County wedding fair this weekend

A major wedding fair is to be held in Northumberland this weekend providing the perfect opportunity for couples planning their big day to meet local wedding suppliers and find everything they need for their perfect day, under one roof.

The event is being organised by Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland with the aim of  providing a further boost to the already booming wedding economy.

The wedding fair will take place on Sunday 5 February between 11 am – 3 pm at Ponteland Leisure Centre. It is free to enter and there will be ample free parking available.

Over 70 north east based wedding specialists have signed up to attend the fair and showcase their products and services. Among the line-up are jewellers, wedding outfitters, florists, wedding venues,  photographers, beauticians, music and entertainment companies and catering and cake makers.

Northumberland County Councillor Val Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture said:

“Planning a wedding or civil ceremony can be overwhelming as well as time consuming. The My Northumberland Wedding Fair aims to ease the planning process by  providing the opportunity for couples to come along to  meet and talk to  many local businesses involved in the wedding industry in one venue.

“ Couples spend thousands of pounds on their wedding day so we want to encourage more people to come to our amazing county for their big day. The event will also provide a wonderful opportunity for local business to meet and chat with potential customers.”

Throughout the day,  the county’s registrars, who officiate over civil ceremonies will be available to offer couples advice and guidance.

Northumberland is currently experiencing a wedding boom with a record number of couples  booking to tie the knot in the county. Last year the county’s wedding co-ordination team officiated over 1700  marriages. What’s more, statistics show that around 60 per cent  of couples who are getting married in Northumberland are actually coming from outside of the county and weddings bring in up to £30 m to the county’s economy each year

And it is no surprise the county has become such a popular wedding venue. With over 70 stunning venues to choose from  and such beautiful and dramatic scenery,  Northumberland really is a magical setting for any wedding. From stately homes, manor houses, castles, hotels and halls, there is a venue  to suit  every taste and budget and make a Northumberland wedding a truly unique and memorable occasion.

For further information log on to northumberland.gov.uk/weddingfair  or contact the county’s registration  service on 01665 602870