Wedding suppliers – why we love to shop local

As a North East family-run business, we believe wholeheartedly in sourcing local produce and using, or recommending, local suppliers, for our business.

Our local shops and small businesses have all been hit really hard over the past 24 months. The wedding industry in particular fell on hard times as lockdown restrictions saw the postponement of many ceremonies and receptions.

We have always been proud to support our local suppliers from florists and decorators to confectioners and photographers. These people are our heroes, and sourcing as locally as possible will not only help our neighbours, but it will also reduce our carbon emissions too, reducing your wedding’s ‘footprint’.

We often have the following advice for all of our couples planning their weddings or events.

Take your time

Choosing your wedding suppliers is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. But, it can also be very time-consuming and overwhelming so it is important that you take your time to source and select the right professionals for the job. In our region, we have a bustling wedding industry full of amazingly talented suppliers, and we are always on hand to provide suggestions and examples of some of the work they have done for our couples over the years to give you an informed choice of style that works for you.

Over the past few years, we have built strong relationships with local partners, all whom are familiar with Northside Farm and our facilities. As such, many of our event suppliers are based across the whole of the North East, each offering their own unique style and come highly recommended by previous couples as well as by our wedding coordinators.

Keeping it local

With many suppliers, the extent of their local knowledge and their knowledge of our 200 acres of land, forests, and venue, can be vital. By choosing a supplier that’s local, you’ll be able to tap into this know-how, even if you don’t live in the area. For instance, a locally based photographer is more likely to be familiar with Northside Farm and all of its hidden nooks, which could mean even better wedding photos for you and they know how to work the venue (and the Northumberland weather!) their advantage to achieve just what you want.

Serving up local produce

When you book your wedding at Northside Farm, our catering team always uses and sources local produce and adds it to your wedding day menu. Local breads, local cheeses, local meats, locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisan products – making the most of what our local area has to offer!

The personal touch

Creative, personal touches matter when ensuring you get the wedding day that reflects you as a couple. Independent, local wedding suppliers are more likely to take the time and make the effort to get to know you, building a rapport so they tick all the right boxes on your big day.

Compared with wedding suppliers that operate nationally, locally run businesses also tend to be more affordable, as they tend to have fewer overheads than larger businesses, and this saving is generally passed onto the client. Local self-employed suppliers are also a great choice for couples looking to shop closer to home and enjoy a great quality, highly personable service.

And, by choosing local wedding suppliers, you’ll be doing your bit to support the local community. You’ll be boosting our local economy and helping to create jobs.

At Northside Farm, we work with a handpicked selection of trusted, local wedding suppliers and of course, our wedding team will always be on hand to support you step by step throughout the planning process to make sure we find the most perfect suppliers for your special day.

Get in touch with our team for help and advice in choosing your suppliers.