Top Tips when visiting wedding fairs
When attending a wedding fair, remember it is a personal choice for you and your partner and try not to be swayed by anybody else. You need to think who might be coming with you and the reason for that choice. Maybe just you and your partner to your first one then your bridesmaids or family and friends, if you visit other fairs.
1st Top Tip
If you are there to make decisions on the day as in booking a Celebrant, talking to photographers etc, then it is better to take just your partner so there is nobody trying to rush you along and you can have in-depth chats to the exhibitors.
The other side of the coin, is it can be a great way to include the bridal party and family so they feel part of in your big day
Wedding planning in general can be stressful and overwhelming at times for some people, a fun wedding fair can be a great way to actually get excited about the big day with your bridal party. You can enjoy the free cake and entertainment as you wander around envisioning your perfect day.
A wedding fair can also be a good way to include any family members who could be contributing to your wedding in some way, possibly parents or grandparents. It is an easy way for them to feel a part of your special day. If the wedding fair is at a beautiful venue or even the venue you have already chosen to have your special day located, you can make a whole day out of it by booking an afternoon tea or grabbing some lunch!
So, our top tip is to really think about why you are attending the fair and what you want to get out of it – then think about who you want to have with you.
2nd Top Tip
This is for the brides who are on the hunt for their perfect dress.
Did you know that some wedding fairs can be the perfect place to get a designer dress at a reduced price? If you visit one of bigger fairs at the ICC Wales or Bristol Wedding Show at the Aztec Hotel & Spa, there are fantastic wedding dress suppliers that will bring dresses for you to try on at the fair so you could walk away with the dress of your dreams at a bargain price, how does that sound?
The top tip here is that something might catch your eye on the day, why not wear the makeup, also have the hair style that you are thinking of using on your wedding day? This way if you do try any dresses on, you will get a better idea of the final look. I hear from many brides that this helped them to really decide if the dress was right for them. The same can also go for underwear as it can be hard to decide on a strapless dress if you have bra straps showing if you know what I mean!
3rd Top Tip
There will typically be a wide range of wedding exhibitors at the fair, and some shows will even advertise which exhibitors are attending.
I always advise to think before your go to a fair, about the exhibitor you specifically want speak to! This way you can ensure you don’t miss any of them.
If there is any exhibitor you really want to make sure you meet, try and contact them prior to the fair. For example, if you have a photographer in mind that you know is exhibiting at a local fair you are attending, try popping them a message before you go. This way they can make sure they look out for you and save some time to have a chat with you.
When fairs are really busy, exhibitors may not get the chance to speak with everyone, so this way you can make the exhibitor know ahead of time that you are interested in their services.
4th Top Tip
Visit fairs at different venues! Every fair is so different! Usually, fairs have different exhibitors attending so by visiting different ones, you can speak to a range of different exhibitors!
If you have not yet decided on your venue, you could write a shortlist of venues and contact the venue to see if and when they may be holding a wedding fair or show.
This is great way to see them as most of the time they will set up different areas so you can see an idea of what it would look like when a wedding is hosted there.
An example is, they may decorate a table to show what it would look like as the wedding breakfast, or how their ceremony room may look
Whilst the wedding venue fairs are brilliant for showcasing the venue, it is also a good idea to visit some of the larger wedding shows too!
The larger wedding shows usually have over 75 exhibitors so you get to see a huge range of different wedding exhibitors all in one room.
You will get to see everything from suits and wedding dresses to wedding cakes, Celebrants, photographers & videographers, wedding cars, wedding stationary… the list is never ending.
The bonus is most fairs are free to enter too! So, there you have it! Our 5 top tips when visiting a wedding fair in 2024.
Final Top Tip
My final top tip and a important one is take your time! It sounds obvious, but I see so many brides and grooms rushing through the fair and missing some real bargains!
Try and visit on a day when you have nothing else on – especially if the fair is busy, you want a time when you can just enjoy the fair at your own pace.
What is interesting the number of brides and grooms we speak to that book a supplier that just adds that perfect touch, one that they would have never considered if they hadn’t met them at a wedding fair
An example of this would be meeting and hiring a Celebrant, wedding magician or wedding caricaturist. It might not be something you previously considered, but actually it could make a lovely twist on your big for your guests.
The Day is just for You Both
I cannot emphasis too strongly that the wedding day is for you and your partner.
By all means take others into the consideration but always remember it's what you want on the day and it is what makes you happy not what other people may think.
I been to what I would call some bizarre weddings but it worked for the couple.
Not everyone will enjoy it, but they don't have to come, it brings to mind to quote an old saying,
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
Remember that quote and be yourself and be happy!
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