Making the Most of Wedding Fairs: Tips for Engaged Couples

Wedding fairs are a fantastic way to meet potential suppliers and get inspired for your big day. However, with so many types of fairs, open days and events there's so much to understand, to see and do. Which in theory is exciting, but with so much to consider within your wedding planning, it can be slightly overwhelming. So from the perspective of a wedding supplier on the other side of the table who wants only for your wedding planning process to feel as easy and stress free as possible. Here are some of my key tips and insights to get your head around fairs and help you make the most of your exhibition experience:

TYPES OF FAIRS

While coming in all shapes sizes and names, here's a brief definition into the different types of wedding fairs you can come across.

Open Days/Showcases - Usually venue- specific and run by the venues themselves. Such as hotels, castles, barns or bars. If you're at the stage of scouting out a venue, then these are great events to attend as they usually have the venue decked out for inspiration along with their recommended suppliers such as wedding singers or venue stylists. To give both the visual and visceral experience of a wedding day. However, open days also do invite outside suppliers to exhibit, so even if you haven't booked that particular venue or have other ideas in mind, there's still plenty of space for inspiration on site. Depending on the size of the venue itself of course, open days do tend to be more on the smaller side of the scale. Additionally, if you have already booked that particular venue, some of them even host menu tasting nights, to which the title is self explanatory. Where they again usually decorate the space and host the evening with live music. Again, another great way for suppliers to be found.

Fairs As a general rule, wedding fairs tend to be hosted and run by wedding fair companies themselves. Either touring around different locations and venues Nationwide or within more local areas. With different suppliers and vendors exhibiting at each fair, although again some suppliers can be closely associated with them. They typically feature a diverse range of different suppliers who have had to apply to exhibit with said company each time. Most fairs also have their own online directories linked to the company, which showcase regular suppliers online. As well as standard wedding fairs, which across the day can be as diverse as one wedding couple to another. You can also find more niche and themed fairs, to cater more specifically for your vibe and interests. Such such as vintage, classic, quirky, alternative, LGBTQ+ , unconventional and colourful! These are a great way to hone into your interests and find suppliers who are not only similar and compliment each other well, but are more like you! However, if you're not sure on what your preferences are, then perhaps a more comprehensive fair is more appropriate.

With wedding vendors typically decked behind their cutely crafted tables, fairs can range from a variety of sizes. So in terms of planning ahead and making sure one partiulcar fair is the right size for you, it would be worth checking out the venue beforehand and assessing it from there.

Exhibitions Wedding exhibitions or "expo's" tend to be held in major cities, at large venues such as stadiums, with a large number of vendors on display. These events can even last over a couple of days (usually a weekend). With so many suppliers on site, a theme is less likely for these events, with all bases covered in terms of types of suppliers, all the way from wedding dresses to honeymoon destinations. As the big boys in the industry, the larger scale exhibitions, tend to be on a grander scale and the best place to catch the latest trends and innovations in the wedding industry as a whole. With each vendor typically having a booth as opposed to a table to display their work, along with catwalks and live demonstrations, exhibitions can be very exciting and excellent for initial inspiration. Again, a great way to make a full day out of the wedding planning. However, if larger crowds and environments aren't your vibe, these may not be most suitable choice for you.

BEFORE YOU GO

Make a List: Depending on where you are on the planning process. Create a list of essential suppliers you NEED or still need to find, such as a photographer, caterer, and venue. Then make a list of suppliers, you'd be INTERESTED in finding. While leaving space perhaps for surprise suppliers that you didn't expect to add the extra special touch.

Make a Wedding Email: Many suppliers if you show your interest, may ask you to leave your contact details so that they can send through further information and package prices. Therefore, and this is my advice to ANY couple planning a wedding. Create a specific email address for all things wedding. Rather than your wedding fair enquiry being lost in your work email or hotmail account along with the house bills. This way it's much easier to track all enquiries and supplier conversations to which you both can have access to. Plus it's just a really cute and exciting step to include in the wedding planning process. For example: theellisonwedding2026@omgicantbelieveweregettingmarried.com

Set a Budget: Determine your budget for each category to help you prioritise and avoid overspending.

Do Your Research: Look up the exhibiting suppliers online and read reviews if you can. This will help you narrow down your options and ask targeted questions. Most events will advertise as much as possible with supplier spotlights to which you can find plenty of information. Additionally, if you're unable to attend a certain event, it may always be worth reaching out to the organiser for a list of their suppliers. They may not always provide this, as it could defeat the point of the fair in some hosts cases, however, it's always worth asking!

AT THE FAIR

Plan Your Route: Both before hand and on the day, consider parking and travel methods. Some venues may be more restricted due to footfall and higher traffic. Additionally, inside the fair, it's on the larger side and you're on a more strict mission. You could create a plan to visit the most important stands first, then take it from there. Additionally, if you're simply open to see whats on display, most events tend to work on a mooch around basis, with a clear pathway around the venue. Encouraging couples to take a look at every stand.

Make notes: Jot down some of your favourite, ask pre prepared questions, and collect business cards. With all of the conversation, stimulation and sometimes free Prosecco, it can be easy to forget certain things discussed or some of your favourite displayers names. So take as many notes as you can be that on paper or your phone. Additionally, most suppliers should have either business cards, leaflets or cute takeaways for you to add to your goodie bag.

Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions about pricing, packages, availability, and experience. Suppliers are there to answer your questions and should be more than happy to help!

Take Your Time: Unless you have alternative plans afterwards of course.. don't rush through the fair. Take your time to chat with suppliers, admire their stands and get a feel for their personalities. After all, you're considering not only working with them, having them be a part of your very personal day. You want to know whether you can vibe with them.

Be Prepared to Book: If you find a supplier you love, be prepared to book them on the spot, especially if they're in high demand.

Don't Feel Pressured: Equally, while it's tempting to book, it's also okay to take your time and consider your options. This is where your collection of business cards and leaflets come in handy! For the home return assessment.

AFTER THE FAIR

Follow Up: By usual wedding supplier standards, if you have left your details with one of your favourite vendors. It should be their responsibility to reach out to you after the fair with more information and to check in. However, if perhaps you didn't leave your details or they slipped by you. It's perfectly fine infact taken it from a wedding supplier, highly welcomed for you to send a quick email or message to express your interest and ask any further questions. Additionally, if you're not at the stage of booking but are definitely interested in certain suppliers. Try connecting with and following them on social media so you can enjoy their content and can get in touch when the time is right.

Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, (and this advice applies regardless of whether you found your vendor at a fair or elsewhere) choose the suppliers that you both feel most comfortable with and who align best with your vision for your wedding day.

There you have it! As a wedding supplier myself, in this ever growing online world, especially as a wedding singer who is present with my couples on their day. I've always loved the personal interaction and conversations that come from a wedding fair. Along with being able to perform and sing all of my favourite wedding day tunes.

So if you're thinking of exploring an exhibition, fair or showcase, with these tips in toe you'll hopefully feel well prepared. Remember, open days, fair events are a fantastic opportunity to find inspiration, meet suppliers or even find that final missing piece of your plans. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity for a fun-filled day out with your partner and/or of your "I do crew" to get you all excited about the big day.

Happy wedding planning to you all! :) All the best, Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) x