Wedding Fairs: The Do’s and Don’ts

Wedding Fairs: The Do’s and Don’ts

I love a good wedding fair! For me, they’re a chance to meet excited couples (like you!) and chat all things wedding. For you, they’re an opportunity to meet potential suppliers, get inspired, and if the fair’s being held at your venue, see it all dressed up and buzzing with wedding energy. It’s also a sneaky chance to sample the canapés and, let’s be honest, drink some free prosecco.

But here’s the thing: wedding fairs are not for the faint-hearted. They’re busy, there’s a lot to take in, and it can feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions at once. I’ve seen plenty of couples arrive full of excitement, only to leave an hour later looking like deer caught in the headlights. The good news? With a little bit of planning (and the right mindset), you can walk in feeling confident, walk out inspired, and maybe even tick off a few big items from your to-do list.

So, let’s chat about how to make wedding fairs work for you.

Which Couple Are You?

Over the years, I’ve noticed that couples usually fall into one of three categories at wedding fairs:

1. The Newly Engaged
   That’s you if you’re fresh off the proposal and still gazing at your ring every five minutes. You’re excited, you want to dive head-first into all things “wedding,” but you haven’t really figured out what you want yet. That’s totally fine! The danger here is feeling overwhelmed — suddenly realising just how many suppliers you might need can burst that lovely just-engaged bubble.

2. The Midway Planners
   This is where you’ve probably booked your venue and maybe a couple of key suppliers, like your photographer or celebrant (hello!). You’ve ticked off a few biggies, but you’ve still got decisions to make. Wedding fairs are goldmines for you - you can shop around, compare suppliers, and really focus your attention on the areas you still need to sort.

3. The Nearly-Weds
   If your wedding’s just around the corner, you might be at a fair for last-minute bits and pieces, or simply to take one more look at your venue before the big day. You probably know exactly what you’re looking for at this stage, and your challenge is avoiding distractions so you can find those final little touches.

So, which one are you? Wherever you are in your journey, the tips below will help you make the most of your time.

1. Go with a plan

The number one piece of advice I give couples is: have a plan. Turning up “just to browse” sounds relaxing, but in reality, it’s often when overwhelm sets in.

• If you’re newly engaged, your plan might simply be to enjoy yourselves. Grab a glass of fizz, soak up the atmosphere, and gather some inspiration. Don’t feel pressured to book anyone right there and then. Be upfront with suppliers about being at the start of your journey - we’ll be just as excited as you are and will happily give you ideas without any expectations.

• If you’re mid-planning, your plan should be more focused. Make a list of the types of suppliers you’re hoping to find - whether that’s a florist, a magician, or someone who makes cakes you’ll dream about for weeks afterwards. Wedding fairs can be overwhelming, and without a list you’ll end up chatting to everyone and forgetting what you actually came for.

• If your wedding is close, your plan will be short and sweet. You might just be looking for a few finishing touches. Be honest with suppliers - if you already have a photographer, don’t spend 20 minutes talking to another one just to be polite. Trust me, they’d rather spend that time with someone who still needs them, and you’ll free yourself up to focus on what really matters to you.

2. Choose your plus-one(s) wisely

Who you bring with you makes a huge difference to your experience.

Bringing your partner along can be brilliant if you’re making decisions together, but if one of you isn’t into it, you might find yourself rushing or feeling guilty. Bringing your mum, a sibling, or a bestie can add excitement and moral support - but be warned, too many opinions can leave you feeling pulled in every direction.

If you’re confident in what you want, going as a duo often works best. If you’re still at the “dreaming” stage, bringing a couple of trusted people can make it more fun. Just resist the temptation to bring half your bridal party — wedding planning by committee isn’t always as fun as it sounds!

3. Don’t rush to get there early

Wedding fairs usually last a few hours, and here’s a little insider secret: the later you go, the calmer it is. Early on, it can be manic - everyone’s jostling to get in, suppliers are swamped with people, and you’ll often end up queuing to chat.

But later in the day, it’s quieter. Suppliers have more time to talk with you properly, and you’ll get a better feel for whether they’re the right fit. Plus, venues are often keen to hand out the last of the canapés, so you might just score yourself a second round of snacks. Honestly, it’s a win-win.

4. Bring a bag

This one sounds small, but it makes such a difference. Many venues are cutting down on plastic and paper waste, so those free tote bags are becoming rarer. Without one, you’ll end up juggling flyers, samples, and freebies — and let’s be real, it’s hard to hold all that and a prosecco glass at the same time! Bring a reusable bag and save yourself the stress.

5. Go to venues that match your vibe

Not all wedding fairs are created equal.

• Branded wedding fairs (often in big hotels or exhibition centres) can be a great starting point. They usually have a huge mix of suppliers, and while it can feel a bit commercial, it’s useful if you’re still working out what you like.

• Venue showcases are my personal favourite. These are when a venue opens its doors and invites its recommended suppliers to set up. It gives you a much more realistic feel for how the space works, and the suppliers there usually share the same style and vibe as the venue.

My advice? Once you know the feel you’re going for - whether that’s rustic barn, elegant hotel, or boho outdoor festival - head to showcases at venues that match that vibe. You’re much more likely to meet suppliers who just “get” your style.

Final thoughts

Wedding fairs can feel overwhelming, but they can also be inspiring, fun, and a real boost to your planning. The key is to go in with the right mindset:

• Have a plan (even if the plan is just to have fun).

• Take the right person (or people) with you.

• Don’t panic if you don’t book anyone on the day.

Above all, remember this is part of your celebration. Sip the fizz, chat to the suppliers, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy it. You’re planning a wedding - how exciting is that?!

Related:

www.madewithlovecelebrations.co.uk/