Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Getting married? Alcohol-free menu is the new must-have

Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out their wedding drinking habits. The study comes as the collection launches its new alcohol-free drinks menu, created in partnership with First Dates star bartender, Merlin Griffiths. The survey revealed that almost half (47%) of those who had attended a wedding in the last five years didn't drink alcohol during at least one of the events they had been to. Sober guests said they were often left feeling uncomfortable at weddings sipping an un-festive soft drink, as 35% of respondents said they are questioned on why they aren't having alcohol. Sadly, a quarter admitted to drinking alcohol at a wedding just to avoid awkward questions or having to share personal or medical information as an excuse.

Pencoed House Estate is a photographer's dream

Pencoed House Estate is surrounded by 36 acres of grounds, well- groomed lawns, flowers, and ancient woodland, with plenty of places to explore and take photographs. Dating back to 979AD, the property has a rich history and was once home to ministers of the church, the King of Glamorgan, and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.

Made from original stone walls, the stately Old Hall has a striking vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, a roaring log fire, and room for 120 of your nearest and dearest.

3 things no one tells you when it comes to setting your wedding budget

2024 is set to be a bumper year for weddings. In addition to the usual 275,000 or so which take place in the UK each year, the big day is finally coming around for a lot of couples who had to postpone because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is squeezing all those couple's budgets tighter than ever so we've asked Isabel Smith, wedding industry veteran, to offer her advice on setting (and sticking to!) that spreadsheet. Today, Isabel let's us in on the things no-one ever tells you when you're setting your wedding budget...

The Top 10 Instagrammable Spas in the UK

With National Spa Week taking place between the 4th and 10th of November this year, it is time to book your favourite location to totally relax! Whether with the girls, in a couple, or even on your own, treating yourself to a weekend away at a spa can revive you. Maddie, Senior Marketing Exec at Pink Boutique, says: "Reset the everyday stress with a weekend away at a luxurious spa and hotel. From acres of woodland setting the picture-perfect backdrop to dipping into a pool worthy of Aphrodite, you deserve to look as good as you feel, and with these spas, there's no doubt your followers will be that little bit jealous."

The Glen Yr Afon House Hotel is offering our readers an exclusive discount

The Glen Yr Afon House Hotel in Usk is the ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy some time to yourself, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery and sights of Monmouthshire. It sits on one of the finest salmon-fishing rivers in the country, the River Usk. A regular winner of Wales in Bloom, the pretty and well-cared-for town has charming shops, a castle, 28 sites of historic interest, the Museum of Rural Life and a Town Trail.

The beautiful bedrooms at Glen Yr Afon House Hotel are furnished to a high standard, with every guest bedroom being well equipped and most offer views of the hotel's spacious gardens.

5 engagement ring trends for 2024

With the festive season being the most popular time of year that couples choose to pop the question, it's no surprise that internet searches for 'engagement ring' have been steadily increasing the last six months as we head towards the new year. Luxury diamond jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have used Pinterest Trends data from the last six months (4th April 23' - 26th September 23') to find out which engagement ring styles are set to be big in 2024...

The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel is a 19th-century venue nestled in 17 acres of woodland

The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel is a 19th-century venue nestled in more than 17 acres of enchanting woodland. Steeped in history, the property offers breathtaking views across the Vale of Glamorgan and the perfect blend of rustic and contemporary décor.

Tie the knot in the Eliot Suite, which has dome ceilings, chandeliers, and a beautiful décor throughout, with space for 90 of your loved ones for the vows.

The secrets to a happy relationship

Researchers surveyed 2,000 British couples who have been together for ten years or longer, and it revealed a host of secrets to a happy, long-term relationship, according to those who have achieved it - including having no secrets (43 percent), a similar sense of humour (41 percent), never going to sleep on an argument (31 percent) and regular sex (32 percent.) Over a quarter (26 percent) of the long-term couples polled, said a 50/50 division of household labour was essential to keeping things amicable. Being able to laugh at each other (42 percent), not trying to change each other (36 percent) and having an open phone policy (10 percent) all featured in the list. Almost half (44 percent) of the British couples surveyed, claim they are very happy in their relationship, while a further 29 percent said they were generally happy.

The top autumn and winter wedding trends for 2023

An expert has forecast the wedding trends we can expect to see in the remainder of 2023. Wedding-goers in autumn and winter can expect to see a large emphasis on sustainability, DIY and an ode to all things vintage, according to Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. She commented: "Wedding trends change seasonally, so it's crucial wedding hosts stay ahead of the curve. Efficient spending, sustainability and a vintage feel are key focuses this season, and rightly so. Wedding hosts no longer have to feel obliged to over-indulge in their big day and can instead, save money."

Enjoy oysters and champagne at Pembrokeshire’s newest seafront bar

Coast in Saundersfoot, a Seren venue, has launched Pembrokeshire's newest seafront bar, Teras Bar, offering guests an al fresco experience. Teras Bar is the ideal space to enjoy drinks and easy food and the coastal breeze while relaxing beachside on the golden sands of Coppet Hall.

Known for his passion for sustainability, head chef Fred Clapperton has partnered with local suppliers to craft a tantalising bar menu, comprising locally-sourced Pembrokeshire oysters, Welsh cured meats, and delicious Welsh cheeses, not only to offer fresh ingredients and the finest of Welsh cuisine, but to celebrate locally-sourced produce and the local community.

Sentimental wedding bands with Atelier VM

Fine Italian jewellery maker Atelier VM has just launched its beautiful new Impronta wedding bands, whereby brides and grooms can customise their special ring with their loved one's fingerprint. Each 18K ring is a unique piece made using the lost wax casting technique, of multiple finger prints layered, to create a beautifully personalised ring that makes a marriage of everlasting love extra special.

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

Hensol Castle is a 17th-century castle perfectly placed within 650 acres of Welsh countryside

Hensol Castle is a 17th-century castle perfectly placed within 650 acres of Welsh countryside. Sympathetically renovated and boasting a modern décor throughout, the castle has arched windows, oak panelling, and sweeping staircases. Those of you looking to stay the night will love the new luxury bedrooms; each has bespoke features such as roll-top baths and four-poster beds.

Ceremonies are held in the resplendent Oak Room or outside under the bandstand, which offers impressive views of the Welsh countryside.

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

The Welsh National Wedding Fayres are the go-to events for wedding planning

Looking for the perfect suppliers for your big day? The multi-award- winning Welsh National Wedding Fayres are the go-to events for everything and anything for your nuptials. Each show is full of tips, ideas, and inspiration from companies covering bridalwear, cakes, flowers, photography, jewellery, wedding entertainment, and much more.

The Welsh National Wedding Fayres have helped thousands of couples plan their dream day over the years, from quirky vintage weddings right through to celebrity designer weddings.

Penarth Pier Pavilion is a romantic wedding venue with spectacular sea views

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.

Penarth Pier Pavilion hosts a range of events throughout the year, including live music, art exhibitions, and workshops.

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.