Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Ask the Experts: Anna Bennett Make-Up

My wedding is in the summer, and I'm worried about my make-up 'melting' off - what do you recommend? There are few things to consider in relation to your wedding day make-up, especially when you expect hot weather. Invest some time into getting to know your skin needs and recognising its type for example: do you have oily skin? Or have you been suffering with dry patches? Then give it some TLC, starting at least a few months before the big day. All products, especially make-up, perform and look their best on a well-balanced complexion.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

WEDDING GLAM FOR LESS

Makeup Locker isn't just a service, it's an experience curated by a professional who specialises in bridal make-up and hair. With years of expertise, Emma, the founder of Makeup Locker, understands the intricacies of bridal beauty, from enhancing natural features to creating stunning, camera-ready looks that last. Every bride deserves to feel like the most beautiful version of themselves, and Makeup Locker is dedicated to making that a reality. Using Charlotte Tilbury and other high-end brands, they're committed to insuring your make-up lasts for the duration of your wedding day and evening.

ANNE MORGAN JEWELLERY SPRING EXHIBITION

Anne Morgan Jewellery prides itself on being the number one location for contemporary jewellery designs and exhibitions, and its Sp-Ring Exhibition 2025 is set to be exactly that. This year, the exhibition features a vibrant mix of established designers and exciting new talent, alongside some returning artists. The event will welcome Boo Jewellery, Chloe Solomon, Claire Quick, Dainty London, Deborah Cadby, Jemma Slade, Lyndsay Fairley, Momocreatura, Natalie Perry, Rebecca Burt, Woodengold, and of course, Anne Morgan herself.

Expert shares how to preserve your wedding bouquet

From weddings and anniversaries to special birthdays and proms, there are some occasions where flowers just mean more and are hard to let go of. Whether you want to decorate your home, create a framed keepsake, or make your own potpourri, drying your flowers is the perfect way to hold on to beautiful memories. The flower experts at Bloom & Wild have shared three easy and effective ways to dry your bouquet at home with no special tools or floristry training required.

Renowned matcha brand PerfectTed launches wedding initiative

If there's one thing every wedding needs, it's energy and lots of it. From early-morning prep to late-night dancing, it's a full- day marathon of emotions, celebrations and unforgettable moments. That's why PerfectTed – Europe's #1 matcha brand – has launched PerfectWed, a new nationwide sampling initiative offering free matcha drinks to selected UK couples tying the knot. As part of the campaign, PerfectTed will send selected couples a curated selection of matcha drinks, including the brand's Healthy Energy cans and matcha lattes for wedding guests to enjoy. The couples will also have the chance to have their wedding speeches professionally filmed and featured in the brand's upcoming Speech Series

LUSH SPA IS READY TO UPLIFT YOU

Lush, known for its revitalising scents and phenomenal products, is offering a new 50-minute facial, Rewilding, at its Cardiff Lush Spa. The luxurious facial utilises hot and cold therapy, facial massages and lymphatic techniques to make the skin appear sculpted and rejuvenated. The quality of your skin is at the forefront of what Lush do, so this facial has been created by its in-house spa development team, achieving maximum results with minimal interference. The Rewilding facial (£125) is available to book now via the app or your local Lush Spa.

Post-Big Day Renovation with BHS

The confetti has settled, the thank-you notes are being written, and the whirlwind of wedding planning is finally over. Now that the excitement of your big day has passed, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to another beautiful chapter: making your shared home truly bespoke to you. Whether you've been living together for years or are just settling into a new rhythm, this post-wedding period is ideal for refreshing your space and infusing it with your combined style as a married couple. And when it comes to affordable yet high-quality lighting and home accessories, BHS is here to help you create the perfect sanctuary.

Penarth Pier Saved the Date

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 events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.

STAUB Unveils its NEW Sorbet Rose Colourway

Renowned cast iron specialist, STAUB has introduced a new Sorbet Rose colourway to its premium collection of cookware - a soft, elegant shade that reflects the enduring popularity of pink in the kitchen. As homeowners continue to embrace pink-toned cabinetry, small appliances and accessories, Sorbet Rose is a natural addition to STAUB's carefully curated colour range. Bringing a gentle touch of charm to both kitchen and table, Sorbet Rose is perfect for everything from alfresco summer suppers to Valentine's Day brunches. Inspired by the subtle hues of blush pink, this calming, nurturing colour complements a wide variety of palettes - pairing beautifully with natural woods, muted greys, crisp whites, and earthy greens. Its versatile appeal suits both contemporary minimalist kitchens and traditional farmhouse settings, making it a timeless choice for any home.

How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it's no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure's on.

GOLDEN GROVE IS EXPANDING

Golden Grove is a serene retreat located amongst the rolling Welsh hills and has been a sanctuary for rest and relaxation for many years. The retreat includes a four-bedroom barn, two safari lodges, spa facilities and a spacious yoga studio. It's now expanding its horizons offering the opportunity for couples to get married there. The beautiful surroundings, wellness-focused atmosphere, and intimate location makes for the perfect wedding venue.

Warning to Hen and Stag Parties: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, that's why The Wedding Travel Company has partnered with a former BA flight attendant to give their top tips on travelling for your destination wedding this summer. "Destination weddings are continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people looking to escape the UK for weddings abroad in areas such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Though planning your wedding can sometimes be demanding, you should be able to enjoy the lead up, feeling as stress-free as possible", explains Kim Deller, Concierge Executive at The Wedding Travel Company.

BIG MAC’S WHOLLY SOUL BAND CELEBRATION

Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band are a 12-piece classic soul band who have been together since 1990; they've played all over the UK, and in other stunning locations such as Vienna, Cairo, Tenerife, Germany and Dublin. Its line-up includes tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, three female singers, one male singer, keyboards, bass, drums and guitar – that's a whole lot of soul in one room!

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU REALLY GIFT AT WEDDINGS IN 2025?

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.

Jewellery expert debunks the most common engagement myths

When it comes to engagements, traditions run deep – but not all of them hold up today. From outdated rules about who should propose to the history behind getting down on one knee, there are plenty of myths which may not reflect how couples approach engagements today. Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, said: "Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting life experiences for those in love – but it can sometimes be a nervous experience for those doing the proposing, with so many traditions to remember.

The 2025 Hen Party Trends - According to TikTok

Whether you're jetting off to Mykonos, booking out a villa in Spain, or hosting a garden party at home, 2025's hen dos are all about creating unforgettable moments — and capturing them in style. With TikTok leading the charge in how Gen Z and Millennials plan pre-wedding celebration and searches for 'hen party' up +118%, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon scrolled through the feeds, trends and reels to bring you the ultimate hen party playbook. From must-have themes to viral activities, this is your go-to guide for planning a hen party that you'll never forget.

New Cocktail Menu at The Orangery

All of the included cocktails have something for everyone, and even the current favourite, aperol spritz! Whilst pimms and lemonade screams Wimbledon days and summer pub gardens, all the drinks work for any wedding, at any time of the year. On your special day, enjoy a cool glass of strawberry daiquiri whilst you explore their lush grounds. Click through to find out more about their new menu!

Nearly half of newlyweds will experience post-wedding blues this year

As we quickly approach the start of wedding season, many brides and grooms will be amping up for the best day of their lives. While the happiness of wedding days is well explored, the lull that comes afterwards is barely spoken about and not a feeling newlyweds are warned of, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Exclusive data from engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith has revealed that 40% of recently married couples experience some form of post-wedding blues. An experience of sadness, letdown, or emptiness that is often the first thing to hit couples after their honeymoon - a hangover from the heady highs of wedding planning.

Unique wedding trends 2025: Film photography surges 50%

Three in five couples plan to incorporate unique elements into their wedding, and with the world of choice at the end of our fingertips, inspiration is flying in from all angles. But which of the net's most loved delights have seen the most significant interest surges since last summer? To find out, the team at Aura Print scoured social media platforms to discover what's been hot, and gathered Pinterest and Google Trends data to reveal their most adored trends that have shot up since last summer.