News & Press

The Largest Elite Wedding Fair
The Sage Gateshead,
St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR

A stunning venue in a superb location offering spectacular photographic areas
overlooking the river, The Sage Gateshead caters for all styles of weddings offering
civil marriage ceremonies, receptions and evening functions.

First held in 2007, we are delighted to have been asked by The Sage Gateshead to run
this event twice a year. 

Our spring Elite Wedding Fair will continue to be held in both the Northern Rock
Foundation Hall and the Barbour Room allowing for around 55 of the very best local
wedding suppliers.  To showcase a new event for the autumn, we have created the
Elite Wedding Show.

First held in October 2009 the Elite Wedding Shows will be held on the wrap-round
balconies of Hall One and spread across 3 floors.  This allows 55 exhibitors much larger
exhibition spaces creating a truly stunning, visual and interactive show.

A different type of event - Elite Open Days

Creating different types of wedding events is hugely important in attracting both
 new brides and the best exhibitors.  Wedding Fairs are vital for couples wanting
to see a range of photographers, florists, bridal companies etc and to see exactly
what is  on offer without the pressure of arranging a personal appointment. 

To compliment a well organised Fair many venues now offer Wedding Open Days
which are primarily designed to show off the venue which will be set for a
 wedding breakfast and occasionally a civil marriage ceremony.

At Dawn Marie Wedding & Event Design, we have taken this one step further
and have created a unique type of Open Day which combines the best elements
of both a Fair and an Open Day.  Elite Open Days are designed to show off a venue
whilst introducing couples to the best wedding suppliers in the region.

The first Elite Open Day was held at Horton Grange Country House Hotel & Restaurant
 on 19^th January 2008 and proved hugely popular.  Also including a talk from the registration
service on the dos and don’ts of civil marriage ceremonies this was the first time this service
has been offered - a truly unique event.  Couples were able to see the venue set for a
wedding day, talk to suppliers and check registrars availability all at one event.

Repeated on 8^th November 2008 at Horton Grange and on 22^nd November 2008
and 29th March at Close House, Elite Open Days are relaxed, friendly, informative events
which Dawn Marie is proud to have created.

The First Elite Open Day
Saturday 19th January, 2008
Horton Grange Country House Hotel & Restaurant,
Berwick Hill, Ponteland, NE13 6BU

Designed to showcase the unique style Horton Grange has to offer, couples and their families were invited to attend an Open Day with a difference.  For the first time in the North-East, Northumberland Registration Service gave an informal talk on Civil Marriage Ceremonies.  Covering topics such as how and where to give notice, what music and readings are permitted and how to set out your marriage room, the talk proved so popular it was repeated three times across the event!

Complimentary reception drinks and canapés were served as invited couples browsed the elegant Dining Room and lounge.  Ten of the very best local wedding suppliers were on hand to discuss couples individual requirements and Horton Grange event staff were available to check dates and personally show guests around the Grange.  A hugely successful event!

Recent Elite Events

Elite Open Days

Thursday 19th August, 2010 The White Swan, Alnwick, evening event

Saturday 17^th April, 2010 The White Swan, Alnwick

Sunday 28^th February, 2010 Close House Hotel

Saturday 17^th April, 2010 The White Swan, Alnwick

Sunday 28^th February, 2010 Close House Hotel

Saturday 20^th February 2010, Woodhill Hall, Otterburn

Saturday 16th January, 2010 Horton Grange Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Sunday 22nd November, 2009 Close House Hotel

Sunday 25th October, 2009 The White Swan Hotel, Alnwick

Wednesday 16th September, 2009 Woodhill Hall, Otterburn

Saturday 12th September, 2009 The National Trust – Gibside

Sunday 29th March, 2009 Close House Hotel

Saturday 22nd November, 2008 Close House Hotel

Saturday 8th November, 2008 Horton Grange Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Saturday 19th January, 2008 Horton Grange Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Click the images to enlarge

Click the images to enlarge