Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Five reasons why Champagne is the pinnacle of sparkling wine

The Champagne Bureau UK* have rounded up five reasons why Champagne is the long-standing pinnacle of sparkling wine. Firstly, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Champagne is a 100% French product - the Champagne region is located in France, approximately 90 miles east of Paris. It is a protected appellation (AOC). From 816 to 1825, France's royalty was crowned in Champagne's Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon, highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region. This is how the Champagne came to be known as the wine of coronation and known in France as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines".

7 ways to ask your friends to be bridesmaids

Bridesmaid proposals are a special moment in any friendship so it's natural to want to put some thought behind popping the question. Personalising gifts such as photo frames or pyjamas are a great way to give friends something they can keep forever. The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have shared some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas to make the occasion memorable.John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said, "Asking your friends and family to be bridesmaids is a special moment and should be done in a special way. "You can't go wrong with a personal touch which is why things like photo frames and pyjamas are a great way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids and you know they'll keep their gift.

Claire Hill Designs has launched a new collection

Claire Hill Designs, an independent jewellery brand based in Wales, creates responsibly handmade pieces. Claire has launched a collection focusing on the hidden beauty of new lab-grown diamonds and adding everyday luxury that will last. Included in the collection are 100 per cent recycled 925 sterling silver pieces, 14K gold vermeil plating, ethically sourced or lab-grown gemstones and recyclable gift boxes.

Wedding fragrance suggestions

Floral, citrus, or woody - and everything in between - wedding scents are becoming more popular as couples incorporate them into their day. They can provide an ideal way to remember the occasion, the trigger of a special memory when you come across that fragrance connected to it. What's more, key scents can also help control emotions according to psychologists. Yasmin Sharp, essential oils expert at Nikura, says, "With more than 12 million hashtag views on TikTok, wedding scents (#weddingscent) are becoming more and more popular

Tall John’s Weddings is a charming venue situated within acres of exquisite grounds

Situated within acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across Brecon, Tall John's Weddings is a charming venue that's perfect for nuptials. The gardens at Tall John's House are the brainchild of Willow Cracroft, who transformed it from an overgrown and neglected space into an amazing garden with features such as a rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle and a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.

The restored Welsh Barn is available for weddings and looks across the Black Mountains. Boasting an enchanting courtyard and a wooden gazebo that can be decorated with flowers and covered in Perspex if the weather is unkind, the space has electric points, underfloor heating, insulation, hard floors and a catering area.

Wedding ring mistakes to avoid!

Aimee Howlett, jewellery expert at Diamonds Factory, has shared how to choose and clean your wedding band. 'When choosing your wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you're someone with an active lifestyle you might want to go for a more durable material like platinum or tungsten that can withstand potential scratches and avoid a ring that has diamonds. With this in mind, it's worth visiting a jewellery store and trying on different styles of wedding bands, which can be really fun! Pay attention to comfort, fit, and how well it pairs with your engagement ring (if you have one).

Wedding gift inspiration from L'OR

Coffee brand L'OR provides the perfect machine which will ensure you capture the heart of any coffee-loving couple, whilst also providing a useful gift that lasts! With a unique double-spouted design that offers flexibility to adapt to different coffee preferences, the L'OR BARISTA is powered by Phillips technology and has become a much-loved coffee machine since its launch. What's more, the machine is not only compatible with L'OR pods, but also a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market*, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Machine (£104.99*) is available in Piano Noir, Satin Blanc and Sunset Rubis, while the L'OR BARISTA Original Latte Machines (£164.99*) is available in Piano Noir and includes built-in milk frother.

7 topics all couples should cover in a prenup

While a prenuptial agreement is unlikely to be on many people's wedding checklist, a family lawyer has urged couples who will be tying the knot in the coming months to consider making it a key priority. With research by the law firm revealing that Google searches for terms related to prenups including 'what is a prenup?', 'meaning of prenups' and 'prenups in the UK' have increased by 21% in the last three months compared to the three months previous, it is clear they are growing in popularity.

M Bakery in Newport has added artisan brioche doughnuts to its menu

M Bakery in Newport has added artisan brioche doughnuts to its menu. "After taking a long break from creating cakes, I've decided to make a comeback but with an additional treat added to the menu," says owner Mai Bignell. "All of my brioche doughnuts are filled and decorated beyond the conventional, and for guaranteed freshness, are made to order." There are currently six flavours to choose from:

Garden wedding ideas for the big day

Co-founder of Togather.com, Hugo Campbell, unveils garden wedding ideas for the big day. As wedding trends evolve, couples may be seeking unique ways to celebrate their special day. For those looking to embrace a laid-back atmosphere and the shabby chic aesthetic, from Ottolenghi-style dining and Aperol carts, to enchanting fairylights and the perfect venue. A festival theme: Many couples are looking for maximum flexibility and the ability to perfectly match their food to the vibe of the day. This summer Togather.com is seeing many couples opting for a festival feel for their food, hiring multiple different street food trucks and allowing their guests a choice of handheld food rather than a sit-down meal. This means they can cater to all sorts of dietary requirements and preferences as well as give their guests a more relaxed feel.

The Brangwyn is an impressive wedding venue in Swansea known for its Art Deco décor

Known for its Art Deco décor, The Brangwyn is an impressive wedding venue in Swansea. Built in the 1930s, it's situated within easy walking distance of Victoria Park and the spectacular sweep of Swansea Bay. The property uses striking and majestic architecture throughout, with the historic British Empire panels created by renowned artist Sir Frank Brangwyn proudly on display.

Brangwyn Hall, a beautifully-decorated space with striking high-panelled ceilings that look stunning in photographs, is perfect for weddings.

How Brits are spending and saving on weddings in 2023

New data from Barclays reveals how macro trends such as the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and social media pressures are impacting weddings in 2023. The report combines proprietary spending data with a survey of 1,000 newlyweds and people engaged to be married to determine this year's top wedding trends and cost-saving behaviours. Two fifths (38 per cent) of newlyweds, and brides- and grooms-to-be are going over budget on their special day, with most of these couples citing the rising cost-of-living (51 per cent) and suppliers being more expensive than they anticipated (44 per cent) as the reasons for this increased spend.

The Welsh National Wedding Fayre has recently won an award

The Welsh National Wedding Fayre has recently won an award. After winning 'Wedding Fayre of the Year 2022 – Wales' at the Global Wedding Awards and 'Wedding Fayre of the Year 2022/ 2023' at the Global Awards, the family-run business has been named 'Leading Facilitators of Wedding Services Promotional Events 2023 – Wales' by the Global Wedding Awards!

The Welsh National Wedding Fayre has been organising wedding fayres across Wales since 2010 and has helped 1,000s of couples plan their special days. With just one wedding fayre per season held in Cardiff, Swansea and Carmarthenshire, you can be assured of an exceptional selection of quality wedding suppliers and experts.

Truffle Tablescapes Launches Luxury Tableware Rental Range

Truffle Tablescapes, a leading UK-based online tablescaping boutique, has launched its first range of rental tableware and accessories that is aimed at those wanting to decorate their lunch and supper parties, events or small weddings. Truffle has been helping at-home entertainers elevate their dinner party looks since it launched during the first lockdown in 2020. Founded by tablescaping expert and interiors lover Kate Fairlie, the brand has expanded again by launching an extensive, yet carefully curated, rental collection of luxury table linens and accessories.

Glen-Yr-Afon is a charming wedding venue surrounded by acres of countryside

The award-winning Glen-Yr-Afon is a charming wedding venue surrounded by acres of countryside and picturesque gardens. First opening its doors in 1974, the hotel is home to 28 modern bedrooms and is just a short walk away from the town of Usk, which is full of boutique shops and restaurants.

The Ballroom is an elegant space, with large bay windows and room for 150 of your guests throughout the day.

Smaller weddings are held in the Dining Room, which can be used for up to 45 of your loved ones for the vows and 35 for the meal.

Sentimental gift ideas from Heads & Tails Jewellery

Heads & Tails Jewellery has been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for more than 10 years. The brand's innovative products can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come, making them ideal for wedding day gifting. Every handcrafted gift uses high-quality materials and is presented in a luxury gift bag or luxury gift box and comes with a 12 month warranty. Emma Pearson, owner of Heads & Tails Jewellery, shares her top advice for wedding day gifting.

Weatherproofing your UK Wedding

Outdoor weddings can create truly magical experiences, from fairytale forests to Bridgerton-style countryside escapes, being surrounded by the natural world, the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze is a perfect day for some. We wish that were always the case, but no matter how meticulously you plan your wedding, the one thing that will always be beyond your control is the notoriously unpredictable Great British weather. Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a handy guide on how you can weatherproof your wedding.

Attending a wedding this summer - save on travel costs

Now that wedding season is upon us, a recent survey by Railcard has revealed that wedding guests spend on average a whopping £402.90 on each wedding they attend. With 31% of Brits having attended between one and three weddings in the past two years, these sometimes-overlooked expenses can quickly rack up. In fact, 59% of those surveyed admit that they would decline a wedding invitation if the costs of attending were too high, showing that cost-savings to any wedding expense can really make the difference for those who RSVP 'Yes' or a regretful 'No'.

Stacey Williams, a hairstylist based in Swansea, has won an award

Stacey Williams, a hairstylist based in Swansea, has won 'Bridal Hair Specialist of the Year' at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

"I have been hairdressing for 18 years but have been focusing on bridal hair for the last 10," says Stacey. "I love everything about the morning of a wedding, and I take pride in my work and reputation for going above and beyond. Winning this award means so much to me. I have been a finalist in this category for the last three years but have never come close to winning, so winning this year took me by surprise and left me speechless."

Wedding speech pressure: top tips to nail it!

Whether the best man, the bride or a family member, giving a speech at a wedding naturally comes with pressure to perform. In fact Dr Chris Hartley, a sport and performance psychologist working with Insure4Sport, has likened it to the pressure faced by professional sportspeople in a major event like a penalty kick or break point. Here, he shares top tips on how to cope with the weight of expectation, fear of failure when giving a wedding speech, using sport psychology techniques he employs when working with top athletes.