Wedding suppliers in Manchester

Planning a wedding in Manchester

Manchester weddings tend to fall into two camps. Some couples want the city at its most urban, in a converted mill, a warehouse in Ancoats or the Northern Quarter, or a hotel with a view over the skyline. Others use Manchester as a base and head south into the leafy suburbs and Cheshire countryside around Hale, Timperley and Cheadle Hulme for country houses, barns and gardens. The supplier community here covers both easily.

Because the city is a major transport hub, it is a sensible choice when guests are coming from all over the country or abroad. Manchester Airport has a wide range of international routes, Piccadilly station connects to London and the rest of the north, and the Metrolink tram network reaches places such as Didsbury, Sale and Stretford.

Booking the right team

City-centre venues often have strict access times for suppliers and limited parking for loading, so check this before you book a band with a lot of kit or a caterer bringing in a full kitchen. Industrial spaces are frequently dry hire, which means you will need to bring in caterers, bar staff, furniture and lighting yourselves. Many Manchester suppliers work together regularly and can recommend each other, which saves time.

When to marry

Manchester's weather has a reputation, and while it is not always deserved, it pays to plan for rain. Indoor venues with good natural light are popular for that reason. Big concerts and football fixtures can push up hotel demand, so check the calendar before you fix your date and let guests know early.

In England, a civil ceremony must be held at a register office or approved premises, and you need to give notice at your local register office. Contact the register office for current notice periods and availability.

Stockport and the south Manchester suburbs are good places to look for florists, hair and make-up artists and cake makers who will travel into the city on the morning.