Why You Need To Go To A Wedding Fayre! The Ultimate Wedding Fayre Guide For The Bride & Groom!

The Ultimate Wedding Fayre Guide For The Bride & Groom!

Planning your wedding needn't be time consuming or stressful!

First of all, congratulations on your engagement! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for and dreaming about for a long time. So they got down on one knee and you said yes! You’ve shared the exciting news with your friends and family and have of course taken the obligatory engagement ring selfie!

The next stages can be a bit of a whirlwind; many brides or grooms-to-be can feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start planning their wedding. You’re itching to get going, but don’t know where to start.

Why Go To A Wedding Fayre?

Wedding fayres are the perfect place to get inspiration and ideas, speak to different providers, get advice and start booking your wedding day services - but most importantly, it’s a chance to start having fun and enjoying the journey.

Wedding fayres are a fun day out, especially if you bring along your fiance, bridal party, family and friends! There are many freebies, drinks, canapes, live music, makeovers as well as hair and makeup demos. Most importantly, wedding fayres are the only place where you can find all your perfect wedding suppliers under one roof, which means you can ask all the questions you need, get expert advice and book your favourite suppliers all on the same day - with your loved ones with you to help you decide!

Planning your wedding is such a personal and emotional experience, so it’s vitally important to be able to make an emotional connection with your supplier. After all, they are going to play a big part in your special day, so you want to make sure you connect! Wedding fayres allow you to make that personal connection with the person who will be supplying the services for your wedding - making you feel much more confident and secure!

Plus, many vendors offer samples, testers, freebies and even discounts on the day, which can help save you tons of money!

How Can You Get The Most Out of Your Wedding Fayre?

Do your homework

It’s always good to speak with your significant other and talk about what you will be looking for. Take a look online and get some inspiration too - even if it’s only to decide what you don’t want. A bit of preparation will really help. Bring your diary, your wedding planner and tick off your do-to list.

Don’t go it alone

Bring your fiance, friends or family with you. These are the people who know you best so can offer you a second opinion, and sometimes it’s important to have a little bit of reassurance from someone you trust when making decisions about your big day. Children are also very welcome!

Be ready to book

Lots of our exhibitors offer special offers on the day if you pay a deposit, so be ready to book to secure your date, and supplier and get some special offers and amazing discounts!

Don’t leave it to the last minute

We showcase only the very best in the industry at our Wedding Fayres and most Wedding Suppliers are in high demand. Some photographers for example are booked up years in advance so we recommended that you do not leave booking suppliers to the last minute, as you may be left disappointed when your wedding date has already been booked out.

Sign in and sign up!

Sign in when you arrive and be sure to sign up for any exhibitor’s mailing lists that may catch your eye! Most suppliers will enter you into a competition in return for your details so you might even win some wedding goodies along the way! They can send you details of their packages and any new deals and products they have! By signing up you will be the first to receive these offers and new products! Why not be organised and set up a new personal email address just for your wedding so you have all your Wedding Supplier offers in one place!

Keep it personal

Be yourself and get to know providers on a personal level. This is the perfect opportunity to build a connection with your potential supplier and it’s really important to feel connected to the suppliers creating your wedding day! Don't be shy and chat with as many exhibitors as you can, get to know them and what they have to offer you.

Follow your gut feeling

This is your big day, and your wedding is a pretty emotional event, so make sure you follow your gut. If you have a good connection with a supplier and feel good with them, then it’s the basis of a perfect wedding supplier relationship! It’s important to feel good about the wedding team around you, so make sure you’re listening to your instincts on the day!

Pick up business cards

If you don’t book something on the day, make sure to take a business card (and a flyer/brochure if the exhibitor has one) so you can keep in touch with the contacts you made on the day and follow up later.

Bring your Pinterest board/vision board

One of the best ways to plan your wedding is by having a vision board, this is also perfect for getting your ideas across to potential suppliers such as your venue dresser/stylist. You can show potential suppliers your vision boards/Pinterest or images of your ideas/styles you like and they can easily interpret your ideas! You can even create and share a Pinterest board for you and your supplier to add ideas to make sure you’re both on the same page.

If you’re at the very start of your planning and unsure of the wedding theme or colours you would like then coming to our fayres is the perfect opportunity to find out what colours/styles and trends are current! The Pinterest board can come later once you’ve been inspired by lots of ideas at our wedding fayres.

Relax and enjoy yourself

Most importantly, this is a day you should enjoy! You have your loved ones with you, a team of experts at the venue ready to help and the chance to plan your perfect day! Enjoy it and have fun!

Why Red Events?

We are experts in wedding fayres - in fact we have been doing wedding shows since 2011 and have helped thousands of happy couples plan their perfect wedding day! We work with only the best of local wedding professionals, and bring them together in beautiful venues to offer you expert advice and inspiration for your wedding day!

We always host a wide variety of exhibitors including Beauty, Cakes, Catering, Decoration, Dresses, Entertainment, Event Planning, Florists, Health and Fitness, Jewellery, Photography and Video, Transport, Venue, Honeymoon services and even the latest gadgets, venue dressing and surprises you woundn’t expect to see at a wedding!

We have fantastic hair and makeup experts who offer mini makeovers & demonstrations, showing you the latest beauty trends for your wedding style. Not only that, but we have live music and performances, creating a fun, special and unique experience for your and your bridal party where you can plan every aspect of your wedding in one beautiful, fun-filled afternoon!

All of the Red Event Wedding Fairs are free entry and all those who register are entered into our free prize draw on the day to win lots of amazing prizes including over night stays for two, romantic meals for two, afternoon tea for two, spa days, engagement couples photoshoots and much more!

Why Take Our Word For It?

Read what happy brides have had to say about our Red Event Wedding Fayres!

‘‘It was the best event I have been to so far, the staff were lovely, with lots of different stalls and most importantly plenty of food and drink.’’ - Joanne Griffiths, bride visiting Formby Hall Wedding Fayre.

”To be honest, it was really useful in that I went, seen what I liked/disliked, got ideas and quotes, and then I’m going to sit down, go through everything and start booking with my favourites!! I’ve been to two other wedding fayres so far, but this one was the best because the atmosphere was really nice and everyone was so friendly!! (I got some freebies too which is also nice!!) :)” - Samantha, bride visiting The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port Wedding Fayre

”The wedding fair was fun for us as we’ve just started planning, the choice of businesses was the best part for me as It’s so difficult to know where to find wedding businesses!” - Georgina, visited the Macdonald Craxton Wood Wedding Fayre.

”This is the second Red Event wedding fair I’ve been to and I found the first one quite helpful in the beginning getting ideas together, finding out what I did, didn't like. Now I have a plan I came back and got my transport, makeup and stationary all sorted. They all gave us discounts too, which defo helps when you’re planning a wedding!” - Emma, visited the Brook Mollington & Leasowe Castle Wedding Fayre

“It really gave us a chance to get ideas of what different suppliers offer, and it was good to have a chat with lots of different people without feeling obliged to take things any further. Although we did get our venue booked and can now look at booking form suppliers!” - Jennie, visited the Formby Hall Wedding Fayre

”We’ve just got £300 off our videographer as we booked him there and then - and the catwalk was fab! x” - Nikki, Liverpool. Visited the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port Wedding Fayre.

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How to make your small wedding the perfect intimate day

Please note as of 5th November Weddings are not aloud to take place. Please keep an eye on the government website for guidelines of when weddings can take place.

How to make your small wedding the perfect intimate day 

Is that the sound of wedding bells in the air? Wedding ceremonies with up to 15 people can still go ahead in most parts of the UK. Here, Jack Jahan, from Ramsdens Jewellery, shares some tips for making a small, intimate celebration as magical as possible. 

Under the current coronavirus restrictions, couples in England can marry in a ceremony with up to 15 attendees, as long as it's held in a COVID-19 secure venue that accommodates social distancing. So, while big wedding receptions are off the cards for at least a while longer, you can still have a magical ceremony with all your nearest and dearest, assuming there's no local lockdown in force in your area. 

When done right, a smaller wedding can be just as special as a big bash. Fewer guests makes planning much easier, and also means you can spend more per head, allowing you to increase your budget when it comes to dining, décor, and venue hire. So, while you may not be able to invite every casual colleague or third cousin anymore, there are plenty of other advantages to having a smaller ceremony. Here, I'll share some tips for making sure your intimate wedding is perfect in every way. 

Choose a quirky, meaningful venue

Having a smaller wedding means you can afford to be more creative in your choice of venue — you won't be limited to the usual large hotels and stately houses. With a guest list of 15 people or less, you can consider saying your vows in all sorts of quaint venues, including cute boutique hotels, manor houses, private rooms in restaurants and pubs, and even galleries, libraries and cinemas. So, you can make your day more unique by hosting the ceremony in an unusual venue that speaks to your individual taste and personalities as a couple. 

Just remember that your chosen venue will need to be large enough to allow your guests to social distance during the ceremony, so everyone stays safe. Your venue should be able to advise on how they'll accommodate you when you visit for a tour. 

Go all out with your wedding outfits 

While you might be limited in terms of how many guests you can invite, that doesn’t mean you can't still go all-out when it comes to your wedding outfit. What you wear on your wedding day is all about feeling your best — it doesn't matter whether 100 guests will see your outfit, or only 10. So, don't be afraid to splash out on the look of your dreams. If you've always wanted to wear a full-length veil, a dress with a long train, or a glittering tiara, then go for it! 

Give your bridal party some meaningful gifts 

Your bridal party has been there for you through thick and thin — and it’s safe to say that there have been more than a few tough moments this year, especially if you've already had to postpone your ceremony because of COVID-19. So, why not express your gratitude and appreciation with a symbolic gift? Jewellery is always a wonderful gift for your bridal party, because they can wear it on your wedding day. Plus, it’s something they can treasure for years to come. Just be sure to pick metals and gemstones that will complement their dresses and hairstyles. 

For your maid of honour, you might want to pick something a little more special, like a matching earrings, bracelet and necklace set. If your budget allows, you could also give some symbolic jewellery to your family members — pearls make a lovely present for the mother (or mother-in-law) of the bride. 

Don't assume these presents are just for the ladies, either — you could also show your appreciation to your best man by presenting him with a watch. To make the moment extra special, you could even have it engraved. 

Splash your budget on some creative transport for your guests

With a bigger wedding, the guests are usually expected to arrange their own transport to and from the venue. But, with a smaller wedding, you can afford to make the guest experience even more fun by providing some cool transport. Not only does this get your day off the great start, but it can also bring another quirky, individual touch to your wedding. 

Classic and vintage cars are a popular choice for many couples, but you can also think outside the box with tuk-tuks, canal boats, or even vintage London buses. Your guests are sure to love it, and it will look great in your photos, too. 

With some creative touches and careful planning, a smaller wedding can be every bit as magical as a big one. Please note that the information in this article is intended as a guide and the information is subject to change, so you should always check the government COVID-19 hub for the latest updates before making any decisions. 

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About Ramsdens Jewellers!

Website www.ramsdensjewellery.co.uk | instagram.com/ramsdensjewellery.co.uk | facebook.com/RamsdensUK | twitter.com/ramsdenscash

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5 Honeymoon Planning Tips During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented some challenges never seen before. After navigating through your wedding plans, the next headache comes when you start to think about your honeymoon travels.

Many people prefer spending their honeymoon holidays far from their hometowns or even countries. But with the current pandemic and restrictions, newly wedded couples may have limited options. Maybe your dream holiday destination was Italy or the Bahamas – but what next when you are told you can’t travel?

However, you don’t have to worry as if the world has come to an end. You still need to be positive and find out ways to make your wedding and honeymoon memorable. The secret lies in planning.

Here are five tips on honeymoon planning during uncertain times so that you can still have the luxurious honeymoon of your dreams:

Hire a travel professional

Trying to plan for a honeymoon on your own during this pandemic may leave you with very limited options. The best thing will be to hire a travel agent to help in the entire planning process. A travel professional will assist you in narrowing down to a perfect honeymoon location and accommodation.§

A travel professional or agent will also be able to give advice to you on the best location and travel experiences during such a pandemic. They can be of great help during emergencies when the two of you are not sure of where to go and even what means to use.

For instance, there are several people who have booked online and most of the tourist companies have closed shops. If you hire a travel professional, they will be able to advise you in case there are any issues or cancellations.

Keep an open mind

Apparently, no one knows what lays ahead. We aren’t even sure if the travel restrictions are going to persist until next year or beyond. That’s the reason why keeping an open mind regarding your honeymoon destination is very important.

Most of the travel destinations are still shut and even those that allow travelers such as Hawaii are making it hard for people to stay for more than two days.

You might end up being quarantined for two weeks or more. It is good to have an open mind and be prepared to change your honeymoon destination at any time.

Travel insurance 

This is the time that no one can afford to leave out travel insurance. This is because you don’t know how things will unfold in a week’s time or two. For example, some states that had reopened are already planning to reintroduce travel restrictions. This means your travel plans might not go as expected.

Having travel insurance will definitely guard you against such emergencies. However, you should check your policy to see what they are covering and what they are not. Some policies only cover for specific reasons such as medical emergencies and death while others cover for any cancellation reasons.

It will be good for you to have the insurance policy so that you are sure to get a refund in case your flight is canceled for whatever reasons. 

Have a fall back plan

We are living in unprecedented times – meaning you can’t afford to stick to just one plan. This is because you can’t be guaranteed that your plan A will perfectly work. If for example, you had planned to travel to South Africa for your honeymoon and your flights are canceled just a day after your wedding, you still have a fallback plan.

How do you come up with a fallback plan? Well, considering the challenges brought by the pandemic, your plan B should take into account all the possible restrictions and challenges that can affect your honeymoon plans. 

Your plan B doesn’t have to be so elaborate. It should be an alternative that you opt for when all you have planned fails to work.

Be flexible

There’s no written law that commands you to go on your honeymoon trip right after the wedding – especially during this pandemic. Planning for your honeymoon on a later date might even be a good move.

Bearing in mind that most airlines are still not fully operational, it would be good to wait until things resume to normalcy before you plan for your journey. All you need is to discuss this with is your wife or husband. 

In a nutshell, planning for weddings and honeymoons can be very challenging during this pandemic. As much as you would want things to happen according to your plans, there are certain situations that are beyond your control.

The best option is to try and work around ways that will help you enjoy your honeymoon in the midst of the pandemic. This includes things such as hiring a professional agent, purchasing honeymoon insurance, being open-minded among others.

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9 expert tips you need to know to create the perfect Vintage or Bohemian themed wedding that reflects you and your partner!

The fabulous team at Wachadoin Events can transform your wedding day, from their unique and quirky stationery and utterly gorgeous and unique venue dressing! Bring them an idea, and they will envision it!!

They are here to chat about their 9 expert tips you need to know to create the perfect Vintage or Bohemian themed wedding that reflects you and your partner!

1. Create an informal setting!

A boho or vintage wedding allows you to create a more informal setting for your wedding. 

2. Mix & Match

Mixing a range of items, new and old can create interesting and unique dressings that reflect your personalities.  Don’t be afraid to mix textures, colours, flowers and greenery to create a soft, romantic look. 

3. Add in Personal or Family Item

Adding in some personal or family items can add to the relaxed, personal vibe! 

4. Take the outside In!

Rustic weddings can work even in more modern buildings, taking the ‘outside in’, using nature or natural elements as inspiration, can create a more organic wedding. Using earth tones to provide warmth and simplicity to dressings but  don’t be afraid to add a bright colour or a modern texture to set off your ideas. 

5. Express Your Personalities

Themed weddings can be a great way to express your personalities!  If you’re a mad Harry Potter fan, Petrol Head or want to be an Alice for the day, you can have fun with your wedding and bring those ideas to life!

6. Use Found Objects!

Choose elements from your theme to add to table centres, table plans and other dressings.  ‘Found’ objects can become vases, special details or points of interest. 

7. Use elements around your theme throughout your wedding to help bring it all together!

Using vintage, boho and rustic elements around your theme can help bring it all together.  Use of consistent flowers and textures throughout the dressings will give cohesion to the look and ensure that everything works together to create the wow factor! 

8. Your wedding your way! 

To ensure your wedding is truly unique include elements that are personal to you.  Don’t be afraid to mix ideas and styles but work ensure that there are elements such as colours, textures and flowers are consistent and flow through all the dressings to ensure that it all fits together. 

9. Don’t settle for something off the peg!

Everything we do is unique to you and ensures your wedding is extra special. 

Contact Wachadoin Events for your all your venue dressing and stationery needs!

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What to do if you have a Wedding Scheduled During the Covid-19 Outbreak

Covid-19 has forced events, fayres and weddings to be postponed. Businesses and shops  closed to enforce social distancing, numerous safety measures introduced to avoid spreading the virus.  The knock on effect, with great speed has stunned everyone.  Right now there is, a whole new world for all of us.

On the upside – this effect – has actually prompted couples to innovate!  Now, we’ve seen couples planning to marry in Las Vegas, ditch their own plans and simply marry in their living room. In Spain a couple got married on their balcony!  Others have had a more intimate wedding, just the two of them, connecting family members through video calls, postponing their big day but promising a renewing of vows next year with a big party.

Understandably these limited options are just what they are – limited.  So, to put it simply for you and on a positive, with all this uncertainty in the air we want to offer some thoughts and advice to brides and grooms everywhere who are engaged and hoping to get married.  

Postpone don’t cancel. – THIS IS IMPORTANT!

Firstly, if your wedding is due to take place in the next 12 weeks you should be looking at the option to postpone. The lockdown in China has lasted around three months so the UK may be a similar time frame, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

In some ways, with the lockdown on industry and business you are being forced to postpone – and that is right.  Hang onto the word postpone.  Do not CANCEL!  When business is back to usual, which it will be - your wedding IS going to happen!

Canceling may come with some risk.  Businesses may be forced to stick to agreed cancellation terms and conditions, which may leave couples out of pocket. Remember you want your wedding to happen and - Your wedding will happen, it will be the most incredible day of your lives the only change that needs to happen is the date!

Communicate with your wedding venue & suppliers. Don’t panic! 

When postponing, wedding suppliers and venues will want to be flexible. They’re ready to work with you to reschedule your wedding. Most are even working outside their usual terms and conditions to offer you a date change with little or even no transfer fee.  This will vary from supplier to supplier so look over your contracts and speak to them.  

Don’t put off potentially difficult conversations. If a wedding is going to be rescheduled, you might run the risk of losing your deposit especially if you fail to have that conversation. Putting off that talk isn’t going to change the outcome.  Remember all other couples will be nervously dealing with this problem too!  The sooner you have an alternative = less time worrying! Be mindful that suppliers may be swamped with messages. They will get back to you, just be patient.

Keep in touch with your guest list! 

If you’ve been forced to postpone, update your wedding guests as soon as possible. Keeping your loved ones in the loop. They can lend some emotional support through these tough times and help guide your decision making if need be.

Be Flexible

Be as flexible as possible when booking a new date. The industry will be affected with a surge of date changes. Bear in mind your supplier may already have a full calendar. Avoid popular dates like bank holidays, you may even need to book a mid-week wedding. Find a date that works for everyone.

Decide who will communicate with your wedding venue & suppliers.

If dealing with date changes gives you a headache, use an event planner. Take the stress out of all the phone calls. Or decide between you and your other half who would be best to deal with these calls or emails. You could even ask a family member to help who is less emotionally involved.

Be kind & self-care!

 Stress is a huge but perfectly normal response when postponing your wedding. You’re going to have some meltdowns and it’s ok to feel them. Make sure that you don’t make decisions or deal with suppliers while stressed. Be as kind as you can, and try to think that we’re all in this together. Your suppliers don’t want this to be happening any more than you do! 

Self-care is so important at this time, exercise, eat and sleep well, read a book or try a new enjoyable hobby that will occupy your mind! 

If your wedding is taking place from June onwards.

If you’re planning to marry from June onward, take a deep breath and see how all this pans out.  With an ever-changing situation it’s important not to make any decisions too early. 

Keep on wedding planning!

Understandably, you may be cautious to book any suppliers for your big day. Our advice is to keep on wedding planning! Speak to potential suppliers, some are offering lower deposits to secure your booking and a no fee date change (due to covid-19). Just because we’re on lock down it doesn’t mean that all businesses and planning will stop. Over the next few weeks/months everyone will adapt.  Lots of businesses are working from home and you can access them online. Click here to view a list of our recommended wedding suppliers

Arrange a call or video chat to get to know them see how they can help you. Life will go back to normal and you will have made amazing contacts!

Occupy your time with some DIY wedding accessories 

With time on our side, update your Pinterest boards, read wedding blogs, research ideas, let your creative juices flow with wedding DIY: table settings, create your own guest book or even create your own save the dates or invites! There are tons of ideas on Pinterest to give you inspiration, the list is endless!

The best way to get through this is with a lot of kindness, empathy, and supporting one another as love will always find a way!

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Stay safe and let’s stay connected > We’ve an online wedding planning service, wedding fayre and tons of recommended suppliers set up for bride and grooms, sign up to our newsletter below to find out more!

Visit the Who’s website to keep up to date with the disease here

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