‘Brilliant’ response to business described as ‘in-person wedding directory’ over first two months in town centre

The Wedding Rooms, located in Market Square, hoped to become the go-to place for brides and grooms-to-be to find out about local suppliers and plan their wedding in a fun and relaxed environment.

The business, situated above Cafe Track, is the brainchild of Megan Lord and opened to the public at the start of March.

She described it as “a unique, real life wedding directory with three very different rooms” and hoped to help her clients take the stress out of planning their weddings.

The first room is a permanent wedding fair featuring local suppliers, the second is the preloved room, and the third is the gifting room for guests to make the most of.

This new venture comes after Megan previously owned a photography studio in the town centre, specialising in portrait and wedding photography. She closed it down in 2018 when she had her daughter.

Now her daughter is at school and she has been doing wedding photography in the meantime, Megan wanted to immerse herself in the wedding industry in a different way.

“The response from people who have found me has been brilliant,” said Megan. “And it’s already evolved. I hoped it would become a wedding planning service and that’s where it seems to be going.”

People can choose between different packages. Though they can just use The Wedding Rooms as a directory service and support hub, some brides and grooms have already hired Megan as their wedding planner.

When asked what visitors have praised most about the experience, Megan said: “They like that it’s a warm, friendly environment and there’s no pressure. They can have as much or as little support as they like.”

Engaged couples have used the opportunity to ask questions about how much individual aspects typically cost, and Megan likes the fact they feel comfortable to ask what would usually be seen as awkward questions.

“Not everyone can afford a wedding planner and the directory option gives them a planner at a much lower rate,” said Megan, who has also been organising bespoke hen dos working with different local businesses.

As a wedding photographer, Megan has been able to get across the importance of couples liking their suppliers as it has more of an impact than they may realise.

The Wedding Rooms remain open by appointment only until the Market Square has reopened. At that time, the public will be invited to use it as a gift shop as there are many customisable items on offer.

“I want to be led by the brides and grooms of Northampton,” said Megan, when asked her hopes for the future of the business.

“My hope is that by next summer if you’re engaged and live in Northampton, it’ll be a no-brainer that you would come here – the go-to destination for brides and grooms.”

Megan also hopes to introduce a gift registry in collaboration with independent shops, bars, restaurants and places offering overnight stays across the county in the near future.