Top Tips from Newcastle’s Best Wedding Planners

Spring has sprung and wedding season is upon us! We caught up with a couple of Newcastle's best-loved wedding venues about their top tips on making sure the big day goes smoothly. So, whether you’re starting your planning journey or are well on the way to the big day, you’ll find some inspiration and advice here!
 

Shauna Gibson at Hotel du Vin
 

Tell us about your venue and what you offer for weddings.

When you book a wedding celebration with us we'll help you take care of each element – your own dedicated events organiser will bring everything together on the big day. Formal or informal, contemporary or traditional, we'll ensure the food and drink complement your wedding perfectly. 
 

How far in advance do you recommend people start planning for their wedding?

From experience we recommend two years to 18 months prior to their chosen date. The reason for this is to avoid any disappointment for their special day. From choosing the venue, suppliers, catering and inviting guests – we recommend well in advance.
 

What tips would you give when it comes to arranging seating plans and can you always please everyone?

I would suggest when arranging your seating plan you discuss with your family as well as your partner’s to ensure everyone will be happy. Pleasing everyone is not the priority, it is your special day! However you do want all guests to be comfortable and enjoy celebrating with you.
 

And how about the menu? What have been some of the most fun or interesting food options you’ve worked on?

One of the most exciting offerings we have is our summer BBQ on our terrace. The food options are indulgent and decadent.
 

What would you recommend couples prioritise when it comes to spending?

Prioritise the venue as this is the main segment of the day.
 

What do you think is the most important element when it comes to choosing a wedding venue?

Location, cost and amenities. Also flexibility; you want the venue to be able to cater to your specific requirements, something Hotel Du Vin is well versed in.
 

What’s the one thing that couples always forget or overlook?

Couples tend to forget dietary requirements and guests who need accommodating overnight.
 

If you had one golden rule or could offer a single piece of advice to couples when it comes to planning their wedding, what would it be?

Enjoy it, have fun without becoming too overwhelmed or stressed. This is your big day and it is all about you!

Kayleigh & Lauren at Wylam Brewery

Tell us about your venue and what you offer for weddings.

Wylam Brewery is a truly unique venue and is located in the scenic setting of Newcastle’s Exhibition Park, combining the tranquillity of the countryside whilst providing all the benefits of a city centre location. We have various packages and something to suit every party, not to mention being dog-friendly, meaning you don’t have to leave your four legged companion at home.
 

How far in advance do you recommend people start planning for their wedding?

Generally, most couples tend to book their venue around a year in advance of their wedding date. However, how soon you should confirm your booking really depends on several factors that are personal to you. For example, the popularity of your chosen venue, the time of year you are planning your wedding, and the day of the week you would like to get married on.
 

What tips would you give when it comes to arranging seating plans and can you always please everyone?

Creating a seating plan for your wedding can be very tricky. It is difficult to please everyone, no matter how hard you try to make your guests feel comfortable, but here are our tips to help ease the process… get your RSVPs in early, think about your table shape/layout, decide who you need close to you, organise guests by groups, consider having a children’s table and make or buy a clear wedding table plan. 

And how about the menu? What have been some of the most fun or interesting food options you’ve worked on?

Being an untraditional venue, our menu offers a modern twist to traditional British classics and if you’re after the more laid-back vibe, we can offer a street food-style wedding which is fun, informal and has that festival feel.
 

What would you recommend couples prioritise when it comes to spending?

Although every couples’ priorities will be different, make sure your budget is invested wisely on your perfect venue and focus on quality over quantity with food, drinks and entertainment that will wow your guests.
 

What do you think is the most important element when it comes to choosing a wedding venue?

Simply…do you see yourself getting married there? One of the most important questions to ask yourself when viewing a wedding venue is can you see yourself, your family and your friends in the space enjoying your wedding day celebrations.
 

What’s the one thing that couples always forget or overlook?

Asking whether the venue has a no children policy (we don’t) and to decide if you would like children to attend your wedding or not and for those children that do attend, have planned activities for them.
 

If you had one golden rule or could offer a single piece of advice to couples when it comes to planning their wedding, what would it be?

Set real expectations. Everyone wants their wedding day to be a dream come true, but make sure you consider all the practical bits as well as the dreamy ones.

Thanks for those amazing tips Shauna, Kayleigh and Lauren! We'll be back with even more tips from Newcastle's best wedding planners and venues soon, so watch this space all you blushing brides and grinning grooms!