Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

BERRY GOOD NEWS from Fruity Bouquets

Fruity Bouquets in South Wales has recently announced its expansion further afield. Before, the strawberry tower services were only available to those in South Wales, but this has now expanded to additional areas. Interested couples are encouraged to reach out to discuss logistics, but this is 'berry good news' for all in the area! The company's iconic strawberry towers are the perfect amuse-bouche for guests between ceremony and wedding breakfast, or even as the main event during the party!

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

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.

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.