Celebrating 45 Years in the Wedding Industry: A Chat with Duane Thornborough

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

This week, our social media manager, Charlotte, set down with director Duane to mark his 45 years in the wedding industry and find out more about his experience.

Charlotte: Hi Duane, and congratulations on an incredible 45 years in the wedding industry! Let’s start at the beginning. How did this journey begin?

Duane: Thanks, Charlotte! It all started back in the mid-70s. From a young age, I always had a love for music; DJing at my local youth club in Hest Bank, Lancashire. That led to my first ever wedding gig on the 24th of November 1979 in Morecambe. I couldn’t have imagined back then where it would all lead!

Charlotte: So, you then spent decades entertaining brides, grooms, and guests. Do you have a standout memory from those early years?

Duane: Oh, so many! I worked with some fantastic bands, radio DJs, celebrities, and corporate clients over the years. I even had to sign non-disclosure agreements for a few events! But one of my proudest moments was helping raise over £175,000 for charity at the Candy Ball in Manchester in 2010 – that was my final event before I officially hung up my headphones.

Charlotte: That’s impressive! And along the way, you’ve not only entertained but you’ve won awards and raised over £1 million for charities. How did charity work become such a big part of what you do?

Duane: Giving back has always been important to me. Through weddings, galas, and later events like the North West Wedding Awards, I found ways to support causes close to my heart. From The Scouts to The North West Air Ambulance and Destination Florida Children’s Charity, it’s been amazing to see how our industry can make a real difference.

Charlotte: Speaking of making a difference, let’s talk about your transition from DJing to launching County Brides. What inspired you to start the magazine and wedding fayres?

Duane: It all began in the ‘90s when my wife Dawn and I started Elite Entertainment. We were attending wedding fayres and connecting with couples, and I realised there was so much more we could do to help. In 2007, I finally took the plunge and launched County Brides to bring venues, suppliers, and couples together. The contacts I’d built over the years made it possible, and it’s been a joy to see how it’s grown.

Charlotte: County Brides has become such a cornerstone of the wedding industry, especially with the North West Wedding Awards. How did that come about?

Duane: We launched the awards in 2010 as a way to celebrate the incredible venues and suppliers in our region. It’s grown into a fabulous black-tie event with 360-400 guests each year. Plus, we use the event to raise funds for charities. It’s always been about recognising hard work and giving back – it’s a win-win!

Charlotte: You’ve seen so much change in 45 years. What stands out to you the most?

Duane: Trends and technology, without a doubt. The principle of a wedding hasn’t changed – couples still walk up the aisle, say “I do,” then celebrate – but everything around that has evolved. From themes to tech, the possibilities now are endless.

Charlotte: What’s next for you and County Brides?

Duane: After the challenges of Covid, it’s been a slow recovery for the industry, but I’m optimistic. By 2025 or 2026, I think we’ll be back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. For County Brides, we’ll keep supporting venues, suppliers, and couples through our magazines and fayres. And I’m also writing my first book—so stay tuned for that!

Charlotte: Exciting times ahead! Duane, thank you so much for sharing your story. Here’s to many more years of success with County Brides.

Duane: Thank you, Charlotte! And thanks to everyone who’s been part of this incredible journey.

If you’d like to connect with Duane or Dawn from County Brides, visit their website at countybrides.com.

Congratulations again, Duane, on your sapphire anniversary in the wedding industry. What an inspiring journey!