As we start to emerge from the dark depth of January, there’s a lot to look forward to when February finally arrives. It feels as if it’s time to come out of hibernation.
And, with that in mind, I have details of a wedding show that our lovely brides in the North will want to know about; Bride: The Wedding Show takes over Tatton Park in Cheshire on the 1st and 2nd February and it’s set to be a very fun day with access to some really fab suppliers all excited to help your wedding day be the most wonderful experience you could imagine.
With 150 exhibitors all ready and waiting to help you with your plans, four fashion shows each day, live music, a champagne bar and lots of show-only savings, Bride: The Wedding Show is a fab day out to look forward to visiting with your fiance, your besties or mum.
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If you’re new to wedding planning and are working on a 2020 or 2021 wedding, then let us tell you that visiting a wedding show is a lot of fun. Whether you go with your partner or your friends and family, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your plans and really immerse yourself in the world of weddings and have an opportunity to run your questions past the experts.
We got chatting with the team planning this event, who thought you might appreciate some wedding planning tips from some of their exhibitors….
Your Wedding Venue venue
“Take your time when it comes to planning,” says Megan Slade, Senior Events Coordinator at The Mere. “There’s a lot for couples to decide on from venues, outfits and décor. Look for inspiration and meet with suppliers before making rash decisions to make sure everything on your day is the way you really want it.”
Abigail Beddows, Senior Wedding & Events Coordinator at Standon Hall says: “Picking a venue is similar to how you will pick your dress or how you picked the person you want to marry, it is the feeling you will get when you walk in and know that this is the one.”
Half price tickets for Love My Dress readers – click here
“When you go for your show rounds, look out for the little details, because it is the little details that make the big day. Ask questions – does the venue have exclusive use or is it also a hotel where you share public spaces? Are there any sound limits for your evening entertainment? Can you bring your own suppliers as some venues will have preferred suppliers.”
Charlie, Wedding & Events Coordinator at Cottons Hotel & Spa, has a great tip that I know really works for lots of couples: “Create a wedding email address which can be used for planning stages of the wedding. As part of this email I would create folders for each supplier and venue used to help keep a clear record of emails and be as organised as possible.”
Your dress
“Ideally start to shop nine to 12 months in advance,” advises Judy Holmes from J&J Designs Bridal. “Gowns typically take anywhere from 4-10 months to be made and it is worth factoring in shipping times if your dress is made in Paris or Milan. Pinterest and Instagram are brilliant for ideas and inspiration on wedding dresses. Follow your favourite blogs, designers and bridal salons to discover new collections.”
The team at Cheshire Bridal Boutique suggest that you really make the most of your boutique appointment: “Do your research and don’t be afraid to make requests ahead of your appointment; think carefully about who you bring with you as they can make or break the day and, of course, don’t forget to have fun!”
More wedding planning tips
“For your cake to have maximum wow factor, give consideration to how and where it will be displayed. This could include having a fabulous stand, a floral arrangement to perfectly frame the design, or even to include it as the focal piece of a dessert table.” – Nicola Thomas of Boutique Bakery.
“When it comes to your band or entertainment, book early to avoid disappointment. Most people remember two things from weddings – food and entertainment. But, so often entertainment is often one of the last things that’s booked in after everything else has been sorted.”
Half price tickets for Love My Dress readers – click here
“Most good entertainers (not just related to bands and DJs, including things like magicians, toastmasters etc) will be booked many months in advance, so if you find someone you like get them booked in as soon as possible!”– Tom of The Pedal Tones
“When it comes to outfits for the mothers of the bride and groom, fit is everything. Very few of us are stock sizes and mass produced clothes rarely flatter as well as they should. A fully made to measure service, like ours, means everyone, including petites and plus sizes, will look their very best. Be confident and don’t compromise.” – Maria Morris from Maria Morris Couture.
“Attending a wedding can be a long day and there are times when the happy couple will be busy with photos so you might want to think about fun ways to keep your guests busy. Having a pop up crazy golf course is one way of bringing everyone together from both , suitable for all ages you can treat the winners to a special prize.” – Phil Butler from Crazy 9 Golf.
“Go for decorations that last and take a piece of your wedding day home with you! Neon signs that can be used on your wedding day and then be used in the home afterwards are a big trend for 2020.” – Suzy & Ollie Pearson from The Word Is Love and Wildfire Neon.
And the romance experts at Sandals Resorts suggest the hot new trend for destination weddings: “Island-hopping proving to be a popular trend in the Caribbean – particularly twin centre wedding-moons, which offer the option to have a ceremony in one location and honeymoon in another. This way, couples don’t have to choose just one resort or island and can experience the best of both worlds.”
And you, lovely readers, can snap up half-price tickets for Bride: The Wedding Show at Tatton Park. Quote TATTONLMD when you book and standard tickets will cost just £5 instead of £10. To buy your half-price tickets now, just click here.
To find out more about Bride: The Wedding Show at Tatton Park 1st-2ndFebruary 2020 and all the other Bride shows, do visit the website for oodles of information.
Half price tickets for Love My Dress readers – click here
Annabel
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Annabel is the founder of Love My Dress. She lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, two daughters Eska and Leanora and three dogs. She is passionate about photography, supporting women in business and in life, and is in her element being surrounded by nature and the countryside.