By Two Wedding Celebrants Who’ve Seen It All
Ah, wedding fayres. Magical lands where dreams of wedded bliss meet the chaotic hustle of cake samples, floral arrangements, and DJs desperately trying to hand you their business card. As celebrants, we’ve attended a lot of these events – as both suppliers and customers may we add! – and we’re here to help you navigate the madness like a pro. Think of us as your wedding sherpas – minus the mountain and plus a lot of champagne flutes.
1. Choose Your Fayre Wisely
Not all wedding fayres are created equal. There are the small, intimate affairs with handpicked vendors, and then there are the big, sparkly extravaganzas (think the NEC!) where you’ll probably need a map (and possibly a snack).
Boutique Fayres: Perfect if you want a more personal experience. These often showcase local, unique suppliers and give you time to chat without feeling rushed.
Mega Fayres: Great for inspiration but be prepared for sensory overload. RSW pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Trust us, you don’t want to hobble away from the prosecco stand.
2. Go in with a Plan (and a Big Bag)
Wedding fayres can feel a bit like a wedding version of Black Friday.
To make the most of your visit:
Do Your Research: Check which suppliers will be there. Got your heart set on a particular photographer or celebrant? Head straight for their stand before the crowd descends.
Bring a Bag: You’ll be handed leaflets, brochures, and possibly a free slice of cake or two. A sturdy tote is a lifesaver (bonus points if it’s cute enough to make the other brides jealous).
Have a Budget: Fayres are designed to tempt you. It’s easy to fall in love with a £10,000 crystal chandelier centrepiece, but keep your budget in mind.
3. Talk to the Suppliers (But Don’t Feel Obliged)
Suppliers are there to showcase their best work, but this is your day – don’t feel pressured into making snap decisions. Take your time to:
Ask Questions: “What makes you unique?” is a great one. We wedding suppliers love talking about our passion, and you’ll get a feel for our personality and style.
Gather Info: Grab business cards, take photos, and jot down notes. You won’t remember who “the one with the flower wall and the bubble machine” was otherwise.
RSW pro tip: Many suppliers offer discounts when you book at the show. If you’re sure they’re the right ones for you then go for it so as not to miss out, but it’s always worth asking them if they’ll extend the discount for a week or two – they often will ��
4. Say Yes to the Cake Samples
No explanation needed. This is the real reason you came. (Note from Gayle - us too! It is ALL about the cake samples x)
5. Don’t Forget to Meet the Celebrants!
Okay, a little self-promotion here (we’re celebrants; it’s what we do). Wedding fayres are a great chance to meet us face-to-face and see if we vibe. A good celebrant will:
Make you feel at ease
Be full of ideas for creating a personal ceremony
Probably make you laugh (if we can’t make you laugh, we’re not doing our job)
6. Bring Your Support Crew (Within Reason)
Bringing your fiancé is ideal – after all, it’s their wedding too. A bridesmaid or parent can also be helpful, but leave your entire bridal party at home unless you want decision-making to feel like herding cats.
7. Don’t Stress – Have Fun!
Wedding fayres are supposed to be fun, not stressful. Take your time, enjoy the free prosecco, and soak up the atmosphere. And if you get overwhelmed, just remember: you’re planning a party, not solving world peace.
8. Follow Up After the Fayre
You’ve met some amazing suppliers and collected a mountain of business cards. Don’t let them gather dust! Drop them a follow on Instagram, contact the ones you loved, book consultations, and start turning your wedding vision into reality. And also, if you’ve left them your contact details, they are likely going to follow up with you. We beg of you, please don’t ghost them – a ‘thanks but no thanks’ is absolutely fine, but don’t leave them hanging.
Final Thoughts from Your Celebrant Guides
Whether you’re a meticulous planner with colour-coded folders or someone who just wants to find the cake with the most tiers, wedding fayres can be a goldmine of inspiration. So, grab your fiancé, your best walking shoes, and your sense of humour, and dive in. Who knows? You might just find the one (and we’re talking about your celebrant here, obviously).
Rebecca xx
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