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January/February 2025
 

January/February 2025

 
Love for the great outdoors is blooming. After being shut up indoors during the pandemic, there’s a growing appreciation for open spaces, fresh air, and all that nature has to offer. Demand for chilled al fresco weddings continues to rise and shows no sign of stopping any time soon. Luckily, we’re blessed in South Wales with everything from a beautiful coast and countryside to magical woods, forests, and more, so the world’s your oyster.

There’s a lot to take into consideration when planning an outdoor wedding, from electricity to shelter and toilets. If you’re planning a ceremony in the height of summer, will your guests be squinting the whole time? Will there be shelter for any older or vulnerable guests? Likewise, if you’re thinking of having an autumnal wedding, then will your loved ones get cold? These are all key considerations when choosing the setting for your ceremony. Ask your venue for their suggestions on how to keep everyone happy; they’re the experts after all.

Once the service is finished and your friends and family are happily mingling in your venue’s grounds, it’s worth thinking about catering. Is there an indoor space where your caterer can cook the food, or do they have an outdoor setup that might work? If the latter, then do they need electricity? If so, how will your venue supplier this?

Moving onto the evening, you might want a band or DJ to perform under the stars, but what will happen if the weather turns unpleasant? Always have a backup plan in case the weather takes a turn for the worse – it’s the UK after all!

To help give you some ideas, we’ve rounded up local experts and asked for their tips for creating a memorable outdoor celebration.

Happy planning!

Melissa x
 
Fun In The Sun
Image credit: Neil Williams Photography
 
Fun In The Sun
 
Ellie and Ricky opted for yellow colour scheme for their big day at St Mary's Church and Llys Meddyg Hotel.

Read all the details of the big day on page 37 of the current issue available: www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
 
Win a luxury minimoon at The Glasshouse, Edinburgh
 
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Spotlight on... Cardiff and Around
Image credit: Phillip Warren Photography
 
Spotlight on... Cardiff and Around
 
Canada Lodge and Lake

Tucked away in the lush Welsh countryside, Canada Lodge and Lake offers an enchanting lakeside setting where natural beauty meets timeless elegance. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this stunning venue promises a wedding day to remember. Just a stone’s throw from Cardiff City Centre, Canada Lodge and Lake’s lakeside venues and accommodation provide a tranquil escape. The Executive Cabin is reserved exclusively for the couple; this spacious cabin offers privacy and stunning lake views. Couples can also stay the night before the wedding, allowing them to prepare for their special day on-site. Your guests can relax in the oak-built cabins with lake views and modern comforts, or the Nova Scotia Apartment is a family-friendly option with a private veranda overlooking the lake. Booking your wedding at Canada Lodge and Lake includes the option to reserve all of the accommodation at a discounted rate, ensuring your loved ones stay close.

Canada Lodge and Lake features two distinct venues, each offering charm and versatility. The Lodge is ideal for larger celebrations; this space blends rustic charm with modern style. Accommodating up to 120 daytime and 180 evening guests, its ceremony room boasts wood-burning fires and glass doors overlooking the lake. The adjoining wedding breakfast room offers a contemporary vibe with patio access for al fresco moments.

Rhodri’s By the Lake is perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 40 daytime and 60 evening friends and family. This intimate venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, a cosy conservatory, and a patio with picturesque views – ideal for celebrations in any season.

Canada Lodge and Lake’s experienced wedding team will work with you every step of the way, creating a celebration that’s as special as your love story – whether it’s a sunlit summer wedding by the lake or a winter celebration by the fire.

Visit: www.canadalodgeandlake.com

Check out more local venue on page 15 of the current issue available now: www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
 
Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025
 
Minimalist or maximalist? The décor styles couples are choosing in 2025
 
As we step into 2025, it's crunch time for soon-to-be-weds to lock in those wedding details. Whether you've just popped the question or are counting down to the big day, knowing the latest wedding décor trends can spark some serious inspiration for your celebration. The décor at your wedding isn't just about aesthetics; it's the mood setter, the vibe creator, the silent DJ of your day. From colour schemes to special touches, the décor styles set the tone and the atmosphere. So, let's dive into the styles that will be painting the town (and your wedding) this year.

Read more......
 
Just keep rolling along with Tisserand Armomatherapy Rollerballs
 
Just keep rolling along with Tisserand Armomatherapy Rollerballs
 
Essential oils have the ability to switch up our emotional and mental state, but if you're new to aromatherapy, getting started can feel like a bit of a minefield. The easiest and most effective way to experience their power is all about pairing them with your pulse points according to Tisserand Aromatherapy and their small but mighty rollerballs help to do just that. "Your pulse points are the parts of the body where your blood is closest to the skin," explains Jo Kellet, Tisserand Aromatherapy Essential Oil Expert. "Applying here allows for fast absorption and quicker results. To maximise the benefit of both your olfactory senses and your pulse points, it's best to place them where your nose can still get a whiff!"

Read more......
 
A match made in Switzerland
 
A match made in Switzerland
 
CWM deputy managing editor Kelly Andrews took a dual-centre trip to two of Switzerland's stunning cities, Lausanne and Basel, the perfect match.

Read more......
 
Forthcoming Events
 
Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. To view more events, please visit the events page on our website...

23 Feb 2025 - Wedding Showcase
Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel, Pontypool Rd, Usk Monmouthshire, NP15 1SY
www.glen-yr-afon.co.uk

2 Mar 2025 - Spring Wedding Fayre
Glen Yr Afon House Hotel, Pontypool Rd, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1SY
www.glen-yr-afon.co.uk

2 Mar 2025 - Towers Hotel & Spa, Swansea Wedding Fayre
Towers Hotel & Spa, Ashleigh Terrace, Skewen, Swansea, SA10 6JL
www.eventbrite.co.uk

9 Mar 2025 - Love Actually 'Holiday Inn, Newport' Wedding Fayre
The Coldra, Newport NP18 2YG
www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk

Are you a venue or show organiser hosting your own wedding event, open day or showcase? Then submit your event details here now: www.county.wedding/events-add
 
Read the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding for FREE!
 
Full of wedding ideas, expert advice and talented local suppliers, Your South Wales Wedding is now available for free – simply follow this link to download the latest issue. For even more inspiration, you can also check out our previous issues.

Interested in areas outside of South Wales? You can read any of our other 18 regional wedding magazines here

Happy planning!