Vendors We Love
We have hosted countless ceremonies, receptions and celebrations! And we can’t wait to be the space that brings your event vision to life. Below are some of our favorite local vendors!
Required Vendors
Please note we have an exclusive caterer list that you must choose from for your event food needs.
Click here to view the list of preferred caters.
If you are hosting a wedding at The Cookery, we require a Day-Of Planner, who is not a guest at your event. Hiring an experienced planner will make your special day much smoother and let you focus on your partner and guests.
Click here to view our list of preferred wedding planners.
Required Rentals
Angela Zion Photography
Connection Photography
Joanna Sue Photography
Required to Rent: Linens & Tableware
Since our grounds are such a unique setting with countless built-in decor facets, you can keep your decor investments as minimal as you'd like! Linens play a principle role in your event's look and feel, and we love colors that complement the natural browns, jet blacks, and purple-hued grey walls of our space.
Vendor Recommendation: The Cookery works with American Party Rentals in Durham, who offers countless color, style and texture options. If you prefer, you are more than welcome to rent linens and tableware from any other trusted linen rental company.
Dance Floor
If you are planning on having dancing at your event, you will need to install a dance floor!
American Party Rentals has dance floors that fit beautifully in our space, and protect guests from our polished concrete floors! Dance floors are available for rent in 3’ x 3’ and 4' x 4' squares so the size can easily be altered depending on your dancing needs.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Ames Photography
Recommended Vendors
Three Region Photography | Bowerbird Florals
Joanna Sue Photography | Pine State Flowers
Sara Ozim Photography | Tre Bella
Since The Cookery has a unique style on its own, you can dress up the grounds as much or as little as you would like! Arrangements in apothecary bottles give tables an eclectic flair, and mercury glass vases always complement the room well. Larger bouquets set in tall vases give the room added height and drama, and seasonal wreaths can hang from the mezzanine.
Remember that your florist can rent you tea lights, floating candles, lanterns and other non-floral items to complement any event, and can set up the room according to your layout preferences!
Photo Credit: Merritt Chesson Photography
Shoot With Bliss
Brian Mullins Photography LLC
Chelsea Renay Photography
Chalk Board Display
Our magnetic chalk board in the Front Room is a perfect place for a grand display! We have seen lots of creative uses from magnetic art to banners to custom chalk artwork.
The dimensions for this space is 6ft 8in tall and 8ft wide. If you would like to create your own custom chalk work we require you use the “Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe” marker. You can buy this marker from us for $12. We have a ladder on-site that can be retrieved for you by asking your event captain day-of.
Chalk Artist Recommendations:
Vintage Furniture & Specialty Rentals
Photo Credit: L'amour Foto
L'amour Foto
Joanna Sue Photography
Riley MacLean Photography
Joanna Sue Photography
Videographers
Photo Booths
Rebecca Ames Photography
Music
A DJ or band will pace your event and initiate transitions such as when it is time to eat, toasts, and time to dance, and can adjust the energy level and atmosphere based on the event's needs in real time.
For Bands: A stage is not required. There are 3 independent 20watt amps in the Front Room. If more power is needed, the band must bring their own extension cords and gaff tape (duct tape, painters' tape, etc. are NOT allowed). We do not have a dressing room for the band. Band vehicles must park their vehicle in the back of the Duke Center for Child and Family Health parking lot. The Cookery is not responsible for the needs in the bands rider. Please contact The Cookery with any questions!
A/V
Please contact The Cookery staff for any A/V questions and needs!
Invitations & Graphic Design
Cute Buttons Gift & Paper Boutique
If It’s Paper | Indigio Envelope
Hello Tenfold | Mason Dixon Designs
Revel NC
Photo Credit: Connection Photography
Rebecca Ames Photography
Rebecca Ames Photography
Transportation
Ariel Kaitlin Photography
Riley MacLean Photography
John Branch IV Photography
Hair & Makeup
Allyson’s Chair | Rock Paper Scissors Salon | Bella Trio | Rosa Bella Artistry | Taji Natural Hair Styling | Tiwa Lawrence | Dareece Darden
Photo Credit: Angela Zion Photography
Nearby Accommodations
The Durham Hotel (0.8 miles away)
Durham Marriott City Center
(0.8 miles away)
21c Museum Hotel (0.9 miles away)
Aloft Durham Downtown (0.9 miles away)
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club (2.3 miles away)
Rebecca Ames Photography
Riley MacLean Photography
Timmester Photography
Send-Off Alternatives
Although we don't allow confetti, sparklers, or bubbles at The Cookery, there are lots of fun and creative ways to have guests see you off!
Glow sticks (our favorite!) | Paper airplanes | Flags and ribbon wands | Bell ringing | Cold Sparklers
Resources
Heart of NC Weddings
www.heartofncweddings.com
Pick up a paper copy around town, visit the Hear of NC Weddings website, and get on their mailing list. It is a great resource for Triangle weddings!
The Cookery
Refer to our Step-by-Step Guide in order to prepare for your event, and make sure to check out our photo gallery for examples of various layouts, rentals and more!
General Blogs and Inspiration Websites
Banner photo by Megapixie Photography