Visiting wedding fairs is a great way to get some ideas for your big day, as well as seeing what different vendors supply and getting the all important quotes. Before visiting your next wedding fair, read our top tips to help you get the most of wedding fairs to help stretch your budget.
Check the entry fee
Before you head off to a wedding fair, be sure to check whether there is an entry fee, and make sure you have enough in cash to cover this. Many wedding fair venues aren’t big enough to accept card payments.
Get there early
There is so much to see at a wedding fair so you will want to get there as close to opening as you can. This will allow you to see all the exhibitors (some of them get really busy, so you may need to wait or go back to them) and get there before all the freebies are gone.
Load up on freebies
Wedding fairs often have tons of freebies on offer. It could be that the first 20 couples get a free bottle of fizz from the event organisers or the vendors exhibiting at the fair offer a variety of freebies. These can include cake, makeup samples and so much more. Another fantastic wedding fair freebie to keep your eyes peeled for is wedding magazines.
Get quotes
Vendors have to pay to exhibit at wedding fairs, so they are eager to make a booking. This often translates into offering you a discount for your big day. Ask for a quote, and if they can’t provide you with one there and then then be sure to get in touch shortly after the wedding fair to request one, being sure to mention that you saw them at the wedding fair.
Haggle
Haggling is my top tip when it comes to saving money on your wedding. If you see a vendor that you love and there is no doubt that you want them to contribute to your big day, then ask them for a discount for booking them there and then. The worst they can do is say no – but they will often be happy to give you some money off or throw in some freebies.
Book ASAP
If you are happy with what a vendor has to offer and you are happy with their quote, be sure to book them as soon as possible. The best vendors are booked months, sometimes even years, in advance. If you have fallen in love with a vendor then act quickly to ensure they are a part of your wedding.
Enter exhibitor’s competitions
Many of the exhibitors will have some form of competition to entice visitors to their stalls. In exchange for a few details (and often agreeing to be contacted later), you will be entered to win any number of prizes, from hire of a decorative item to an entire honeymoon.
Take ideas away with you
Wedding fairs are great for gathering ideas, especially if the fair is held in your chosen wedding venue. If you see something that you like then don’t be put off by the price – take down as much information as possible (or grab a business card or leaflet). Once you have a quote, if it is too expensive then you can work on sourcing the items yourself or even having a go at making them yourself.
See your venue decorated
If a wedding fair is being held at your chosen venue, this could be your only chance to see it set up for a wedding. It will be full of vendors, but you can still get a good idea about how the room looks when it is full. This also helps when looking for wedding venues.
Bring a companion
Whether it if your soon-to-be spouse, your bridesmaid or your mum, taking someone with you to a wedding fair is a great idea. You will be surprised at how much there is to see at a wedding fair, and they will help you to remember all the things you loved. They can also help if you have any quick decisions to make.
We also suggest that you wear comfy shoes and stop to refuel. Wedding fairs can be busy, and you will be giving your wedding a lot of thought. Seeing something amazing for your day can get your adrenaline pumping and you’ll be glad to have a break to reflect and make notes.
Do you have any tips to share about visiting wedding fairs? We would love to hear them in the comments box below.