When it comes to planning your big day, Pinterest boards and Instagram saves can only take you so far. If you really want to get a feel for your wedding dream team — the people who’ll bring your vision to life — there’s nothing quite like stepping into a wedding fair.

A wedding fair isn’t just about collecting brochures or tasting cake (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s about meeting the people who could be part of your story, chatting face-to-face, and finding those all-important “they just get us” moments.

Finding Your People

Every couple is different — and that’s what makes weddings so wonderfully unique.

You might be the “all-in ideas” couple, bursting with creative thoughts and Pinterest inspo, looking for suppliers who love to collaborate and bounce ideas around. If that’s you, you’ll want to find people who can listen, adapt, and run with your vision rather than trying to squeeze you into a set style.

Traditional, Retro, or Something in Between

Perhaps you’re a classic, sentimental bride, weaving family heirlooms and timeless traditions into your day. Or maybe you’re a funky, retro couple, ready to throw out the rulebook and dance to your own beat.

Whatever your vibe, the right suppliers will instantly click with you — they’ll understand your energy, style, and story.

And the best way to find those perfect matches? Seeing them in person. You’ll know within seconds if someone’s your kind of person — it’s all about that spark and connection.

My Wedding Fair Icks (Because Let’s Be Honest…)

Now, let’s talk about the things that can ruin the magic a bit.

Here are my top “wedding fair icks” — the things that make both suppliers and couples feel a little... off.

Being packed in like sardines.
There’s nothing worse than being squished next to other suppliers with no room to breathe (or chat!). It ruins the vibe, makes conversations awkward, and can overwhelm couples before they even start.
Fairs that are all about selling the venue.
You know the ones — where it feels like you’re only there to be sold the location, not inspired by the suppliers. It’s frustrating for vendors, and couples often feel like they shouldn’t be there unless they’re booking that venue. Wedding fairs should feel welcoming and inclusive — not salesy or pressured.
The over-enthusiastic live singer.
I love a bit of ambient background music (it’s a must!), but when someone’s belting out Beyoncé at full volume through a booming speaker… it’s a struggle to have a proper chat. A fair should feel calm, friendly, and easy to navigate — not like you’ve accidentally wandered into a concert.

My Best Wedding Fair Advice (from a Supplier Who’s Been There!)

Wedding fairs are fun, inspiring, and full of ideas — but they can also feel a little overwhelming if you don’t go in with a plan. Here are my top tips to make the most of your visit:

If you’re in the ideas stage, just explore.
Wander, chat, and let yourself be attracted to suppliers. Notice who you connect with — their energy, their professionalism, and their passion. You might not be ready to book yet, but getting a sense of what things cost will help you start shaping your budget and priorities.
Be ready to say “thank you, but no.”
With a few exceptions, wedding fairs are the only “retail” environment most suppliers have — so they’ll want to talk to you and share their services. But you might already be booked for that service or simply not need what they’re offering. It’s totally fine to smile and say a polite “no thank you.” Trust me — we suppliers would much rather hear that than chat for ten minutes just because you’re being lovely!
Be ready to book on the day (seriously!).
Sometimes you snooze, you lose. Certain suppliers — like photographers (hi 👋) — can only do one wedding per day. If you click with someone, don’t be afraid to say so. If you need to check with your partner first, let the supplier know you’re really keen; most will hold the date for a short time. And if you’re ready to go for it, even better — many suppliers offer a small discount or bonus if you book on the day. You save money and tick another big thing off your list.