Wedding shows are so much fun. They allow you to find ideas and inspiration, see lots of different suppliers in one place and maybe even pick up some exclusive show offers along the way! We’ve asked wedding show specialists Ice The Cake to reveal their seven top tips for surviving a wedding show and how you can make the most of your trip…
Which fayre should you visit?
Once you start looking you will suddenly realise there are lots of fairs around to visit. The peak time for these events are January and March and September and October, so you may find there is more than one on the same day that you would like to attend. Deciding which one to visit can be difficult, so it’s a good idea to consider what you would like to gain from attending. Is it general inspiration? To book suppliers? Check out the venue? Or something else. This may then help you to decide which fair should take precedence – however, if they are both near to each other there is no reason why you can’t visit both on the same day!
What should you wear?
Something comfy! Shoes that you will be able to walk in all day are a must, but so are clothes that you will feel relaxed in. If you are attending a show that allows you to try on dresses you may want to consider this when choosing your outfit for the day – something like a blouse and loose trousers that you can slip off without ruining your hair and make-up would be fine!
Go to the website first
If you are attending a larger show like the one at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, then it will be likely that the organisers will have lots of information about who’s exhibiting on their website. They will also have information about what else is on offer, such as times of Catwalk Shows, whether there are any extras – for example the Ice The Cake shows have a Vintage Zone, VIP Area and Live Demonstrations. You may also be able to find out about special offers, book tickets or even re-register and jump the queue!
What to take with you
A pen and your wedding organiser are always good to make notes on the day. If you have already chosen your dress and bridesmaid dresses then a swatch of the material is always good for suppliers to be able to discuss colour matching. You will no doubt have your phone with you, great for capturing ideas and small pre-printed stickers with your name and contact details. Whether you are entering a competition or leaving your details with a supplier a simple sticker is much easier than having to fill out forms. At larger shows you will find you collect lots of leaflets and goodie bags, which become heavy after a time. Be prepared and take a small wheelie suitcase with you – by the end of the day you’ll be glad you did.
Keep refreshed
If you are attending one of the larger wedding shows then most venues will have food and drinks available from a café or restaurant. However, there can be queues, so you may prefer to take your own food with you. You could put together a little packed lunch if you are going to be at the show all day.
Don’t miss the catwalk shows
Catwalk shows are fab for looking at the latest wedding dress trends and different styles for the coming year. At the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, we also run a catwalk dedicated just to bridesmaid dresses. These shows tend to be popular so if you are looking to be able to sit down for the duration of the show, it’s advisable to take your seat early.
Have fun
Wedding shows are a fun part of the wedding planning process, so enjoy it. Don’t allow yourself to get frazzled if it’s busy – it just means it’s a good show and there are lots of valuable suppliers there. Make sure you take your time, chat with as many people as you can. When you get home, dedicate some time that evening while the suppliers are fresh in your mind to go through all the literature you have collated and decide who you would like to contact.
Find out more
IceTheCake.co.uk is an online resource full of cherry picked wedding suppliers that can help you create the day of your dreams. They also organise of one of the largest wedding shows in Buckinghamshire, which takes place at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. With thousands of ideas sure to inspire your day, it is a local wedding fair on a national scale. The next show is on Sunday 15th September 2013 and doors open at 11am. Entry is free and you can pre-register for queue jump on their website at icethecake.co.uk.
Photography by Gentle Visions Photography (gentlevisions.co.uk)
