Wedding Fairs: Are They Really Worth It or Just Completely Overwhelming?

By Kelly Sexton, The Bridal Coach – DIY Wedding Mentor & Champion of Budget-Savvy Brides

Everywhere

You’re engaged – congratulations!
This is the start of one of the most exciting (and occasionally bonkers!) chapters of your life. Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day since you were ten or you’re suddenly staring at your ring thinking, “Now what?” you’re in exactly the right place.

As The Bridal Coach behind Creative Brides, I help couples create unforgettable weddings without the stress, debt, or pressure to have a Pinterest-perfect day. I’m a former event planner, DIY wedding creator, and once a DIY bride myself (married for nearly 20 years – yep, really!). Now, I support amazing couples just like you who want their day to reflect who they are, not what social media says it should be.

And today, we’re diving into a question I hear all the time from newly engaged couples:

“Are wedding fairs actually worth it – or are they just overwhelming and full of stuff I can’t afford?”

Spoiler Alert: Wedding Fairs Can Be Absolutely BRILLIANT…

If you know how to use them to your advantage.

One of the biggest perks? You get to meet potential suppliers face-to-face. This gives you a real sense of their personality, style, and vibe which is so important, especially for suppliers you’ll be working closely with, like your photographer, DJ, or planner.

It’s not just about what they offer it’s about how they make you feel.

Let me show you how to make the most of every wedding fair you attend…

First Things First: Let’s Celebrate!

Before we dive in, let’s take a second and soak it in. You’re ENGAGED! Whether it happened under the stars or in your PJs with pizza, this moment is magic.

Whether you're dreaming of a whimsical woodland wedding, a DIY garden party, or a funky festival vibe with flower crowns and food vans, your day should reflect you and your partner. That’s what I stand for in everything I do helping couples plan a wedding that’s personal, practical, and perfect for your story.

So… What Are Wedding Fairs?

Wedding fairs (sometimes called wedding shows or expos) are events where wedding suppliers gather under one roof to showcase their services. Think florists, photographers, cake makers, entertainers, and venue stylists all ready to chat, inspire, and yes, try to get you to book them.

Expect catwalk shows, demos, samples and let’s be honest a lot of sparkle. Some are small and local, others are huge, national-scale events.

But are they worth your time? Let’s explore…

Types of Wedding Fairs (and Which Might Suit You)

💒 Regional & County Fairs

• Held in hotels, racecourses, wedding venues or event spaces

• Often free or £3–£5 entry

• Great for meeting local suppliers you could actually hire

• 50–150 exhibitors – busy, but manageable

• Larger fairs often include demos or catwalks

• Usually on a Sunday, though larger ones may span the weekend

Kelly’s Tip: Go early for free goodie bags (they go quick!) or go later for a quieter browse.

🌍 The Big National Wedding Shows

• Events like The National Wedding Show (London, NEC Birmingham, Manchester), The Scottish Wedding Show

• Tickets start around £20 (early bird/VIP available)

• 200–400+ suppliers from across the UK

• Ideal for ALL the inspo – dresses, venues, honeymoons, the lot

• Live catwalks, expert talks, hands-on demos

Kelly’s Take: Great for a girls’ day out with your bridal party. Expect to leave with a tote full of leaflets, maybe a manicure or massage, and a brain full of ideas. Just don’t expect to tick everything off in one day – they’re huge!

Boutique & Themed Fairs

• Focused on eco-weddings, vintage styles, luxe venues, or alternative themes

• Fewer than 50 curated exhibitors

• More intimate and relaxed vibe

• May include workshops or expert Q&As

Perfect for: Couples with a clear vision or values (eco-conscious, vintage lovers, indie vibes). These fairs attract your kind of people.

Venue Open Days

• Hosted by a specific venue to showcase their wedding setup

• Usually includes their preferred suppliers

• Great chance to see the venue styled, meet coordinators, and get a feel for the space

Kelly’s Tip: Brilliant if you're venue-hunting – you’ll know quickly if it feels right.

Let’s Talk About the Overwhelm…

Here’s the thing: wedding fairs can be amazing. But they can also be A LOT.

You’re newly engaged. You’ve pinned 37 colour schemes and still don’t know what a “tablescape” is. Then BAM you walk into a fair and it’s wall-to-wall dresses, DJs shouting over catwalk music, and someone hands you a glass of prosecco before you’ve had breakfast.

You’re thinking:
“How do people afford this?!”

I’ve been there. I once fake-planned a wedding at a fair, just to see what it would cost. No venue, no dress, no catering… and I was already at £5,000! 😳

No wonder some couples walk out more stressed than inspired.

Wedding Fair Prep – Let’s Get You Ready!

Here’s the secret: professional wedding planners do this prep automatically. But as your Bridal Coach, I want you to know how to do it – and we cover all of this (and more!) inside the Creative Brides Members Club.

But let me give you a strong head start right now.

Start With Vision, Not Vendors

Before you even step into a wedding fair, sit down with your partner and talk through your vision. This isn’t about details – it’s about direction.

Ask each other:

• What do we want our wedding day to feel like? (Relaxed? Romantic? Wild? Elegant?)

• What do we want our guests to remember?

• Do we want a small gathering or a big party?

• What are our absolute must-haves?

• What could we skip or simplify?

• Rough idea of guest numbers?

• Any style or theme in mind?

• Venue vibe: Indoor/outdoor? Rustic/modern? On-site accommodation?

  

• What’s our ballpark budget?

These questions will guide every decision – including what to prioritise at a wedding fair.

Vendor Fair Game Plan (taking things to the next level)

Now your vision is clearer, let’s make the fair work for you:

✅ Make a Vendor Hit List
Focus on key categories: e.g. venues, florists, dresses, DJs. Avoid the scattergun approach. To avoid overwhelm.

✅ Come Prepared With Questions
Ask things like:

• Are you available on our date?

• What’s included in your packages?

• Do you charge for travel/setup?

• When should we book?

✅ Bring Admin Tools

• Notepad/phone notes

• Folder for business cards/leaflets

• Take pics of stalls you love (you’ll forget otherwise!)

✅ Be Selective
Don’t take every sample or flyer – only what’s useful.

✅ Follow Up With Intention
Found a supplier you love? Research them later. Take your time.

✅ Don’t Feel Pressured
No need to book on the day. Practice saying:

“We’re just starting to plan – we’re gathering ideas.”

Remember: you’re allowed to browse. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to take your time.

You’ve got this – and I’ve got you. 💕

Want Extra Support? Join Me Inside Creative Brides – The Members Club

This is where the real magic happens.

If you're dreaming of a wedding that's creative, personal, and affordable this is the place for you.

Inside the Members Club, you’ll get:

• 🎓 The Full Wedding Planning Course

• ✨ Vision & Values Worksheets

• 💸 Budget Planners & Supplier Checklists

• 📺 Weekly Live Sessions With Me

• 💬 Supportive Bride-to-Bride Community

• 🎁 Exclusive Discounts & Bonus Tutorials

• 🙌 Judgement-Free, Real-World Advice

Membership is just £15/month with a 7-day free trial and cancel-anytime flexibility.

“So helpful and kind. Feel really looked after and like our wedding matters to her! Brilliant advice and ideas, not judgy or pushy – just sound considerations to make with space to reflect. Plus I’ve met some really great people in the process! Love the live chats and updates.”
— Gemma, Creative Bride Member

👉 Click on link to find out more.

Creative Brides | Pro Planning Membership

Kelly’s useful links...

Thinking of giving one a go? Start here:

• The National Wedding Show – The UK’s largest bridal fair, packed with suppliers, runways, demos.
  nationalweddingshow.co.uk

• The Scottish Wedding Show – Scotland’s biggest, with live bands, Q&As, and loads of inspo.
  thescottishweddingshow.com

• County Wedding Events – Free-entry regional fairs across England, hosted at top venues.
  countyweddingevents.com

• Main Event Wedding Shows – Trusted fairs across Essex, Herts, Beds and more.
  mainweddingsandevents.co.uk

• Guides for Brides Live Events – Boutique fairs, expert Q&As, and venue showcases.
  guidesforbrides.co.uk

• Hitched.co.uk Fair Listings – The UK’s most comprehensive wedding fair directory.
  hitched.co.uk/wedding-fairs

If this helped, I’d love for you to share it with a newly engaged friend – and if you want support, fun, and genuinely helpful planning advice, I’d love to welcome you inside the Members Club.

Here’s to your dream day – without the stress.