Weddings have been a sore and painful subject this last few months. Lockdown cause so many cancellations, we can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to call off the day you had worked so long and hard to put together.

If you are now planning your big day, a wedding fair is pretty much essential. You’ll get ideas for things you may never have thought about and most certainly you’ll be able to buy or book a lot of what you need at most of them. So, here is the ever growing SOUTH WALES LIFE guide to all things weddings.

The list is not quite as packed as usual, but we’re sure you understand that. Weddings Shows are slowly finding their way back into our calendar, but they will all have covid restrictions. Not every place in our list has an event, as yet. But they will soon and we’ll add them as quickly as the details come through. Just remember, the current environment means these shows could be postponed or cancelled at short notice.

• ABERDARE
• ABERGAVENNY
• BARRY
• BLACKWOOD
• BRECON
• CAMARTHEN
• CARDIFF
• CHEPSTOW
• CWMBRAN
• FOREST OF DEAN
• FFOS LAS
• HAY ON WYE
• LLANELLI
• MERTHYR TYDFIL
• NEWBRIDGE
• NEWPORT
• PONTYPRIDD
• PORT TALBOT
• SWANSEA
• TREDEGAR
• USK
• VALE OF GLAMORGAN
• YSTRAD MYNACH

ABERDARE

ABERGAVENNY

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE /GROOM 5 DAY EVENT

Baroque Boutique is a small family-run boutique with a large range of top designers including Ian Stuart, John Charles, Linea Raffaelli, Dress Code, Irresistible, Gill Harvey, Amanda Wakeley, Aideen Bodkin, Carla Ruiz plus a beautiful range of couture millinery.

The next Mother of the Bride/Groom Designer Weekend event was to take place this month but is on hold for now. Bookings for this 5-day event are by appointment only. The event will be taking place inside the shop (when it happens) and tickets cost £12 (£10+VAT). Places are always limited so it’s best to get in nice and early.

With this event you can let the Baroque Boutique team help you find the perfect outfit for your Son or Daughter’s wedding! Each appointment has an allocation of 1 hour and 30 minutes.  If you are making a booking for both the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom, please book 2 appointments back-to-back (e.g. 9am and 10:30am). This way, they can reserve the same changing room for 3 hours exclusively for you.

The 5-Day Mother of the Bride/Groom Designer Event was scheduled for the 27th to 31st January, at Baroque Boutique on Cross Street in Abergavenny. For now, they have hit the pause button, but you can find out more here. BAROQUE

BARRY

BLACKWOOD

BRECON

CAMARTHEN

CARDIFF

VALE HOTEL & HENSOL CASTLE

This event will be following Guidelines for Covid-19 , therefore planned features may change slightly for the safety of exhibitors, visitors and staff.

One Resort – Two Beautiful Venues. This is a real Resort Showcase at the Vale Hotel & Spa & Hensol Castle. 2 Wedding fayres under one Resort on the same day!! Double the wedding inspiration.

Over 80 fabulous exhibitors spread across both venues providing information and promotions on services that combined will make your day magical.

With many exciting features on the day including:

• Fabulous Catwalk Show at 12 and 1.45pm
• Hair & Make Up Demonstrations
• Bridal Sales Room
• Fantastic Competitions
• Wedding Room Inspirations
• Venue Shuttle Bus to both Venues

£3.00 per person admission on the day, £2.00 per person on the day if you pre register. The event is currently postponed. If you’d like more details, go here. RESORT

CHOSEN WEDDING FAIR

Getting married and want to make your wedding day as unique as you are? Chosen Wedding Fair Cardiff has totally got your back! The wedding show at Portland House is a Welsh Wedding Power House of creative talent – and they’re serving you an eclectic mix of trend-setting local designer makers and innovative services that are sure to inspire the unique in you!

The hidden gem that is the old banking hall in Cardiff Bay, offers exactly that.

Cardiff Bay itself played a huge role in the industrial age, shipping coal to the rest of the world. Being located only 5 minutes from the town centre of Cardiff it’s a great location steeped in rich Welsh history. The architecture of the hall and the amazing natural light from its tall Georgian windows as well as the huge skylight makes it a fantastic location for all events. Nestled within the media hub that is Cardiff Bay its period features inside and out provide a fantastic setting – not only for tv but now for Chosen Wedding Fair Cardiff too!

With live music, dazzling entertainment, and more wedding suppliers than you can shake a glitter-coated stick at – you’re sure to get all the style-savvy inspiration you need at Chosen Wedding Fair Cardiff!

KEEPING IT SAFE……..

To keep you all safe, they have introduced timed 1hr ticket slots for the fair – limiting the number of lovely couples in the space at any one time, and keeping the flow of people steady through thoughtfully planned and managed one way systems.

If you book a particular time slot, but then find you can’t make the slot you’ve booked please don’t worry – you can still come along and are very very welcome! Just note they may politely ask you to wait for somebody else to leave before they let you enter. The timings give them a good sense of numbers and help keep everyone safe, they will be super flexible on the day and manage entry at the door to keep the love flowing!

The CHOSEN WEDDING FAIR is on Sunday 7th March in Portland House on Bute Street in Cardiff. Tickets are £3 each and you can get yours here. CHOSEN

HENSOL CASTLE WEDDING FAYRE

This is an event which has had its date changed.

Meet up to 50 exhibitors, mostly members of the prestigious Wedding Guild of Wales. See this fantastic venue and WIN some exciting prizes just for turning up.

WIN £1000 in vouchers to be spent on any exhibitors present (You get a free entry for turning up and another entry for every booking you make with an exhibitor on the day)

• WIN a Wedding dress worth £1000
• WIN a Wedding cake worth £500
• WIN £500 worth of Wedding Decor hire

FREE ENTRY to all couples on Sunday 20th May between 11am to 3pm The Wedding Fayre is in Hensol Castle and to get yourself registered just go here. HENSOL

VOCO ST DAVID’S HOTEL WEDDING FAYRE

You get to see this wonderful venue partially set up as it were a wedding day and meet over 40 quality exhibitors.

As they won’t know the Government restrictions on Covid until closer to the time, they are offering limited tickets in one hour slots.

• 11am
• 12pm
• 1pm
• 2pm
• 3pm

There are 30 tickets available per hour and a maximum of 2 tickets per party.

IF YOU CHOSEN TIME SLOT IS NOT AVAILABLE PLEASE CHOOSE ANOTHER

At this moment, the event will be by ticket only. If Covid 19 restrictions are lifted by the date of the fayre, the time slots and maximum numbers will be reviewed.

You will not only find everything you need for your wedding day but can be confident that each supplier CHOSEN to attend is reputable, reliable and has years of experience in their speciality.

The Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast suite have panoramic views across Cardiff Bay and will be dressed for you to see how your wedding could look at Voco St David’s.

• EVERYBODY who registers at the door will be entered into an amazing FREE draw to WIN £1000 vouchers to be spent against any exhibitor of their choice
• ANYBODY who books any exhibitor and pays a deposit on the day will get another FREE Draw Entry – The more you book, the more entries you receive.
• WIN Afternoon tea for two at Voco St David’s when you register and turn up on the day.

You can discuss your wedding plans and look for ideas with any of the members which include: Wedding Cars, Stationers, Accessories, Bridal Wear, Photographers, Videographers, Venue Dressers, Dove Release, Treats to eat, Entertainment, Musicians and many more.

The Voco St David’s Wedding Fayre is on Sunday 7th February. To book your time slot, just go here. VOCO

THE BIG WELSH WEDDING SHOW

THE BIG WELSH WEDDING SHOW at Depot, Cardiff is another really big event taking place in April. This is a creative, cool and unique wedding event that’s anything but traditional! Brought to you by Francesca Hill Photography, The Big Welsh Wedding Show is the wedding show for stylish couples looking to take their wedding planning to the next level.

Welcome bags packed full with exclusive offers, live music and dance entertainment, professionally choreographed catwalk shows, a welcome glass of fizz & canapés on arrival and more than 60 of the most creative wedding suppliers Wales has to offer.

Shaking up traditions since 2015, The Big Welsh Wedding Show is Wales’ only Award Winning Wedding Exhibition. All suppliers are hand picked for their general awesomeness and their aim is to inspire.

This event is the ultimate shopping experience for every bride to be. THE BIG WELSH WEDDING SHOW is at Depot on Dumballs Road in Cardiff. The next event is on Sunday 11th April between 11:00am an 3:30pm, and again on Sunday 24th October. If you’d like more details, go here WELSH

LEARN TO MAKE YOUR BRIDAL FLOWERS

We often hear that people want to have a go at doing their own wedding flowers or help with some aspect of the floral arrangements for that special day. On this course you will be guided through the basics of bridal floristry, from the preparation and making of a bridal bouquet to wiring techniques for buttonholes and corsages.

The course will be run by Pip John-Hill who, following a successful career in the corporate world, made her own lifestyle change in buying her own florist. Without any formal floristry skills or business knowledge Pip set about in making it work. Completing the City and Guilds qualification in floristry in the first two years, whilst overseeing the Shop, to then training her own florists, the business grew from strength to strength. Attracting clients such as Rolex, SWALEC stadium, Brains Brewery, Christian Dior to name but a few.

She places great emphasis on attention to detail, standards, business potential and profit coupled with well-crafted designs in the workshops. After twelve successful years, Pip made the decision to sell the business and to tailor make floristry workshops and courses to help others fulfil their dreams.

The course will cost between £95 – £100. If you’d like more details, just go here FLOWERS

DE COURCEYS MANOR WEDDING FAYRE

This event is held in an amazing wedding venue showcasing some of the best wedding suppliers in South Wales. You can discuss your wedding plans and look for ideas with any of the members attending which include: Wedding Cars, Stationers, Accessories, Bridal Wear, Photographers, Videographers, Venue Dressers, Dove Release, Treats to eat, Entertainment, Musicians and many more.

Come and see this beautiful wedding venue and meet up to 40 exhibitors, most of whom are members of The Wedding Guild of Wales. Everything you need for your wedding day from suppliers who are reputable, reliable and have years of experience in their speciality.

WIN SOME AMAZING PRIZES – DRAWN LIVE ON THE DAY

• EVERYBODY who registers at the door will be entered into an amazing FREE draw to WIN £500 vouchers to be spent against any exhibitor of their choice
• ANYBODY who books any exhibitor and pays a deposit on the day will get another FREE Draw Entry – The more you book, the more entries you receive.
• WIN a Wedding Dress of your choice worth £1000 from Perfection Bridal
• WIN a Wedding cake worth £500 from Bryn Awel Cakes
• FIRST 25 to turn up on the door will receive a FREE Yankee Candle
• £100 Voucher to be placed in ONE lucky bag – spend it on ANY exhibitor present

The WEDDING FAYRE at ️De Courceys Manor is on Sunday 21st February from 11am. It is completely FREE but it’s best to register and you can do that here. MANOR

THE WELSH NATIONAL WEDDING FAYRE – CARDIFF CITY STADIUM

They hit the capital just once per season, so expect an extra special event. We’re talking stunning catwalk shows, amazing goodie-bags, sale rooms and more! Did we mention that the Cardiff wedding fayre is completely free of charge – and so is the parking!

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• Stunning catwalk shows for Brides & Grooms  
• FREE entry and bubbly on arrival
• FREE goodie-bags
• FREE magazine bundle 
• A HUGE array of wedding suppliers
• Free samples & tasters
• Wedding experts on-hand with advice & tips
• Live entertainment on stage
• Hair & make-up demonstrations
• One day only exclusive discounts & offers 
• On-site refreshments and cafe
• FREE on-site parking facilities
• Disabled access and baby changing facilities
• Loads of freebies and more!

The date at Cardiff City Stadium will be announced soo, but you can register for the event right HERE.

CHEPSTOW

CHEPSTOW WEDDING SHOW

The Chepstow Wedding Show is on Sunday 25th April, rescheduled from its January date. I runs from 11am – 3.30pm and is at Chepstow Racecourse.  A friendly, welcoming wedding exhibition created for you to meet the best wedding suppliers and help you organise your wedding.

**Due to Covid-19 all couples must register for tickets to attend the show. Strict covid-19 measures will be in place to ensure your safety**

Why should you attend The Chepstow Wedding Show?

• Free entry & Parking
• Live Magician
• Prosecco Bar
• Live Music
• Tea / Coffee and snacks
• Various Venues from the area
• Meet the area’s top wedding businesses , they’ll be offering tastings of their cakes, showing their amazing wedding dresses & groom outfits
• Friendly, relaxed & welcoming show

The Chepstow Wedding Show is on Sunday 25th April from 11am – 3.30pm at Chepstow Racecourse on St Lawrence Road. It’s FREE but you must register. To secure your place, go here. CHEPSTOW

CWMBRAN

FOREST OF DEAN

WEDDING SHOW

Just a short way out of South Wales, the Royal Forest of Dean WEDDING SHOW gives you the chance to meet over 30 of the most fabulous wedding suppliers and discover everything you need for your wedding day. They are proud to offer the most unique and diverse selection of suppliers.

Enjoy free entry as well as an exclusive goodie bag and complimentary drink on arrival when you pre-register.

The event is to be held at the beautiful Speech House Hotel, a former 17th century hunting lodge set in the heart of the idyllic Royal Forest of Dean. Nestled in the centre of a tranquil forest environment, The Speech House Hotel, offers you a stylish country house wedding venue, which makes it the perfect setting for your wedding day.

Their wedding team are great at taking care of all the finer details that go into creating a relaxed and enjoyable day for you and your guests – from helping you pick the most suitable function room, table layout, and delicious food and drinks, right through to introducing known suppliers for those personal finishing touches.

The Speech House gives you the freedom and flexibility to select the combination of rooms that best suit the style of day you desire for your ceremony and celebrations. They can cater for up to 200 guests on your wedding day.

Take your entire bridal party along and make a day of it. Children are welcome and there’s free on-site car parking. Food and drink is available to purchase throughout the day inside at the Bar and Restaurant. If you are looking for food we advise you book a table.

The Royal Forest of Dean WEDDING SHOW date will be announce soon, when it is, we’ll let you know.

FFOS LAS

THE WELSH NATIONAL WEDDING FAYRE – FFOS LAS RACECOURSE

They come to West Wales just once per season, so expect an extra special event. We’re talking stunning catwalk shows, amazing goodie bags, sale rooms and more! Did we mention that the Carmarthenshire wedding fayre is completely free of charge – as is the parking!

• Stunning catwalk shows for Brides & Grooms  
• FREE entry and bubbly on arrival
• FREE Goodie bags
• FREE Magazine bundle 
• A HUGE array of wedding suppliers
• Free samples & tasters
• Wedding experts on-hand with advice & tips
• Live Entertainment on stage
• Hair & Make-Up demonstrations
• One day only exclusive discounts & offers 
• On-site refreshments and cafe
• FREE on-site parking facilities
• Disabled access and baby changing facilities
• Loads of freebies and more!

The date for this will be confirmed soon, but if you’d like to register for the Wedding Fayre at Ffos Las Racecourse, you can do that HERE.

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HAY ON WYE

LLANELLI

MERTHYR TYDFIL

NEWBRIDGE

NEWPORT

PONTYPRIDD

LLECHWEN HALL HOTEL WEDDING FAYRE

Come and see this wonderful venue partially set up as it were a wedding day and meet over 35 quality exhibitors.

Set on a stunning hilltop location surrounded by magnificent views of the Welsh countryside, Llechwen Hall Hotel is one of the best kept secrets in the heart of the Cynon Valley.

You will not only find everything you need for your wedding day but can be confident that each supplier CHOSEN to attend is reputable, reliable and has years of experience in their speciality.

WIN OVER £1000 TO SPEND ON ANY OF THE WONDERFUL EXHIBITORS – ON THE DAY

• EVERYBODY who registers at the door will be entered into an amazing FREE draw to WIN £1000 vouchers to be spent against any exhibitor of their choice
• ANYBODY who books any exhibitor and pays a deposit on the day will get another FREE Draw Entry – The more you book, the more entries you receieve.
• WIN Afternoon tea for two at Llechwen Hall Hotel when you register here and turn up on the day.
• FIRST 25 to turn up on the door will receive a FREE Gift
• £100 Voucher to be placed in ONE lucky bag – spend it on ANY exhibitor present

You can discuss your wedding plans and look for ideas with any of the members which include: Wedding Cars, Stationers, Accessories, Bridal Wear, Photographers, Videographers, Venue Dressers, Dove Release, Treats to eat, Entertainment, Musicians and many more.

The WEDDING FAYRE is on Sunday 7th March between 11am and 3pm at the Llechwen Hall Hotel in Nelson. If you’d like more details and to book, just go here, LLECHWEN

PORT TALBOT

THE ORANGERY – MARGAM COUNTRY PARK

The Orangery is one of the most prestigious establishments in South Wales. Nestled within over 850 acres of picturesque parkland, The Orangery provides you with a romantic and magical surrounding for your special day. The elegant venue teamed with its perfect setting, monastic ruins and Gothic style mansion house provide you with the style and ambience to enhance your wedding.

The next Wedding Fayre will be getting to the Orangery at Margam Country Park in Port Talbot is sadly cancelled, but you can see what the venue has on offer for your perfect day, head over to their website here. THE ORANGERY

SWANSEA

THE WELSH NATIONAL WEDDING FAYRE – BRANGWYN HALL

They visit Swansea just once per season, so expect an extra special event next spring. We’re talking stunning catwalk shows, amazing goodie bags, sale rooms and more! Did we mention that the Swansea  wedding fayre is completely free of charge – and so is the parking!

​

• Stunning catwalk shows for Brides & Grooms  
• FREE entry and bubbly on arrival
• FREE Goodie bags
• FREE Magazine bundle 
• A HUGE array of wedding suppliers
• Free samples & tasters
• Wedding experts on-hand with advice & tips
• Live Entertainment on stage
• Hair & Make-Up demonstrations
• One day only exclusive discounts & offers 
• On-site refreshments and cafe
• FREE on-site parking facilities
• Disabled access and baby changing facilities
• Loads of freebies and more!

No confirmed date for the event at Brangwyn Hall as yet, but of you’d like to register you can do that HERE.

TREDEGAR

USK

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

YSTRAD MYNACH