ONE of the North East’s most popular venues is to hold its first ever wedding expo after experiencing a rise in demand for out of the ordinary weddings.
Newcastle’s Discovery Museum, at Blandford Square, has long been a favourite with visitors keen to learn about the changing story of Tyneside.
Home to the world’s fastest steamship SS Turbinia, the Victorian building, formerly the headquarters of the North East Co-operative Wholesale Society also houses an interactive Science Maze and a spectacular vaulted, art nouveau Great Hall.
And, with North East couples following the national trend for quirky wedding venues, the museum will hold a special, free, bridal event on 12 May.
Along with the chance to see the Great Hall – which seats up to 350 guests – dressed and decorated for a wedding, visitors will be able to explore the wide range of options available for both ceremonies and receptions.
They will also be able to discuss their requirements with the team from Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which manages weddings at Discovery Museum and meet a wide range of wedding suppliers – from photographers to bridal gown designers.
Joanne Everett, sales and events co-ordinator for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said the expo is a direct response to growing enquiries from brides looking for somewhere unusual for their big day.
“They come to us because they don’t want a run of the mill venue,” she said. “They want somewhere memorable, where they will get fantastic wedding photos and that their guests will still be talking about for months, if not years, to come.
“We don’t offer any wedding packages so each couple can be assured that their wedding is completely unique.
“We also have a highly skilled and versatile team of chefs, so the catering can be as unique as the setting,” she added.
The current fashion for vintage themed wedding celebrations has made Discovery a popular choice with couples as its function spaces can be dressed and arranged in multiple ways.
“We have had a couple of fantastic 1920s style weddings in the Great Hall,” said Joanne, “and one of the coupes was really creative, dressing the room like a 1920s parlour with potted palms, squashy sofas and gramophones.
“Couples also enjoy that there is so much for their guests to see here – it has a wow factor for guests of all ages and that brings a sense of fun and energy to every celebration.”
The Discovery Museum Wedding Expo will take place between 11am and 3pm and wedding tours will be held throughout the day.
Visitors will also be able to enter a prize draw on the day, with the chance to win free ceremony hire at The Laing Art Gallery, Great North Museum: Hancock or Discovery Museum. Terms and conditions will apply.
For further information call 0844 856 1074 or e-mail events@twmuseums.co.uk.