Your North East Wedding - Page number 63 - July/August 2021 (Issue 45)

Top advice for the perfect wedding HOT TOPIC THE PERFECT DAY What questions are important to ask wedding venues before we book anywhere? 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 Allton | St Mary’s Heritage Centre www.gateshead.gov.uk/stmarysheritagecentre IT’S IN YOUR FAVOUR We’re looking for the perfect wedding favours for our guests, what would you suggest? Trying to find wedding favours can be bewildering with the number of choices available. Chose something that reflects who you are as a couple. By opting for something original and a bit different means guests will never want to leave the lovely memento on the table. I specialise in making natural, eco-friendly soaps, bathing products and plant wax candles. I can custom wrap them to fit any wedding theme/colour scheme and add tags or labels to the products with your names, wedding date or a special message to make it even more personal. I can create most of the products in small sizes and various scents, which opens a range of possibilities. Everything offered is handmade in my rural studio from ethically sourced and sometimes homegrown ingredients. Not only are the items gentle on the skin, but suitable for vegetarians and most are also vegan. Ceri Aitman | Oakwood Soaperie www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk www.jam iemacphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE 63