Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Beautystyle Wedding Hair & Makeup has won three awards

Charlotte Perrott of Beautystyle Wedding Hair & Makeup has won three awards at the Welsh National Wedding Awards. She took home Best Regional Wedding Hairstylist, Best Regional Wedding Makeup Artist, and the National Award for Best Wedding Hairstylist in Wales – congratulations! The awards were voted for by clients, alongside a mystery guest.

Charlotte tells us: "The recognition felt particularly meaningful and unexpected. My work focuses on refined, timeless wedding hair and makeup, with an emphasis on calm, considered luxury and a highly personalised experience for each bride."

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples 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.

Venues in Cardiff

Vibrant, stylish and full of character, Cardiff offers a dynamic backdrop for weddings that blends historic grandeur with modern city flair. From iconic landmarks and elegant civic buildings to contemporary venues and waterfront settings, the Welsh capital caters to celebrations of every style. Whether you're planning a glamorous city affair or a relaxed gathering with a distinctive edge, Cardiff provides memorable settings that feel both exciting and effortlessly romantic.

Local supplier spotlight: Hensol Castle

Hensol Castle is perfect for those planning a fairytale wedding in a grand setting. This 17th-century property is set within 650 acres of Welsh countryside, offering plenty of picturesque spots for photographs. Sympathetically renovated with modern décor throughout, the castle features arched windows, oak panelling, and sweeping staircases ideal for a grand entrance. End the day in one of the new luxury bedrooms, each with bespoke features such as roll-top baths and cosy four-poster beds. Re-group the next morning over a delicious breakfast in the orangery and continue the celebrations.

If you're planning an outdoor celebration, the bandstand, which offers impressive views of the Welsh countryside, is ideal.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Venues in Monmouthshire and Brecon

Rich in natural beauty and steeped in history, Monmouthshire and Brecon offer a truly magical backdrop for weddings. From elegant country houses and ancient castles to breathtaking mountain views and riverside settings, this area blends rural romance with timeless character. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate escape surrounded by nature, Monmouthshire and Brecon provide unforgettable settings where every moment feels special.

Amy Mair Couture is hosting a London showcase

South Wales bridal designer Amy Mair Couture has announced an exclusive four-day London preview event, giving brides-to-be a rare opportunity to experience her handcrafted couture gowns in an elegant central London setting.

Taking place from 20–23 March 2026, the showcase will be hosted at the Miro Hotel London, within the hotel's beautifully appointed Templeton Garden Suite. Known for its contemporary design and tranquil private garden, the venue provides a refined backdrop for Amy Mair's artistic and nature-inspired couture collections.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

Win an unforgettable wedding in Mid Wales

Pen y Garreg Dam has partnered with the four-star Metropole Hotel & Spa to offer one lucky couple the chance to enjoy the ultimate wedding package.

Exchange your vows inside the iconic and historic Pen y Garreg Dam, surrounded by striking Victorian engineering and breathtaking scenery. The celebration then continues in style with a wedding reception at The Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells, just a 25-minute drive away, where grand Victorian elegance meets award-winning service.

Worth £4,000, the prize includes exclusive use of Pen y Garreg Dam; transport from Elan Valley Visitor Centre to the dam; an intimate ceremony for up to 30 guests; a glass of Prosecco or orange juice for guests on arrival; and elegant wedding decorations.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Venues in Vale of Glamorgan

With its rugged coastline, rolling countryside and elegant market towns, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a wonderfully romantic setting for weddings. From clifftop venues with sweeping sea views to historic houses and charming rural retreats, this part of South Wales blends natural beauty with timeless elegance. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the Vale provides unforgettable backdrops that feel both relaxed and effortlessly special.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

Bramble Cottage is a romantic cottage in Wales

Bramble Cottage is a quirky romantic hideaway for two (and one well-loved dog). Set within a traditional Welsh longhouse on a peaceful smallholding, designed for slow, intimate escapes. Arranged in a charming topsy-turvy layout across two floors, Bramble Cottage blends warm wooden interiors with thoughtful luxury, from its indulgent bathroom to its cosy living and sleeping spaces.

Upstairs, the living room and bedroom open out towards a private garden, where guests can soak in a wood-fired hot tub or gather around the firepit as darkness falls. With open fields beyond the garden and star-filled skies overhead, evenings here feel quietly magical — a place to unwind, reconnect and savour the simple pleasures of being away together.

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Venues in Pembrokeshire and Swansea

From sweeping coastlines and golden beaches to rolling countryside and character-filled city spaces, Pembrokeshire and Swansea offer some of Wales's most breathtaking wedding settings. Think dramatic sea views, historic venues rich with story, and contemporary spaces that make the most of their natural surroundings. Whether you're drawn to a coastal celebration, a rural escape or a stylish city backdrop, this region delivers unforgettable scenery and a sense of occasion at every turn.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

Local supplier spotlight: Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa

Nestled within the village of Wolfscastle, the family-run Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is an award-winning property set within a former Victorian vicarage, boasting impressive views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne Rocks.

The hotel offers 20 en-suite bedrooms, a boutique spa, a contemporary brasserie, and a two AA rosette restaurant to enjoy in the run-up to the big day.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.