Our Top Five Tips for Attending the Excel Wedding Show

Attending a wedding show can at first seem exciting, it is often the start of your wedding planning journey and so you’re eager to get started. However, when you arrive it can sometimes seem overwhelming as you see just how many suppliers there are to talk to you and some that you might not have even considered. All of a sudden, planning a wedding becomes a mammoth task and you wonder where on earth to start.

It doesn’t have to be like that, and from seeing wedding shows from both sides, from when we planned our own wedding to now exhibiting at these shows ourselves, we have put together our top five tips for making the most of wedding shows.

1. First and foremost, comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll do a lot of walking around exhibits and stands. I’m not saying come in your slippers (although I’m certainly not going to judge if you do) but wear whatever won’t give you blisters after a full day of wearing (this actually also goes for your wedding shoes!) If that’s your favourite pair of Jimmy Choos then that’s great and I love your style!
2. Along the same lines of comfort, empty your handbag of unnecessary weight, bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and a little tote bag for all the leaflets and brochures you’ll collect on your way round. And if you’re planning on trying on wedding dresses whilst you’re there, have a think of what underwear you’ll wear too!
3. Have a look at the vendor list prior to the wedding show and have a think of who you would like to visit, even better if there is a floor plan available for you to see where they will all be. If you’re not sure of exactly who you want to see, then have a think of what part of your wedding planning you want to tick off next. Have you yet to find your dress, do you need to sort your cake or you haven’t booked your photographer? Then go with that focus in mind.
4. Linked with the above, have an idea of your style of wedding, are you going for a light and airy modern feel, something vintage and rustic or are you going for a twist on a classic? Keeping your style in mind will help not only find supplier but will help you discount some too. Think about the time of year your wedding will be, you venue and your personalities and tastes. You want your wedding to represent you as a couple so you need suppliers that are aligned with you and your vision.
5. Last but by no means least, think about who you want to go to the wedding show with. Whether you go with your entire bridal party or it’s just you and your hubby to be, think about what you want to achieve that day and the support your fellow wedding show goers can bring to that, as well as how much enjoyment they will get out of the day too! But whoever you go with, if there is a bar at the wedding show then start the day with a little glass of champagne and enjoy the day in style, after all everything is fun with bubbles.

Just remember, wedding shows are a great opportunity to meet suppliers before you book them, but because of how busy the show can get, we always recommend to our couples that they may want to arrange another time to meet or talk to us about their wedding, so keep that in mind too.

Enjoy the show,

Amanda x

www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk