Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Craig Y Nos Castle has won ’Wedding Coordinators of the Year’ at The Welsh Wedding Awards 2023

Craig Y Nos Castle, a luxurious wedding venue on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, has won 'Wedding Coordinators of the Year' at The Welsh Wedding Awards 2023 – congratulations!

Boasting 36 en suite bedrooms, a private lounge, an on-site gym with high-quality apparatus and a hot tub, the property is surrounded by breathtaking grounds with plenty of places for guests to explore and take photographs. Once home to Adelina Patti, the world-famous opera singer, Craig Y Nos Castle has a long and interesting history with a stunning décor throughout.

Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st May

Planning a wedding can certainly be an exciting time, from picking the cake to choosing the entertainment, it's full of fun tasks to check off a to-do list. However, wedding planning can also come with a host of negativities such as worrying about money and feeling anxiety about family politics on the big day. Increasing evidence shows that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health.

Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is an award-winning venue nestled in the village of Wolfscastle

Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is an award-winning family-run property nestled in the village of Wolfscastle. This charming Victorian vicarage has 20 en-suite bedrooms, a two AA rosette restaurant, a contemporary brasserie, a boutique spa and impressive views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne rocks.

The Garden Room is a bright and airy space with high ceilings, impressive bi-folding doors that open up to the rear garden and room for 120 friends and family.

Maileg Wedding Mice back at Bluebell's Burrow

Award-winning, family-run toy business, Bluebell's Burrow, is one of the UK's leading stockists of Maileg toys. These super-stylish, picture-perfect collectable toys are loved by both children and adults. With the wedding season fast-approaching, Maileg Wedding Mice Set (priced at £64) comes in a pretty presentation box, which opens up to reveal the bride and groom on their wedding day. Their clothes and accessories are removable, providing dress-up opportunities and imaginative play for children.

Bizarre wedding traditions: The Eurovision edition

Wedding traditions are dramatically different around the world. From the type of cake served to the attire of the bride, you'll be amazed at what happens on wedding days around the continent. To celebrate Eurovision 2023 taking place in the vibrant city of Liverpool, engagement and wedding ring experts at Steven Stone have rounded up some of the most bizarre traditions from participating countries – including the Big 5.

The do's and don'ts of having pets at weddings

Are you considering including your dog in your wedding festivities? While it can be a lovely way to honour your furry best friend, there are some important considerations to remember to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, shares the do's and don'ts of including your dog in your wedding, from making sure your dog is properly trained and socialised to creating a comfortable and safe space for them during the event. These tips will help ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved throughout the celebration...

Introducing Story Locker’s wedding podcast

With the ever growing popularity of podcasting, welcome to the next big thing which makes podcasting accessible. Story Locker, a one of a kind in the UK podcast recording service that lets participants create a personal podcast based on their life story or to celebrate other special moments in life. The couple can choose to either record their podcast before their wedding day and recall the journey of their love story – from when they first met & the engagement (how it all happened!) to setting the date, the planning and build up to the big day or record their podcast after their wedding day to include memories of the big day too!

Come and visit Plas Y Rhosyn at its first wedding fair of the season

Come and visit Plas Y Rhosyn at its first wedding fair of the season on Sunday 21st May, 2023. This is your chance to meet lots of wonderful vendors and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

Plas Y Rhosyn has a lot to offer, including a spacious function room, a variety of accommodation and a beautiful selection of mouth-watering food. As well as a signature balcony backdrop, it has more than 100 acres of verdant greens and a picturesque lake, so you will never be short of photo opportunities.

Caer Llan is an 18th-century property situated in more than 25 acres

Boasting mountain views, Caer Llan is an 18th-century property situated in more than 25 acres of countryside. This family-run property has an outdoor swimming pool, an original Victorian greenhouse, 16 en-suite bedrooms exclusively for wedding guests, large Chesterfield sofas and armchairs, Welsh slate floors, oak fireplaces, neutral colours and recycled-oak picture frames throughout.

The Main Function Room has large bi-folding doors that open to reveal views of the surrounding area.

Why Champagne is the number one choice for weddings and celebrations

Champagne naturally goes hand in hand at weddings and there is no shortage of creative ways to share the pinnacle of sparkling wine. The Champagne Bureau UK*, has included useful tips below on how to best serve Champagne at a wedding and help select the right style for the occasion. Using the correct glassware: whilst trends come and go and flutes have commonly been thought of as the crème de la crème - a tall, rounded, tulip-shaped glass is the perfect choice and expertly shows off your Champagne's aromas and bubbles.

#ThisBarbie is getting married! New cards from Thortful

thortful has launched a Barbie card range to send to your bestie on her big day! The internet has been coloured pink with over 107,000 views on Tiktok for #ThisBarbie following the release of a new Barbie trailer. Greetings card marketplace, thortful, has created Barbie cards to send to your nearest and dearest, including 'This Barbie has passed her driving test', and 'This Barbie is getting married'

Pencoed House Estate has won an award

Cardiff-based wedding venue, Pencoed House Estate has won 'Wedding Venue of the Year Cardiff' at the Welsh Wedding Awards 2023. Surrounded by 36 acres of grounds, well-groomed lawns, flowers and ancient woodland, Pencoed House Estate is a beautiful wedding venue full of charm. Dating back to 979AD, it was once home to ministers of the church, the King of Glamorgan and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. It has several wedding spaces to choose from and charming gardens where couples can explore and take those all-important photographs.

Avoid a pet custody dispute - get a petnup

Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, explains below how a petnup can help avoid a costly custody battle. Ella Welsby, a senior associate at law firm DMH Stallard and specialist divorce lawyer, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers, but consideration of how pet ownership would be dealt with in the event of a relationship breakdown often comes too late. Given the continued trend for couples to embark on pet ownership as a first foray into family life, it is important to appreciate how to best protect respective interests.

The King Arthur Hotel is an award-winning hidden gem nestled in the Gower Peninsula

The King Arthur Hotel is an award-winning hidden gem nestled in the Gower Peninsula. This family-run property comprises of 18 en-suite bedrooms, a 18th-century cottage and luxury self-catering apartments.

Rich in history, the King Arthur Hotel's wedding venue, Avalon, boasts a high-pitched ceiling with exposed French oak beams, Welsh slate floors and arched windows overlooking the surrounding landscaped gardens. The venue is licenced for civil ceremonies and can comfortably accommodate 140 seated guests for the wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening celebration.

5 ways to plan a sentimental bridesmaid proposal

Planning your wedding is such a personalised experience, and getting to do it your own way is part of what makes it so special. With this in mind, have you thought about how you'll ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party? Add a sentimental touch to this moment with these tips from Kirsty Prankherd, Managing Director of Write From The Heart. Getting everything planned for your wedding is such a personal process, and asking your bridesmaid to be in your wedding party is one of those special moments you'll remember long after the event. So naturally, you'll want to add some individual touches to this proposal to make it an even more special moment between you and your friends.

Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season

Luxury leather goods brand Noble Macmillan is celebrating this year's wedding season with a stunning collection of exceptional quality, personalised leather gifts. This thoughtfully curated edit includes a variety of exquisite items from their ever popular classic travel games and bound photo albums, to their brand new glassware range, specifically their stunning hand-blown decanters - all would make wonderful additions to any wedding list.

Emily Kate Bridal has won ‘Best New Wedding Business in Wales'

Through the doors of Emily Kate Bridal you will find beautiful wedding dresses, chosen by Emily Kate. The boutique is located in Treorchy High Street, which was voted best 'High Street' in the UK.

"Our collection of designers are internationally renowned and are highly sought after by brides," says owner Emily Kate Mander. "We welcomed new designers into the boutique this year from Madi Lane, Elysee Etoile and Allure Bridals alongside our other designers. The boutique also recently won 'Best New Wedding Business in Wales' at The Welsh National Wedding Awards.

Your South Wales Wedding are media partners with The Welsh National Wedding Awards

The Welsh National Wedding Awards, now in its 12th year, recognises the best wedding businesses in Wales. Every year thousands of votes are cast and from these votes shortlists are created with the winners announced at the prestigious 'Welsh National Wedding Awards' ceremony, with 600 guests in attendance each year. We're delighted to announce that Your South Wales Wedding are media partners with The Welsh National Wedding Awards and we cannot wait to celebrate the event with all of this year's nominees.

Voting for the awards is now open. Any bride or groom whose wedding took place or is taking place between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023, can vote for a wedding supplier who went above and beyond and made their special day so wonderful.

Check out these upcoming wedding fairs

Looking for the perfect suppliers for your big day? The multi award-winning Welsh National Wedding Fayres are the go-to events for everything and anything for your nuptials. Each show is full of tips, ideas and inspiration from companies covering bridalwear, cakes, flowers, photography, jewellery, stationery and much more.

The Welsh National Wedding Fayres have helped thousands of couples plan their dream day over the years, from quirky vintage weddings right through to celebrity designer weddings.

They only host one wedding fayre per season in each of the regions, ensuring you have a truly exceptional selection of quality wedding suppliers and experts. To make it an extra special experience, each show includes a free glass of bubbly on arrival, a goody-bag, a stunning catwalk show, live entertinment, hair and make-up demos, discounts and one couple will win £250 to spend with any exhibitor at the fayre... all completely free of charge!

Tall John’s Weddings is a beautiful wedding venue in Brecon

Tall John's Weddings is a charming wedding venue in Brecon situated within acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across the valley. The gardens at Tall John's House are the brainchild of Willow Cracroft, who transformed it from an overgrown and neglected space into an amazing garden with features such as a rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle and a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.

The restored Welsh barn is available for weddings and looks across the Black Mountains with an enchanting courtyard and a wooden gazebo that can be decorated with flowers and covered in Perspex if the weather is unkind. Inside are electric points, underfloor heating, insulation, hard floors and a catering area.