Lexi Applebach

By: Lexi Applebach

In my last blog post, I mentioned how working alongside the Emma Jordan Weddings team showed me the reality of running high-end events. Emma coordinates for some of the most popular spaces in the Northeast, I get a front-row seat to their exact layouts and mechanics. Before I start working these events this summer, I want to give you a quick dossier on what makes these locations actually function. Here is my initial scouting report on four completely different properties right here in our area.

If you want a relaxed, industrial vibe, Tyne Bank Brewery is a massive warehouse space that sits right next to working steel tanks. The room is a total blank canvas, which means you have the freedom to bring in street food trucks and custom lighting rigs. However, that much open space requires strategic floor planning, so your guests do not feel lost during the transition from dinner to dancing. It is the perfect spot for couples who want a high-energy party and are willing to put in the work on a solid layout.

For a completely different look, The Exchange 1856 in North Shields brings serious Victorian architecture and massive arched windows into the mix. This building gives you a highly editorial, light-filled backdrop for a ceremony while still maintaining its local, historic roots. The catch with heritage buildings is that they often come with strict rules regarding vendor load-ins and specific acoustic challenges for live bands. Tracking down these unglamorous details early on protects your design vision from falling apart when the actual wedding day arrives.

Right down the street from the Exchange, you will find Harbour House, which offers a modern, coastal aesthetic. It is a newer space that focuses heavily on minimalist design, making it a great fit for intimate guest counts and highly personalized dinners. From an MBA perspective, booking a newer venue means you need to pay extra attention to the fine print in your vendor contracts. You have to map out the exact catering flow and electrical capabilities before you get too distracted by the beautiful decor.

Finally, The Common Room sits right in the middle of Newcastle and features a spectacular Wood Hall with stained-glass windows. Managing a wedding in a multi-level historic library means your transportation logistics and timeline must be completely bulletproof. Moving a large group of people through downtown traffic and into a heritage building takes a lot of prior planning.

Leave a comment below telling me which of these four venues fits your vibe the best and be sure to check out the Emma Jordan team online!