Are you a bride or groom-to-be on your wedding planning journey? Well, if you’re right at the start of your journey, somewhere in the middle, or even fast approaching the big day, you will find the National Wedding Show an invaluable part of your wedding experience!

The sheer magnitude and variety of products, services, ideas, trends, and advice all under one roof can be overwhelming – but with some insider knowledge and tried-and-true tips, you will be ready to get the best of your experience.

What is the National Wedding Show?

The National Wedding Show is a large wedding fayre that takes place in both Birmingham and London in the UK every year. It is a hugely scaled-up version of a regular wedding fair (also referred to by the names wedding exhibition, wedding expo, bridal expo, and bridal fair).

This big wedding exhibition features a variety of wedding vendors, all under one roof, offering everything wedding related, from venue options to the perfect wedding dress. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs.

Not only will you find inspiration and ideas for your special day, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet with wedding suppliers in person and take advantage of exclusive show offers.

A catwalk fashion show features the latest trends in bridal wear, groom’s wear, mother of the bride outfits, and options for bridesmaids. And you can discover insider tips & expert advice at the ‘WedTalk’ stage.

When is the National Wedding Show?

The National Wedding Show takes place in Birmingham and London every year.
The show was on for three days at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, and Sunday 24th September 2023. And will be on for two days at the Excel Arena in London on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October 2023.

After this weekend’s exhibition at the London Excel Arena, the National Wedding Show will return again next spring 2024.

Tickets

The standard adult ticket price is £18.50 (online) and £22 (on the door price).
A VIP ticket is £35 (online) and £45 (door price) and includes access to the VIP lounge, a goody bag, a complimentary drink, reserved seats at the catwalk show, and fast-track entrance.

Before you go to the National Wedding Show

Who to take

When attending the National Wedding Show, the question of who to bring along can be challenging. You want someone who can appreciate the event’s atmosphere and will share in your excitement as you peruse the stunning displays of wedding gowns, cakes, and décor. Your fiancé is the obvious choice, but if you don’t think it would be their thing, consider the other important people in your life. The show is the perfect place to have fun, eat & drink, offering a great opportunity to bond with the people close to you. Your mother, bridal party, bridesmaids, or close friends know you well, so it could be a special way of having a good time together and reaffirming bonds.

Planning

To get the most out of the National Wedding Show, the first thing to do is start planning for it in advance. It’s essential to set yourself a budget, especially if you plan on making any purchases or booking any services while you are there.

If you’re searching for potential vendors, research online and start narrowing them down. Then, make a list of preferred vendors to check out while you’re there to maximize your time at the show. The National Wedding Show website has a list of exhibitors for you to explore. It’s also a good idea to prepare any questions you may have for them in advance.

Finally, have a plan for the day. Decide what time to arrive and when to break for lunch, allowing time to indulge in a glass (or two) of celebratory champagne! Make sure you schedule the timings for the catwalk shows and WedTalk presentations so you can benefit from everything on offer.

On the day of the National Wedding Show

Get there early so you have plenty of time to enjoy the full day. The exhibition hall (in both London & Birmingham) is vast so you will cover a lot of ground. And because of this large space, it’s best to start from one point and gradually make your way around, meeting with the suppliers on your list as you go.
It’s a good idea to take a pad & pen, or even better, use your smartphone for taking notes, contact information, and capturing photos as you go – you’ll come across so much inspiration, ideas & tips that you will want to keep a record of what to follow up on.

Whenever you get the opportunity, make sure to mingle & chat with as many other brides-and-grooms-to-be. You have common ground with the other couples there (planning a wedding), so you can chat about all things wedding to your heart’s content! And you may come away with friends for life… plus some bonus wedding invites along the way!
From discounts on honeymoons to free wedding flowers, many of the exhibitors at the National Wedding Show offer competitions, freebies, and giveaways if you stop by their stand and sign up for their mailing list. So take the opportunity to enter as many offers as possible. You never know what you might win!

At the WedTalk stage, you’ll have the chance to hear from the best in the wedding industry.

And I will be there speaking too! If you are anxious about being in front of the camera on your big day, I will share my best advice & top tips about how you can guarantee to come away with wedding photos you love! So, bring your questions to the WedTalk stage & take plenty of notes. I can’t wait to see you there! Find out more HERE!

Here is the Birmingham WedTalk schedule:

Ultimately, have fun and enjoy yourself! The exhibitors are there to showcase their products and services, but they’re also excited to connect with couples and share in the joy of planning a wedding. Take advantage of tasting wedding cakes, smelling flowers, collecting free samples, and testing out photo booths. You may even discover something new and unexpected that you’d like to include in your big day!

Top Tips for getting the best out of the National Wedding Show

• Arrive early so you can spend the whole day there
• Wear comfortable shoes- you will be doing a LOT of walking
• Enjoy the free samples
• Sign up for competitions
• Check out exclusive offers
• Get to the catwalk, and WedTalk shows earlier than scheduled to guarantee a seat
• Chat with fellow couples & make friends

After the Show

Once you’ve had a chance to unwind, take some time to go through your notes and photos from the show. Save your favorite photos to Pinterest, and follow up with any vendors (wedding photographers, cake makers, florists) whose work stood out to you. Also, remember to nurture any new friendships you made during your time there.

In Summary

The national wedding show is the ultimate event for anyone planning a wedding. No matter what stage of wedding planning you are at, you can be sure to find many useful resources & inspiration, both in terms of design elements and experiences that make up the perfect day. And best of all, you can use it as an opportunity for quality time with your fiancé, family, or friends.

Happy Planning – have the best time!

Click HERE to visit the National Wedding Show’s website.

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding! Are you looking for a wedding photographer?

Hi, I’m Victoria Amrose. a wedding photographer specialising in destination wedding photography in the UK, France, Italy & further afield. With over a decade of experience capturing stunning moments on camera, I can ensure that your special day will be beautifully documented. I would love to hear from you if you’re looking for an experienced photographer with a friendly and personable touch. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all – Victoria Amrose x

For information on wedding photography services with Victoria Amrose – CLICK HERE

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