What follows is some information about some of the many and varied things you might like to think about for your dream wedding. Wedding planning can be daunting and full of stress, but it can also be quite enjoyable as you things come together! I would highly recommend you savour every moment of the journey – you’ll be glad in the end!
Make it a joy rather than an anxiety!
Speak to as many wedding vendors and book time with a professional wedding planner and before you know it, you will really start to get a picture of what you want your wedding day to look like and how it will run!
Important note: I have included links to wedding vendors and also wedding websites. These are people that I have worked with and would recommend. That said, there are many many other excellent vendors, so take your time and do your homework to find the people that fit with you and your fiancée.
Finally, at the end this post, is a wedding planning checklist that you can follow and use to keep track of your plan and progress!
So, have a look through, enjoy the process and best luck!
Picking a wedding venue should be one of the first decisions to be made! These can range from Stately Homes to Tipis and Halls, so there is enough diversity that you can pick somewhere that can really reflect your personality and style.
Once you have the ‘when and where’ booked, you can get started with the fun of organising everything else!
Here are some of the superb venues that I regularly exhibit at.
Crathorne Hall
Hardwick Hall
Solberge Hall
Gisbrough Hall
Redworth Hall
Headlam Hall
The Morritt Hotel
Acklam Hall
Rockliffe Hall
Thief Hall
Bowburn Hall
Blackwell Grange Hotel
(The list is ever growing so get in touch and stay updated!)
Open Days and Wedding Fairs are some of the best ways of viewing potential venues. Often the venue will have the area set up as it would be for real weddings and you can see how it can be turned around for the evening reception too. These are also a true and tested way to connect with potential suppliers!
A well known wedding organiser in the North East is Darlington Weddings!
Check out the available times and dates below and talk with Andy in person!
Photographer/Videographer
Entertainment
There is always something to tickle your fancy for your particular needs. And remember, your guests don’t just need entertaining in the evening but throughout the day itself!
Magician
Having a Magician at your wedding offers so much more than just magic tricks. It’s an ice breaker. It’s the conversation starter. Simply put, it brings people together. I may be slightly biased (!) but a magician is possibly one of the best things you can book for your wedding party!
My recommendation:
Me! Andy Larmouth – www.andylarmouth.com
Music
Music can be a fantastic addition throughout the entirety of the day. Not only is it nice to have in the background during your drinks reception or meal, it can be an amazing way to get the party of your evening reception really bouncing!
My recommendations:
Samantha Durnan – www.samanthadurnanmusic.com
Mellow Moments – www.mellowmoments.me.uk
Caricaturist
A Caricaturist is something a little different that not only gives you a lot of laughs on the day but also gives your guests a wonderful memento to keep for the future!
My recommendation:
Barrie James – https://www.barriejamesart.co.uk/
Photo Booths
These are becoming ever more popular nowadays, and a superb addition giving somewhere for your guests to let loose and have some fun and you have your photos to keep as a fun keepsake!
My recommendations:
Boothalicious – www.boothalicious.co.uk
Occasional Events NE – www.occasionaleventsne.co.uk
Catering
Wedding Cakes
Now, your wedding cake not only needs to be delicious but it needs to look spectacular too! The wonderful thing about your cake suppliers is not only can you see their portfolios and some examples of their work at wedding fairs, but most will be glad to arrange a time with you to discuss exactly what you have in mind for your cake!
My recommendations:
Burnett 4 Cakes – www.burnett4cakes.co.uk
Cards and Stationary
An amazing way to set the mood for the event before it is here can be your save the date cards and wedding invitations, if you are going for a formal and traditional wedding then formal invites are fine however if your day is going to be more casual and relaxed this can be reflected in your stationary and can be a good way to set the expectations of family and friends as well linking in with your colour theme on the day.
Having the same decorations and colours throughout all your wedding stationery such as table plans and name cards, is a lovely way to keep things uniform.
My recommendation:
Coochicoo Cards – www.coochicardcards.co.uk
Florists
Florists can be hugely integral to the look of your wedding. A wonderful way to see florist’s styles is to check out their social media or websites and seeing them exhibit at wedding fairs. Here you can chat with them as well and they can advise you of the best flowers to go with your colour themes that will be in season and how to stick within your budget.
They can help you with table decorations, bouquets or posies and button holes as well as table centrepieces.
My recommendation:
The Enchanted Florist – www.theenchantedfloristdurham.co.uk
Table Decor
If flowers are not something you like as your centrepieces there are many other options available. Chair covers are a wonderful way of continuing your colour theme throughout the reception area as well as putting your own individual stamp on the venue, helping to create your perfect dream wedding day.
My recommendation:
The First Class Wedding Company – www.thefirstclassweddingco.com
Traditionally favours were sugared almonds given to wedding guests as a thank you for attending. However, more recently, favours have taken on a whole new lease of life. Ranging from personalised biscuits to miniature bottles of spirits to homemade jams and chutneys or bulbs or seeds for them to take home and grow themselves, as well as little colouring packs and treats for any little ones that may have attended.
Whatever you choose can be another little way of showing off a few of your personalities and making your day just that little bit more special and memorable for your guests!
Wedding Attire
Wedding Dresses
The dream Wedding Dress is the most important thing to many brides and will be the first item on their lists and they will know exactly the wedding dress they want before they have even seen it.
Others will be looking at dresses without any idea what they want!
Finding a boutique that understands both points of view and can cater to any bride and budget, is so important.
If you like to keep things all together, it’s even better to find somewhere that not only has bridal gowns but bridesmaid and maid of honor dresses and groom attire for hire.
My recommendation:
Victoria Robson Bridal – www.victoriarobsonbridal.com
Suits
If you’re looking for something a little more bespoke for your groom or groomsmen check out Bakers Tailoring who also offer formal hire including evening wear with your budget in mind.
My recommendation:
Bakers Tailoring – www.bakerstailoring.com
So, there we go. I hope you have found this information useful!
Below is a wedding planning checklist of some of the things you might want to consider for your big day.
Just scroll down a bit and click the link below to pick-up the Wedding Planning Checklist in PDF form.
Best of luck with the planning, and if I can be of any assistance, please get in contact!
