What you need to know about wedding fairs

If you’re recently engaged, you’re probably excited to start exploring options for your wedding. A wedding fair (or fayre) can seem like the perfect way to start. Tons of suppliers, a catwalk show, and free cake samples under one roof – what’s not to love? Here’s what you need to know before attending a wedding fair.

Do your research

There are amazing wedding fairs and there are disappointing ones. We’ve found some venue led events to be on the hard sell side, and some fairs offering very limited options on suppliers. Read over the event website and check out which and how many suppliers are attending, this should give you a sense of the quality and size of the fair.

Personal recommendations are always a huge help, so if you know other recent brides or brides to be, pick their brains for the best fairs they have attended. Sometimes a specialist fair might suit your needs better than a general one. For example, for vintage brides, there are some amazing vintage events out there. No one can guarantee a wedding fair won’t be disappointing, but give yourself a fighting chance by doing your research.

Be inspired

The great thing about wedding fairs is the chance to be inspired by a whole host of options that you might not have considered before. Now is your chance to explore a whole rainbow of wedding looks and themes with no commitment. You may find the idea you thought would never be a good fit is one you fall in love with in person. Touch, taste, and try on: immerse yourself in the wedding experience. Even if you don’t come away with anything that you ultimately use, it can still be a lot of fun!

Never feel pressured to buy

Some suppliers see wedding fairs as an opportunity to get you to sign on the dotted line. Never bow to a hard sell to secure a service if you don’t feel completely comfortable with the agreement. Take away literature or simply walk away if you feel under pressure. This is meant to be an opportunity for you to take in all the options, not feel overwhelmed to buy.

Take advantage of offers

If you have already scoped out a supplier who you love, who will be in attendance at a fair or you simply fall in love with someone on the spot, you’ll probably grab a great discount. This is a massive plus point in their favour, and one reason it may be worth wandering around at least one.

Always stay for the catwalk

For many brides to be this is the highlight of any wedding fair. You get to see designers and dresses you wouldn’t see anywhere else and you see them from every angle. If you’re looking for dress inspiration, this is a unique opportunity to see gowns move naturally and get a feel for what you might like.

Don’t visit too many

Too many wedding fairs can leave you exhausted by choice, or simply see you slogging through the same local suppliers again and again. If you do choose to visit a fair, one or two should give you plenty of wedding ideas without leaving you completely overwhelmed.

Don’t be afraid to get your inspiration elsewhere

If the thought of lots of people and direct sales techniques fills you with fear, that’s ok. You don’t have to visit a wedding fair. You don’t have to pick your supplier in person. There is a whole wedding community out there to help inspire and inform your wedding decisions. Check out our #RealWeddings section and articles to get lots of inspiration and expert advice on all your wedding choices.

The bottom line

So, yes, wedding fairs can be worth it – but they aren’t for everyone. Do your research before you go and never feel under pressure to buy. If you do visit, have fun and enjoy the opportunity to try on lots of different wedding ideas.