Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

The Welsh National Wedding Awards has announced its 2024 winners

The Welsh National Wedding Awards, now in its 14th year, shine a light on the incredible Welsh wedding industry, with categories ranging from best bridal retailer, best venue, through to best florist.

Throughout the summer, thousands of votes were cast by brides, grooms, and their families, taking time out of their busy lives to say thank-you to those suppliers that helped make their dream day extra special.

Dylan Coastal Resort is remodelling its Milk Wood Bar & Kitchen

With a rise in multi-generational family holidays, Luxury Lodges Collection understands the importance of catering to guests of all ages; its South Wales site, Dylan Coastal Resort, set in peaceful Carmarthenshire, ensures that its activity schedule at Dylan Coastal Resort is regularly updated to offer a range of on- and off-site experiences. Whether it be a favourite hobby or something completely new, there is something for everyone. While kids are forever entertained with this vast range of activities, teens and adults can make use of the world-class spa and wellness facilities at the luxurious, on-site Milk Wood Spa, located in Milk Wood House.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Mount Rooms Hotel is located just seven minutes from Cardiff Airport

Having been an established hotel for many years and being located within the heart of Barry, surrounded by history, it was realised that the landmark Mount Rooms Hotel was something much desired, and the facilities of the hotel were being missed. After being empty for nearly two years and with much love and attention required, investment has been put back into the iconic hotel to create the Mount Rooms Hotel.

Strategically located just seven minutes from Cardiff Airport and a five- minute walk from Barry train station, the ethos of Mount Rooms Hotel is to offer exceptional quality throughout your stay without a hefty price tag.

Bridal Reloved Cardiff has recently opened its doors

Bridal Reloved Cardiff is Wales' first eco-conscious bilingual bridal boutique, selling pre-owned and ex-sample designer wedding dresses.

Bronwen Barclay, from Bridal Reloved Cardiff, tells us: "I decided to start the business after recently getting married and seeing that no local bridal shops offered pre-loved or sustainable dresses alongside a personalised experience. So, I took a leap, leaving my job after nearly a decade of primary school teaching, to give brides-to-be in my hometown unforgettable 'say yes to the dress' experiences."

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Located within 650 acres of glorious countryside is the Vale Resort

Located within 650 acres of picturesque countryside is the Vale Resort. The luxury hotel is home to 143 on-site bedrooms, two championship golf courses, an award-winning restaurant, sports facilities and Wales' largest spa. Boasting landscaped gardens, gorgeous greenery and well-kept seasonal plants, there are plenty of places for you and your guests to explore and take photos on the big day.

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.