Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

THE PERFECT WEDDING GIFT

The new personalised Wedding Anniversary Charts from Lizzie Spikes at Driftwood Designs are the perfect wedding gift. With the couple's names hand-painted by the artist herself, alongside the date of their special day, these prints will take pride of place on the newlyweds' wall. Plus, the unique design showing all the anniversaries and their corresponding gifts, means that no significant wedding anniversary will ever be missed! With most couples cohabiting before they get married, the traditional gifts designed to help newlyweds set up home are no longer relevant.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Last minute décor with ADU Weddings

ADU Weddings (a part of All Doved Up) offers wedding décor packages to couples in South Wales. The company is running a limited time offer for couples getting married in December 2025 and January 2026; nearlyweds can have the full venue styling package and chocolate strawberry tower (for up to 50 guests) at a discounted rate. Usually priced at £485, couples can now book it for £385 for these two months – perfect for those who may have left the finishing touches to the last minute.

From cold feet to no-show suppliers: 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.

RITUALS OPENS NEW STORE IN SWANSEA

The famed Rituals opened a store in Swansea in September and is the perfect place to pick up some self-pamper products ahead of your wedding or luxurious gifts for bridesmaids. The new store offers an immersive experience into Rituals' signature range of luxurious bath, body, and home products, designed to inspire moments of mindfulness and self-care in everyday life. Find out more here.

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

Show time with The National Wedding Exhibition

The National Wedding Exhibitions company is kicking off autumn wedding show season in South Wales with a bang! Taking place at the Masonic Hall in Cardiff on 19th October 2025, those in attendance will be given a LUSH-sponsored goody bag and an opportunity to watch a catwalk between 12pm and 2pm. The company also boasts recent award wins as part of their celebratory autumn season!

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons

Halloween Hen Party Ideas for 2025

Planning a hen party with a Halloween twist is the perfect way to add a cheeky, spooky edge to your celebrations. If your group is ready to ditch the usual tea and cake and dive into something a little more thrilling, there are plenty of unforgettable options to choose from. Leading hen party experts, The Foxy Hen, share their top tips for a spooktacular Halloween hen party, reminding us that the key is to mix fun, scares and creativity for a day or night that everyone will love..

An extra set of paws

Caring Companions Pet Sitting in South Wales has expanded to now include a wedding day service for your furry friends. The Wedding Dog Chaperone service means that you can have your four-legged best friend in attendance at your wedding without having to worry about the minor details – just the joy of them being near and their all-important feature in the wedding album.

WoodWick® Introduces the Precious Metals Collection

Renowned home fragrance brand WoodWick® Candles, introduces the Precious Metals Collection, a new, luxury collection of crafted candles inspired by elemental beauty found deep within the Earth. Showcasing a trending metallic finish on the brand's signature jars, these rich, multi-layered scents offer multi-sensory experience perfect for the modern home. Each candle features WoodWick's patented Pluswick® technology, which creates a distinctive crackling sound reminiscent of a cozy fireside. Each candle in the Precious Metals Collection embodies the essence of gold, silver, bronze and other coveted materials.

Financial wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything

After the excitement of a wedding invite, and planning the outfits, thoughts might turn to big-day gifting; what do you buy the couple who lives together and has everything? Money might feel impersonal, but Susan Hope, retirement expert at Scottish Widows advises on financial gifts for newlyweds. "Couples often look forward to receiving an abundance of beautiful gifts from friends, family and loved ones as part of their wedding day celebrations," says Susan. "But there are equally, and in some ways even more valuable, financial gifts that can be given and discussed between soon-to-be-wed couples too. Having clear and open conversations about money ahead of tying the knot is really important. It'll ensure you're both on the same financial page and can work towards shared goals once you are married."

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Spotlight on...Glen-Yr-Afon

Glen-Yr-Afon is a stunning Victorian Villa that has been decorated to exude modern elegance while maintaining traditional feature. Set amongst the Monmouthshire countryside, this wedding venue has everything you could need for a special celebration. Privacy, tradition, and space for your loved ones. With both indoor and outdoor ceremonies available, this venue can be customised to suit your wedding needs. Click through to find out more about this exclusive venue!

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Pickled Pumpkin Catering - Your experts reveal 2026 trends

What started in 2020 as a one-man mission has grown into one of the South West's most exciting catering brands! From humble beginnings, they quickly evolved; transforming The Pavilion into a vibrant catering hub, refining showground catering, and serving weddings, corporate events, and high-profile partnerships with flair and precision. Today, they hold residencies at some of South Wales' most luxurious wedding and events venues; bringing bold, flavour-driven food to exclusive celebrations daily!