The Aisle Diaries Podcast

Are Wedding Fayres Actually Worth It?

• TAEPodcast • Season 1 • Episode 9

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0:00 | 51:49

Welcome back to The Aisle Diaries with Joella and Sophie - the podcast that shares the real stories behind the chaos, confetti, and perfectly curated wedding days.

In this episode, the girls chat all about wedding fairs in the UK and whether they’re actually worth attending when planning your wedding. From large wedding shows to smaller venue open days, they share their experiences as wedding suppliers and explain how couples can use wedding fairs to meet suppliers, gather inspiration, and make confident decisions for their big day.

They also talk about the behind-the-scenes reality for suppliers exhibiting at wedding fairs, how these events are changing with social media, and whether they still play an important role in modern wedding planning.

To finish the episode, Sophie and Joella answer a listener question about photo booths at weddings - are they still worth it?

Perfect for brides, grooms, engaged couples, and wedding suppliers, this episode is packed with honest advice and real wedding industry insight. 💍

Produced by TAEPodcast - www.taepodcast.co.uk

SPEAKER_01

Welcome to the IO Diaries Podcast, the place where you find out what really happens behind the chaos and empathetic.

SPEAKER_00

Because someone's got to tell you the truth. And it's never boring. With tips for your big daddy, I'm Sophie. And I'm Joella.

SPEAKER_01

Hello! I'm tired of it. You pay me to it. I'm just gonna put it out there. I am on next level hype because of the sun. So apologies if I'm not sure. No, because I I feel like you're gonna bring out it in me, so it's I'm kinda happy. Because you're feeling a bit meh, aren't you? Yes. Joella has not been well again.

SPEAKER_00

Oh I honestly, this January, February, and now March is just not gone to plan. And you've got three months off to try and canch up. It's like my body was like, no, okay, we're gonna give you every possibility. Johnny's been fine. That's typical, isn't it? Yeah, it is. Yeah, he's been absolutely fine.

SPEAKER_01

So well, I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully, things, well, illnesses, legies, whatever it may be, leave you with the hell alone from now on.

SPEAKER_00

You've got your rule.

SPEAKER_01

This is the last one, and I refuse like for any more. But you are in a bit of pain as well, aren't you? So I am, yeah. Um, yeah, you need to be maybe not as giddy as me. No, I'll bring the vibe so you can be the sensible one.

SPEAKER_00

Even though it's the laugh, so I'll just despise the stream. I know, I know. So, hey-ho, I can't stop laughing, so we'll be fine. It'll just it is the sun. I honestly I am pumped. I think the sun brings out every part of happiness in everyone. So in the UK, such an like a weather emotional. Everyone's so much happier person, I know, I know. And when it's like I said this the other day, I was like, oh, I just wish it'd be like lighter mornings, and then Charlie leaves for work early. So he leaves at like half six, and it was light. I was this morning, and I was like, oh my god, open the front door, and I was like, oh my goodness. It's literally making the dogs again first thing in the morning.

SPEAKER_01

I mean you're literally like, oh my, it's light. Yeah, like yeah for it. That's the life I like to live. So, what are we talking about this week? So we are going to talk about wedding fairs in the UK. I feel like it's a good fit scene as we've been at so many recently. Yes, we have from a couple's point of view and a supplier's point of view today. Yeah. Um, yeah, if you're happy to talk about that, hell yeah. I feel like you are queen of the wedding fair. You are, yeah, you've tackled some big ones as well, which we talk about today. Yes. Um, so I guess we could start with what is a wedding fair in the UK?

SPEAKER_00

So I guess a wedding fair in the UK is literally explicit explicit, explicit. Oh my god, I can't even wear that. It is what it is. It is exactly what you say. It is literally a wedding fair. So you can see of everything wedding related. So it can be any sort of supplier. So from your ceremony, if it's in Cheshire East so registrars, right through to wedding planners, right through to entertainment, right through to wedding dresses, suits. It can literally be anything. Anything. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Um, name some big ones. So you've like I said earlier, you oh big ones.

SPEAKER_00

You attend the wedding show, yeah. Which I did October last year. Yeah, that is a scare. Oh my god, I was so you were like, you need to do one.

SPEAKER_01

I thought, oh my god, I don't think I can. I would definitely help you, but having my own stand, well done, you know.

SPEAKER_00

There's a lot I'm not gonna lie, there is a lot of pressure that comes with a big wedding fair like that because it costs thousands. I don't think people know that, do they? No, it costs it's a massive chunk of not just like marketing budget and everything like that, it's a massive chunk of money to pay to be there. To pay to be there and to put that on something. I know. So, and then you've obviously we had to obviously staff it as well. So, for example, there was um me, Amy, and Georgia that were there. Yeah so like that's an extra cost, and then you've also got they charge external for like your plugs and electricity if you want any.

SPEAKER_01

So I feel like that's nice for a couple to know as well, because you know, if if I was turning up as a couple, you wouldn't yeah, whoever, you just wouldn't know that, would you? No, no, not. I don't think you realise how much, like you said, goes into it planning, time, money, and all for what in the hope that you can gain pluggings from it. Yeah, which I know is like worth it.

SPEAKER_00

That's the end goal for any for any supplier that is at a wedding fair, you would love to meet, and that is uh it's another way of marketing, essentially. Yeah, as well as it was it worth it for you, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. I think we've just got confidence as well. Yeah, we've got some cracking weddings from it as well that are coming up, and I met some of the most gorgeous couples as well. Yeah, and not just even that, it's not even just about getting those inquiries in, it's about talking to everybody and then talking to suppliers and things like that, and also networking with other suppliers. We've managed to network with FFU.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, which is so good. Um obviously meeting people just leads on to new things, doesn't it? Yeah. So you've got the national wedding show, there's the UK wedding event.

SPEAKER_00

So Guide and Bells as well, um, are doing some big ones this year. I think they've got Tatten Park lined up when this will come out. Oh really? Oh yeah, that's well good. Yeah, so they've got Tatten lined up, they've got Bowlsworth, um, they've got some absolutely massive ones that they're doing this year. What would you say?

SPEAKER_01

Because I haven't done a big um wedding fair, I've just done well not just, but I've done smaller ones.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

What would you say the difference is between big and like a small venue or clientele.

SPEAKER_00

Right, okay. So from a supplier point of view, it is your clientele, you get people that are there to look for suppliers. Whereas if you go to venue ones, nine times out of ten, they're there just to look at the venue, they're not really thinking about suppliers. The they might pick up your brochure but they might lose it, yeah. That kind of thing. But well, what's the difference as a couple then? I think as the couple you get more out of it, more ideas, yeah. Yeah, because there's a lot more things going on. Whereas at a venue, you'll probably have one of only every type of supplier. Yeah, yeah, of course. Whereas at the big ones, you'll be able to see variety. Yeah. So it gives you more options.

SPEAKER_01

It does give you more options, but more overwhelmingness.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, the overwhelmingness does come along with it. But I think that's the same for any wedding fair. I think I think no matter what wedding fair you go to, you do get overwhelmed. That's why we said it on that last episode of just take it in and the same from take have those piles that we talked about and then go away and digest the information.

SPEAKER_01

So I guess that leads on to like the pros of why a wedding fair can work. Um, so like you obviously meet in suppliers face to face, which then you remember them from that. Um first impressions, yeah, like them massively, like things like you see and taste, so like cakes, obviously, different um food suppliers, like trailer trucks, whatever. Um, so that's another pro to it.

SPEAKER_00

You actually get to see the suppliers in action, yeah. So sometimes the personalities, yeah. Like sometimes, especially with like entertainment as well. Um yeah, they do like demos, don't they? I know I'm like thriving. I know.

SPEAKER_01

And Clara, I'm like, I'll be up there.

SPEAKER_00

It was at National National Wedding Show last year, and um is it Thornton Manor? They he got me up dancing. No, they didn't. I was like, no dance. That's not very useful. It's so not music at all. We're talking about big fish, look fish, come on my box. And what was it? It was footloose, it was the dance. And I was like, I was like, I literally like so he dragged me in and then I dragged him back in, and I just went out, and I was like, no, thank you. God loose, I don't even know the song. Oh my god, Johnny can do it cracking, like really the whole dance, especially if you've got a drink in him.

SPEAKER_01

Oh my god, Johnny.

SPEAKER_00

Um so I as well, I reckon, especially the the the big ones, you could probably try on dresses and suits and yeah, so at like at National Ready Show again, you can try on the dresses and suits, they'll have different change rooms, things like that. Like six stories had it at where you could literally go in and try them out.

SPEAKER_01

I'm next time are you gonna do another one? I want to, yeah. But maybe leave it again.

SPEAKER_00

I might yeah, I might leave it until next year.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I would totally come and help. Yeah. And I want I want a n I want a nosy as well.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, it's definitely worth it. It definitely is. Yeah. I really thoroughly enjoyed it. As a like, I can't remember how much you put them on this for this year. I want to think they are making money, aren't they? Yeah, but then also they've got to pay for the venue.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, but for example, stamp.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, but then so how it would work is say, for example, Manchester Central, it is an expensive venue, but you need a venue like that to hold it. To hold the footfall. Yeah. Yeah. So I do I do I do get it from a logistical point of view, but then also as well from a supplier point of view, how much you're paying. Yeah. It is crazy, but then you are paying per square foot of how big so you can pay more, you can pay less. Yeah. And then obviously you've got low key on top of it. Yeah, exactly. There's all sorts that come into it.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So obviously, wedding fare on the day. Suppliers some suppliers offer deals and offers, don't they? I know you do. Yes. Are they good?

SPEAKER_00

Like, do you think they're do you think they're beneficial? They can be. I think it depends on which supplier you go for. I think like I do it for certain wedding fairs because of being their recommended supplier. So for example, we did the hub one, didn't we? Yeah. When was that? Not last weekend.

SPEAKER_01

Last weekend I did that.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. So yeah, that was on the Sunday. So I always do a discount for here. Yeah. Just purely because um, if you don't know, by the way, when I say here, I mean because we actually film it in the hub's premises. Yeah. Um, so I always do a discount for that just because of being their recommended supplier because they do a lot to get in the footfall. Um and also What is that?

SPEAKER_01

What was the offer again?

SPEAKER_00

I did actually promote this. If you book on the day on that fair. If you book on the day itself.

SPEAKER_01

Ah, okay.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, so what I will sometimes happen is some people will pay either a deposit then or they'll message me that evening. Yeah. Yeah. So I do it that way.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Um because it could keep going on and on, couldn't it? Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Yeah. Um, yeah, do you do any? I don't actually, no. No. I just think it's a nice little thing to give back to them. Yeah, 100%. Not everybody needs to. No. Wouldn't not not do one. I just I've just I haven't done one. I just find that most of like for the the hub especially, I find that most of um the couples that come to it are local. Yeah, which is really nice. I think that's really nice.

SPEAKER_01

Whereas if I find here as well, when we do when we are at this wedding show, for the hub, I mean, and when um couples are asking, like, where are you from and you say you're local, yeah, their face lights up as like, oh, that's so nice to book someone local and to know that they're only down the road or whatever. Yeah. Um, okay, so I feel like we've run over a load of pros, but cons, what do you think cons are? Yeah. As a supplier cons, I think. Salesy. Yeah, I mean, I tr really, really try not to be pushy and I'm very, very chill. I am. I'm like, you know, go away, think about it. Um I suppose from a couple's point of view, there's lots of, like I said, overwhelming, lots of flyers and things to kind of go back to and all these goodie bags, and then you like lose your head a little bit. But if you follow the steps we gave previously, maybe you would have tackled that con.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Um it can be quite overwhelming, like you're saying that is a con. Yeah. I mean that couple's point of view.

SPEAKER_01

Budget friendly, but again, that's up to you to manage that. You can eliminate things people prioritise.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I think as well, like when you do as a couple, when you do go to a wedding fair and you you haven't, and this is what we've said before, and you haven't got that budget in mind, it isn't gonna be budget friendly because you're gonna want to do everything. Yeah. So it's like a line. So if you have a if you have a set amount of things or you you have your list of your basics beforehand, yeah, and then you go in with that, and then everything else is an extra. If you have it in your budget, go for it. Yeah. But then don't become the stigma of because I have had it where a couple um have booked everything at one wedding fair, and it's been, yeah, it's been very it it can be very overwhelming on the day for that. Not just that couple, but also to adjust.

SPEAKER_01

Well we've done it all in one day, and then they've come away and been like, but logistically, it doesn't work. Yeah, no, no, no. And then I guess like, especially the big ones. And I I've actually attended quite a big Did you go when you were getting married? No, because it was it wasn't we weren't getting married. Did you not even go just like for a music or anything? No, no, I didn't. Oh. I feel like I knew what I wanted and who I wanted there. Yeah, I think I don't supply you though, you do know. Um but like I when I've done another wedding fair at a bigger venue, like there can be duplicates of suppliers, which is fine, but as long as they're different styles and tastes. Like I had a bit of a I remember this. I know exactly what you're gonna say. Yeah, yeah. And it wasn't the other person's fault because we were both unaware. So we turned up um at said venue. At the said venue, yeah. Yeah, in the lovely bridal suite. Um and you were put next to each other. Yeah, and she offered the same thing as well as her, which is absolutely fine, and she's lovely. Um but she didn't know somebody else was coming, so all of her marketing was spread out rightly so across the room. And she was so good, she was like, Let me move stuff, let me move stuff. But basically, like we we resolved it on the day. I just had like a smaller table because it was getting on, like there wasn't much time left to set up. Didn't everybody think you were both together? That was what I'm leaning on to. Yeah, so everybody thought we were a team. So when the inquiries came in after the show, it was this has only happened once because I did I did share something. Yeah, I was like, just didn't work. Um, and they actually agreed as well. But yeah, so the emails that came in after that, it was like, oh, so I'd like to put my hair and makeup, and then I was like, I actually just do makeup, and then going back from that, they were like, But I met you such and such, and you did offer both. And I was like, Oh no, that was the other person. My sister was the model, and she was getting fuming. I remember she was like so territorial, and I'll and I'm just not about that, which is like it's really frustrating. Because you wear a shoe, yeah. Like you're and it's a lot of it's a long day, isn't it? Really, to stand there free. I mean, it's not free, you gain so much from it, and they're a lovely day, but technically that is what it is, yeah. So then I was I was just a bit disheartened because usually I do so well at that particular place, yeah, and that particular time I obviously didn't, but you do every other time after that and after that as well, which is a good thing. Both me and the venue and the other person said that that didn't work, yeah. So we're all on the same track, but yeah, I do remember being like it's okay if it works.

SPEAKER_00

Like I've been at fairs before where there's been three, four, five photographers all within the premises of like yeah, a s a small tiny square of each other, like literally all trestle tables around each other. And it's like if you are going to do a wedding fair and you're going to have multiple of the same suppliers, stagger them, don't put them in the same place. Yes, I know.

SPEAKER_01

So, and as well, that that makes that person remember you and where you were situated, and like I said, if your personality's coming out, they'll they'll be like, Oh, well, yeah, for example, me, well, Sophie was in that room and she was like a bubbly self, whereas maybe the other person we didn't quite gel with, or whatever it is, or it might be the opposite, like she was a bit too much, like we all avoid her. So I think it'll never be that hard. Um, so yeah, I guess that's like the pros and cons to them, I feel, as a supplier and and a couple.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I think I think also like going back to the salesy thing as well. I think it can like if you have never done a wedding fair and you're a brand new supplier as well, it can feel like okay, this is how I'm gonna I know get a one. And it's so nerve-wracking it is shout out to Jen at Wildflower.

SPEAKER_01

She was like instructing me. I was like, I don't know what time it was. Where was your first ever one? Um, the flower house, which is lovely and sweet. Was it? But I Jen was so good. Like Did you never do them before though? No. I've never I've never the past two years, I'd never done a wedding show. No way. It was probably you that have digged me up and pushed me.

SPEAKER_00

I love a wedding fair.

SPEAKER_01

And then, yeah, I guess starting off little. I can't even remember when my first one was. Oh no, I remember closely.

SPEAKER_00

Because I used to do it though with my old job. Right. So I used to do it with these guys.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

So Oh yeah, you will be a pro. I used to do it for them.

SPEAKER_01

I might turn up little soul trader, so a deer in headlights. And that Jen was just, yeah, bless her. Shout out to the city. Yeah, I literally was like, And then a rabbit in the headlights.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Is it a deer or a rabbit? It's both, I think, isn't it? A deer or a rabbit in the headlights. One or the other. But I didn't have a model as well, that that first one. So it just felt like I think that works really well for you.

SPEAKER_00

Like, don't get me wrong, like it's so it's so hard as well. Like, when you are a supplier and you have a service that is a product. So, say for example, with you, yeah, you can bring a model and show model and show your work. Whereas for me, I know I can't, and it's so hard because you have to have a conversation with me. Do you know what?

SPEAKER_01

That is so well said because obviously I helped run your stand last weekend. Um which thank you so much for doing, but you're welcome anytime, and you're obviously doing the flowerhouse one for me on you in a couple weeks. Um, but I I can fully relate to that, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

And I could see people wanting to go, yeah, but not knowing how to, but but drift as well.

SPEAKER_01

So I'm like, oh my friend Joelle, I do the podcast with her and managed to have that in a flyer.

SPEAKER_00

Um we then went to someone brides open day. I can't even just poked my head in and say hello, and I was like, Have you seen me do a podcast? And he handed out your leaper for you.

SPEAKER_01

Like, I don't know without flyers, but no, mine has got and there's photographs. I mean, there were photographs with you as well, but yeah, you can you can actually see what I'm doing, whereas yours is it's a lot harder.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, it is, it's a hell of a lot harder, and also as well, like like I said last week, if my wedding, if it that well, not my wedding, but a wedding that I've done, if it goes onto socials, it might not be your type of wedding. Yeah, so it doesn't really showcase my work essentially. Yeah, you like to do it. Because it's all personal preference, yeah. Really, yeah.

SPEAKER_01

And that's physically impossible unless you've attended a wedding fair.

SPEAKER_00

Unless you've attended a wedding or a wedding fair, yeah.

SPEAKER_01

But Joelle is hard. I don't know how she keeps her shit to you better. Because my god, that is like the world is on her shoulders. Well, it is, isn't it? Somebody's world.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, the whole day is. So yeah, well done. I go home and scream in the pillow. No, I don't really.

SPEAKER_01

So that's time to scream what I was telling you about that you do in the car. It's so oh yeah, I was stressing. I don't think I'd be able to do it. No, don't you try. Jesus. You would break a rib. So, in terms of us and suppliers, how do you how do you um prepare for a wedding fare? Obviously, we have just said it's a lot.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, it is a lot. I would say figure out what you didn't really stand for a start. Yeah. Um, get brochures printed. Yeah. Get your pricing sorted. Yeah. Know your business inside out.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. The pricing. It's always like a year in advance, isn't it? So you have to constantly keep that updated, I suppose.

SPEAKER_00

So, like, say for example, my brochures now are 2026 and 2027, but I'm happy to honour it for 2028 as well. Um, but they will change towards the end of this year slash the beginning of next year.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Um isn't that devastating by the way when you have ladies doing flyers left? Yeah. So oh my god, the whole put my old ones. So I did a massive discount like a year and a half ago. They put it into the brochure, into the bag, sorry. One of her brides messaged and was like, Oh, you're offering one of these discounts. And I was like, No, I'm like, I'm really sorry, but obviously she'd already bought me anyway, so she wasn't she wasn't phased, and she actually listens to the pod as well. Um, but I was like, I was like, they sh I was like, they're my old brochures. I was like, but my new ones are on my stand. Yeah. But then she's booked me anyway, and we've got her wedding next year, so there's no issue in terms of that. But yeah, like when you have got I have no more of those brochures out there.

SPEAKER_01

Like there's remember my as well.

SPEAKER_00

Your oh my god, I forgot that you did that. That was for the flowerhouse one, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I was so gutted. So I made all of these I still got them brochures. And there was just one number that was in the broader. It was just rolls. But these brochures, well, they cost a fortune. Yeah. They do. They do. It's like 200 quid just for light brochures. That will go in the bin, but like they're so helpful. And for me, they look beautiful and I love them. And I don't want to not have them. Yeah. And I remember I was like, I don't know whether to get rid of them. Or I just tip X it or explain. Or it was so it was a massive hoo-ha, wasn't it? I ended up keeping them and I still use them now with explaining to with couples. Like, just let you know that's um not the right price. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I mean it's more beneficial because it's cheaper, but yeah, which I said to you is is is a good thing. Yeah. Because at least it's not more expensive and you do it the opposite way around.

SPEAKER_01

I know, true.

SPEAKER_00

So, but yeah, I'd say brochures you need to think about. Yeah. And how many you need. Yeah. Um, it's always good to have too many than too little. Roller banner. Roll a banner if you need one or some kind of description of what you do. So making it obvious to actually what you do. From afar. From a yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Like you I think as a supplier as well, again, Jen actually gave me this tip. Different heights on your table.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Oh my god, if Jen's when she does it is completely I had to redo Jen's at Swanley Meadows last year for her because we'd I'd moved her from one table to a different table and had taken a photo of it the night before and then redid it the morning off, and I was like, oh my god, she just does it within that 30 seconds.

SPEAKER_01

I was like, I know, but she she helped again like give me some ideas because I I do stagger some photos at different. I just feel like it it balances it out.

SPEAKER_00

And she does hair, so she obviously very similar in terms of you, like either a model a model or a visual, she also sometimes brings a head to um wedding vest to s to show you quickly what she can do, which I think's a cracking idea if you do hair. Yeah, because she can do like multiple and just yeah, and you don't have to have a physical model there or pay somebody, you can just do a hairdressing head.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, which are really freaky. They are freaky, aren't they? Um so I guess for a couple on the day, like you just said, maybe don't book unless you're 100% sure.

SPEAKER_00

Um I would say no to that. Okay. So for example, I would say if you are if the ticket's like£3 for a wedding fair, do you know what I'd do? I I would book it and sign up.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, sorry, sorry, I was meaning a supplier.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, okay. But you're meaning going to visit. I'm meaning, yeah, actually visiting. So I would say if you are a couple and you are going to a wedding fair and you have to pay for a ticket and it's like£3 for a ticket or whatever it may be for a VIP one, whichever. So for example, if they've got an option for you to hear from suppliers, yeah, tick that.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Because if you don't get to see them on the day, you will then hear from them afterwards because then your email will go to those all those suppliers that are on that recommended supplier list or that have attended that wedding fare because you've consented to be contacted from them. And sometimes you might miss something, but you might want it, so you can then arrange, like for us, for example, we always send out a link on that for a consultation call to get booked in, that kind of stuff again.

SPEAKER_01

I know I was really pushing that as well. Everybody loved that. You were like, that's really good. Did you I'm assuming got a load? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I got chased a load.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I need to I need to actually re-email everybody from last week.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, yeah, that is really good of you. Yeah. Um, I guess as well for a couple, take photos of the stand, obviously with permission. So that'll retrace. Um, and then maybe just like we've said earlier, get your piles out, prioritize the suppliers. Yes, no, review maybe review in like a couple of days. Um, yeah, and then unsubscribe those.

SPEAKER_00

Don't fit the uh criteria. Have your as a couple when you're going, like, yeah, just try and what I would suggest doing is walking round at least once to any wedding fair without talking to anybody. Walk around, get your bearings, and then start the loop. And then start the loop again and go through. On the day. Yeah. Yeah, go ahead. Because what can happen is if you're first in that queue to go to that wedding fair, that person might not be prepared anyway to speak to all those people at the moment almost. Like, exactly. Like, I know after the third person, I'm like, right, how came in the rhythm of it. I'm like, I need to just play on my phone. Just one minute. And you do, you kind of get into the rhythm of like, okay, and it and it goes really quick, doesn't it, as well? But it just saves them being overwhelmed, but also you being overwhelmed as well. And then at least then you know what you're preparing for, and you might have more decent conversations because all of the rest of the people have actually staggered themselves out a little bit, and you're not waiting to speak to somebody, and then that person feeling pressured.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I feel like that's bang on, to be fair. Just from my point of view as well. You definitely do warm up, don't you?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, because you were first here, weren't you? As you walk into it, you're like, bam, here you go. Yeah, speak to Sophie.

SPEAKER_01

It was almost like a cue, yeah. And I was like, everybody gather around. I did say that, yeah, at one point, because it was like four couples, and I've just thought, right, I'm not repeating myself four times. Um, everyone was laughing to be like. Somebody passed over the map. I've been there today. I don't remember when we started. We can't do that.

SPEAKER_00

So he's like confidence, has gone from like, hey tonight.

SPEAKER_01

No, it's the sun, I'm telling you. Sometimes the sun on. Um, right, so another one, maybe controversial. Are wedding fairs still relevant in 2026 with obviously Instagram versus real life interaction, TikTok wedding planning culture, are fairs becoming more like experience led?

SPEAKER_00

I think so. I think yeah, I think yes, it's still relevant, but I think I do think some people do it really badly. Yeah. I think some wedding fairs can be I have had my fair share of absolute shit shows.

SPEAKER_01

I've had two, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Like I'm talking like one of my friends who is a detective actually in the police came with me and she wrote a massive complaint email to them because uh she was literally like what the hell? Like they'd promised thousands in terms of footfall, they'd promise like X, Y, and Z. When I say the organisers disappeared off site, the organizers disappeared off site, they they literally scot up. Oh my god, like it was every supplier that was in there um was unhappy. Some people had then been given a free stand um last minute, whereas you'd paid like hundreds for a stand. Um the catwalk, the second cat walk got cancelled to the point I spoke to on that day. Bear in mind it was a six, I think it was a six hour day um in terms of a show. And I spoke to I think it was three couples in total, that was it.

SPEAKER_01

And it was a massive, massive It's not the same one because they didn't have a cat walk, but I spoke to two.

SPEAKER_00

We had to tell this couple that were sat down for the second cat walk. No, no, that the catwalk had been cancelled because the cat they can't like they cancelled the catwalk and then they scarpered off, but they only told the suppliers a few suppliers, didn't tell all the suppliers, but then they scarpered off site, they went, they just left the building. I was like at all, not eat not even phase, and I was like, that's ridiculously bad, yeah. But I would say some people do it really, really shockingly bad, and some people do it absolutely fantastic, but I also do think as well that yes, they are still relevant, but I do think that when some venues do it, they do it with only their recommended suppliers, and it doesn't necessarily mean that that is what every single couple wants, no, which isn't relevant because you could have somebody that is say a photographer that's like been on there for 20 years or whatever, but might not be relevant to a 25-year-old now that's getting married. So I think yes and no.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, and if we compare with like I don't know, like maybe like venue open days to a wedding fair or like styled shoots that showcase I guess they are very different, aren't they?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, but I just think wedding fairs could be done slightly better. I think what you can do at them and what you give back to couples could work really well. Yeah, but uh yeah, I do think that it they could be done better from some people, but then some people do them absolutely blinking fantastic. Yeah. And I've got my I do have my favourites, I must admit.

SPEAKER_01

Can you drop those in?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, bouquet and battles. Okay, I've never done bouquet. Claire runs a really good one, anyway. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just a how she does it, her communication with suppliers, and also treated on the day. The way you're treated on the day.

SPEAKER_01

And I just want to shout out as well to the hub last weekend. The hub, fantastic, but they you guys, you could really see a difference. They gave every supplier a little goodie bag with treats in. Hey, where's mine? Yeah, no, because Robbie thought no women would hear Joella.

SPEAKER_00

I'm so gonna message Paul afterwards.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I just feel like it is a community. Yeah. And you feel like just you're making friends, they've made a community massively, yeah. Yeah, so well done, guys.

SPEAKER_00

I think I do think the hub as well is like you said, another one. Swanley Meadows do a cracking one.

SPEAKER_01

I've never attended, but I did the style sheet with you. Flowerhouse. Yeah, flowerhouse. It's close to both of our hearts.

SPEAKER_00

Um there is there are so many that we could list, but they're probably, I know ones that we both do off the top of our head, yeah, that are cracking.

SPEAKER_01

I guess like have you ever had I know you just said like a really bad experience. Would you say the one you've just explained? Yeah. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

What was yours, Betty?

SPEAKER_01

Similar. So I was just well, I'd it was like again one of my my first ones I'd ever done. It wasn't the first, but it was up there. Yeah. And um my family and Ethan's family just came to pop in. Because they were like, oh like this is really brave of you, like doing it blah blah, just like supportive. But was so embarrassed because it was so dead, it was just not advertised at all, it was painful. Um and I I guess just like the family were like, what's going on? I was like, it's they're never usually like this, like it's it's dead. Um yeah, nobody was really talking to one another. It was just a very funny vibe, not like a wedding fair that we used to, you know, like music's on, it's fun, lively entertainment, yeah, speaking to one another. So I can't there's nothing like that that happened to me, like personally, but just in terms of the way it was advertised and the way it was, it was just yeah, shocking. I mean, there was two like that, but that one that I'm related to, yeah. It was just a bit odd. That was just a bit awkward. Was it closed out? Yeah. That's really a shocking. Um and and I I remember saying to like one of the stands next to me, he was a photographer. She was a photographer actually. Um and she I just was like, is it usually like this? She was like, it's just not been advertised. I was like, no, to be fair, I've not I've only probably seen one kind of poster, if you like. No way. When you think like you could hammer it on social media. Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

And if you do I think if you are organising one, then you need to be. You need to, yeah. But what I would I would love to know, especially from like you guys. That's what's gonna lead on to like what you would want to see at a wedding fair.

SPEAKER_01

Like, what are your stories from a wedding fair? Like, did anything bad happen? Were you quite shocked?

SPEAKER_00

I actually do have something bad happen that has happened to one of my best friends that's getting married. Well, it's not something bad, but she so she listens to the pod and she actually mentioned she only we mentioned ghosting last week, and she was like, I'm getting ghosted from suppliers. And I was like, Okay, so we've talked about ghosting from our point of view, but also suppliers, come on, don't ghost your couples if they're inquired and you can't do it, just say.

SPEAKER_01

I honestly, unless it's landed in my junk, any message on any platform I respond to, yeah, even yes. Even down to like a love hot liked on Instagram. Um hopefully one day it grows that big where I'm like, but I would always still announce on my story, I can see your messages. Yeah, you know, if I'm booked, I'll be like, I'm so sorry, I'm not available this day. I hope you have the most the most amazing wedding day. I even put, which I don't have to do, let me know if you need any special recommendations. I don't have to do that. It's another added work like job for me. Yeah, but I'd even do that because I'm like, it is an overwhelming place.

SPEAKER_00

I do the exact same. I had an inquiry actually last week, and I was like, I'm really so it was actually for two weeks' time. And I was like, I'm really sorry, I can't do it. I'm not available, George is not available.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. Um but here are people that I said I trust. Save as a template on your emails, on your dress, copy paste, you know, you could say it's not personal, but you can tweak things and it makes your life easier. You're not ghosting anybody. It works on both parts.

SPEAKER_00

Well, if you use something like Wedola, for example, you can literally already have the reply there and it'll be done.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

So, yeah, suppliers, please do not ghost couples. No, no, no. So we got the finger out.

SPEAKER_01

I'm just interacting with my camera as well.

SPEAKER_00

I know I just looked at it then and I was like, ah!

SPEAKER_01

We've been told we have to engage with the camera, Sam. Um right, so let's move on to the fun part, which is a question and the bridal spiral. You go for your question, honey. Okay. So I have a question, guys. That's what it starts with. Wedding photo booth, yes or no. Very much on the fence. Love the idea of a wedding QR code with sunglasses with the initials and date on. So would you go with one or the other or both? Or do you own or do your own prop area with a QR code? So there's lots of different ideas here. Yeah. So wedding booth, yes or no. Let's start with that first one. Yeah. You're saying yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I think they can work. Okay. If they're done correctly.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I think if it's got staff on them, they can't be miserable.

SPEAKER_01

You did a shout out to Yeah, it was one of the brides at the Swan at um Swan Brides when we did the wedding show. One of my brides said who she'd booked, and you know who that was. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You were like, he's amazing. He interacts really good. Which is that pop guy. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Um apparently he's he's really he he does do it really good and he interacts really, really well with them. Yeah. But then you've got, for example, you've got guys that are really good at it. So for example, let the added extra do it really well. Um, Birdie does it absolutely amazing. I'm obsessed with the both of them. I know. Um I think her and her husband are fantastic. Iddy biddy as well.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

They're really good.

SPEAKER_01

I think for me, like if you're gonna do a wedding booth, I would opt out of your own props because it just gets dumped in a corner and it gets wrecked. Um, obviously, if you want to keep costs down, I get why you would do that. But if you do book a wedding booth, it has to be situated in the right area of the of the wedding. They always get placed out of the way, I feel why. Yeah, you need to be in that, you need your money's worth. You want people to know you're there. It can be by the dance floor, which is where most people are.

SPEAKER_00

So yes, I would say at least in that room. Yeah. But doesn't but the thing is about it being situated next to the dance floor, people are drunk. They're so silly. So I remember working on a mirror for the added extra, and this is when I worked with them, and they oh my god, it was two guys pretending to sword fight in front of the mirror, and they were absolutely hammered, like absolutely hammered.

SPEAKER_01

So I do agree with it being in the room, but yeah, not on the dance floor, but I just think like yeah around where everybody's going to be. Like, you don't need to be in the no other or the section of the venue because you people will just walk past you and like unless you've got the right type of crowd, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

It all depends on the guests because if you've got your DJ or Banda, whoever announcing it continuously, fine. Or if you've got somebody that you know is like a photo like Iddy Biddy or Birdie or whoever, where they physically go into the venue and will get guests outside as well. So I do think it just does depend on what you want, but I would agree with the props thing, yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So opt out of the props, this is just us.

SPEAKER_00

We were opt out of the props because it does get lost and forgotten about, and they get on the dance floor and they start people start hitting with them with each other, like I'm really sorry to do this and start to be stereotypical, but men just become children in a playground.

SPEAKER_01

I can be a top.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I can be, I can be. We've actually still got one of the props for over when we went to the contradicting what you yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So, in terms of answering that, if you've got the budget, yeah, uh a photo booth, why the hell not? Yeah, opt out of your own props.

SPEAKER_00

Also, go and see that photo boob. So, say for example, if you're going, if you've got a particular company in mind, ask if you can see it in action or if they're at a wedding fair, go and see it, have a go at it, because then you can see exactly how it's gonna work on the day and how it's gonna work for your guests.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. And then obviously the second half of the question is the QR code. So for me, I'm like a hundred percent of the QR code. Why would you not the more photos you've got documented, yeah, the better. My favourite photos of my wedding day or from an iPhone, they are yeah, ones where I'm not even looking. In fact, some of the um disposable cameras, the the guests we did a little iSpy thing on the chart, and it was just like take a photo of the bride doing this or take a photo of the best dress, guest. It was so fun, and most of them photos, maybe because they're in film, yeah, are some of my favourite ones.

SPEAKER_00

Start them at your wedding breakfast. So, say, for example, put QR codes on the table with little prompts as well, yeah. But also, as well, there is apps now where the couple, so you can actually send out text at certain times throughout your day to say, take a photo of this. Take that photo. So good, isn't it? Yeah, I knew that I that is something I would totally do on because everybody's on the phone. Yeah, so say, for example, you could send one pre-ceremony if you really wanted to, to say, take a photo of you waiting for me to come down the aisle. Yeah. So you could literally do it there and there, and then you could just be like, no phones, registrar celebrant, I'll put it on our stories. Yeah, um, because I can't remember what it's called, but I've got it. It's so good. It's really, really good. But QR codes, definitely. Okay, yeah. Amazing. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So I feel like that hopefully should help answer that question.

SPEAKER_00

But then also, so you've got to remember photo boosts don't come until the evening. So if you do have QR codes down, it gives guests something to do. Yeah, yeah. It's a type of entertainment. Yeah, yeah. So I have a bridal spiral, but it's very long. Um, so strap in, guys. Okay. Um, I know, same. So we had an entry that is from an incredible, incredible bride. Um, I'm not going to name names or anything like that, but she's looking for a bit of advice. So I don't know if this counts to be a story or if I'm actually after advice, but on the lead up to my wedding has been nothing short of eventful. I know. I got engaged while I was on holiday. I told all of my closest friends pretty much straight away.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

And then the same night I get a call back from my best friend. She'd only got engaged on the exact same day. Obviously, we're both over the moon for each other. It felt wild and special that we'd shared the date, but then she said, Shall we both wait until we're home to post anything on social media? We've got loads of mutual friends, so it kind of made sense. I agreed, and it was only a few days until we were back. But then, the very next day, she posted.

SPEAKER_01

Right.

SPEAKER_00

And I didn't know. It just felt like she needed to get there before me. I tried to brush it off and brush it under the carpet and not let it ruin my holiday. I told myself I was overthinking it. But however, fast forward a few months, she books a wedding. We're at my birthday celebration and she's showing one of our friends details about it, but keeping it from me. They're talking about it right in front of me, eye clock on what's going on. That hurt. It felt deliberate. I can imagine. And that is sour as well. I think that's just uh as a woman to woman, you just don't do it. Or even anybody.

SPEAKER_01

That's not okay. And that friend needs to be called out on her behaviour. Yeah. It's getting a bit spiteful. Yeah. It doesn't need to be a competition. No. You're both doing this together. Yeah. It's more on her. Yeah. Or him. Whoever that is.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Story continues. Oh no. Then somehow I'm getting accused of keeping secrets because I'd looked at my venue. But it's always been going to be my venue. I've talked about it for years. It wasn't some big plan. So she had this venue. She has been open and honest that this is the venue I'm gonna get married at. Yeah. But for some reason, because she'd gone and visited it without telling anybody, she's now keeping her secret. Our weddings are now three months apart.

SPEAKER_01

But she brought the same venue.

SPEAKER_00

Our weddings are now three months apart. Mine is first. I asked my bridesmaids within 12 months to go. One of them said they couldn't make it on the day. I I asked her anyway, so I asked her the next day instead. But this friend who's one of my bridesmaids was apparently upset about something and then didn't speak to me for nine weeks. It caused complete chaos of planning my hand do because nobody knew where they stood. Plans had changed, everything felt tense. And now it just feels like she's going out of her way to overshadow everything. She's had my wedding invitation for a week and hasn't opened it or even acknowledged that she's received it. The day before I'm supposed to choose my bridesmaids' dresses, she then suddenly messages her bridal group about creating a wedding morning playlist eight months before her actual wedding day. When she asked us to be bridesmaids, she already had the dresses there ready for us to try on. Like she needed to tick a box before I did. I just feel lost and honestly a bit sad. It just feels like something that should be joyful has turned into this weird competitive undercurrent. And I don't know if I'm being sensitive or if if there really is something going on. She just put sorry for the really long message.

SPEAKER_01

Don't apologize for the really long message. There is something going on. Yeah. I do think from her point of view, she probably is being sensitive. But I completely get why. Yeah. She thinks she's thinking of every situation.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. You're thinking of everybody in the scenario.

SPEAKER_01

Like it is gonna be a sensitive time. And I just feel like a conversation could actually help on both parts.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

She needs to be made aware. It is a female, isn't it? She needs to be aware of her behaviour. And you need to tell her of how those situations are making you feel. You're not gonna lose a friendship from it. It is gonna be a little bit intense.

SPEAKER_00

And if you do, then that says it all. One less bridesmaid B.

SPEAKER_01

Can I just go back as well? The bridesmaid that fell out with her and didn't speak to Phenomies. Is that bridesmaid? I think that is the the other person getting married. Yeah. Yeah, there's clearly something going on. It's becoming a little bit of like if I'm going to Tenerife, she's going to Eleven Arif kind of eyes. And that isn't a true friendship, is it?

SPEAKER_00

No, and also as well, like This happens so often. It does, and it's it is really sad because you have It puts a dampener on it. And you have how you want your day to feel and look in your head.

SPEAKER_01

But this is why it needs to be nipped to the bud now before the wedding. Because if you're carrying up all these feelings and emotions, and she is too, can you imagine what it's gonna be like on both of the weddings? Just honestly have a conversation. I'm gonna have to get involved. I'm gonna sit with you and hold your hand and say it for you. Oh, that's that is sad.

SPEAKER_00

I feel like both of them are butting heads. Yeah, I'm really sorry that it's happened. Yeah, but I also do feel that a conversation probably is gonna be.

SPEAKER_01

Especially and sleep over it, like I bet she's feeling awful.

SPEAKER_00

And if she and if it doesn't from both parties, like I think if you say what you're feeling and it's not like it's not heard in a good way or anything like that.

SPEAKER_01

If you're not put into practice almost, then maybe again you need to reevaluate and be like, has this really?

SPEAKER_00

Also, if this has happened with anybody else, like don't be afraid of actually being like, I'm really sorry, but I don't want to say no. Also, you can say no to being a bridesmaid from the other person. So she could have said no at any point. If she didn't want to be a bridesmaid, she could have said no. You don't have to say yes. I mean, going back to the start, and also you can pull bridesmaids if you really need to be.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, you can do what you please, but you've just got to know it's gonna upset people or upset you. Yeah, like that's it. So I wasn't gonna be easy on both parts. No, but just going back to the beginning, like you both made a joint decision on waiting. So, yeah, I get why you've all frustrated. I do, and maybe that's the the the point, the starting point of that conversation. Like we both agreed that we would just keep it until we got home, and for some reason you just couldn't stick to that or message me, look, I'm so excited. I just want to post share it. I hope that's okay. And maybe her mood would have been like, oh bless her, yeah, that I get it.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, communication is key, it's key with everything. Yeah. But no.

SPEAKER_01

So sorry that you're going through that, but I definitely think communicate.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I do too, hun. I'm really sorry as well. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

But just before we finish up on this episode, I just really, really, really, really, really, really, really Oh my god, that was so many really. What do you want to do? No, want to shout out to someone in particular. Okay, go on.

SPEAKER_00

PJ.

SPEAKER_01

A listener, a friend, just an absolute icon. That is Chloe. Chloe. Watch every Chloe that listens to be like should I say her surname? Yeah, go for it. Chloe Brady, you are just holding such a special place in my heart. You have supported me and supporting this so much. Like you are popping it on your stories.

SPEAKER_00

You're I love that listening. I love seeing it as well.

SPEAKER_01

Your messages like Joella didn't know that you were a friend.

SPEAKER_00

And the fact that I revived you as well on my socials. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

And I just feel like I mean there's lots of them, and I wanna continue to do this on every episode because it's not just Chloe, but we're starting off with Chloe. You are getting a shout out. Um, thank you, and keep sharing it and keep tagging us. We love it, and we love resharing it. Please don't give up on us. And yeah, thank you. All embarrassed in the car. Um so yeah, just thank you. That's all I want to say. Really appreciate it. And hope everybody else is enjoying it as well. Just like um So, where can everybody find us then, Soph? Everything is at the IELDaries podcast. So that is TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, uh, YouTube, Bada Buddy Five, Apple Music, and our email is Joella. The IELDaries podcast at gmail.com.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. And where can everyone find you?

SPEAKER_01

Oh, me. They can find me on Instagram at Sophie.brown.makeup or the sister page at spotbridomakeup.

SPEAKER_00

And I can be found at Serafina Weddings underscore on Instagram and Serafina Weddings on TikTok. Don't please, like, please, please, don't forget to submit diary entries, questions, everything. Yeah. We keep getting them in. We we're probably gonna do an episode in I I'd say like after next month, maybe, where we do quite a few at once from everybody. So please, because I'm thinking about it. Yeah, because we do think they spark quite great conversation as well. Everyone's going through the same boat.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, and it's real life problems or issues. So submit, submit, submit, submit. Yeah, submit, subscribe, follow. You know the drill. Okay, I love you. Bye.