Hey guys,
I hope everyone has had a fab start to the New Year!
To kick off my 2023 digital diary entries, I thought I'd share my 5 top reasons why you should attend wedding shows. Over the next few months, I'll be advertising my wedding photography at numerous venues throughout Cheshire, and I thought I'd share some reasons why attending a wedding show should be at the top of your wedding 'To Do' list!
1. Wedding inspiration galore:
Attending a wedding show is one of the easiest ways to meet different wedding suppliers. Googling 'Cheshire wedding photographer' for example, can be overwhelming - the results are endless, and the same can be said for searching #cheshireweddingphotographer on social media. It's hard to decide who you connect with, and without face-to-face conversations, it makes your decision process 10x harder.
By attending a wedding show, you'll find a whole host of amazing, trusted suppliers all in one place. You can browse each business at your own pace, chat to those who you feel drawn to, and even discover cool, original ideas for your big day. Which leads me nicely onto my second point...
2. You will meet an incredible range wedding suppliers:
Trust me, wedding shows always manage to curate diverse supplier line-ups; from wedding photographers, florists, caterers, entertainment / singers, photo booths, florists, venues, HMUA's, gown & suit suppliers, and so much more. You'll leave with so many fab ideas, and hopefully a refined list of wedding-must haves!
TOP TIP: Take careful note of how each wedding supplier displays their stand / work. You can tell a LOT about a company by the way they present themselves. It's true that we buy with our eyes, and invest in the people behind the business - so if you don't get exited the minute you notice their stand, and don't click with their personality, they probably aren't right for your big day.
3. You can skip the back & forth email communication:
Admittedly, email communication when planning a wedding can be tedious, and technology can occasionally cause havoc (as I'm sure we all know!). I always aim to respond to my emails within 24hrs, however sometimes this just isn't possible for one reason or another, so I always advise interested couples to attend a wedding show to come and see me in person.
Wedding shows allow me to meet new couples, and give me the time to chat about my Cheshire wedding photography services in detail. Prospective couples are welcome to ask questions, flick through my sample albums / prints, and are given a 15% off flyer to redeem against their full day booking. Those who are seriously interested in my work can even book in their initial consultations, request a personalised quotation, and reserve their wedding date on the spot.
With that being said, these brilliant events aren't exclusively for new clients. I always extend the invitation to all of my existing couples, who are welcome to attend the wedding show for a good old catch up.
4. Grab some money-saving wedding show discounts:
We all love a discount, especially when it's applied to a wedding service. Planning a wedding can incur a great cost, so a lot of wedding suppliers will offer discounted services for all wedding show bookings. For example, I currently offer 15% off full day packages for those who book with me within 1 month of the wedding show date. *T&Cs apply.
TOP TIP: Although a discount is always helpful when trying to stick within a budget, please keep in mind that the cost of a wedding supplier should be 100% reflective of their talent, work ethic, knowledge of the wedding industry, and the client experience they promise. So typically, a supplier who will go above and beyond to provide you with an exceptional service, will cost that little bit extra.
5. It's a fun day out for you & your wedding party / family & friends:
This goes without saying, but wedding shows are an absolute blast! I love watching everyone enjoying themselves and laughing with their nearest and dearest. Indulge in fizz & delicious foodie treats, try out the photo booths, dance to your fave songs, and watch the catwalk shows for wedding outfit inspiration. There really is such a buzz and fun atmosphere at wedding shows, and once you've been to one you'll want to attend them all!
Here's a list of wedding shows where you'll find me in/around Cheshire this spring/summer:
22nd Jan - Stock Farm Wedding Fayre. 12pm - 3pm. (Free entry)
5th March - The Luxury Wedding Fayre at Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford. 12pm - 3pm. (Free entry - tickets must be acquired through the website).
19th March - The Shropshire Wedding Fayre. 11am - 3pm. (Free entry).
2nd April - The Manchester Wedding Fayre. 11am - 3pm. (Free entry).
23rd April - Celebration Events The Venue Cymru Wedding Fayre. 11am - 4pm. (Free entry).
21st May - Brides Up North WEDSTIVAL. 11am - 4pm. Couple registration opening soon.
So be sure to save the dates and come along to chat all things candid wedding photography!
