Wedding Journal Show Checklist
The Wedding Journal Show is coming to the Kings Hall in Belfast from Friday the 23rd to Sunday the 25th of January. Jules is looking forward to exhibiting at the fair at stand E35.
The fair will be buzzing with activity and excitement, the chance to see fashion shows, enter competitions, get freebies and be inspired by over 250 exhibitors. However, with so much to see and around 10,000 visitors over the weekend it can get pretty overwhelming. The show is a great opportunity to meet a wide range of local suppliers. That’s why Jules has put together a checklist to help you make the most of your day.
What to plan in advance
Book your tickets online in advance. If you pay at the door tickets are £11 per adult, if you plan ahead and book them online you can get the discounted rate of £9pp or if you have a larger group, you can get a group of 5 ticket which will cost just £8pp. Don’t worry, booking online won’t restrict you to a specific day if you’re not sure what your plans are for the weekend, as its valid for one day of your choice.
Enter City Beat’s competition to increase your chances of winning a £25,000 wedding, you can also enter on Facebook and at the show.
Plan to see a catwalk show. Pick which show from below you’d like to see and leave enough time to get seats as they will fill up fast.
SHOW TIMES
Fri: 4 pm & 6 pm
Sat: 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm
Sun: 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm
Research the suppliers exhibiting, get a feel for their price range to avoid spending time on those you can’t afford. Come knowing which parts of wedding are a priority. If you’ve only specific things left on your list make sure you see all the relevant stands and find out what they have to offer. It’s a good idea to bring your budget with you to avoid overspending.
Decide who’s best to attend the show with you. Do you need your fiancé with you to make a decision or is your mum more involved? Bring those who will enjoy it and help you make decisions rather than distract.
What to bring
A digital camera to snap pictures of details you like so you can remember them. Or bring your phone if it has a camera and make sure there’s enough memory to take lots of pictures.
Printed labels, you’ll be entering lots of competitions and giving your details to various suppliers. Save time by bringing stickers with your details.
Colour samples and material swatches will making your decisions easier and more coordinated.
A dairy or digital planner to book consultations with suppliers after the fair.
A notebook and pen, take your time to take notes of the important things suppliers tell you, you won’t be able to remember it all.
Refreshments – Thirst and hunger with make navigating the show hard work, be sure to bring water and something to snack on.
Wear comfy shoes
Take cash – not all suppliers will take card payments if a deposit is needed on the day.
A list of questions to ask, for example if you come looking for a wedding photographer write a list of questions you need to know in order to book their services.
At the Show
Don’t be shy! Ask lots of questions, chat to as many suppliers as possible so you can make the most out of your visit. Take the opportunities available on the day to try things out.
Make sure you see all the exhibitors to get the best out of what’s on offer. If you’re interested in a product/service take a quote and their details.
Don’t be afraid to sleep on a decision, you can call a supplier in the following days to book their services.
Take a break when you need it, eat something or take a step outside. Just remember to let security know you’ll be returning so they can give you a ticket stub.
If an offer is for “one day only” don’t panic buy, only make the purchase if you would have bought it regardless of the offer to avoid post purchase regret. Don’t let a supplier make you feel pressured.
After the show
Organise notes and leaflets shortly after the show while your memory is still fresh.
Follow up quickly with the exhibitors you like, their availability will fill up quickly in the days and weeks after the show. Don’t procrastinate to avoid disappointment.
AND… Relax!
We hope you have a great time planning your wedding at the show and we hope to see you there. Remember Jules will be at stand E35. We’ll be launching our new wedding stationery range, you can see samples, chat with Jules, book a consultation and enter our spa competition.