It will soon be that time of year again when couples who are looking for inspiration, suppliers and advice start to visit the many wedding shows that are up and coming all over the UK.
My advice is to make a list of things you want to check out before you go. You can get very side tracked with the hundreds of supplies on offer, and end up not getting what you went for and spending your budget on the wrong things.
There will be many special offers to take advantage of so keep your eyes peeled. As well as that there are new product launches so again watch out for those, you maybe the first to grab a bargain. The shows are a great place to find a wedding dress at show discounts too. Maybe you could not afford that designer gown you love but if there is 20% off it then it becomes that much more affordable.
Think, take care and shop around. Budgets are tight this year so make the most of what the shows have to offer.
One last thing, the shows are great for being able to meet and chat to the suppliers. You will be able to see if they are right for you. Your suppliers will make your wedding planning that much more enjoyable and stress free so choose wisely. It is a great time saver too as they are all under one roof.
Rebecca from Chilli Sauce has kindly send me a round up of some of the best shows running in 2012.
UK Wedding Shows not to be missed in 2012
In the lead up to the Wedding every bride will want some inspiration, advice and guidance on all things wedding, and wedding fairs are a great place to start. With all your wedding needs catered for under one roof representatives from venues to bridal wear outlets are there to answer any questions and fulfil all your wedding dreams.
Wedding shows are held all over the country and throughout the year, so chose your location and time precisely to get the most out of your wedding show. Whether you go as a couple or use it as a girly day out, wedding shows are well worth the visit.
Midlands Wedding Show, Ricoh Arena
Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd January 2011-12-19
The Ricoh Arena hosted its first wedding show last year and is a purpose built exhibition centre. This years show boasts over 100 exhibitors, all offering expert advice from the wedding industry. The venue has great facilities with bars, restaurants and a casino. The 2012 Midlands Wedding Show will feature catwalk fashion shows and the most beautiful bridal and formal wear selections, with leading brand names Moss Bros, Sandals Resorts and Tying the Knot.
There will be a whole host of exhibitors offering services on varying budgets and styles to suit all needs and preferences. Special offers at this event include a free gift or free bridal ticket when registering before the event, as well as exclusive discount coupons available on the day. There is free entry and free parking for all guests that pre register.
The Liverpool Wedding Show, The Grand Pavilion
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th January 2012
Set in the extensive grounds of the Knowsley Safari Park, the Liverpool Wedding show is set to impress guests by allowing them the opportunity to speak directly to companies and spy the latest trends and deals. Be inspired by suppliers and specialists in all areas of wedding planning and browse over 130 stands.
Relax and unwind in the VIP lounge and be entertained in the Live lounge, before or after you discover all the local and national wedding vendors this event has to offer. With three catwalk shows a day, there will be plenty of time to see and hear everything.
Tickets are available online, so get yours before they run out!
Manchester Bridal Show, The Triangle Shopping Centre
Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th February 2012
Ladies! Get set for 2 whole days of wedding shopping bliss with Manchester’s Bridal show, conveniently hosted in the central Triangle shopping centre. Attending the show will be wedding specialists, wedding retailers and event suppliers to provide you with all you will need for your perfect wedding day. Complete with wedding advisors ready to inspire and accommodate all your wedding needs, you will be spoilt for choice.
Enjoy watching one of three stunning catwalk shows, with contemporary bridal design and styles in bridal, mother of the bride and mens wedding wear. There will also be live entertainment and product giveaways from brands Lush and Thomas Cook, so make sure you head down and register for a chance to win some fab goodies.
The event has free entry and you can browse everything from make- up artists to wedding car hire companies to add all the individual elements you want to plan your special day. Make the most of all the shops at The Triangle and enjoy a day or two of retail therapy.
London Wedding Show, ExCel
Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th February 2012
London ExCel is the UKs fastest growing venue, and this year guarantees over 150 stands, with use of an extended area to provide a wider range of facilities than last year. The London Wedding Show will consist of national and local suppliers with extensive ranges, from designer pieces and bespoke package deals to budget and discount suppliers. The venues facilities include a coffee bar, new this year and also a champagne bar. Tickets are priced at £9 in advance or £10 on the door, but do bear in mind that queues may be longer for tickets purchased on the door.
Free goody bags will be distributed to all guests on the day, so be sure to get go along and get yours!
Miss Vintage Wedding Affair, Glenmore House, Surrey
Sunday 19th February 2012
This Wedding show is ideal for brides wanting a unique and vintage style wedding who want to get creative and get involved. Miss Vintage Wedding Affair offer suppliers from every wedding day aspects like florists, dress makers and handmade wedding stationary vendors. Inside the stunning 1840’s venue is a 1930’s style bar where you can enjoy drinks on purchase. Glenmore House itself is ideal as a wedding reception venue, with glass chandeliers and can accommodate parties of 25 up to 140 guests.
There is no fee for brides to be and a £1 entry fee for friends or family of the bride. Although this wedding show is small it is certainly not lacking in great stalls and exhibitors if you are looking for individual and creative accents for your wedding. The location is easily accessible by rail if you are travelling from London of the surrounding areas, as well as by car.
The National Wedding Show, London Olympia
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th February
This is the UK largest Wedding Show with over 250 exhibitors offering many ideas and inspiration for your special day. This bridal show offers the widest range of wedding day elements from gowns, catering, cars and venues. The National Wedding Show highlights the beauty of being able to sample and test products before you buy, making wedding planning simple and more importantly enjoyable.
Special guests from Rock My Wedding will hold ‘all about the pretty’ advice sessions alongside bridal coaching to help boost brides confidence for the big day. Of course The National Wedding Show has a catwalk show and a special vintage wedding area, equipped with everything you need to design your perfect day . Organisers stress the need to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. You can purchase VIP tickets which will gain you access to the show, entitle you to a glass of champagne on arrival and relax in the VIP lounge as well as many other exclusive treats.
Don’t forget The National Wedding Show in Birmingham too on March 16th – 18th.
Thanks again to Rebecca from Chilli Sauce .
Until next time, happy planning.
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