In our previous post, we highlighted the importance of networking and how wedding suppliers like you can network smarter to secure more referrals.
This week, we thought we’d take a look at exactly which big wedding industry events are happening in your area as we near the end of peak wedding season 2017.
Whether you’re interested in attending a big wedding industry event to network or are hoping to have an exhibition stand at the next great wedding show, here are some of the names you need to have on your radar…
London 2017 / 2018
National Wedding Show: London Olympia
Friday 22nd September
Featuring over 300 of the UK’s finest wedding suppliers across stationery, bridal wear, jewellery, favours and wedding cakes – to name a few – The National Wedding Show is one of London’s biggest and best opportunities to showcase your specialism and network up a storm!
Pssst! The Bridebook team will be here too so hunt us out for any ‘on-the-spot’ networking tips or even just for a good old chin wag!
The National Wedding Show: ExCeL London
Saturday 21st October 2017
The ExCel London show (born of a joint venture between The Wedding Fair and The National Wedding Show) is fundamentally the same but slightly smaller than the Olympia show above – but every bit just as good!
The October ExCel Wedding Show features around 200 of the UK’s finest wedding professionals and their skilled wedding work.
Pssst! The Bridebook team will be here too!
Chosen London Wedding Fair: Islington Assembly Hall
Sunday 8th October 2017
A small but exciting event, the Chosen London Wedding Fair is a newer addition to the Wedding Show scene featuring creative, unique, modern and vintage suppliers, ideas and services.
We’re talking cutting edge trends from London’s most stylish wedding pro’s – showcasing the very best in contemporary wedding design. Between 25-50 exhibitors.
The London Bridal Show – An International Bridal Buying Event: EXCEL London
25 – 27 March 2018
This international bridal buying event features over 200 collections from over 100 exhibitors over the course of three days. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to impress over 2000 attendees.
Technically one for 2018 however entries, nominations and voting is now open. Attending this fantastic award ceremony will grace you with the company of industry greats. It provides a fantastic opportunity for wedding pro’s like you to find out what the best in the business have been up to as well as giving you the chance to meet and speak with industry experts afterwards over a glass of wine.
East of England 2017
The Suffolk Wedding Show: Wherstead Park
Sunday 24th September 2017
The Suffolk Wedding Show takes place on Sunday 24th September 2017 (10:30am – 3:00pm) at Wherstead Park. This show is the biggest of its kind in the area and featured around 75 exhibitors at its last show.
East Of England Wedding Show
Peterborough Arena, East Of England Showground
Sunday 22nd October 2017
Now in its 13th year this prestigious event is one of the best known and loved wedding shows in the east. Attracting the most spectacular exhibitors and a huge number of visitors from across the region, this wedding show now boasts over 80 stands, amazing fashion shows and the greatest exhibitors in the region.
The Cambridge Wedding Fair: Anstey Hall
22nd October 2017
The Cambridge Wedding Fair is recognised for its unique fashion shows featuring some of the very latest in bridal style, as well as between 25-50 inspirational exhibitors from in and around the Cambridge area.
South West of England 2017
Cheltenham Bride & Groom Wedding Show: Cheltenham Town Hall
Sunday 3rd September 2017
Attending the Cheltenham Bride & Groom Wedding Show will give you the chance to meet some of your County’s finest fellow wedding suppliers! Join 75-100 exhibitors also hoping to network with you and secure more bookings.
The Bath Wedding Show: Guildhall Bath
Sunday 17th September 2017
This friendly, welcoming wedding exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet likeminded wedding suppliers in a glorious environment. Expect between 50-75 exhibiting wedding suppliers.
The Dorset & Somerset Wedding Showcase: The Exchange, Sturminster Newton
Sunday 17th September 2017
Showcasing the most talented wedding professionals in North Dorset and South Somerset this wedding show will be showcasing the work of 50-75 wedding suppliers all of whom serve the rural areas of Dorset and Somerset.
Plymouth Guildhall Wedding Extravaganza: Plymouth Guildhall
Sunday 17th September 2017
With up to 100 stands, the Dream Weddings Extravaganza at Plymouth Guildhall is the city’s biggest and best wedding fair so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see what your fellow wedding professionals are cooking up for 2018 weddings.
Midlands & North of England 2017
Birmingham National Wedding Show: NEC, Birmingham
29th September – 1st October 2017
Officially the UK’s Biggest Wedding Show, the Birmingham National will feature over 300 wedding specialists from all areas of the industry; from bridal boutiques, venues, honeymoon companies, florists, wedding cake companies to jewellers, photographers and everything in between. This is truly one not to be missed.
Pssst! The Bridebook team will be here too!
Manchester Wedding Show: Manchester Central
28th – 29th October 2017
The North West’s biggest wedding show is back! With over 250 wedding specialists from bridal florists to jewellers and photographers, this is a networking and / or exhibiting opportunity to take full advantage of if you’re local to Manchester.
Pssst! The Bridebook team will be here too!
Durham Wedding Show: Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground
Sunday 24th September 2017
The hugely popular Durham Wedding Show is back this September with up to 75 exhibitors and a whopping 1500 visitors or moreregularly attending.
Newcastle Wedding Show: Newcastle Racecourse
Sunday 1st October 2017
Expect to find the North East’s most impressive wedding suppliers and wedding venues exhibiting at Newcastle Racecourse this October. With 100 stands expected to be filled, could you be an exhibitor this year? Get yourself down to the Racecourse anyway to mingle with the industry elite in your local area.
The North of England Wedding Awards
Monday 18th September 2017
One to watch; this annual Gala Awards Dinner held to celebrate outstanding customer service from the wedding industry throughout Yorkshire and North East England is an event you don’t want to miss in 2018. Whether as a guest or a nominee for an award, surround yourself with the best in the business.
Scotland 2017
The Scottish Wedding Show: Scottish Event Campus, Exhibition Way, Glasgow
7 – 8th October 2017
Scotland’s largest wedding show will feature over 300 suppliers taking over the SEC and providing you with inspiration and networking opportunities. Enjoy glittering catwalk shows and a cocktail bar to keep you entertained and inspired for hours!
The Big Dundee Wedding Exhibition: The Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee DD1 3BB, UK
14th October 2017
Between 11:30 am – 4:00 pm over 100 exhibitors will adorn City Square for the opportunity to meet newly engaged couples and local wedding suppliers like you.
Wales 2017
Top Tier The Members Centre Wedding Fair: Royal Welsh Showground
Sunday 1st October 2017
Get yourself along to Mid Wales’ biggest Wedding Fair at the The Members Centre at the Royal Welsh Showground, where the finest local wedding suppliers will be on hand to showcase their wedding talents. The clue is in the name – this really is an event for the best of the wedding supplier bunch. Between 50 – 75 exhibitors expected.
Chosen Artisan Wedding Fair: Portland House Cardiff
18th March 2018
Sister to the Chosen wedding event in London, Chosen Artisan Wedding Fair Cardiff is returning once more to the gorgeous Old Banking Hall to feature 25-50 wedding exhibitors and welcome hundreds of newly engaged couples looking to create their very own wedding with a difference.
Showcasing some of the finest artisan businesses in Wales and the South West, you can guarantee you’ll be in good company here; amongst the most talented and passionate creatives, designer-makers and businesses in Wales.
Will you be attending a wedding show in your local area this year?
Let us know of any must-visit wedding fairs near you and we could feature them in our upcoming articles on networking and the importance of attending events in your local area.