Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Local supplier spotlight: Stables Wellbeing

As the wedding day approaches, many brides-to-be crave more than just a wild night out. Enter the new wave of hen weekends: soulful, grounding, and joyfully restorative. These aren't about hangovers and high heels — they're about heart.

Imagine a weekend nestled in the Carmarthenshire countryside at Stables Wellbeing Centre, where laughter echoes through yoga studios and shared stories linger around candlelit dinners. Where mornings begin with gentle movement and herbal teas, and afternoons are spent in sound baths, forest walks, or crafting rituals that honour friendship and transition.

This is a celebration of sisterhood — a chance to reconnect, reflect, and revel in the beauty of female connection. It's a space where brides and their closest circle can truly exhale, embracing the kind of joy that doesn't need alcohol to sparkle.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

The Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa is running a last-minute intimate wedding offer

This winter, The Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa is running a last-minute intimate wedding special. Experience the magic of a beautifully intimate celebration with the exclusive Winter Wedding Offer, available on selected dates until 18th March 2026. Perfect for gatherings of 50 guests or fewer, this package combines elegance, comfort, and exceptional value; ensuring your special day is truly unforgettable.

Upon arrival, your guests will be welcomed with a sparkling drink of Pimm's, Kir Royal, or prosecco. You then have the option of three delicious canapés per person, followed by a sumptuous four-course wedding breakfast — carefully curated to delight every palate. To complete the meal: tea, coffee, and homemade fudge are served, with the option of a prosecco toast to celebrate your union in style.

Local supplier spotlight: Penarth Pier Pavilion

Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth and looking out over the Bristol Channel is the iconic Penarth Pier Pavilion, a romantic 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, with a team of dedicated staff on hand to ensure your event runs seamlessly.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Expressions Wedding Florists is celebrating 25 years of business

Expressions Wedding Florists is celebrating 25 years of business. A massive achievement that goes to show how loved they are by brides and grooms across South Wales.

We reached out to Julie, the owner of Expressions Wedding Florists, for a comment on this momentous achievement: "Who could have imagined that just six months after leaving floristry college, an impromptu shopping trip in my local town of Aberystwyth would lead me to discover an empty shop – one that turned out to be the perfect space for a florist business? That chance encounter set me on a path that, 25 years later, has seen my business evolve from a bustling high street shop to a home- based studio, situated on a working farm with its own micro cutting garden."

Thérapie Clinic has opened its first clinic in Wales

Thérapie Clinic is delighted to announce the official opening of its first-ever clinic in Wales, marking a major milestone in the brand's continued expansion across the UK and Ireland. The new location is Thérapie Clinic's 81st clinic and is situated in the bustling heart of Cardiff City Centre. This exciting launch brings Thérapie Clinic's renowned expertise in aesthetics to the Welsh capital, offering clients in Wales direct access to premium, doctor-led treatments. The Cardiff clinic will feature two highly experienced medical aesthetic doctors specialising in anti-wrinkle injections, polynucleotides and dermal fillers, ensuring clients are in safe, expert hands.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Hanson: The Clothes People have opened a new store in Cardiff

Hanson: The Clothes People have expanded their impressive brand with a new store in Cardiff. Hanson: The Clothes People has been supplying the people of Cardiff with luxurious collections of suits and formalwear since the store opened in July of this year. Known for their wearability, the brand's expansion is a welcomed addition to the Cardiff shopping scene. The space, formerly owned by Hawkes, has maintained all of the original staff to deliver a seamless transition for customers.

Meet the winners of The Welsh National Wedding Awards

The Welsh National Wedding Awards, now in its 15th year, shines a light on the incredible Welsh wedding industry, with categories ranging from best bridal retailer to best venue 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.

Almost 400 shortlisted businesses from every region of Wales attended the Welsh National Wedding Awards ceremony last Sunday, November 9th, at Swansea's iconic Brangwyn Hall. The gothic ball-themed event was opened by award founder Jessica Rice before handing over proceedings to Welsh broadcaster and mental health activist Matt Johnson.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Norton House Hotel has launched a new wedding package

Nestled in the picturesque seaside village of Mumbles, Norton House is an exquisite Georgian hotel providing a captivating backdrop for your special day. A short stroll from the vibrant promenade, and with stunning views across Swansea Bay, the hotel combines historic elegance with a relaxed, modern atmosphere. The grand façade and beautifully appointed interiors offer a timeless sense of romance, while the tranquil gardens provide a perfect space for capturing beautiful memories, against a coastal vista. This popular wedding venue is offering a new package for nearlywed couples.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Craig Y Nos Castle has made the finals of The Welsh National Wedding Awards

Esteemed South Wales venue, Craig Y Nos Castle has made the finals of The Welsh National Wedding Awards in the 'Wedding Venue of the Year 2025' category. Having won last year, the venue has seen many successful weddings in 2025 and has provided South Wales couples with a reliable and breathtaking venue for their special day. The stunning property gives the feel of a castle wedding but with the comforts of expansive grounds and room for you and your guests to stay post-wedding.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Reimagining the Hen Weekend: A Celebration of Sisterhood and Wellbeing

Welcome to the rise of the Wellbeing Hen Weekend: a soulful, joy-filled alternative that honours connection, clarity, and the deep bonds of sisterhood. At the heart of this movement is Stables Wellbeing Centre, a serene sanctuary tucked into the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire, West Wales. Here, the pre-wedding celebration becomes a transformative experience — one that leaves guests feeling radiant, restored, and more deeply connected than ever.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.