Everything You Need to Book for the Best Wedding Day
Plan your perfect day
THE PLAYLIST
With more than 20 years of experience creating lifelong memories for happy couples, Aurora Strings, the North East’s leading string quartet and trio, can play your favourite tracks from classical to pop and even film themes. They can even write an arrangement of your special song for your big day to play prior to the ceremony and at the reception, and if the Great British weather is proving kind, they will play outside for you too. Better still, because they’re an acoustic set-up, they can move easily between rooms. aurorastrings.org.uk
Spennymoor’s North East Soiree have performed at more than 1,300 weddings and events in the North East, providing a string quartet, jazz music, a party band and a DJ. They can play live music for your wedding ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast and their varied programme of music means they can perform the tracks that mean the most to you. Their popular Ceilidh band will get the party started after your first dance, so all your family and friends will want to hit the dance floor. music-north-east.com
SAY CHEERS
Newcastle-based Bar 4 Hire rebranded as the Mix Event collective in 2019 following expansion and investment – and are your go-to for the mobile bar of your dreams, (so they know exactly what your bar needs, no matter what style of wedding you’ve chosen). You’re spoilt for choice: there’s the formal bar, the mirror circle bar, wooden circle bar, rustic wooden bar, festival bar, LED fronted bar, the mirror fronted bar, and not forgetting the rum shack. No matter how big or small your wedding is, they’ll keep the drinks flowing. themixevents.co.uk
SUITED AND BOOTED
Grooms are spoilt for choice for the perfect suit at Dalton Park, with so many amazing menswear brands to choose from (and up to 70 percent off the RRP). Cavani is one of the latest brands to arrive at this outlet shopping destination in Seaham – if you’re seeking a tweed suit and a flat cap, they’re your go-to. Antique Rogue is a new addition to Suit Direct with a stylish selection of checks and textured fabrics. But if you don’t know where to start, don’t worry – the suit fitting experts at Skopes and Moss Bros are on hand to help. dalton-park.co.uk
SAY YES TO THE DRESS
MRS W is the North East’s newest bridal shop dedicated to fashion-forward and non-traditional brides. Their minimal dresses and accessories are so effortlessly cool, you won’t find the same designers anywhere else in the region. Visit their Whitley Bay bridal shop by appointment, sip champagne, and browse the alternative designs by Australia’s Bowie Rae and Lola Varma, London’s Bon Bride, America’s NEWHITE and South Africa’s Vagabond.
FLOWER POWER
Bridal bouquets, archways, flower walls, centre pieces, neon signs, swings and even button holes; whatever you need to make your day (and even your engagement party) picture perfect, the Pretty Picture Company have it. A picture is worth a thousand words and your wedding photos are going to hold memories to last a lifetime. The floral specialists at Blaydon-based Pretty Picture Company know just how important it is to make sure the decor is looking, well… perfect. prettypicturecompany.co.uk
Inside this award-winning floral design studio in Newcastle, the mother-daughter team of Jones & Jones Flowers spend their time making beautiful floral creations for weddings and events across the North East and beyond. They design natural tablescapes, arrangements and installations to suit your individual style (whether that’s for intimate or grand weddings) by carefully selecting seasonal flowers and foliage that will be growing at the time of your wedding. jonesflowers.co.uk
BRIDAL BEAUTY
Makeup artist Jo Leversuch (Make-up by Jo) will help you achieve the perfect look for your wedding day. Her understanding of lighting, focus and photography means she can make sure you’re looking radiant for the all-important photos. At least six to eight weeks before the day, Jo will discuss the style, dress, venue and ideas with you and on the day she’ll work her magic at your home or the venue itself. Getting married abroad or prefer to do your makeup yourself? No problem. Jo can provide a make-up lesson on how to achieve a professional look and offer you plenty of hints and tips.
UNDER COVER
From their base in Newcastle, Pitched Events travel across the region and beyond with their sailcloth tent structures and traditional pole marquees to make celebrations extra special. They specialise in offering bespoke wedding packages and their tents and marquees mean you don’t have to worry about a spot of rain spoiling your reception (their sailcloth tents have a patented wall system that doesn’t allow for any leaks). Plus, if you want to carry the party on into the night, they can be lit up too. pitchedevents.co.uk
FINISHING TOUCHES
Newcastle-based milliner Eleanor Bunney offers both beautiful bridal headwear and fabulous occasion hats for guests. From statement headbands to veiled hats, there’s a varied choice for all brides and all of Eleanor’s bridal designs can be customised to suit you. To make sure it’s the perfect match for your outfit, she offers free sample cards for all of her designs. Each piece is dyed and handmade to order and all will be delivered to you in a hat box. eleanorbunney.co.uk
ESPECIALLY FOR YOU
Independent celebrant Joanne D Benson, based in Peterlee, knows that the details matter – that includes everything from the music to the readings, the rings and the guest list. Caritas Ceremonies work closely with you to ensure your ceremony reflects what’s most important to you as a couple. Whether it’s a celebration of a marriage, civil partnership or a vow renewal, they’ll help you to create your dream ceremony whether that’s at the place you first met, or on your favourite beach. caritasceremonies.co.uk
PUT A RING ON IT
No matter which of David Summerfield’s wide selection of sleek and stylish engagement rings or wedding bands you choose, you’re promised a timeless piece you’ll cherish for life. They have a sparkling range of wedding rings including platinum, silver, gold and palladium, and also offer bridal sets for women and titanium wedding bands for men. But if you still can’t find the perfect wedding ring for you, you can take advantage of their bespoke service to develop something new. davidsummerfield.co.uk
At her boutique on Howard Street in North Shields, Emma Hedley uses recycled and ethically-sourced gold and gemstones to create beautiful wedding and engagement rings, as well as a selection of fine jewellery perfect for the big day. Her bespoke offering means you can commission your own piece of jewellery or redesign an existing sentimental piece to give it a new lease of life. With the environment in mind, Emma also uses vegan suede recycled ocean plastic jewellery pouches, and plants a tree for every order received. emmahedley.com
