Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Craig Y Nos Castle is a romantic wedding venue in the upper Swansea Valley

Located in the upper Swansea Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Craig Y Nos Castle is a romantic venue that would make a grand backdrop for any celebration. There are plenty of places to explore and take photographs both inside and out, such as the breathtaking grounds and ceremony spaces.

Those of you looking to stay the night will love the 36 en suite bedrooms; there's also an on-site gym with high-quality apparatus and a private lounge with a hot tub.

Having a multicultural wedding? Make sure everyone is include with these tips from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. My groom's family is Italian and some of them don't speak any English. How do we ensure they feel included during the speeches? This is becoming an issue for more and more couples as relationships become increasingly international. Bringing two cultures together at a wedding can be wonderful but it's not without its challenges, the prime example being the speeches.

Top tips on moving in together for the first time

Making the big decision to move in together can be an exciting, yet daunting time! Whether you've been living apart due to distance, financial constraints or other circumstances, deciding to take the next step in your relationship can help strengthen your bond and progress it further. Whilst being around each other 24/7 has its benefits, it's important not to overlook the potential issues that could arise as a result. Property experts at Essential Living have teamed up with Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to reveal some of the issues the couples might experience and her top tips on what to keep in mind before taking the big step.

Wales Cottage Holidays has revealed some of the most romantic cottages in Wales

Wales Cottage Holidays has revealed some of the most romantic cottages in Wales, perfect for mini-moons or a pre-wedding getaway. Relax, unwind and enjoy each other's company without real-world distractions. Combine these magical escapes with awe-inspiring views, majestic mountains, dreamy waterfalls, and tranquil lakes, making Wales one of the most desirable destinations for a romantic holiday, just for the two of you.

Treat yourself to a tranquil escape in wonderful Carmarthen in Cwch Gwenyn. Enjoy the eclectic interiors of this wonderful, hand-built shepherd's hut. Dogs will love exploring the amazing countryside as much as you do. Relax in the gorgeous, enclosed garden that features a quaint summerhouse, pretty ponds, whimsical features and a cute patio area with furniture and views of rolling hills.

Wedding menu guide from Papier

A wedding day is an unparalleled occasion, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. Best-selling British stationery brand Papier understand the importance of every detail on this special day, especially when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience for the happy couple and their guests. Food is a huge part of your wedding day. Whether it's a meal guests have chosen or a set menu, informing your loved ones about what's ahead gets them excited to sit down and tuck in

The Parkgate Hotel epitomises style, sophistication and elegance

With its mixture of bygone glamour and contemporary luxury, The Parkgate Hotel epitomises style, sophistication and elegance. From an intimate gathering to a grand affair, this historic wedding venue in Cardiff offers exquisite settings and exceptional dining in the heart of the city, making your special day the occasion of a lifetime. Whether you're looking for an elegant atmosphere echoing the hotel's grandeur at The Parkgate Hotel's largest function space, The Postmaster Suite, or something a bit more personal in the private dining space of The Telegraph Room, the property has something to suit.

Worried about your dad's wedding speech? Here's some top advice from Speechy

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. At Speechy, we believe that all great speeches have good story-telling at the heart of them. So instead of hunting down one-liners, encourage your dad to simply tell his favourite stories. Remind him that he can call on your mum or siblings for help with content and constructive feedback, and send him links to lots of various speech examples to get his brain thinking.

Neil Rayment Goldsmiths has launched its latest collection

Neil Rayment Goldsmiths has announced the launch of its latest collection, the Santes Dwynwen Collection. Named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers, this collection is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship that defines Neil Rayment Goldsmiths.

The collection's centrepiece is the Dragon Tail Heart series, which features intricately designed hearts crafted in sterling silver. These hearts symbolise love, resilience, and Welsh heritage, making each piece a wearable work of art.

The best place in the UK for a springtime wedding

A new study has revealed the areas in the UK with the best vendors and venues for spring wedding ceremonies, with Essex being crowned top for both. The research conducted by photo wall art creator StoryBoards analyzed data from a popular wedding planning site, to identify the UK regions with the highest quantity of top-rated vendors and venues, including vineyards, cake companies, and stationery brands. Most brides and grooms will agree that planning a wedding is stressful, as trying to pull off an event that feels unique to the couple while managing expectations, budget, and family can be difficult at times. Thankfully, beautiful venues exist to help make the whole process easier.

Norton House Hotel is a country house with plenty of period charm

Boasting elegant windows, 17 individually designed bedrooms and an impressive entrance, Norton House Hotel is an independent country house with plenty of period charm. Recently announced as regional winners for 'Best Boutique Venue' at the Welsh National Wedding Awards, the property has been renovated to a high standard with home comforts that don't compromise the historic features. This Grade II-listed venue has been thoroughly refurbished with weddings in mind. The private grounds, which include a secluded lawn, an original raised patio, and wide stone steps, look stunning in photographs.

Does your mum need help with her wedding speech? Read these tips from Speechy

The Speech Surgery with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. Firstly, reassure your mum that we work with lots of mothers (both of the bride, and increasingly, the groom's) so it's no longer unusual to see a mum on the mic. Whether your mum is standing in for your father, speaking in addition to him or your dad isn't part of the picture, we generally find mothers have a lot to say! In terms of getting your mum excited at the prospect of delivering a speech, rather than dreading it, send her a few blog posts to show her how simple writing her speech can be.

Your ultimate hen do survival guide by SilkFred

With April being the most popular month for hen do's, and online fashion destination SilkFred finding that 625 people will be attending at least one hen do this 'hen do season' (with 93 of respondents attending 3+ hen do's)*, we've sat down with Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Wedding Expert at Silkfred and Head Stylist Megan Watkins, who have shared their ultimate 'Hen Do Survival Hacks' to manage everything from budgets and schedules to styling tips and mastering the art of saying "no".

Five myths about Champagne

For centuries, great occasions in life have been punctuated with Champagne. However, there are several myths surrounding the drinking, storing and essence of Champagne. As a result, the Champagne Bureau UK* wanted to bust those myths to separate fact from fiction and demonstrate how best to enjoy the pinnacle of sparkling wine, as well as ensure that you aren't fooled by some of the most common Champagne myths. Myth: Pop the cork and spray Champagne in times of celebrations. The blunt pop of the cork and the fizz of the fine bubbles – instantly reminiscent of celebration – is a sparkling start to any special occasion.

Must-visit wedding shows this April

Whether you've recently gotten engaged or are at the end of your wedding planning journey, trying to find the perfect suppliers can be stressful. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams, why not visit a local wedding fair? This is the ideal chance to meet some of the region's best companies and discuss your big day.

The Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club Wedding Fayre will be taking place on Sunday 14th April between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free of charge.

Held at Carmarthen Showground, The Welsh National Wedding Fayre will be taking place on Sunday 21st April between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free of charge.

Moonpig reveals weddings cards are the hardest to write

Greeting cards have been a popular way to express celebrations and affection for our loved ones. We're used to purchasing cards for milestones from birthdays, weddings, new jobs and more, but how often do we struggle with what to write in a card? With the recent growth in popularity of AI models like ChatGPT, Moonpig has launched its "Smart Text" tool, a feature which uses generative AI as a writing assistant for customers who need help in those moments where they don't know what to put in a card to their loved ones.

The five-star Celtic Manor Resort has several wedding spaces to choose from

The five-star Celtic Manor Resort, featuring several floors of immaculately designed guest rooms, is situated in the heart of the resort. Each of the bedrooms reflects the resort's distinctive style and boast a sense of luxury.

The Caernarfon Ballroom is perfect for large-scale wedding celebrations. The grandeur of the ballroom, with its high ceilings and chandeliers, offers a dreamy backdrop to bring your wedding to life, with space for up to 900 guests.

The Rooftop Garden and Terrace is a relaxed and informal wedding venue that adds a bit of garden gorgeousness to your day. Children can play happily on the terrace and lawns, while celebrations take place in the warmth of the summerhouse with its very own smokehouse barbecue. This space can hold up to 130 of your friends and family and can be hired for exclusive use.

Thinking of doing a joint wedding speech? Read Speechy's top tips

The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, Founder of Speechy & author of 'The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. A joint speech follows the same etiquette principles as your standard bride and groom speech but allows you to present it as a team and play up to your relationship dynamic. But, despite the two voices, be careful not to make the speech double the length! No more than 1,500 words maximum. When it comes to writing a joint speech, it all comes down to your ability to collaborate, discuss and bounce ideas off each other.

Things to consider when booking your big-day musicians

As the UK's largest and most sustainable musician bookings platform, musicians for weddings account for around 50% of Encore's bookings. As such, the company is well-versed in the most cost-effective ways to cut down on one of the more expensive aspects of a wedding. Please see below some best tips to help you save the most money when booking your wedding entertainment. On average, couples book musicians for their wedding seven and a half months in advance, but if your big day falls on a Saturday during peak season, you should book your musicians at least nine months in advance.

We spoke to Laura Glanville from Wishbone & Comb about her business and all things beauty

We interviewed local hair and make-up artist Laura Glanville from Wishbone & Comb to find out more about her business.

"I have been a hairdresser and beautician for 20 years. I started my career studying beauty therapy in Swansea, then went on to do a hairdressing apprenticeship in Cardiff. My passion for hair and make-up grew when I worked on my first wedding a few years later. I soon found that I got a real buzz from working with bridal parties on the morning of their big day and I wanted to specialise and grow my experience in this field. This is when Wishbone & Comb was born! As we have grown throughout the years, I have managed to expand the team and the area that we cover. We are now a fantastic team of 15 hair stylists and make- up artists who travel to venues across South Wales and the South West of England, creating flawless bridal make-up and show-stopping bridal hair."

Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list

Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition equals a winning recipe for an amazing time for your pre-wedding get together! How does a side of shuffleboard or darts with your cocktails sound? Whether you're looking for a daytime plan or something to keep you partying into the early hours, Electric Shuffle and Flight Club are great options. Both have resident DJs banging out the tunes, and both offer fab bottomless brunch packages if an afternoon booze session is more what you're after. They're also perfectly designed for the most amazing insta-worthy pics