About Manchester
Manchester, known by many as the ‘Capital of the North’, is an economic and cultural powerhouse in England. The city is best known for its sporting history, enjoyable nightlife and cultural institutions. Manchester receives millions of tourists each year, who come to enjoy all the city’s many eateries, shops and museums.
Manchester is a wonderful place to host a wedding reception, as there are dozens of excellent venues available to hire for the day. In addition, Manchester is well-connected to many other major UK cities by high-speed trains, road networks and bus routes. Plus, if you’ve got the energy after the wedding reception ends, why not head out into Manchester city centre for a drink and a dance? In this guide, we will help you plan an unforgettable wedding reception in vibrant Manchester.
Wedding Reception Venue Options in Manchester
So, you’re planning your wedding reception. It may feel like an incredibly intimidating task right now, but don’t worry. Through careful planning and lots of help, your wedding reception will be one of the best events of your life! There are plenty of aspects of the event you need to plan: the venue, food, entertainment, lighting and sound, accommodation, outfits, decor—the list goes on. But with the help of a talented caterer, DJ and furniture hire company, your wedding reception will look and feel the part.
- DJ
A good DJ has the power to get all your wedding reception guests on their feet dancing. The good news is that Greater Manchester is home to a host of talented DJs who will be more than happy to play your wedding reception!
- Furniture Hire
The venue you hire may not provide all the furniture you need for your wedding reception. But don’t worry; it’s not a problem because you can hire the furniture you need for a set amount of time at competitive prices with delivery and collection included.
- Catering
Finally, you need to hire a world-class caterer who will cook up tremendous dishes that your guests won’t be able to get enough of! Whether you’re planning to provide a posh buffet or a scrumptious sit-down meal, you’re sure to find a suitable Manchester-based caterer who can serve at your wedding reception.
Wedding Reception Venue Vendors in Manchester
- Encore Musicians
One of the best places to look for an experienced DJ is on the Encore Musicians website. On the website, you’ll find available DJs in your area, as well as how much they charge, their availability, reviews and an informative bio allowing you to learn more about the DJ and their experience.
- Event Hire UK
If your venue doesn’t provide all the furniture you need, Event Hire UK can help. The company offers a wide selection of furniture, including chairs, benches, tables, mobile bars, dance floors, sofas, armchairs, outdoor furniture, linen, table decorations and event decor to make your wedding reception venue look the part! Event Hire UK has many years of experience in the events industry and welcomes clients to their premises to view furniture and other items in person before hiring.
- Pig and Rhubarb
Family-run company Pig and Rhubarb offers wedding catering services in the North West. The team has a simple ethos when it comes to wedding catering: good food, good service. They only use the highest-quality, fresh ingredients to create menus with both traditional and modern influences. Pig and Rhubarb offers a range of service options, including afternoon tea, buffets, BBQs, canapes and wedding breakfast menus, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Pros and Cons of Wedding Reception Venues in Manchester
Advantages
- Attractions
Wedding reception guests should explore some of Manchester’s greatest attractions whilst they’re in the city. The most popular attractions include the National Football Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Museum, Old Trafford and Manchester Art Gallery.
- Green spaces
If they have time before or after the wedding reception has taken place, guests visiting Manchester should take the opportunity to explore some of the city’s beautiful green spaces, including Vimto Park, Cotton Field Park, Piccadilly Gardens, Angel Meadow, Whitworth Park, Cathedral Gardens and All Saints Park.
Disadvantages
- Weather
Manchester doesn’t always experience the most pleasant weather. As a result, you should make sure to hire a marquee or two if your wedding reception venue has garden access, so your guests don’t get caught in an unwelcome downpour.
- Price
Wedding reception venues in Manchester are going to be expensive to hire, especially if you’re looking to hire a grand manor house with formal gardens. However, there are plenty of other affordable venues available for hire in York and the surrounding areas, such as coffee shops and restaurant venues.
- Demand
Plenty of people will be looking to hire a wedding reception venue in York. So it’s best if you book your favourite venue as far in advance as possible. Otherwise, it may not be available on the date of your reception, and you’ll be forced to find it somewhere else!
Famous Locations in Manchester
- The Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is known as one of Manchester's trendiest neighbourhoods. Regardless of your interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For example, if you enjoy live music, why not head to the Band on the Wall and see a live music act in a 200-year-old venue? Alternatively, if you’re a foodie, we urge you to visit Bundobust, an Indian street food restaurant which also serves delicious craft ales! Finally, if you’re creative, why not spend a few hours exploring the Manchester Craft and Design Centre? There, you’ll find items that are personal, handmade and unique!
- Craft Beer Breweries and Bars
If you’re a craft beer lover, Manchester is the place for you. Several excellent bars and breweries serve unbeatable craft beers from around the globe. Manchester's most popular craft beer locations include Doghouse, BrewDog, ONE EIGHT SIX, Salt Dog Slims, The Crafty Pig, The Beer Studio, The Beagle, Port Street Beer House and The Marble Arch. Craft beer is something of a sensation in Manchester!
