If you're looking for an event or wedding space in Manchester and want a space that's a little out of the ordinary, then you've come to the right place. I'm going to run you through some of my favourite unconventional venues that I've decorated with flowers over the years. Each venue I have worked with on weddings or events and each one I recommend highly! So if you're still undecided, hopefully this article will help you choose a venue that's right for you.
1. Elizabeth Gaskell's House
'Situated just outside the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre, sits the former home of Manchester’s most famous Victorian writer, Elizabeth Gaskell.' A truly unique venue which exudes grandeur and class in the quaintest of ways. I adore this charming house and for any fans of literature, I can't think of a better venue. The décor is classically Victorian with it's dark wood and floral wallpaper which serve as a gorgeous backdrop for floral displays.
As the venue is historically significant, the team at Elizabeth Gaskell's House take pride in protecting its features. Any installations must be installed with the upmost care and consideration, eliminating any risks of scratching or damaging anything in the house. We installed a banister garland on the staircase, ensuring it wasn't made with any wires that could scratch the wood. This is an important aspect to think about when choosing your suppliers. Can they adjust how they make designs to accommodate the venue requirements?
Although we are their recommended wedding florist which makes us slightly biased, it is truly a beautiful wedding venue that little people will know about. Near enough to the city centre so you can head there afterwards but far enough away from the chaos so that you can enjoy a peaceful and private ceremony.
2. HOME
Previously known as The Cornerhouse on Oxford Road, HOME has been a staple Manchester venue for many years and has contributed greatly to the culture of this great city in terms of art and film. HOME is now a cinema and exhibition space located on Tony Wilson Place but what you may not know is that it also has an upstairs events space. The space has it's own bar/restaurant and has huge glass windows that look out onto the courtyard below.
A great venue for art and cinema lovers who want a modern city centre wedding. The space is clean and slick and can be decorated to however you choose. This year we created our own alter using a custom made MDF backdrop which was then surrounded by disco balls and large floor standing flower arrangements in a colour scheme of red and pink.
3. Fairfield Social Club
A new venue on the scene, owned by the same team as GRUB. Nestled away just behind Angel Meadows this venue is great for those who want something grass roots and industrial. It has a variety of spaces which can all be hired including 'The Club, The Shed, The Back Room and The Garden'. It's a very cool and quirky space which can cater for weddings of any size. It's also perfectly located as it's right in the centre but away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.
If you want to check out this space and also meet some unconventional wedding suppliers while you're there? We will be at the Creative Wedding Fair on Sunday 22nd September 2024 hosted by the fabulous wedding planner, Grace In Spring.
4. FiveFour Studios
This venue is the ultimate blank canvass to be filled with the most incredible floral installations. Commonly used as a photography studio the venues white walls are the perfect blank backdrop to create the aesthetic of your dreams. The team at FiveFour are absolute pro's and will assist you with everything you need to style and prepare your event.
As well as it's white walled studio's it also has a beautiful bar area (seen above) and can cater for up to anywhere between 120 seated and 240 standing.
5. Manchester Art Gallery
Every time I've done a wedding at The Manchester Art Gallery, I want to pinch myself. As someone who is passionate about art, it fills me with joy to create wedding venue flowers that compliment the incredible artworks by the likes of Rosetti. If you love art then this is the venue for you.
With it's many gallery rooms, the Art Gallery is the perfect space to host lots of guests and with all it's art on display, it will make you feel very grand. Most clients opt for complimenting flowers as decoration. Flowers that will be seasonal but that will also pick out the exquisite tones and hues of the displayed artworks. Common design requests for this space are pedestals, floor standing arrangements and table flowers.
6. Didsbury Parsonage
Another absolutely stunning venue that many know little about. Didsbury Parsonage is a historic building and gardens given to the people of Manchester by Fletcher Moss in 1919. A grade 2 listed building, it reminds me of a fairy tale cottage. It's home to a thriving community hub and when the space isn't being used for weddings it's used as an exhibition or meeting space.
Credit: Didsbury Parsonage
We feel very privileged to be one of their recommended wedding flower suppliers. It's truly a unique venue, great for lovers of history who want to be in beautiful botanical surroundings.
7. The Albert Hall
A frequenter at this venue but mainly to see live gigs, The Albert Hall is one of my favourite venues in Manchester as a florist. Mainly because I get to work in a place that's been visited by so many legends of music. If you're a music fan then this is probably the venue for you. With awe inspiring stained glass windows and an original organ it is truly atmospheric. If you're having a ceremony here then stage flowers are a must. You can adapt your style to the venue whether its bold and tropical or light and fluffy.
8. GRUB
A great all rounder, GRUB is a fantastic wedding venue. With it's colourful interiors and outdoor space, this place is a great city centre venue, away from the hustle and bustle. They also have a large selection of food trucks and vendors who they can call upon to cater for your big day.
Credit: GRUB
9. Victoria Baths
Another favourite of mine, Victoria Bath's is one of the best unconventional wedding venues you will find in Manchester. Plus who wouldn't want to get married in a swimming pool? A grade 2 listed Edwardian building with incredible stained glass windows, the light pools in to the venue from above. You'll also get a dedicated wedding co-ordinator to ensure your day runs smoothly.
For this venue, florals are a must, to enhance the space and add to it's gorgeous surroundings. Most clients will ask for some kind of alter arrangement. Here we supplied an MDF backdrop with a large floor standing arrangement and a small asymmetrical flower arrangement on the backdrop.
There's also more than one pool space so you can get married in one and have your ceremony in another. You can add your final touches with a few bud vases of flowers to make your colour scheme pop.
10. ABC Roofdeck and Dome
The ABC Building is centrally located on Quay Street and is home to shops, offices an art gallery and a cinema. What many people don't know is that it also has a rooftop events space. The deck is a great space to sit out and can be transformed with some eye catching flowers. And don't worry about the weather, if the classic Manchester rain arrives, you can just go into the dome!
The venue also has an amazing air stream. For this event we made some pedestal and floor standing arrangements in vibrant colours to enhance the space.
So that's my top ten alternative wedding venues in Manchester. In all of these spaces flowers can be added to emphasise the already stunning surroundings and add your own personality. I hope it's been informative and helpful for you to choose the right venue for you. As always, if you have any flower related questions or want to know if we are free to help plan flowers for your special day then send us an email at letstalk@sweetbud.co.uk.