Wedding Fairs: The Ultimate Guide

As a regular exhibitor at a number of wedding fairs throughout the year, I meet many, many couples and their families hunting around for ideas, inspiration and their perfect wedding suppliers.  A busy fair has a great vibe, but all that wedding buzz can leave you feeling dazed and confused as your plastic bag begins to weigh heavy with the sheer number of fliers, cards, samples and brochures you collect as you trawl the stands. 

I've devised the ultimate guide to surviving a wedding fair to make sure you get the information you need without succumbing to wedding fair overload.  Newly engaged couples with a long lead time may be happy just to browse, but if you're at the stage of serious wedding planning, here are some top tips:

• Set your goals before you arrive. You might have a particular supplier you want to visit, or you may want to compare prices for certain items or services between different exhibitors.  Arrive early so that you can chat to exhibitors and properly view products without jockeying for position with other couples.
• Exhibitors are there to showcase their products and services and are happy to answer any questions you have. Don't be afraid to ask questions, handle products and samples.  As a wedding photographer, I want couples to open up my sample albums and look at the photographs.  An image may prompt a discussion about my photographic style and approach, or may even just give you ideas for venue decoration, colours and flowers.
• If there's a fashion show, go watch!  Even if you've already got your wedding dress, fashion shows will usually showcase Bridesmaids dresses and Mother of the Bride outfits too as well as kilts and male wedding attire.  It's a chance to take the weight off your feet and to see how the different dress styles look from every angle. 

• If you're on a tight budget, do ask if services and packages can be tailored to your own requirements and budget.
• When you find a supplier you really like, mark their flier/business card with an asterisk or similar mark so you can shortlist your favourites easily when sorting through the paperwork later.
• It might seem obvious, but do check that your favoured suppliers have your date available. 

Do remember to enjoy planning your wedding.  It's a big task, but if you lean on your suppliers for help and advice, you will sale through.