Here is a selection of Q&As from Your North East Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yournortheast.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Night fever
Q. We want a wedding package that doesn't start until later in the afternoon, as we don't want our guests leaving early as the day's gone on too long. What do you suggest?
A. Lauren Davidson says: Our brand new Twilight Wedding Package has just launched due to popular demand, and is perfect for couples who wish to break away from the formalities of a full-day wedding. The package has been created without a few of the usual traditions, providing guests with a fun, party feel experience to celebrate your special day. You can choose to have your (optional) wedding ceremony at the venue any time from 4pm, followed by delicious canapés, reception drinks and time for plenty of photos. From here, we direct guests up to our Queen View Suite which will be ready for your evening reception. Our experienced Master of Ceremonies will then announce you, as well as being on hand for speeches and cake cutting, before directing friends and family to our hot gourmet buffet. Exclusive to 2023 and available to book for any remaining Mondays to Fridays, the package is priced at £2,500 for up to 75 guests, with the option to add additional guests if you would like.
Lauren Davidson, Webster’s Ropery
www.webstersropery.co.uk
Plan of action
Q. We're just starting our big-day journey and neither of us have a clue what we should look for when booking a venue. Is there anything in particular we should consider?
A. Jade Ellis says: Start by making your rough guest list, considering whether you're going big or keeping the circle small. Next… what's your style? Have you ever had a vision of how your dream wedding would be? Is it traditional, contemporary, or rustic? If you're not sure, go and explore a mix of venues with your partner and see which gives you the wow factor!
Remember, it isn't just how the venue looks, but also how warming the staff and wedding coordinator are, as you want to work with someone who can bring your vision to life. Also bear in mind the space, as you want enough for free movement – but not too much that your guests are playing hide and seek all night.
Finally, consider your budget, grabbing a brochure at every venue so you can do your homework and see what each package has to offer. Don't be disheartened if some venues don't offer packages that exactly meet your needs – most will be open to upgrades or creating a bespoke package to make your wedding personal to you. It is your day after all!
Jade Ellis, Wynyard Golf Club
wynyardgolfclub.co.uk
The perfect setting
Q. What questions are important to ask venues before we book one for our wedding?
A. Mariel Jones says: When looking for your wedding venue, make sure to check with each property that there's availability on your desired date. Spring and summer weddings are always popular, so these months do tend to get filled up pretty quickly.
It's good to have in mind a set budget and figure out how you want to spend it – make sure to prioritise the most important aspects of your day first.
Find out if your wedding will be the only one held that day, as it's essential to understand how everything will run in terms of service and attentiveness. Get to know your wedding coordinator, as they will work closely with you to turn your dream day into a reality.
Mariel Jones, Wynyard Hall
www.wynyardhall.co.uk
Dream backdrops
Q. We're just starting our wedding journey, but neither of us has a clue what we should look for when booking a venue. What advice can you share with us?
A. Helen Bush says: There's a lot to consider when looking at a wedding venue, and it's important to make sure that the property meets all of your requirements. For example, is the size of the wedding spaces appropriate for your number of guests and is it within budget? You'll need to find out if the venue has a ceremony license, what decorations are offered and the timings on the day.
Don't forget the most important end goal of this whole experience, which is to have fun, get married, and make everlasting memories! Aside from the venue playing a significant part in your day, it's equally important that you feel relaxed and trust your wedding coordinator, who will help organise your special day and be your point of contact throughout the planning process.
Helen Bush, Grand Hotel, Tynemouth
www.grandhoteltynemouth.co.uk
The perfect day
Q. What questions are important to ask wedding venues before we book anywhere?
A. Sarah Allison says: Ensure to ask any questions in advance when searching for a wedding venue, no matter how trivial it may seem. Start by finding out the capacities for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception spaces.
Make sure what's included in the cost is clear from the start as you won't want any extras added onto the bill nearer the time. Check that features such as tables, chairs, PA system are included or listed in the quote.
Don't be shy to ask what other couples have done with the spaces; the staff will know what has worked well or not in the past with decorations, music and order of the day.
Get a feel from the team about how the wedding will run on the day; will they take care of your set-up or will you be doing it yourself, and will they make the wedding announcements? It's important to build a trustworthy relationship with the staff as they're there to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Sarah Allison, St Mary's Heritage Centre
www.gateshead.gov.uk/stmarysheritagecentre
