Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Craig Y Nos Castle has extended its last-minute wedding deals

Craig Y Nos Castle, a wedding venue in the upper Swansea Valley, has extended its last-minute wedding deals to cover Fridays and Saturdays in 2025.

The Castle Wedding Packages are available for weddings with 25 to 130 guests. Michael Ludwig from Craig Y Nos Castle tells us more: "Our wedding packages are very competitively priced and should be easily within your wedding budget; for example, we charge £5,000 for 50 day guests and 75 evening guests for all Fridays in 2025. Last-minute weddings on Saturdays in 2025 are £6,000 for 60 day guests and 85 evening guests."

Bryngarw House is hosting a wedding showcase on Saturday 16th November

Come and see Bryngarw House in all its autumn and winter wonder on Saturday 16th November 2024 at the venue's wedding showcase.

Couples can enjoy seeing the venue as it would look on a wedding day, styled by Panache, as well as having the opportunity to meet the team, who will be on hand to give you all the information you need about getting married at Bryngarw House.

Some of Bryngarw House's recommended suppliers will be attending and you will be the first to see some all-new refurbishments that are happening!

Hensol Castle is a 17th-century venue nestled within 650 acres of countryside

Hensol Castle is perfect for those of you planning a fairytale wedding in a grand setting. This 17th-century property is nestled within 650 acres of Welsh countryside, creating plenty of places to take photographs. Sympathetically renovated to create a modern décor throughout, the castle has arched windows, oak panelling and sweeping staircases that are ideal for making a grand entrance. Finish the day by retiring to one of the new luxury bedrooms, each with bespoke features such as roll-top baths and comfy four-poster beds. Re-group the next morning over a delicious breakfast in the orangery and continue the celebrations.

Sugar Loaf Barn has teamed up with Airbnb

Weddings are not just a special day for nearlyweds; they provide a wonderful opportunity for guests to explore new destinations on their travel bucket lists. However, according to new research by Airbnb, a calendar full of weddings is causing increasing stress and financial worries for guests. So, to make the experience more enjoyable and affordable, Airbnb has partnered with fashion rental app By Rotation to ease the planning involved and lower the cost of attending. The collaboration sees complimentary outfit rentals offered to Airbnb guests who stay in top wedding destinations. Sugar Loaf Barn in Monmouthshire is one of the 10 hotels taking part in the collaboration. This spacious and cosy barn is located on a working sheep farm on the Sugar Loaf Mountain, with a fantastic private patio area where you can enjoy a barbecue outside.

Penarth Pier Pavilion is located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth

Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth and looking out over the Bristol Channel is the iconic Penarth Pier Pavilion, a 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 a range of events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.

The Vale Resort has reintroduced two of its most popular spa packages

The Vale Resort, home to Wales's largest spa, has reintroduced two of its most popular spa packages. Voted 'Best Resort Spa' for seven consecutive years, Vale Spa features 16 treatment rooms, a 20-meter pool, a whirlpool bath, a sauna, a steam room and five bespoke relaxation rooms. It's the perfect space to unwind, offering a tranquil space to be pampered and spend quality time with your loved ones.

The Sunday Spa & Lunch Package includes a two-course Sunday lunch, a welcome tour, a 50-minute treatment, access to the facilities, free parking and a robe, towel and slippers.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Tall John’s House is a charming wedding venue in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, in acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across to the Black Mountains, Tall John's House is a charming venue that's perfect for those of you who want tranquillity, exclusivity, and the freedom to make this venue your own. The gardens at Tall John's House are something special with features for all-year attraction, such as the rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle, a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables, and fabulous sweeping lawns perfect for strolling and taking photos.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway has launched a new service

Looking for something different for your mini-moon or honeymoon? The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Wales is the perfect way to see the stunning Cambrian Mountains from a vantage point you can only get to by train. During this new experience, you'll travel through 12 miles of glorious Welsh scenery on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK. And you'll do it all from the comfort of your carriage, travelling behind a vintage steam locomotive built in the 1920s.

As you travel from Aberystwyth on Cardigan Bay to Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, you can chat with the railway's knowledgeable loco crews, watch as red kites, once threatened with extinction, fly overhead, and soak up the views that can only be seen from the railway line.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Cottrell Resort is surrounded by 400 acres of parkland and views of the Vale of Glamorgan

Cottrell Resort is surrounded by 400 acres of parkland and rolling views of the Vale of Glamorgan, making it a picture-perfect setting to celebrate your special day.

The dedicated team will help you create your dream wedding and offer the services of a DJ if required. You're also welcome to decorate the wedding space to your own design, or the team can put you in contact with a company that can assist on the day.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Driftwood Designs has launched new deckchairs perfect for outdoor weddings

Driftwood Designs incorporates the work of Welsh artist and illustrator Lizzie Spikes, whose passion is creating illustrations that can be translated into homewares, cards, prints and so much more. For 2024, Lizzie has announced the launch of her new deckchairs, perfect for those of you planning an outdoor wedding.

On the lawn or the patio, by the pond or the barbecue, these deckchairs will look stylish in any outdoor space. The deck chairs are currently available in four designs, which are printed on 500g artist canvas and form the seat of the chair.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Norton House Hotel is an independent country house with plenty of charm

Boasting elegant windows, 17 individually designed bedrooms and an impressive entrance, Norton House Hotel is a country house with plenty of period charm. Recently announced as regional winners for 'Best Boutique Venue' at the Welsh National Wedding Awards, the property has been 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 and the private grounds, which include a secluded lawn, an original raised patio, and wide stone steps, look stunning in photographs.

Grove of Narberth has unveiled a new dining experience

Pembrokeshire country house hotel, Grove of Narberth, has unveiled a new dining experience with the launch of a creative, non-alcoholic drink pairing menu at its signature restaurant, Fernery. Carefully crafted and curated by head sommelier Cathryn Bell and executive chef Douglas Balish, this innovative offering is set to redefine the offering at Grove of Narberth and showcase that amazing dining experiences can be just as indulgent with non-alcoholic options.

Using ingredients sourced as much as possible from the hotel's own gardens and local producers, the pairings draw inspiration from fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Using cold-pressed fruits and vegetables as a base, the team layers herbs and spices for flavour, along with teas for tannin and texture. They've also incorporated vinegar to add depth and length to their creations.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Canada Lodge and Lake is a picturesque wedding venue on the outskirts of Cardiff

Found on the outskirts of Cardiff and nestled in the lush green landscape of the beautiful countryside, Canada Lodge and Lake is a picturesque wedding venue that boasts stunning views across its quaint lake. Offering exclusive wedding bookings for intimate groups of 30 to large parties of up to 180, it is the perfect place to say, 'I do.'

Canada Lodge and Lake offers charming on-site accommodation. Its oak-built log cabins provide unforgettable views across the tranquil lake and lush woodland. The executive cabins can sleep three, and the guest cabins can sleep up to four people each. All cabins are fully furnished with modern comforts and charming finishing touches.

Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery is a multi-award-winning jeweller that produces timeless and exquisite handmade jewellery. Combining traditional techniques with state-of-the-art technology, the team will work with you to create the perfect piece of jewellery for your big day. With stores in both Penarth and Swansea, the company offers a range of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Wedding bands come in a variety of styles and shapes, as well as your preferred metal choice. Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery can offer a range of classic plain bands, sparkling diamond sets or shaped bands. The team can also take into consideration existing rings and ensure that the wedding ring sits intimately beside them using modern, computer-assisted technology.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.