Why did you choose the National Space Centre as your wedding venue?
The National Space Centre was the perfect backdrop to our wedding. We said our vows under the stars in Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, which was very meaningful as Karl has an MPhys in Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology. The drinks reception was held under the Booster Rocket Tower whilst the wedding breakfast was served amongst the space galleries. We had access to all the space exhibitions throughout the day, meaning that we lost most of our guests for hours at a time!
Before visiting the National Space Centre, we had viewed an assortment of different wedding venues (from hotels to barns) and whilst all these venues were individually beautiful, there was always something missing. Finally, we came upon the National Space Centre whilst researching unique wedding venues and so, with a little of extra encouragement from my sister, we went to visit and instantly fell in love with it.
We were extremely impressed with the events team, led by Jess, and they provided an incredible level of service and support both prior to and on the day. The food was incredible (White Chocolate and Baileys Truffle Torte was to die for) and helped seal the deal of the venue.
Tell us about your day and what areas in the National Space Centre did you use?
We were delighted and honoured to share a truly perfect day surrounded by our friends and family. The National Space Centre provided some amazing extra features to entertain our guests including a spectacular 360-degree cinematic experience in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium; this was shown before the wedding breakfast, allowing us to have an exclusive 30 minutes exploring the exhibitions and taking photographs.
In the evening, our guests could go on the rocket simulation ride and were invited to present the weather forecast in the National Space Centre’s exclusive weather pod. The stunning space imagery and hands-on exhibits meant our guests were fully entertained and had an experience which was out of this world!
What extra touches did you add?
The National Space Centre offered something unique and different with lots of extra details, meaning we didn’t have to spend much on decorations. Space cocktails were served at the drinks reception, which included the Lunar Eclipse (vodka, archers, blue curacao and lemonade) and non-alcoholic Solar Flare (orange juice and strawberry syrup).
Colour changing LED lamps were used as our table centre pieces and these sit on black tablecloths, scattered with crystals, with contrasting white napkins for the wedding breakfast. Our homemade 3-tiered wedding cake was decorated with black fondant icing and sprayed with silver, blue and red food colouring, to resemble galaxies, and flicked with tempered white chocolate for the stars. Homemade space chocolates; blue & teal macaroons and biscuit decorated with galaxies were our wedding favours.
During the ceremony, we added our own personal touch as, instead of traditional readings, the bridesmaid each wrote their own readings by putting into words why they thought we make a good couple; these were filled with laughter and emotion. We also designed our own personalised thumbprint guest book, complete with bride and groom astronaut, on a black background to allow guests to add silver and white thumb paint stars.
What did your guests think about your chosen venue?
The National Space Centre provided an awe-inspiring setting for our wedding and meant that our guests had an unforgettable experience; we have received so many incredible comments about our choice of venue and how much people enjoyed the setting as well as all of the exhibitions and added extras. We often reminisce with our guests about how fantastic our day was as well as the areas of the National Space Centre we were able to explore.
Are there any tips you would offer couples planning to get married?
- Share a moment with the person giving you away before you walk down the aisle
- On the day it’s easy to spend time with everyone else but your husband/wife. A few times in the evening, seek each other out and take five minutes to look around and share the moment.