Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Enjoy Oystermouth Castle Outdoor Theatre This August 25th - 27th

As the sun sets over Swansea Bay, the grounds of Oystermouth Castle will become one of the region's most atmospheric performance venues this month. Outdoor Theatre returns each summer with a programme of open-air productions staged against the backdrop of the 12th-century castle, where audiences can enjoy literary classics beneath the evening sky. This year, the line-up includes Shakespeare's As You Like It, Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance and family-favourite 'Pinocchio'. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, settle into the historic surroundings and enjoy a relaxed night of entertainment with panoramic views stretching across Swansea Bay and Mumbles. With every Outdoor Theatre ticket purchased, visitors can enjoy half price entry to Oystermouth Castle from 25th until the 27th August.

From best mates to distant relatives: Brits reveal the wedding gift hierarchy

How much should you spend on a wedding gift? It seems the answer depends on just how well you know the happy couple. New research from One4all Gift Cards has revealed that almost half of Brits (49%) would spend less on a wedding gift if they were not particularly close to the couple. The relationship came out ahead of travel and accommodation costs (38%) and paying for a hen or stag do (28%) when it comes to factors influencing how much guests are prepared to spend. For those closest to them, Brits consider an average of £77 per person to be an acceptable wedding gift. The most popular amount was between £50 and £100, selected by 43% of respondents, while 36% believe spending up to £50 is perfectly acceptable. Just 5% would spend more than £200.

Revealed: England and Wales’ most common wedding anniversary date as August accounts for nearly one in six

1 September is the most common wedding anniversary date, with an average of 1,557 marriages taking place on the date, new analysis has revealed. The research, from drinks and gifting retailer Bottled and Boxed, analysed 22 years of marriage registration data from the Office for National Statistics to identify the dates when couples across England and Wales are most likely to be celebrating their wedding anniversaries each year. Every date in the top 10 falls between late July and early September, showing how heavily the most common anniversaries are concentrated in late summer. August is the most common month for wedding anniversaries, accounting for 15.7% of all marriages analysed, with an average of 1,254 couples married per day.

Marriage law reform: what the Government’s proposals could mean for couples

Planning a wedding is fun, stressful, time consuming. Couples want a ceremony that reflects their taste, is reflective of their love for each other and feels unique. The current restrictions in place can sometimes fetter that. Long-awaited plans to modernise weddings law in England and Wales could give couples far greater freedom over where and how they marry. It is hoped that they may be part of a much wider transformation of family law which is going through the biggest shakeup in decades.

Celebrate Afternoon Tea week in Snowdonia in Wales

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in luxury in Wales this week. Taking place until the 18th of August, diners can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea overlooking Snowdonia at Penmaenuchaf. Located within the breathtaking surroundings of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Penmaenuchaf, is a refined country house hotel that offers guests a peaceful escape with spectacular mountain and estuary views. Steeped in history and recently refreshed with a design-led refurbishment by Nicola Harding, the hotel blends timeless character with contemporary comfort. It's the perfect base for walkers, cyclists, and explorers discovering the beauty of North Wales, with highlights including the ascent of Cadair Idris, the forest trails of Coed y Brenin, and the heritage-rich market towns of Betws-y-Coed and Conwy.

Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’

The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.

Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings

The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.

Chepstow Racecourse hosting Family Fun Day this August Bank Holiday

The school summer holidays are here, and finding new ways to entertain your family without breaking the bank can be a challenge. But this bank holiday weekend on Monday 31st August, Chepstow Racecourse opens its gates once again to offer an absolutely incredible family day out, with its best-ever value offers. In addition to seven thrilling flat races in action on the course, visitors will be treated to free family entertainment designed to keep your little tribe busy. Whether watching the Paw Patrol Live Show, enjoying the meet and greet with their favourite Paw Patrol characters, dancing along to the K-POP Superstars or taking advantage of the unlimited fairground rides, one thing is for sure, children will certainly be well entertained!

Swansea has been named one of the best food destinations in the UK

Swansea has been named the UK's fifth best food destination outside London, putting it ahead of Worcester, Newport, Wrexham, Perth and Brighton & Hove in a new city-break ranking. The Welsh city was placed inside the top five after analysis by travel specialists at Ski Vertigo which compared recent restaurant rankings, review data and current dining guide credentials across more than 60 UK cities. Birmingham took the overall crown, but Swansea's position gives the city a clear food-led break hook for travellers who want a cheaper and easier alternative to the capital. London dominates the UK for sheer restaurant volume and high-end dining, but the ranking looked beyond size alone, comparing the ratio of five-star rated food spots to total venues alongside wider guide recognition.

The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question

Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.

Rising Stars of Welsh Food and Drink Making Their Royal Welsh Food Hall Debut

An array of new Welsh food and drink businesses are featuring in the Food Hall at this year's Royal Welsh Show (July 20th-23rd). From concept to counter, the Cywain Programme has provided the launch pad for countless up-and-coming food and drink producers, eager to showcase their products to a broad audience. Four different producers will take to the stand per day, each bringing their unique style and flavours to an audience looking for something new. Cywain is a Food & Drink Wales programme funded by the Welsh Government, working with food and drink producers across Wales, helping them grow and develop their businesses. Support is offered in various areas, including marketing, brand development, sustainability, and finance.

Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!

If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.

The Wales Airshow returns on 25th and 26th July 2026

On the 25th and of 26th July, visitors will return to Swansea Bay to watch the Wales Airshow. Swansea Bay will be transformed into a sea of spectators enjoying breathtaking aerial displays, featuring everything from modern military jets and helicopters to historic aircraft and aerobatic performances. New for 2026 is Wales Airshow: Afterburn, a sunset event bringing the fun into the night with pyrotechnic helicopter displays, illuminated aerobatics, the roar of RAF Typhoon afterburners over the bay, and a spectacular finale featuring 200 drones and fireworks. Alongside the flying programme, visitors can enjoy ground displays, live entertainment, family activities and plenty of delicious food stalls.

Franco Manca serves up Strawberries & Cream Tiramisu for Wimbledon

With Wimbledon well underway, Franco Manca, with branches in Wales, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, is bringing a taste of centre court to its menus with a limited-edition Strawberries & Cream Tiramisu, inspired by the Championships' most iconic flavour pairing. Available until the 12th of July 2026, this delicious seasonal dessert offers a fresh take on the Italian classic, layering juicy strawberries with a light, creamy tiramisu base for a simple, summery finish. The popular dish is available as a stand-alone option across all Franco Manca restaurants nationwide, making it an easy way to tap into the Wimbledon spirit – with no ticket required.

ALDI reveals scent-sational summer home fragrances

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your home (or wedding this summer) without the designer price tag? Aldi has unveiled its latest Hotel Collection home fragrance range, with prices starting from just £3.99. Available in stores from June, the collection sees the return of customer favourites including the Premium Hotel Collection candles in Bergamot & Vanilla, alongside new summer-inspired scents such as Waffle Cone Sundae, Tropical Hibiscus, Lemon and Neroli and Sea Salt & White Sails. The range also includes reed diffusers and classic fragrances such as Cardinal Red, Liquid Luxe and Intense Passion, allowing shoppers to layer scent throughout the home.

WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL PUB & BAR AWARDS 2026 ANNOUNCED

The winners of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 were recently announced, with establishments in Wales, Oxfordshire and beyond. In total, 94 County Winners were announced, as well as Highly Commended venues for each area. Regional Wiinners were announced for every region across the UK. Pub Group of the Year went to Caledonian Heritable, and Bar Group of the Year was won by German bier haus brand Albert's Schloss. The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award – presented by the event's headline sponsor – was awarded to The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex. The Industry's Choice Award is voted for by hundreds of people from across the sector and, once again, went to The Devonshire in Soho, London.

Henley Festival names Cardiff-raised Adjua winner of Audi Presents RISE Music Award

Henley Festival Presented by Hemani has announced Welsh-Ghanaian artist Adjua as the first-ever recipient of the Audi Presents RISE Music Award – an initiative created to champion and accelerate emerging music talent. The inaugural award marks a significant new chapter for Henley Festival's charitable RISE programme, which was established to support the next generation of creatives across music, visual art and backstage production. Through the partnership, Audi and Henley Festival will provide breakthrough artists with performance opportunities, mentoring, professional guidance, and access to influential networks within the music industry. Adjua will perform at this year's Henley Festival from the 8th - 12th July, bringing her distinctive indie-grunge R&B sound – infused with Afro and funk influences – to the festival audience.

RSVPing 'YES' to multiple weddings? Here's how to budget!

Attending weddings can be a joyous occasion, but it can also be expensive, particularly if you're invited to more than one over the course of the year. Costs such as new outfits, travel and accommodation, and gifts mean the overall expense of attending can quickly add up. Duncan Fortune, Head of Commercial at Tesco Bank, says: "Wedding season can be a significant expense for households. Planning ahead and setting a dedicated budget for celebrations can help spread the cost over several months, allowing people to make the most of the celebrations while keeping their finances on track."

How to treat the father-of-the-bride this Father's Day

Father's Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father of the bride. After all, he's been there through the wedding planning, the emotional speeches, the last-minute panics and probably more than a few budget discussions too. Whether the wedding has already happened or it's still to come, Father's Day is a brilliant opportunity to show him just how much he's appreciated. If you're looking to do something a little more exciting than buying another novelty mug or pair of socks, wedding experts The Stag Company share their favourite experiences that can make the day feel extra special.

Unearthed Festival returns to Pembrokeshire from 19th June

From the 19th until the 21st of June this summer, the Unearthed Festival returns to Pembrokeshire for its 14th year. Headlining the main stage is Roni Size, Bristol's most decorated musician, whose Mercury Prize-winning album New Forms (credited to Roni Size & Reprazent) took drum & bass from underground clubs to global stages in 1997. Joining him is Omega Nebula, the Bristol-based husband and wife duo whose future-dub sound — rooted in Jamaican sound system culture, dub reggae and bass — has built one of the city's most passionate live followings. Bristol DJs and producers Optimystic and Sanial complete a line-up.