As part of our brand new series, we’re so exited to be interviewing a selection of fantastic wedding specialists. We take pride in recommending the finest in the industry, and hope this series will help connect you with suppliers for your wedding day.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce trendy mobile bar company The Distillery Box.
Tell us more
A mobile bar service offering the option of a beautifully converted Richardson horse box which is now a fully functioning bar which can be perfectly placed outside or inside (Marquee/Barn) and/or a rustic style bar which is perfect for indoor events or garden parties. (This comes in either a 6ft or 12ft size).
What makes you different?
We understand how important the bar is for your big day which is why tailor every aspect of the bar creating an everlasting experience. Starting with the drinks; we will supply and serve any drink that you desire, you have the choice of any drink on draught and we will create and personalise cocktails for the happy couple.
We will colour co-ordinate the dressing of the bar(s) to ensure its in keeping with your wedding theme. Finally, we feel passionate about our environmental footstep which is why we offer the option of biodegradable plant cups or glassware as well as recycling everything that we use (we even use plant-based ink and recycled materials for our business cards and flyers).
How did it all start?
Our journey began after working for years in the events and hospitality industry and feeling frustrated that our ideas to improve the services on offer where not being taken on board – so one day we sat down and decided we wanted to do something we were really passionate about. After a couple of weeks of bouncing ideas about we decided to combine our love of working with people with our love of all things distilled, and The Distillery Box was born!
Why should couples choose you?
We have over 25 years experience in customer service and believe in creating an experience that will help realise your vision of your special day or event. Our top priority is exceeding your expectations and providing nothing less than the highest level of customer care. We don’t want to be strangers on your big day when serving your favourite tipple which is why we ensure we build a good relationship throughout the planning and preparation on the run up to your big day.
Words of wisdom
Don’t forget it’s YOUR day, you should feel like it is a day that you have created and not a day that has been restricted by too many of … “You can’t have this and you can’t have that” because your wedding day should be full of love, laughter and a happily ever after.
Top Tips for Creating a Beautiful Instagram Page for Businesses
BY CLAIRE BOON
12/08/2019
5 MIN READ
Social media can be mind-boggling. Everything moves so quickly and platforms are constantly changing, meaning we have to keep adapting. However, something that rarely changes is your Instagram page.
Your Instagram page is the perfect window into your business, so it’s important it’s striking but also inviting. Whether you are a wedding photographer, makeup artist or something else, you use Instagram to feature your best work and build up a great following.
Your page offers a window into your world and it’s something you should be really proud of.
But more often that not, we see business grids that are messy, unorganised and just a bit unsatisfying. Your page needs to make people feel like they don’t want to miss your next post.
Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve recently been spending much more time working at Instagram to try and increase engagement and following. I’ve worked hard to improve my overall appearance and have formulated some of top tips that I’m about to share to help you create a beautiful Instagram page.
Free images
The first step to making your Instagram pretty is to post some high quality images. I often go to Unsplash if I’m feeling a little stuck for content. Unsplash has a fantastic catalogue of high quality, free images. It’s really easy to search for what you’re looking for, then just hit ‘download’ for instant access. Do make sure to credit the photographer though – after all, they’ve been so kind to give you their image for free!
There are plenty of other stock image services available too.
Colour palette
Every business should have a set colour scheme. This may be colours picked from your logo, or simply a selection of colours that you love. I’d recommend having a few tones that all compliment each other. We love everything PINK so we use a range of baby pinks, fuchsia’s and neutrals.
Image template
We love creating templates that we basically recycle constantly. It helps to keep style consistent and will help your brand become instantly recognisable.
It doesn’t have to be anything complex or something only a graphic designer would be able to create, as long as the colour and font remains the same that’s all that really matters.
Canva is a fantastic app for templates. Take a look what you can find and begin customising!
Get creative
Play around with placement of images on your grid. I like to think of my Instagram page like a website – it should be attractive and organised. When visitors land on your page it should fill them with inspiration.
Create some templates and organise them in a fun way. For example, we hosted a series of Virtual Wedding Fayres so we simply created graphics with the initials ‘VWF’ and posted a sequence of posts to lay them out in different ways.
Profile picture
Make sure your profile picture is an image that suits being cropped into a circle. I’ve seen so many profile pictures with people’s heads chopped off, or logos with text half missing.
Also ensure it’s fairly high res so it’s super clear and easy to read if it includes any text.
I’d strongly recommend featuring your logo rather than an image of yourself, as this instantly distinguishes that you’re a business page and not a personal profile.
Bio
It needs to be super clear who you are and what you do so as soon as someone lands on your profile they’re not left asking any questions. Make sure you’ve got a precise and to-the-point tag line visible at the top of your bio.
I’d also recommend stating where you’re based so others in the industry and your clientele instantly know if they would like to make a connection. For example Chester, Cheshire.
Set a category to state your business type. Simply go to ‘Edit Profile’ then ‘Category’ and search for something appropriate.
Highlights
Highlights are a fantastic way or organising your stories into categories. It can be tricky to know what categories to create, so start by thinking about the most common things you post. You can publish any of your previous story posts into your highlights, so have a flick through your roll and begin posting.
Think about your colour palette when creating the cover for your highlight too. If you want to get really professional, you can create your own icons – but bear in mind that you need to publish these on your stories first to use them as your highlight cover.
Giant grid posts
One of the most common questions I get asked is how I create those giant images that take up multiple grids. It’s so easy! I use a free app called ‘Grid Post‘.
You simply upload the image to the app and decide how many grids you want to split it up between. I usually go for all 9 (a square post), but sometimes just 3 or 6 is a nice way of breaking up your feed.
That completes my run down of top tips for creating a beautiful Instagram page.
Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine is the ultimate paper guide for stylish & fun loving couples. Each and every issue is full-to-bursting with the latest innovative fresh content & hottest trends.
This shoot was inspired wholly by the vastness and beauty of the venue as well as the unitarians inspiring ethos: Ullet Road Unitarian Church. We chose a beautiful day for the shoot, meaning the light flooding into the building and outside of the building was beautiful. We had a selection of dresses to change into for different parts of the church, and we utilised the late in different rooms and at different windows, as well as the doors for the iconic confetti shots.
Your wedding is a magical day which will stay with you forever. However, it’s unquestionable that with a tag like that, there’s also going to be an element of pressure you need to manage. 84% of brides report feeling some sort of stress about their big day. And while a lot of this comes hand-in-hand with planning a large event, it’s unquestionable that standing in front of anyone as the “star of the show” is going to get the nerves jangling.
At St.Kentigern Hospice (Abergele) lies a bridal boutique like no other. Brides-to-be can discover their dream gown while supporting a cause dedicated to providing exceptional care. Every purchase helps fund the hospice’s vital services; from patient care, family support and bereavement counselling.
Sign up to our mail list and stay up-to-date with the latest news, articles, inspiration and more! Plus get 15% off your first order of Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine when you sign up.
As part of our brand new series, we’re so exited to be interviewing a selection of fantastic wedding specialists. We take pride in recommending the finest in the industry, and hope this series will help you find the perfect suppliers for your wedding day.
We build genuine relationships with our couples to create personal wedding films that are unique and driven by their Love Story. They’ll make you laugh, cry and want to get married all over again!
How did it all start?
It all started when we got engaged! While searching for our perfect wedding, we fell in love with the industry and knew that a move from TV Production to wedding videography would be the perfect next step in our careers!
Why should couples choose you?
Nervous in front of the camera? Yeah, so are we! We know what it’s like and have a wedding coming up ourselves. So we decided to put making our couples feel comfortable, at the top of our priority list! We stay out of the way, and keep as invisible as possible.
Word of wisdom
Make sure you know who your videographer is (behind the camera)! While it’s important that you like their work, you’ll be spending your wedding day with them! So be sure to get a good grasp of their personality by watching their instagram stories, reading their bio on their website, and definitely jump on a video call with them before you book!
Tanya coordinated a boho chic styled shoot in the beautiful setting of Worcester Glamping. Keeping in theme with pretty pinks, gold candles and organic dyed fabrics – any boho bride would love this whimsical combination!
“As being “boho bride” is on trend right now, and with the ever growing market of ‘chilled’ and ‘relaxed’ weddings – I wanted to create an idea that you can keep the both classy and elegant look, but with a slight twist in the idea.”
Fun pops of colour, rustic and pretty stationery and a gorgeous bespoke denim jacket provided an unique twist on this shoot that any fun loving girl would totally love.
“We had lovely Perspex signage outside, and organic and vegan dyed cloths for the top table decoration – making the details really stand out against the floristry and centrepieces. Not to mention the amazing bouquets and hoops – which are slightly different to the usual bouquets for the bridesmaids, giving it a nice little quirky variation to the bride!”
Subtle and elegant bridal makeup complimented the theme beautifully. It was timeless and pretty. Stunning accessories added a touch of elegance.
We personally love the food element of this shoot. Luxury tasters including a mixture of canapés, cookies and fruit platters are a treat for the eyes.
“The food was super exciting. It gives an idea that you can add lots of little touches! Of course, the cake was a talking point on the day!”
“I had so much fun on this shoot and had a blast creating a fun, party kind of vibe – but also super sweet. I thought all of this would go well with my light and airy wedding editing, to make it pretty and romantic too.”
Planning your wedding and don’t know where to start? Bouquet & Bells have put together an ultimate Wedding Planning checklist, covering every aspect of the planning process right from the word go to your wedding day.
Use our step-by-step guide to help ease the stress of planning your wedding day.
You can download more of our free planning resources by clicking here.
EXTRA TIPS
Attend a Wedding Fayre
Wedding Fayre’s are fantastic opportunity to meet local suppliers and to gain inspiration by the latest trends and new innovative ideas. Get your bridal / grooms parties together and organise a few trips to various shows near you.
Pinterest is a great tool for inspiration, especially if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and DIY a few bits & bobs! Start browsing and save some favourites.
Start a Healthy Eating & Exercise Program
If you want to lose some weight or simply tone up for your wedding then why not form a weekly plan on small changes to start right away. You and a friend could go to the gym together, or perhaps some evening power walks.
Introduce / Keep on Top of your Skincare Routine
Makeup artists will always say that your base is so important to achieving a flawless makeup look. A good skincare routine is key. Seek professional advise from a skincare expert as to what you should do to tailor to your specific skincare needs.
Decide on a Gift List
If you have a specific gift list you would like your guests to follow, make one available by enclosing it with your wedding invitations or display on your wedding website if you have one.
And finally… enjoy every minute of your wedding day because it will go so fast! The important thing is that you make all the decisions for you as a couple and not to worry about anyone else.
Remember you can download more of our Wedding Planning resources by clicking here.
Introducing our brand new ‘Meet the Supplier’ series. We’re so exited to be interviewing a selection of fantastic wedding specialists. We take pride in recommending the finest in the industry, and hope this series will help you find the perfect suppliers for your day.
Couples would love to have their dog (fur baby) attend one of their most wonderful and exciting days of their life but struggle with logistics to ensure all of their friends and family members don’t miss out on any part of their wedding day.
This is why our Exclusive Wedding Pet Chaperone Service is so popular. We plan, co-ordinate and take away all the stress for the happy couple so their dog can be a big part of their wedding day!
Whether they would like their fur baby to be their ring bearer, best man, bridesmaid or just attend for an hour for the wedding photographs, we are here to make all of their wedding dreams a reality.
We do not offer set packages as every wedding and their pet care needs are different. We create a tailor made package to meet the couple’s requirements so that they have complete peace of mind on their special day.
Wedding Day Pet Sitting
A great alternative to our Chaperone Service …
Not every dog is suitable to attend the wedding due to venues restrictions, their temperament or well being.
We have also found that friends or family members struggle with pet care whilst attending the wedding. Some guests have to travel a long distance and want to bring their dog along but again, struggle with pet care options, as they don’t want to miss out on any part of the wedding day.
What makes you different?
Dog arriving in style to the wedding!
We are popular with couples due to the quirky additions which make our Exclusive Wedding Pet Chaperone Service unique!
Couples love the concept of their dog arriving in style in their own wedding car/vehicle. They can choose either a Mini Cooper or a Brand New Professional Converted Dog Van.
What is even more special is that the car/van is decorated with our specially patented designed wedding car ribbons and bows!
Dog Ring Bearer mechanism!
We have created a simple but proven mechanism whereby their dog delivers the rings down the aisle in a safe, secure and fun manner.
How did it all start?
Precious Pets Micro ID is a husband and wife team established Pet Care Service.
In 2018, we decided it was the right time for Adrian to change career direction and pursue his lifelong dream of working with dogs and to train as a self-employed Professional Dog Grooming Stylist.
After three months of commuting to Manchester, Adrian became a fully qualified Dog Grooming Stylist. To subsidise his grooming services and income we decided to set up a number of additional pet care services which included dog walking, puppy visits, cat care at home and mobile micro chipping.
2017/2018 was a very popular time for our friends and family getting married and who all owned dogs. Kennels was definitely not an option for their dogs on their wedding day, so rather than a gift, they asked us to care for and chaperone their dogs at the wedding, which, of course, we did!
One evening, whilst putting our business strategy together, we decided to put together a Wedding Pet Chaperone Service and commence a large-scale market research campaign with pet owners and brides/grooms by attending wedding shows and venue showcases and the creation of social media polls.
The feedback we received was unbelievable and extremely positive. It became very apparent to us that there was a large gap in the market for our Exclusive Wedding Pet Service in the wedding industry, within our local areas and the UK.
It was also very clear that kennels were not an option for many couples (as we had discovered with our friends and family), as the dog was considered to be a precious and important member of their family. They wanted them to be part of their wedding day but everyone who would normally care for their dog would be pre-occupied either getting ready for the big day or actually attending the wedding.
So we launched our Exclusive Wedding Pet Chaperone Service (Dogs at Weddings) and the rest is history. We have been overwhelmed by all the bookings, couples’ testimonials and wedding venue collaborations.
Biggest achievements
The Wedding Industry Awards 2020 – Regional Finalists (West Midlands) – Special Touch Category
Featured in Staffordshire Living Magazine
A main feature in the October 2019 edition of the Cheshire Life magazine
Appeared on BBC Radio Stoke
We have exclusivity at a variety of large high profile wedding shows in Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.
We have become official Suppliers for a variety of top wedding venues in Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.
Why should couples choose you?
Caring for your pets is more than just a business to us, it’s our passion.
As a family run business, our ethos is to look after your pets as if they were our own, whilst delivering a professional pet care service which is tailored to your specific pet care needs on a daily basis or as part of your special wedding day.
Words of wisdom
If you are considering having your dog at your wedding, check out these Dog Friendly Wedding Top Tips
Important Considerations:
If you wish to include your fur baby, ensure that you book a dog friendly wedding venue or one with an outside area for photographs
Ensure that all guests will be aware that a dog is attending the wedding, in case of allergies. A lovely idea is to send out a ‘save the date’ card featuring a photo of your dog
You may wish your dog to simply be a guest of honour at your wedding but if you would like them to play a specific role in the ceremony, think carefully about how this will work. Popular choices are a dog ring bearer or a dog flower girl but ensure that your pet has the right temperament to cope with all the attention
Rehearse as much as you can with your dog before the big day and leave ample time to practice during the actual rehearsal
If you are considering a special dog wedding collar or accessory, make sure that it is safe and comfortable for your dog. Certain flowers or foliage can be poisonous to dogs so it is vital to check
Let your wedding photographer know that you are planning on bringing your dog to your wedding. This will ensure that they are ready to capture your adorable pet in action and come up with some great fun ideas for wedding photos
At busy times our wedding pet chaperoning service is very much in demand. To avoid disappointment we would advise getting in touch as soon as possible. We would love to chat to you about your exciting plans and how we can help you have a real furrytail wedding!
The Impact of Social Media at a Wedding Fayre – A Guide for Exhibitors (Part 3)
BY CLAIRE BOON
12/08/2019
5 MIN READ
So, you’ve signed up to exhibit at a wedding fayre… now what? We are often asked by suppliers how they can make the most of their experience at a wedding show, so we felt inspired to create a series of blog posts containing our top tips to help inspire you and give you the best possible chances of succeeding. We’ll help you ensure every box is ticked to give you the best possible chance of securing those all important bookings.
This third and final post in the series focuses on the impact of social media at a Wedding Fayre and how you can use it to your benefit.
Use your followers
Every business has a following, and we encourage exhibitors to use this to their benefit. Our wedding shows host anywhere between 25 – 100 exhibitors, and with so many wedding specialists coming together the online reach can be extraordinary. It’s important that your followers are informed where they can next find you, and giving them an opportunity to meet you and chat to you face-to-face may just encourage a booking!
Marketing plan
We send a comprehensive marketing plan as part of our Exhibitor Manual to all exhibitors that attend our shows. This is made up of lots of ways they can help spread the word about the wedding show.
It’s essential that we work with exhibitors to help boost visitor numbers. While we have a great following with lots of excited couples and a fantastic list of pre-registered couples for each show, working together can result in even more people visiting the shows which gives suppliers a better chance of securing those all important bookings.
Continue social media at the show
Your social media presence at a wedding fayre is so important. Why not take a photograph of you at your stall and let your followers know you’ve arrived. We’d always recommend using the official hashtag (provided in the marketing plan) and tagging us in all of your posts so we can share to our following.
Wedding shows are also a fantastic way to network with other wedding specialists. Why not have a wonder around before show opening and exchange social media handles with fellow exhibitors.
We love helping to make connections. We always publish a list of exhibitors to our social media platforms and website prior to a Wedding Fayre, making it super easy for suppliers to connect in advance.
I hope that’s helped you understand the impact of social media at a wedding show.
Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine is the ultimate paper guide for stylish & fun loving couples. Each and every issue is full-to-bursting with the latest innovative fresh content & hottest trends.
This shoot was inspired wholly by the vastness and beauty of the venue as well as the unitarians inspiring ethos: Ullet Road Unitarian Church. We chose a beautiful day for the shoot, meaning the light flooding into the building and outside of the building was beautiful. We had a selection of dresses to change into for different parts of the church, and we utilised the late in different rooms and at different windows, as well as the doors for the iconic confetti shots.
Your wedding is a magical day which will stay with you forever. However, it’s unquestionable that with a tag like that, there’s also going to be an element of pressure you need to manage. 84% of brides report feeling some sort of stress about their big day. And while a lot of this comes hand-in-hand with planning a large event, it’s unquestionable that standing in front of anyone as the “star of the show” is going to get the nerves jangling.
At St.Kentigern Hospice (Abergele) lies a bridal boutique like no other. Brides-to-be can discover their dream gown while supporting a cause dedicated to providing exceptional care. Every purchase helps fund the hospice’s vital services; from patient care, family support and bereavement counselling.
Sign up to our mail list and stay up-to-date with the latest news, articles, inspiration and more! Plus get 15% off your first order of Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine when you sign up.
The Dos and Don'ts of Exhibiting at a Wedding Fayre - A Guide for Exhibitors (Part 2)
BY CLAIRE BOON
26/03/2019
5 MIN READ
So, you’ve signed up to exhibit at a wedding fayre… now what? We are often asked by suppliers how they can make the most of their experience at a wedding show, so we felt inspired to create a series of blog posts containing our top tips to help inspire you and give you the best possible chances of succeeding. We’ll help you ensure every box is ticked to give you the best possible chance of securing those all important bookings.
This second post in the series is focused on the crucial dos and don’ts of exhibiting at a Wedding Fayre.
Do remain standing for the duration of the event if you can
You’ll appear much more welcoming and approachable to couples if you are standing. Additionally if space allows, try to stand to the side or in front of your stall.
Do have an incentive such as sweet treats on your stall
Having an incentive in viewing distance of the visitor like a sweet treat, or special offer will encourage brides to take advantage of this and engage in conversation.
Do collect couples details
Collecting couples details is very important because it will enable you to contact them after the show. It’s often the case that wedding shows are very busy with continuous fresh faces passing your stall. If you engage in a long conversation with a particular bride, it’s likely that you’ll miss potential customers that pass by. Therefore, it’s best to speak to brides but encourage them to write down their details so you can chat to them further after the fayre.
If you don’t quite manage to capture as many details as you would have liked, we always have all the bridal data available to purchase following a show.
Do make your services clear
It should be super clear who you are and what you can do. First impressions are everything. You don’t want to mislead brides or leave them confused as this could detract from potential business.
Do make sure all banners and promotional material are in good condition
I’ve seen multiple suppliers feature tatty banners on their stand that look like they’ve been around for about 10 years. It’s so important not just to keep banners fresh, but to update the artwork and wording to keep everything current.
Do have someone else helping you on the day
There’s a very high chance that you’ll spend the majority of your time speaking to multiple couples, and there may be times where you’re in such high demand with a line of people wishing to speak to you about your services. Try to bring a helping hand with you on the day. Preferably someone that knows a little about your business and can therefore pass the right information on to brides.
Do social media
Being active on social media is not just to help promote the fayre, but it’s to promote yourselves. We’re always hot on social media at our events, so it’s likely that anything you post will be shared on our platforms, allowing our brides and suppliers to connect with you.
There are lots of ways to become involved on social media. Live videos are a fantastic way of giving your followers a taste of the wedding fayre.
Don’t accept the standard furniture included with your space
I know this may seem odd as we offer a 6ft trestle table, plain white table cloth and chairs as standard across our shows, but not using this and creating your own unique set up sets you aside from the average stall and will make you stand out. Even switching the table cloth to one of your own can help. Around 90 – 95% of suppliers use the standard set up, so don’t be scared to be different. It can really pay off!
Don’t leave the show early or start breaking down before closing
Not only does leaving early look unprofessional, but you may miss potential business. It isn’t unusual for us to get a number of brides entering the show just before closing, and they may just be the ones that make a booking.
Don’t eat at your stall
I feel like this one is a little obvious, but we do see a lot of exhibitors sitting down and eating their lunch at their stall. This can be incredibly distracting for visitors and detract them from approaching you. This is another reason why you should have someone else attend the fayre with you on the day. It’s important that you take a well deserved break at a show.
Don’t forget to network
I met a lot of my contacts by attending wedding shows in my spare time, and it’s always lovely to chat to fellow suppliers. Why not head over to some stalls and follow them on social media – It’s likely they’ll return the favour.
We like to upload photographs of exhibitor stalls on our Instagram story during the show, and we always like to tag the supplier so make sure you’re on Instagram and return the favour by sharing the story to yours, and follow the tagged suppliers. This just makes connecting suppliers super easy.
I hope that’s helped you understand the crucial dos and don’ts of exhibiting at a Wedding Fayre.
Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine is the ultimate paper guide for stylish & fun loving couples. Each and every issue is full-to-bursting with the latest innovative fresh content & hottest trends.
This shoot was inspired wholly by the vastness and beauty of the venue as well as the unitarians inspiring ethos: Ullet Road Unitarian Church. We chose a beautiful day for the shoot, meaning the light flooding into the building and outside of the building was beautiful. We had a selection of dresses to change into for different parts of the church, and we utilised the late in different rooms and at different windows, as well as the doors for the iconic confetti shots.
Your wedding is a magical day which will stay with you forever. However, it’s unquestionable that with a tag like that, there’s also going to be an element of pressure you need to manage. 84% of brides report feeling some sort of stress about their big day. And while a lot of this comes hand-in-hand with planning a large event, it’s unquestionable that standing in front of anyone as the “star of the show” is going to get the nerves jangling.
At St.Kentigern Hospice (Abergele) lies a bridal boutique like no other. Brides-to-be can discover their dream gown while supporting a cause dedicated to providing exceptional care. Every purchase helps fund the hospice’s vital services; from patient care, family support and bereavement counselling.
Sign up to our mail list and stay up-to-date with the latest news, articles, inspiration and more! Plus get 15% off your first order of Bouquet & Bells / The Magazine when you sign up.
How to Prepare for a Wedding Fayre: A Guide for Exhibitors (Part 1)
BY CLAIRE BOON
12/03/2019
5 MIN READ
So, you’ve signed up to exhibit at a wedding fayre… now what? We are often asked by suppliers how they can make the most of their experience at a wedding show, so we felt inspired to create a series of blog posts containing our top tips to help inspire you and give you the best possible chances of succeeding. We’ll help you ensure every box is ticked to give you the best possible chance of securing those all important bookings.
This first post in the series is all about preparing for a wedding fayre.
Your Brand
Branding is super important because not only is it what makes a memorable impression and distinguishes you from others, but it allows your customers and clients to know what to expect from your company.
Your logo is the most important element of your branding because it is the face of the company, so it should be memorable and used across your promotional material.
Colours and themes should also remain consistent throughout.
We would strongly advise having the following literature & promotional material featured at a wedding fayre:
• A large promotional banner – this may be a roller banner style, or why not get creative and make your own frame to hang your promotional material
• Business Cards
• Flyers / leaflets – this should contain more details on your business and what you’re able to offer couples
We’ve previously seen exhibitors offer a sweet treat or incentive attached to their business card. This is a very good idea as it helps couples remember you, and you’ll stand out for all the best reasons.
It’s also a good idea to have a treat available for children as they’re often brought to wedding fayres, and this is always massively appreciated by the parents because it keeps them quiet!
All items you hand out should include your contact details and website to make it easy for couples to get in touch following the event.
Your Stall
When you are exhibiting alongside top industry professionals and your competitors, you must at all times strive to outshine them. After all, visitors will be bombarded with information and will see so many new faces so help them to remember you.
Your exhibition space should be eye catching and completely irresistible for couples to approach. Why not include something wacky like a dog stuffed toy in a wedding dress? That way when it comes to emailing the couples you met you can start with “I was the exhibitor with the dressed up dog on my stall!” It will make them smile.
It’s essential that visitors recognise the kind of services you offer as soon as they see your stall. Your key message should strike a chord with your audience. It should summarise what you are offering and why your consumer needs it. There are often 30+ different exhibitors at a single wedding fayre, so it’s very easy for brides to get distracted by the variety. Don’t leave them confused about what you do because they’ll give up guessing very quickly.
We highly recommend setting up a mock stall at home. Being prepared in advance to the show means you’ll have time to play around with your space at home, and you’ll have a list of exactly everything you need to bring on the day, avoiding bringing any unnecessary items or forgetting anything!
Goody Bags
Goody bags are something we know couples love which is why we like to have them available across our wedding fayres. These goody bags are filled with special offers and discounts from exhibitors, as well as other treats.
We don’t charge a fee to advertise in our goody bags if a supplier is exhibiting at the show, so take the opportunity! By featuring your literature in the goody bags brides are guaranteed to walk away with your details (and a great special offer they can’t resist).
A lot of couples don’t tend to begin the process of sifting through exhibitor literature until they get home, so another benefit of promoting in goody bags is they’ll come across your details when they’re at their most proactive.
Setting an Incentive
One of the top reasons why couples like to visit wedding shows is to make the most of the exhibitor special offers and discounts.
Having an incentive can hugely increase chances of bookings, so it’s important you think carefully about what you could offer. If you don’t want to discount the price of your service or package then you could throw in a freebie instead. Either way this acts as a great incentive and will encourage visitors to engage in conversation.
An offer that’s usually quite effective is a freebie for members of the brides / grooms parties, for example, a florist may offer five free gentlemen’s buttonholes when they book.
We’d recommend extending your special offer for up to a week after the wedding fayre because some couples prefer to book after the event once they’ve had a chance to look at your services in more detail.
I hope you’ve gained some useful tips and tricks on how to prepare for a Wedding Fayre. To view our line up of shows, please click here. We’re always looking to connect with more suppliers so please get in touch.
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This shoot was inspired wholly by the vastness and beauty of the venue as well as the unitarians inspiring ethos: Ullet Road Unitarian Church. We chose a beautiful day for the shoot, meaning the light flooding into the building and outside of the building was beautiful. We had a selection of dresses to change into for different parts of the church, and we utilised the late in different rooms and at different windows, as well as the doors for the iconic confetti shots.
Your wedding is a magical day which will stay with you forever. However, it’s unquestionable that with a tag like that, there’s also going to be an element of pressure you need to manage. 84% of brides report feeling some sort of stress about their big day. And while a lot of this comes hand-in-hand with planning a large event, it’s unquestionable that standing in front of anyone as the “star of the show” is going to get the nerves jangling.
At St.Kentigern Hospice (Abergele) lies a bridal boutique like no other. Brides-to-be can discover their dream gown while supporting a cause dedicated to providing exceptional care. Every purchase helps fund the hospice’s vital services; from patient care, family support and bereavement counselling.
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