special day
A Celebration Package to suit every pocket
We know that things can quickly go a little crazy when planning (and budgeting) for a special occasion. That’s why we tailor each booking to your specific needs and always quote, rather than estimate, exactly what the costs will be. Our weddings and celebration packages always include full use of the things that can sometimes be added at the last moment and be an unwelcome surprise.
What’s included? Tables Chairs Chair covers and bows Table linen and cutlery Centre pieces Table numbers Cake stand and knife Master of Ceremonies
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Ceremonies and Celebrations at Touchstones, Rochdale
A wedding that will go down in history The most important day of your life deserves a truly beautiful setting and Touchstones Rochdale creates the perfect location to say ‘I do!’ Hosting your ceremony and/or celebration in our stunning museum and art gallery will be nothing short of perfect. The beautiful Grade 2 listed building is built in Yorkshire stone and has a long and interesting history. Touchstones as we know it today was actually built in three stages from 1884 to 1913. The first part of the building to open was the Public Library. This was at the end of the building situated closest to Rochdale Town Hall. The second phase opened in
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1903 after a long campaign by local dignitaries to establish a museum and art gallery. The third phase was completed in 1913 to provide additional space for the museum and gallery. Our grand staircase and the beautiful Broadfield Park situated across the road make the ideal backdrop for memorable photographs. We offer a range of flexible packages designed to make your big day as stress-free as possible, leaving you time to spend with those you love and to enjoy every moment of your wedding day. Situated in the heart of Rochdale, Touchstones offers a stunning, unique setting for your special day.
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Heywood Civic Centre Perfect for larger weddings and celebrations
Holding your special day here will allow you to cater for all, with full use of the main auditorium and large kitchen and banqueting facilities.
Ceremony Your wedding/civil ceremony can either be held in the intimate Cheesden Room, for up to 50 guests, or if you’re sending many more invitations, why not make full use of the stage, lighting and sound system?
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Multicultural Weddings and events
Our venues serve a hugely diverse population compromising of many cultural traditions. We are familiar with your requirements and will offer you an event to remember. We can offer functions for up to 250 guests depending on your specific requirement and venue choice. By working with a number of Greater Manchester’s favourites and most trusted specialist caterers we can assist you to make the right catering choice. Or, we are happy for you to make your own arrangements as we ensure our facilities are perfect for your chosen caterer.
Technical Production We are able to supply many of the ‘magic and sparkle’ items that you may require to make your celebrations really special. Lighting, sound and many other technical items that are needed for stage and event production. We can also arrange entertainment, dancefloors, venue dressing and flowers. Our team will help to take some of the pressure away, by delivering a truly all-encompassing celebration package. Our vastly experienced team are able to arrange everything on your behalf, or if you prefer, put you in contact with reliable partners. Speak to us about arranging DJ/disco, live entertainment, photography and Mandaps.
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Frequently Asked Questions Can we provisionally hold a date? If you have a particular date in mind, we can provisionally hold the date for 14 days. How do we confirm our booking? To confirm your booking we ask you to sign a copy of our wedding contract and pay a non-refundable deposit of £200. What else do I need to do with regards to the ceremony? Once you have decided on your venue, you should contact the Registration Office on 01706 924784 or email register.office@rochdale.gov.uk to check their availability and make an advance booking for their attendance. The Registrar will discuss in detail the fees that will apply (which are separate to the venue hire fees) and the legal obligations for all parties.
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Can we tailor the ceremony? The Registration Office will provide you with details on how you can personalise your ceremony through readings, poetry and music. Can the venue provide witnesses? Yes of course. Please talk to our wedding team if you require witnesses. Do you allow confetti? Confetti is a familiar part of any wedding and a photographer’s dream. We allow confetti to be thrown outside, however we do ask guests not to throw confetti inside the building. Are we restricted with themes and colours? Absolutely not! It is your special day and we want everything to be perfect for you so we are happy for you to theme your day accordingly. Our wedding team are happy to discuss any ideas you have.
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Frequently Asked Questions Why is it called a wedding breakfast? The wedding breakfast is served to the happy couple and their guests following the wedding and is called the wedding breakfast as it is the first meal after the knot has been tied. What requirements are needed for our chosen caterer? Public liability insurance and food hygiene certificates. What caterers do you recommend for Asian weddings? Nawaab, Madina Catering and a variety of other quality local suppliers. Will my chosen caterer be allowed to bring in their own equipment? All equipment must be PAT tested. Your chosen caterer must provide risk assessments. Do you have a car park? There is no private car park at Touchstones, however there are many public car parks in the vicinity. Both Heywood Civic Centre and Middleton Arena have public car parks. Please note that parking is
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free, but a time limit of three hours applies Monday –Friday 8am to 6pm. Parking outside of these times is free and unlimited. Is the venue available for hire for other celebrations? Absolutely! Touchstones, Heywood Civic Centre and Middleton Arena can all be hired to celebrate parties and anniversaries. Please contact us for further information.
Should you choose to hold your wedding at Touchstones Museum and Art Gallery, Heywood Civic Centre or Middleton Arena, you will be given full support from our experienced and dedicated wedding team. We love showing people around, so please let us know if you would like to arrange an appointment for a tour and to discuss the exciting possibilities for your wedding day. For more information and to discuss dates and your specific requirements, call 01706 923129 or email arts.events@link4life.org
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Preparations for the Perfect Day The question has been popped, the ring is on, but now what?
If you give yourself enough time to plan and sort the tasks month by month the job becomes more fun and less stressful. We’ve put together an example timeline to help you plan your special day.
11 - 12 months
5 - 6 months
6 - 8 weeks
Set a budget
Shop for wedding bands
Research venues and begin to decide on a date
Arrange fittings for wedding party
Collect RSVP’s and follow up with guests who have not responded
Create an inspiration board Decide on a theme
Arrange transportation for the day
Book your ceremony officiant
Book hair and makeup trials
Create your guest list
Finalise wedding invitations and send
Finalise menu with caterer Create your seating plan
2 - 6 weeks Have your final outfit fittings
9 - 10 months Book a photographer and videographer Begin looking for your wedding outfits Book appointments with your suppliers such as event stylist, florist, wedding cake Send out save the date invites
7 - 8 months Create a song list for your ceremony and reception Book a band or DJ Consider accommodation options
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3 - 4 months Have final fittings of your chosen wedding outfit Finalise details with all of your suppliers
2 months Write your wedding vows
Confirm final details with your venue and caterer Review your music list
1 week before Set a wedding day checklist to ensure everything is covered Confirm date, time and venue with all suppliers
Obtain a wedding license Send a photos list to your photographer
1 day before
Buy gifts for your wedding party
Get excited, you are about to marry the love of your life! Top Tip – remember to set aside some time together to sit back and watch your wedding party celebrating
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arts.events@link4life.org | 01706 923129
part of
Touchstones Rochdale The Esplanade Rochdale Greater Manchester OL16 1AQ
Heywood Civic Centre LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way Heywood Greater Manchester OL10 1LW
Middleton Arena LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way Middleton Greater Manchester M24 1AG