a modern yet classic style that oozes charm and comfort. Guests will be impressed by the stunning views across the landscaped gardens from the bay window seating area, there's also elegant roll-top baths and stylish hand-carved wooden bed frames with matching bedside tables.... read more
Posted: 11 February 2021
Entertainment ideas that will appeal to all ages
We have an interesting situation at the moment and don't know if 2021 weddings will be permitted to have the traditional numbers and fun practices that we had pre-pandemic. Don't worry, there are still ways to have a good time even with smaller numbers. This is where technology comes in! We can utilise it so even when the pandemic is a thing of the past, aged grandparents who are too frail to travel will still be able to be involved with your big day. A selfie wizard allows people both in the room and at home to upload pictures of themselves and send text messages.... read more
Posted: 10 February 2021
Hitting the right notes with new card range
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, one thing we have gained from lockdown is the love of sending a card in the post - an email just doesn't quite cut it! New stationery brand 'Say it with Songs' has an exciting bold range that covers all occasions, combining the power of a song with the sentiment of a greeting card to help us connect or reconnect with the people in our lives. Read on to be inspired...... read more
Posted: 10 February 2021
For Valentine's Day and the rest of 2021
With vaccines well and truly providing the road to recovery in the UK we can start to dream again about romantic breaks away with loved ones. Not only do venue gift vouchers make for the perfect V-day gift - especially if you're stuck for ideas - but it's also something truly thoughtful and romantic to look forward to! It's time to start putting plans and holidays in the diary once again, and where better to start then an idyllic break for two at one of these Exclusive Collection properties... read more
Posted: 9 February 2021