Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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.

St Tewdrics House is a 19th-century Italianate villa situated within acres of countryside

St Tewdrics House is a 19th-century Italianate villa situated within acres of idyllic countryside. Offering impressive views of the Seven Estuaries, the property is accessible by a tree-lined driveway and is surrounded by glorious green fields. Available exclusively for weddings, you will have complete privacy on your special day and a choice of nine en- suite bedrooms. The charming Grade II-listed building has a classic yet contemporary feel, with original period features, while the interior has been sympathetically modernised.

The Glyn Clydach has been hosting weddings for over 30 years

The Glyn Clydach, nestled in an idyllic part of Neath, has been hosting weddings for over 30 years, working with couples to style and coordinate their special day, taking their ideas and turning them into reality.

At E2 Media, The Glyn Clydach won the highly anticipated 2024 Awards of Excellence, highlighting outstanding achievements across various industries. This accolade not only showcases The Glyn Clydach's commitment to excellence but also highlights their consistent efforts to go above and beyond in ensuring a positive and seamless experience for their couples.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Crug Glâs is a romantic country house with rooms in Pembrokeshire

Crug Glâs is a country house restaurant with rooms in Pembrokeshire. Set in 600 acres of land in St. David's, it offers breathtaking views of unspoilt countryside and easy access to the area's famous coast. The property can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was mentioned in the Black Book of St. David's, the chronicle of local farms, manors and estates. Crug Glâs is now owned and run by husband-and-wife team Janet and Perkin Evans. The couple began modernising the house in keeping with its Georgian style. They added en-suite bathrooms and moved the kitchen and scullery to the ground floor. The top floor was converted from servants' quarters to a spacious and contemporary suite with panoramic views over the countryside. Bit-by-bit and with careful attention, Crug Glâs has become more than a home and a farm for the Evans family. It's now a luxurious five-star boutique hotel and restaurant, drawing guests from all over the world as well as locals.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Relax in style at Wales’s largest spa with the return of two spa packages

Wales's largest spa is reintroducing two of its most popular spa packages: Sunday Spa & Lunch and Twilight Spa & Dine.

Voted 'Best Resort Spa' for seven consecutive years, Vale Spa features 16 treatment rooms, a 20-metre pool, a whirlpool bath, a sauna, a steam room and five bespoke relaxation rooms. It's the perfect space to unwind after a hectic week at work or running around after the children, offering a tranquil space to be pampered and spend quality time with your loved one or group of friends.

No-shows at weddings are costing couples across the UK approximately £1.52 Billion each year

No-shows and last-minute declines at weddings are not only incredibly annoying but also can have a hefty impact on a couple's finances. Data collected by Togather, the UK's leading event booking platform, reveals that wedding no-shows are costing couples on average £6,163.36 per wedding or £1.52 billion each year. Given that, on average, 20% of guests who RSVP ultimately do not attend, the financial implications for couples are significant. By analysing customer budget data from thousands of weddings across the country, Togather has shed light on the financial strain caused by guest absences. It's revealed that the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023/24 stands at £30,816.41, with cost per guest amounting to £385.21.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is a Grade I-listed Tudor manor house

The Grade I-listed Llancaiach Fawr Manor is one of the finest surviving fortified Tudor manor houses in the country. Situated in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, this 16th-century property has been restored to how it would have looked during the royal visit of King Charles I in 1645.

The Parlour is used for intimate celebrations and provides the ideal setting for a candlelit ceremony with up to 30 of your guests, or the Great Hall can be used for up to 50 people.

Data reveals staggering cost increases for stag and hen dos

New research by Adventure Connections, a leading provider of group adventure experiences, reveals a staggering increase in the cost of stag and hen weekends, with prices skyrocketing in recent years. The data, based on bookings between 2016 and 2024, highlights a significant financial burden for those celebrating upcoming nuptials. The average cost of a stag weekend has surged by 136% since 2016, rising from £2,018 to £4,759 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 11.32% per year, far outpacing the rate of inflation during the same period. Similarly, hen do expenses have climbed by 130%, increasing from £1,752 to £4,022 over the same period, with an average annual increase of around 11%. This is based just on UK staycation trips alone.

Golden Road Gin has won an award

Golden Road Gin, which is distilled near Pembrokeshire's Preseli Hills, has taken silver in one of the biggest categories from industry specialists at IWSC, who are one of the most respected global wine and spirits communities.

Perfect as a wedding gift or drink for the big day, Golden Road Gin was created by husband-and-wife team Phil and Jennifer Wheeler. It's a copper pot-distilled gin created from 100 per cent natural botanical ingredients on a small scale.

Brits say yes to dogs at weddings - but on your honeymoon?

As more Brits include their furry friends in significant life events like weddings, this trend is beginning to extend beyond the big day - many couples are now choosing to bring their dogs along on their honeymoons as well. With searches for 'minimoon destinations' rising 150% in the last 90 days, many are opting for UK-based getaways that include their canine companions, as highlighted in a recent viral TikTok. The recent TikTok video by Tasmin (@maybetamsin), which currently has over 70k views and 8k likes, shows her experience of traveling with her dog on her honeymoon. In the video, Tasmin shares how she brought her dog, Rhubarb, along on their UK staycation 'minimoon,' offering a glimpse into a dog-friendly getaway after their wedding, where Rhubarb also made a special appearance.

The Brangwyn is a wedding venue in Swansea known for its Art Deco décor

Known for its Art Deco décor, The Brangwyn is an impressive wedding venue in Swansea. Built in the 1930s, it's situated within walking distance of Victoria Park and the spectacular sweep of Swansea Bay. The property uses striking and majestic architecture throughout, with the historic British Empire panels created by renowned artist Sir Frank Brangwyn proudly on display.

Brangwyn Hall, a beautifully decorated space with striking high-panelled ceilings that look stunning in photographs, is perfect for weddings.