Wedding Fayres: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit

Wedding fayre season is here, and I’ve had the pleasure of exhibiting at a few recently. Inspired by these experiences, I wanted to share a little insight into the wedding fair world and how you can make it an stress-free, fun, and productive part of your wedding planning journey.

Let’s face it—wedding fairs can feel like a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, there’s excitement in the air! You’re stepping into a world of possibilities, meeting suppliers you never even knew existed, and discovering new ideas to bring your dream wedding to life. It’s an opportunity to explore all the little details that will make your day extra special.

But then, reality strikes. You’re faced with a room full of suppliers eager to pitch their services. Suddenly, it feels like you’re under pressure to commit to things you hadn’t even considered. The overwhelm sets in, and you’re left wondering how any of this helps move your wedding planning forward.

Sound familiar?

I completely get it. I’m the type of person who shies away from any hard sell. I’m terrified of signing up for something I’m not 100% sure about, so I tend to rush past booths and avoid eye contact. But here’s the thing: in doing that, you might miss out on some amazing suppliers who could add that extra touch of magic to your big day!

Take wedding photography, for example. It’s one of those things you really want to get right—those beautiful images will last forever, and every time you look at them, you’ll be reminded of the magic of your wedding day. So, instead of rushing through, take the time to look at the photographers' styles on display. If you find yourself thinking, "Wow, I love these," it’s a sign that you might just have found the photographer for you.

Pro Tip: Before you head to a wedding fair, sit down with your partner and make a list of your must-haves—those non-negotiables for your wedding. Communication is key so you are aligned with your needs before you head out to a fayre.

Take your partner, a family member or friend, bridesmaid, as a support network. Relax and engage with the suppliers you meet- grab business cards, follow them on social media, and stay connected. Enter competitions or giveaways—you never know what you might win! And definitely take advantage of those free samples! Try the cake, sip that glass of Prosecco—enjoy it!

As a wedding photographer, I always ask my clients about the kind of photography style they want. Wedding fairs are a great way to see how different photographers capture the magic of a wedding day, and you can instantly get a feel for whether their style aligns with your vision. More importantly, you can meet people face to face and ensure that you will have a good rapport with them on the day.

When you do stop by my booth (and I hope you do!), don’t be surprised if I offer you some chocolates. Wedding fairs take stamina, after all! My goal is always to chat with you about your day, hear your ideas, and imagine what I could do to capture those precious moments. Rest assured, there’s no pressure to make any decisions on the spot. If you like what you see, I’ll take your email address and send you all the info you need to make your choice in your own time—no rush, no pressure.

A Little Planning Tip: Something I did when I was wedding planning that really helped was creating a joint email account with my partner. This made it easy to keep all our wedding-related information in one place—think of it like your digital filing cabinet! It’s also super helpful for keeping track of invoices, contracts, and communication with suppliers. Trust me, it’ll save you time and stress later.

If you see me at a wedding fayre soon, please stop by for a sweet treat and a chat. I’d love to hear about your wedding plans and just maybe, I’ll be the one to help capture those magical memories on your special day.

Happy wedding planning! Emma x