Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Two Magpies is a new Cardiff-based celebrant

Two Magpies is a new Cardiff-based celebrant founded by actress Claire Cousin. With more than 30 years of experience in film and TV, Claire has graced our screens in popular TV shows such as Casualty, The Way, Doctors, Emmerdale and Best Interests, where she appeared opposite Michael Sheen. Claire will soon be seen in the feature film Eternal Return with Naomi Scott and Kit Harington.

Caer Llan is an 18th-century country house in Monmouthshire

Situated in more than 25 acres of glorious countryside, Caer Llan is an 18th-century country house wedding venue boasting far-reaching views of the Welsh mountains. Family-run by owners Vicky and Jake Carpenter, the property has idyllic grounds and gardens with a network of paths and an adjacent bluebell woodland to explore. Various features, such as an outdoor swimming pool and an original Victorian greenhouse, are also located within the grounds. The house itself has been lovingly refurbished by the owners and has 16 en-suite bedrooms available exclusively for wedding guests.

There are countless areas for amazing wedding photos both indoors and outdoors, and the venue is a favourite of many photographers who have visited.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Laings has revealed a new partnership with whisky brand The Macallan

Luxury family jeweller Laings has revealed a new whisky partner, The Macallan, in its Cardiff showroom. Couples will be invited to sample the brand's renowned single malt whiskies while exploring the jewellery and luxury watch brands. Sharing a passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail, Laings and The Macallan are a partnership that works in perfect synergy.

The managing director of Laings, Stuart McDowell, explains: "This new venture between Laings and The Macallan is a true reflection of our shared values and dedication to excellence. By uniting our passions for craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, we are delighted to enhance our clients' experience by offering them a taste of this iconic single malt whisky in our showroom."

Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is an award-winning wedding venue in Wolfscastle

Nestled within the village of Wolfscastle is the family-run Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa. This award-winning property is a Victorian vicarage with impressive views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne rocks. There are 20 en suite bedrooms to choose from, a boutique spa, a contemporary brasserie and a two-AA-rosette restaurant to enjoy in the run-up to the big day.

The Garden Room is a bright and airy space with high ceilings, impressive bi-folding doors that open up to the rear garden, and room for 120 of your friends and family.

Penarth Pier Pavilion is offering a 25 per cent discount on venue hire

Penarth Pier Pavilion is offering a 25 per cent discount on venue hire for weddings held between January and April 2025. Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth, Penarth Pier Pavilion is 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 a range of events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

Tall John’s House is a wedding venue in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, in acres of grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across to the Black Mountains, Tall John's House is a charming venue that's perfect for those of you who want tranquillity, exclusivity, and the freedom to make this venue your own. The gardens at Tall John's House are something special with features for all-year attraction, such as the rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle, a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables, and fabulous sweeping lawns perfect for strolling and taking photos.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Dylan Coastal Resort is updating its spa

Dylan Coastal Resort, set in peaceful Carmarthenshire, ensures that its activity schedule is regularly updated to offer a range of on-and off-site experiences. Whether it be a favourite hobby or something completely new, there is something for everyone. Dylan Coastal Resort will be introducing a fun trampoline area and a marquee for kids to play, while regular guest activities include trivolle, tag archery, and offering bikes for cycling around the local woodlands and stunning coastal paths.

Craig Y Nos Castle is located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons

Located in the upper Swansea Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Craig Y Nos Castle is a romantic wedding venue that would make a grand backdrop for any celebration.

Once home to Adelina Patti, the world-famous opera singer, the castle has a long and interesting history dating back to 1841. It boasts plenty of places to explore and take photographs both inside and outside, 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.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Noveltyspirits and wedding favours – a perfect marriage

The wedding favour tradition is said to originate in Europe in the 16th century, when royalty and aristocrats gave presents to their guests to celebrate family weddings.

Originally, brides offered bags of sugar – a rare and expensive gift in those days, as a sign of their wealth and status.

Today, Noveltyspirits carries on this tradition by offering individually designed and personalised miniature bottles of spirits, including the couple's picture on the front of the miniature bottle, for guests to remember their special wedding day.

The inclusion of a photograph of the couple, with personalised text and date, enables Noveltyspirits to produce wonderful wedding favours, even for the smaller wedding.

Noveltyspirits can produce as little as 30 x 5cl. miniatures as part of a premium service for the smaller wedding, without design fees, and a discount structure is in place for larger weddings.

These services include liaising with the couple and discussing precisely what they want. Designs are produced, and after "sign-off," their order is produced.

The Angel Hotel is hosting a range of festive nights throughout December

Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, The Angel Hotel is a Victorian landmark that's hosting a range of festive nights throughout December. You can take a trip to Cardiff and explore the beautiful countryside and beaches of South Wales from this hotel, ideally situated between the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Featuring 102 elegant and traditional bedrooms and a restaurant and bar, this charming wedding venue is the perfect place to stay when visiting this historic city.

Starting from £49.50 per person, the Angel Hotel's Christmas parties include arrival drinks, a three-course meal, evening entertainment and the option to elevate your evening with the drinks-inclusive option.

Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club is a 14th-century manor nestled within 400 acres of parkland

Easily accessible from Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath, Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club is a 14th-century manor nestled within 400 acres of picturesque parkland. The newly renovated venue offers 148 guest rooms, including suites and lakeview options, and is set in the rolling hills of the Wye Valley. Accessed via a grand tree-lined driveway, the venue provides a range of facilities, including premium bedrooms, a spa, treatment rooms, fitness classes, and a swimming pool.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."

The Vale Resort is running a competition for couples celebrating their silver wedding anniversary

Couples celebrating their silver wedding anniversary can win a break at the Vale Resort worth over £300. Having opened its doors in 1999, the Vale Resort is celebrating its 25-year anniversary and wants to share in that excitement with couples also celebrating their own silver wedding anniversary. By sharing their favourite memory from their wedding day, one lucky couple will win an overnight stay (with dinner and breakfast) at the resort on a date of their choosing.

The independent four-star Vale Resort, built by the Leeke family, is made up of the 143-bedrooms, two championship golf courses, extensive leisure and sports facilities, Wales's largest spa, wide-ranging conference and events facilities, restaurants, bars and Hensol Castle, an exclusive wedding and events venue that also incorporates a distillery and visitor experience in its cellars.

The Orangery is a romantic wedding venue nestled within the grounds of Margam Country Park

The Orangery, a grand 18th-century Grade I listed building, is a jaw- dropping setting to say, 'I do.' Nestled within the grounds of Margam Country Park, The Orangery offers a wealth of locations for memorable photographs, including remnants of the monastic ruins and the iconic Margam Castle.

Tie the knot in The Grove, a room lined with ornamental arched windows and fine architectural details. Flooded with natural light and offering serene views over the terrace and gardens, The Grove is a stunning location for a memorable wedding ceremony.

The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell is offering a free veil when purchasing a Pronovias gown

The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell is set in a beautiful barn conversion and boasts an airy, modern and exclusive space that specialises in bringing your bridal dream to life. Just one hour from Cardiff, you'll find a full range of luxury and designer wedding dresses at your fingertips in a relaxed setting perfect for any bride to be and their bridal squad.

Owner Yasmine John tells us more: "Choosing your wedding dress is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're dreaming of a classic ballgown, a romantic lace dress, or a chic modern silhouette, our collection is designed to cater to every bride's aesthetic, ensuring you feel your most beautiful and confident self on the day."