Wedding fayres are always great places to get inpspiration for your big day. As a regular face at events in Hampshire, let me share five quick tips with you for making the most of your visit.

Tip 1: Decide beforehand what you’re looking to achieve

When you’re newly engaged, there’s nothing wrong with going along to a show just for excitement and inspiration. At this point, it’s good to go to one of the larger shows because you can window-shop more easily. The biggest one in the area is the Hampshire Wedding Expo at North Harbour, Portsmouth. It takes place at the end of January, and I look forward to meeting you there.

But a bit further down the line, you’re likely to have specific items you want to tick off your to-do list, such as finding a stationery supplier or even a magician. This is when local shows, such as those organised by Spiral Events, might work better for you.

Tip 2: Find out if your venue is holding a fayre of their own

If you have enquired with or booked a venue and they hold a showcase event, they are very likely to invite you along or let you know via a newsletter. This is a great opportunity to meet many of their recommended suppliers. Do talk to them in person if you can, rather than just picking up a flyer. Every wedding supplier I know is always friendly, and very keen to help you enjoy the wedding day of your dreams!

Tip 3: Make a plan before you attend

Are there particular suppliers you want to meet, or maybe they’re laying on a catwalk show at particular times? Visit the show organiser’s website to see the list of suppliers who’ll be there and perhaps make a quick list you can tick off on the notes app your phone as you go around. I find Google Keep great for this sort of thing.

Tip 4: Keep an eye on time as you’re going around

It’s easy to get talking to suppliers and, if you aren’t careful, you might miss the supplier you really wanted to meet or the crafting demo that had caught your eye. Shows tend to be very busy in the first couple of hours and quieter towards closing time. So if you have specific goals in mind, going later can save you time and help you make the most out of your visit.

Tip 5: Review your visit while you remember it

The next evening, and ideally with your partner, set aside time to go through the bag of flyers and catalogues you’ve picked up. Put a tick on literature from suppliers you want to talk to again and a cross on flyers that don’t hit the spot for you. You can bin these.  On flyers from suppliers on your emerging shortlist, make a quick note of why you liked what they offered and any questions that have come to you since you met them. This will make you feel more confident when you talk to them again.

Meet me at the following shows over the next few months:

19 May 2024, Rookesbury Park, 11 am – 3 pm

2 June, Rownhams House, 11 am – 3 pm

13 October, Winchester Guildhall, 11 am – 3 pm