Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

THE BIG PEMBROKESHIRE PANTOMIME GAINS FAMOUS CAST MEMBER

The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime is thrilled to announce that Welsh rugby legend, Gareth Thomas, will be joining the cast of this year's spectacular production of Aladdin taking on the magical role of the Genie. The former Wales rugby captain, who earned 100 caps for his country, will be bringing his larger than-life personality to the pantomime stage this December, joining the previously announced Drew Baker as Widow Twankey and Tom Dyer from Pure West Radio as the villainous Abanazer.

Hen Party Treats- Big Day Cakes

To begin planning your hen party you need to set a budget first so you can make sure you'll still have enough money to spend on your actual wedding. Once that's decided you need to choose a theme and factor in the cost of the decorations and other things you may buy. You'll also have to create a guest list consisting of only your closest friends before moving onto picking the date, location and some activities to do. In need of some inspiration for what to do at your hen party? There is a variety of options to choose that will fit your fancy venturing from whether you want to do something adventurous like rock climbing or canyoning or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day calming down and doing something relaxing such as having a spa day or afternoon tea.

How to Beat the Heat: Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

A summer wedding sounds like a dream, and it often is. Long days and gorgeous sunshine can make your big day truly unforgettable. But there's one little guest that always turns up uninvited during summer: the heat. No one wants to be a sweaty mess in their wedding photos but luckily with a bit of planning, you can keep everyone cool and comfortable from start to finish. Leading wedding experts, The Foxy Hen explains how. If you're going for a full-day celebration, think about having the ceremony indoors or under cover, then move the party outside once the sun starts to ease off.

New Simon James Home Candle Scents

Nothing stirs the senses quite like the smell of freshly baked pastries – and now, Simon James Home is inviting fragrance lovers to savour those cosy moments every day with their beloved Bakery-Inspired Candle Collection. Designed to evoke the warm, delicious aromas of your favourite bakery, this luxurious range features five irresistible scents. As people continue to crave comfort and connection at home, "edible" scents, in particular warm ones, and nostalgic bakery notes are surging in popularity.

A Song to Remember Him By

Jenny Bray will be performing a tribute song Mr. J (Jenkins) in Swansea, Port Talbot and other venues in South Wales. Jenny Bray is a singer, songwriter, and pianist and has many connections to the actor. Jenny even played on Richard Burton's home piano as a young girl, which later inspired her to explore a career in music. To find out more, please visit her website.

Doctors Tips To Avoid Last Minute Wedding Stress

Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, advises on how to combat wedding stress! Peak wedding season is upon us, and the UK's Google search habits show huge leaps in people seeking quick turnaround weddings - and planners to help make those nuptials happen. According to Google Search Console analysis, UK volumes for searches around quick weddings have seen significant increases, recently. In the last six months, the following searches have seen steep climbs:

Oxwich Bay Hotel Hosts Wedding Open Day

Oxwich Bay Hotel combines outstanding natural beauty, historic charm and world-class hospitality to provide couples with an unparalleled coastal setting for weddings. From golden-hour vows to a reception beneath the stars, the hotel offers a selection of event spaces to suit all visions; such as the 17th-century Chestnut Room, with exposed stone walls and a fireplace carved from the trunk of a 300-year-old Chestnut tree, and the purpose-built wedding Marquee, surrounded by unspoilt woodlands with uninterrupted views across one of the UK's most celebrated beaches.

Love is in the Air: Wedding Fragrances with Yankee Candle and WoodWick

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's the little details that make the biggest impact; from scent to style, every element helps tell the story of your day. No matter how you choose to incorporate fragrance into your wedding, a beautifully chosen candle can create a sensory signature that stays with you and your guests forever. We asked Taylor Perlis, Yankee Candle Fragrance Evaluator to share how best to use candles to create a beautiful, memorable atmosphere on your special day.

Til' death do us part - financial tips for couples approaching marriage

There are few life events bigger than getting married - and very few more expensive! In order to fully enjoy your big day, make sure you have planned and budgeted for the cost early. When you're giddy with excitement, picking out the perfect dress, money is often the last thing on your mind. However, so there's no black cloud hanging over your head as you prepare to say "I do", Kindar Brown, Senior Financial Planner at Rathbones shares her tips on saving for the big day and beyond...

How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy. Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there's one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple? It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for 'how much money should you give for a wedding gift' have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO at inclusive tailor, King & Allen shares his insights on inclusive attire. "Many people experience anxiety about being fitted for their wedding outfit. We look to create an environment where clients of all gender identities and body types feel genuinely welcomed and affirmed. The whole process begins with a welcome email, before they even step foot in one of our shops - we have premises in Surbiton/Surrey, Liverpool Street/London, Savile Row/London, Knutsford/Cheshire and Birmingham/Midlands).

How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Brides and grooms-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

New Dog Chaperone Service Has Launched

Coop's K9's has introduced its new Wedding Dog Chaperone Service which is ideal for couples looking to have their fourlegged friends looked after on the wedding day! Business owner, and the ultimate dog-lover, Laila will take your dog(s) for a walk before the ceremony, provide transport to your venue, help the photographer get the best shots, provide transport and care back home, and wash and blow dry for your pup beforehand!

Rebel Love Collective delivers inclusivity training for vendors

Rebel Love Collective, a leading provider of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding services has announced its expansion into new areas to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and affirming space for couples and lovers. Founded in March 2022, Rebel Love Collective has rapidly become a trusted wedding industry name. Through its existing services, including Rebel Love Club (photography and videography), Rebel Love Directory (wedding directory), and the upcoming Rebel Love Wedding Fair, the company has already connected countless LGBTQ+ couples with inclusive vendors.

Say “I Do” to Free Fizz – DASH Water’s Wedding Giveaway

Just in time for peak wedding season, DASH Water  – the makers of deliciously simple, real fruit-infused soft drinks – is popping the question: "Will you let us bring the bubbles?" Introducing "I Do, With DASH" – a new feel-good campaign giving soon-to-be-wed couples the chance to WIN a 48-can Pick & Mix of DASH for their big day. Whether it's to stock the reception bar, fill the fridge the night before, or keep guests refreshed the morning after, DASH is here to add a little sparkle to the celebrations. Running from 9th - 16th June, the competition invites couples getting married this summer to enter via a simple online form. Winners will receive a one-time-use code for free DASH (plus free shipping), redeemable until 31st August.

Let’s hear it for dad!

Here comes Father's Day! How much does dad impact our wedding day? Here we unpack all of his important roles, starting with the most important one: walking us down the aisle. Thank you dad for making sure we don't do that walk alone and for all the embarrassing things you'll say on the day. Click through to read all about dad's jobs on the day of your wedding.

Lush Bridal Showers

Calling all Lush lovers! The Cardiff Lush branch has launched its new spa parties. Full of hands-on activities, spa treatments and pampering, Lush's new Spa Parties are perfect for wedding celebrations, baby showers and friends and family get-togethers. Guests make their own fresh face mask, learn Lush skincare secrets, enjoy a Fresh Facial or Tangled Hair and a back massage, indulge in a fresh fruit platter and refreshments, then take home an after-party box full of skincare goodies to continue the relaxation at home

Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options

Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

Award Win for Camille - Queen of Crowns

Offering stylish headpieces and wedding jewellery handmade from its Welsh studio, Camille is celebrating after winning at the Wedding & Honeymoons Awards. Owner and designer Jayne Nevins says, "I launched two years ago after making bridal headpieces as a hobby for about 12 years. To say I'm obsessed with all things bridal is an understatement, I just love everything about weddings and bridal fashion and I'm passionate about good old fashioned customer service and creating beautifully crafted pieces"

New Wedding Stationery by Lovelee

Lovelee Wedding Stationery, by designer Kate Lee, is based in Bridgend, and has just launched the Lovelee Classic Collection making it affordable for couples to have beautifully printed and digital wedding stationery. A graphic designer by profession, Kate's worked in the industry for more than 20 years and is a truly passionate designer of wedding invitations and stationery - the perfect person to employ for your wedding stationery needs!