Having decided to get married the next step is to start planning your big day, and the best place to start is a local wedding fair. These events are an opportunity for suppliers to exhibit their wares, and give you the chance to gather information, inspiration, and ideas. There are two wedding fairs seasons in the year, one early spring and one in the autumn. They are held at many venues across the country, so try to choose one at the type of place you would like to hold your reception, as you can have a good look around and see if it’s suitable and can ask the staff lots of questions without being put on the spot yourself. Check online to see who will be exhibiting, especially if there are particular photographers, cake decorators or a dress designer you would like to see. You could find everyone you need under one roof so take advantage and ask questions. Nothing beats talking face to face with the experts, and you may even start building up a rapport with one particular photographer or musicians.
Exhibitors have items on display for you to look and touch, at some fairs; you can try on dresses or have your makeup done. At most fairs, you can sample the cake and the delights of photobooths and sweet carts. The suppliers are all prepared to advise and make suggestions to help you in in the planning for your wedding, But be weary of fake offers, many offer discounts for bookings taken at the fair or offer competitions and prize draws for their services, I’m sure if you phoned them up a week later you would still get the same deal. To get the best out of a wedding fair be prepared, have a list of questions ready and be prepared to talk about your plans. There are a lot of exhibitors to see, and it can take a good few hours to go round even a small fair. Make a note of people you specifically want to see, get them to write details of ‘offers’ on their card or flyer. It’s often better to go with a friend, your maid of honor than your Mum, a second opinion is always helpful.
Never be pressured into booking something on the spot, but if you do want to go ahead and book your dream honeymoon, be prepared to pay a deposit on the day. Take a diary or notebook with you for booking future appointments and noting down anything of interest. At many wedding fairs you will get a bag of goodies on the door in exchange for your contact details, These details are normally for the show hosts so they can invite you to the next show, they are rarely distributed among the exhibitors so fear not you won’t get spammed by all 7 photographers, you will, however, end up with lots of brochures, leaflets, and some samples!
A wedding fair is a fun day out, and if you are lucky you can find everything you need in one or two Sundays, from your rings to your honeymoon. It will give you a wealth of ideas, and may even turn up something you had not thought of. All of the exhibitors are experts in their field and will give you the best help and advice they can, to make your wedding day exactly what you want it to be. Some of the top wedding professionals in the area will have worked together on many occasions and can confidently recommend many other services to help with your wedding planning.
