Just Got Engaged? Here’s Everything You Should Do Next!
Firstly, before we dive right in, I want to just say a massive congratulations on your engagement!! This is about to be the most exciting, and arguably, most hectic time of your lives together! As i’m writing this, it’s just approaching the end of January 2025, and this month has been filled with so many enquiries, and it’s pretty obvious that we’ve had a FLUSH of engagements over the christmassy period!
This guide is tailored specifically for South Wales brides-to-be who are either planning a dream 2026 wedding or looking to tie the knot last-minute in 2025, and don’t know where to start for their shot-gun wedding. Whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration at venues like Fairyhill or Sant Ffraed House, an intimate adventure elopement on the Brecon Beacons, or something chic and unique, this guide has you covered.
I’ll walk you through every step of the planning process—from booking your dream venue to finding the perfect suppliers (including the wedding photographer who will capture your story beautifully). Plus, I’ll share tips to make planning feel manageable, exciting, and tailored to your love story. Let’s dive in!
A little about me
Before we dive into all the exciting wedding planning details, let me introduce myself properly! I’m Heather, a South Wales-based wedding photographer with years of experience capturing love stories across stunning venues like St Tewdrics House, Cefn Tilla Court, and Gileston Manor. I specialise in natural, documentary-driven photography that focuses on the raw, real emotions of your day—those fleeting moments you’ll want to relive forever. But I also ensure that you get that luxurious, editorial feel to your images too. For the insta followers to see, ya know ;)
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of working with over 100 couples, from those planning elaborate celebrations to others opting for adventurous elopements in breathtaking locations like the Gower Peninsula or Brecon Beacons. I’ve seen firsthand what makes a wedding day truly magical, and I’ve learned all the insider tips to help you navigate this incredible (and sometimes overwhelming!) journey.
So why should you listen to me? Well, I’m not just here to take pretty pictures. I’m here to guide you, support you, and help you feel confident every step of the way. Whether you’re planning months ahead or pulling things together at the last minute, I’ve been there, seen it all, and I’m ready to share everything I know to help you create the day of your dreams.
Now, let’s get started!
For those of you who are planning a last minute 2025 wedding
If you’re looking to tie the knot this year, first of all—don’t panic! Planning a wedding in a short timeframe might seem daunting, but it’s absolutely possible to create a day that’s every bit as special and memorable as a long-planned celebration. Even if those suppliers are out there telling you it’s too late! Here’s how to get started:
Prioritise what matters most to you as a couple
When time is tight, focus on the essentials first:
Venue: Look for venues with last-minute availability. Mid-week dates or off-season months (like autumn and winter) are often easier to secure. Some great South Wales venues to check include Bryngarw House, Sant Ffraed House, and Fairyhill. However, some venues with some more availability could also be Craig Y Nos, Rosedew Farm, or Llechwen Hall. Definitely have a look though, you will 100% find one.
Photographer: A good photographer is worth their weight in gold—don’t compromise here. If I’m available, I’d love to chat about capturing your story, but if I’m booked, I’m happy to recommend other talented photographers in the area. Don’t forget, your photos (& videos) will be the only part of your day that’s left when the flowers start to wilt.
Dress: Consider off-the-rack options, sample sales, or even renting a designer dress. Bridal shops like Laura May Bridal or Once Upon a Budget Bridal Boutique often have stunning options you can take home the same day.
Vendors: Focus on high-impact vendors like florists, caterers, and entertainment. South Wales has incredible talents like Bloomify (for breathtaking blooms), Pickled Pumpkin Catering, and Savannah for live performances.
Be Flexible
Last-minute planning often means being open to alternatives. You might not get your first-choice venue or the exact date you imagined, but embracing flexibility can lead to unexpected magic. Consider:
Mid-week weddings: They’re more affordable and usually way easier to book. Plus, your guests will be more than happy to take a day off work if they love you!
Seasonal themes: A winter wedding with cosy candlelight and rich, warm tones can be incredibly romantic.
A simple guest list
With limited time, a smaller, more intimate guest list can make planning easier. Plus, intimate weddings often feel more personal and allow you to spend quality time with everyone. And, they’re currently my favourite thing to photograph anyway!
Consider an Elopement
Adventure elopements are the perfect choice for couples who want a meaningful, stress-free day. Imagine exchanging vows on the cliffs of the Gower Peninsula or in a secluded spot in the Brecon Beacons. With fewer moving parts, elopements are easier to plan quickly while still being breathtakingly beautiful. And, i’m more than happy to help you plan it! I adore the outdoors, and i’m always open to a wild and wonderful adventure wedding.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Even with limited time to plan, having a clear timeline is key. Decide when things need to be booked, delivered, and finalised. Lean on your vendors for advice—they’re experts at making sure everything runs smoothly.
Stay focused on what really matters
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love story. Whether you’ve had a year or a month to plan, what truly matters is the commitment you’re making to one another. Focus on what’s meaningful to you as a couple, and let go of the pressure to have “the perfect wedding.”
With the right mindset and the help of experienced vendors, your 2025 wedding can be just as magical as you’ve always dreamed. If you’re ready to chat about photography or need more recommendations, feel free to get in touch—I’d love to help make your day unforgettable!
For those of you planning your 2026 (& beyond) wedding!
If you’re newly engaged and planning a wedding for 2026, congratulations—you’ve given yourself the gift of time! With two years to plan, you have the perfect opportunity to create a thoughtful, meaningful celebration that’s exactly what you and your partner envision. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Take time to dream big
Before diving into logistics, let yourself imagine your perfect day. Get the Pinterest going! Consider the overall vibe you’re going for:
Do you want a grand celebration at a luxury venue like St Tewdrics House, Fairyhill, or Sant Ffraed House?
Or is something more intimate or unique—like an outdoor wedding or an adventure elopement—more your style?
Think about your theme, color palette, and personal touches that reflect your personalities as a couple.
This is your chance to dream without limits before you begin narrowing down your options.
Start with the big decisions
Planning early means you’ll have your pick of vendors and venues. Start with the big-ticket items:
Book your venue: Popular venues in South Wales book up fast, so secure your date early. Many venues also offer discounts or perks for booking far in advance.
Hire your photographer: Finding the right photographer is crucial—they’ll be the ones capturing the memories you’ll cherish forever. I’d love to be part of your day, and I specialise in natural, docu/editorial-style photography that tells your unique story. Let’s chat about how I can make your vision a reality!
Set your budget: Establish a clear budget early on, and decide which elements are your top priorities. This will help you stay on track as you plan.
Curate your dream team of vendors
With time on your side, you can research and choose the best vendors to bring your vision to life. One big tip though? Make sure you gel with them, especially those who you’ll be with a lot on the big day, like Photographer, or MUA!
Consider:
Florist: For show-stopping blooms, look no further than The Dancing Daffodil.
Stationery Designer: For modern, chic invitations and signage, check out Taylor Louise Design.
Caterer: Wow your guests with incredible food from Pickled Pumpkin Catering.
Entertainment: Whether it’s the magical talents of Adam Reeves, live music from Jeris Music, or the fun surprise of Sass Surprise Singers, South Wales has amazing options.
Create your Realistic Timeline
Planning far in advance means you can space out the process and avoid feeling overwhelmed. A rough timeline might look like this:
18-24 months out: Book your venue, photographer, and key vendors.
12-18 months out: Finalise your guest list, send save-the-dates, and start dress shopping.
6-12 months out: Secure the smaller details like favours, décor, and accessories.
3-6 months out: Confirm final numbers with vendors, plan your seating chart, and focus on the fun extras like personalised touches.
Explore new trends
With 2026 still a little way off, keep an eye on emerging trends that might inspire your day. Whether it’s bold colors, sustainable weddings, creative entertainment ideas, or even a TikTok you want to make, you have loads of time to incorporate unique touches.
Consider a bridal boudoir photoshoot in Cardiff
A bridal boudoir session is an intimate and empowering way to celebrate yourself before your wedding day. Whether you’re planning it as a surprise gift for your partner or as a confidence boost for yourself, it’s a beautiful way to capture this exciting chapter of your life.
Incorporate wedding details like your veil, lingerie, or bouquet for a personal touch, and walk away with stunning portraits and a keepsake album your partner will treasure forever. As a South Wales boudoir photographer, I’d love to help you feel confident, gorgeous, and celebrated—get in touch to book your session!
Make it about you
With plenty of time to plan, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Whether that’s a non-traditional venue, a wedding weekend, or an elopement followed by a big celebration, 2026 is your chance to create something totally unique to you as a couple.
Enjoy the journey
Wedding planning can be a lot of work, and a lot of money too, but it’s also an incredible experience. Take time to enjoy the process—celebrate small milestones, have fun planning with your partner, and remember that the journey is just as important as the big day itself. When it’s all over, you’ll be thinking back to when you had your cute little date nights that were spent going over invitations, and colour schemes! (Or, one of you was…lol)
When you’re ready to book your photographer, I’d love to hear more about your plans and help you bring your vision to life. Let’s create something beautiful together for your 2026 wedding!
Some helpful links for you;
Questions to ask your potential Wedding Photographer
If you’re considering eloping in South Wales
5 Reasons every South Wales Bride should consider a boudoir photoshoot