With wedding fair season around the corner, Revelry Events are walking you through their tips for surviving wedding fairs in this month’s planning column…
“Wedding shows are making a comeback this year, from the big nationals, to the modern alternatives to the venue showcases, there is going to be at least one that’s worth popping in your diary.
Wedding shows can be a really fun opportunity to delve into wedding planning, to get ideas and get excited, and it’s a perfect way to meet with suppliers and see what they can do. But they can also be overwhelming and stressful – believe us, we’ve planned one. And Holly has been going to them since she was 15!
So here are our tips for how to get through the wedding fair jungle:
#1: BRING YOUR A-TEAM
You need some support at a wedding fair – whether it’s to highlight something you might have missed, or to get you out of a sales pitch. Bring help. But make sure you invite people you know aren’t going to rile you with their opinions, be too pushy, or complain about how much their feet hurt when you’re only on your first lap of the venue.
#2: SCOUT IT OUT
There’s a lot to look at, especially at the big ones like the nationals, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by all the pretty. Make sure you get the most out of your visit by having a list of which types of suppliers you want to talk to and tick them off first. Grab your map, and make a plan.
#3: PACK LIGHT
Honestly. No matter how cold it is outside, with all the people milling around and the goody bags you’ll be handed, you’ll be glad you checked your coat and your bag. Just remember your purse. Comfortable shoes are a must. There isn’t a lot of seating in these joints, and when there is it’s usually limited or bagsied by bored partners or plus-ones.
#4: COME HUNGRY
Or at least, don’t eat a full meal before you rock up. Free cake samples are hands down the best part of wedding shows – something that you can’t get on Insta – plus there’s bound to be tasty treats on offer somewhere in the building, and you don’t want to be too full to try any of it.
#5: GET YOUR HAIR DID
Sure, you can rock up to these events with a messy ponytail or an unbrushed mane. But more often than not you’ll be drawn towards the veils and tiara section to try on all the pretties. So try to arrive with at least a low-tech version of the hair you’re imagining having on the day, so when your friends take photos of you in the veils and headdresses, you’ll have a better idea of exactly how it will look on the day.
#6: NOTE DOWN YOUR FAVS
This might be a quick pic on your phone, a follow on insta, grabbing a card from their booth. You don’t have to commit there and then; you’re more than welcome (in fact, encouraged) to go home and take a proper look through portfolios and reviews. Then if you want to book in with them get in touch and let them know that you saw them at the fair. If they had any discounts on the day they might still be willing to extend them to you.
#7: LEARN TO SAY NO, THANK YOU
Exhibitors and suppliers at these gigs are used to people saying no, so there’s no need to indulge that sweet photographer lady or honeymoon rep in a lengthy chat if you’re really not interested. There’s plenty more to see, and you won’t hurt their feelings!
Be strong, friends.”
