Wedding Fairs – The Essential Checklist

You’ve just got engaged! Congratulations!! But now what? For many newly engaged couples, the idea of planning an entire wedding can be daunting, but attending a wedding fair or showcase is a great way to ease yourself into the world of wedding planning. Even if you haven’t set a date yet or your date is a year or two in advance, it’s still a great idea to head along and see what’s out there.

Full of amazing stands and hundreds of fantastic possibilities for your big day, it’s important that you have a plan before attending a wedding fair, so that you get the most out of your visit.

To help, we’ve come up with an essential checklist to make sure you whizz around the stands like a pro.

Have a Plan!

First thing’s first, make sure you know why you are going. Do you have your venue already sorted? Are you just interested in visiting wedding dress stands? Are you on a mission to find the cake of your dreams? Or are you starting from scratch? Deciding which items are top of your priority list is essential. Next check what stands will be there on the day (the fair’s website should have this information) and make a list of all the vendors you want to see. Have a plan for which way you will walk up the aisles and stick to it, in case you miss something important as there could be hidden gem of a stand you didn’t know was there!

Bring a Big Marker!

You will pick up of plenty of fab leaflets full of important information from delicious cake makers, wedding dress designers, honeymoon specialists, wedding planners and so on. So it’s a good idea to have a big marker or pen with you and put a dot on the corner of the leaflets and information you are most interested in. That way when you get home and go through it, you’ll remember which exhibitors you definitely want to get in touch with.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask!

Wedding exhibitors are bursting to chat to you about how they can add to your big day, so don’t be afraid to get stuck in and ask all your questions, about venues, suits, cakes, wedding planning etc. And many suppliers will have special show offers just for you, so be sure to ask and get a saving! Make sure to bring some cash too in case you need to put down a deposit!

Have a Coffee Break

You’ll most likely do a lot of walking at a wedding fair, so make sure you have a little coffee break midway. It’s also a good way to go through any information you’ve gotten and chat with your other half or best pal about which exhibitors you are thinking of booking for you big day!

photo credit for David Dewitt

You Don’t Have to Bring Your Fiancé

Yes your wedding is a big day for both of you, but there are plenty of men out there who just don’t fancy the idea of looking at flowers, cakes, décor and honeymoon ideas all in the one day… not to mention you may spot the dress of your dreams at a wedding fair so you don’t want your hubby-to-be seeing it too! So if he’s not that into it, then don’t force him to come. Instead, think about bringing your best friend, your bridesmaids, your sisters, your aunties or your mum. Basically someone who is interested in helping you prepare for your wedding.

Taste the Cake (and have fun!)

Finally, don’t forget while you are there to gather helpful information for your big day, you are also there to have fun! Enter the competitions, sample the free cake, have a glass of bubbles and enjoy the free catwalk