Wedding Fair

[xrheax]

(so sorry if this is not in the right place, I did add it to wedding crafts too so if it is not supposed to be here then I apologise)

Hello

Last year I contacted a hotel, which is the main one in Dumfries for wedding fairs. They quoted me £110 but I didn't want to do it at that time, I had only been trading for a couple of months and I didn't want to go to a fair when I had never been to one before.
I have checked again and this years price is £180, which I simply do not have at the moment, but I may have in October, when they next fair will be held.

Has anyone else done any wedding fairs. What price did you pay to exhibit? What kind of items did you have up, and did most brides actually buy or book on the day or did they contact you later.

I would be selling wedding stationery, guestbooks, keepsake and veil boxes and the dress boxes.

All comments and help much appreciated

Susan x x x

[Caroleecrafts]

I have always avoided Wedding Fayres as the rents are way too high. Some I know do not allow you to sell on the day but take orders, this may be okay for some exhibitors but this has to be weighed up. I know anything is a chance but this is a lot to lose if no orders taken. Have you checked this out with them, what you can or can't do?

[xrheax]

I haven't checked. After visiting myself last time, where my sister decided to be a bride, I saw that most were just handing out business cards, and the photographers etc were taking preliminary bookings.
I have previously phoned them but they really push for a sell, and I hate saying no!

[Wildheart]

Hi, felt compelled to reply both as a crafter and a bride-to-be (September this year).

I've never done a bridal fair as a stall-holder as, has already been pointed out, they can charge an awful lot for these events - though they do tend to be held in very nice venues, warmer than an outdoor fair, and nearby loos....

As a bride-to-be who's been to a couple of these bridal fairs, I'd never buy or order anything at the event as they are far too busy and I know the stallholders are trying to generate as much business as possible in the short time they have. For my wedding, I want their undivided attention for as long as I need it and time to browse and discuss my requirements.

Dunno if that's any help, but thought I'd add my twopenn'orth!

Jane

[Rodeo Lady]

I think you have to do wedding fairs knowing that you wont make any money on the day and probably wont get many orders .
The brides are there to see what's on offer for their future plans. Remembering some of them will be talking about two years ahead.
I think theses fairs are a long term investment. No quick bucks on the day unless you are really lucky.

Best wishes on whatever you decide.
Janice

[xrheax]

Hi, felt compelled to reply both as a crafter and a bride-to-be (September this year).

I've never done a bridal fair as a stall-holder as, has already been pointed out, they can charge an awful lot for these events - though they do tend to be held in very nice venues, warmer than an outdoor fair, and nearby loos....

As a bride-to-be who's been to a couple of these bridal fairs, I'd never buy or order anything at the event as they are far too busy and I know the stallholders are trying to generate as much business as possible in the short time they have. For my wedding, I want their undivided attention for as long as I need it and time to browse and discuss my requirements.

Dunno if that's any help, but thought I'd add my twopenn'orth!

Jane

Thank you for your honest reply.

I see it more as a way to get more customers though, I wouldn't sell anything there I don't think, because my work normally involves a good twenty emails or so before I go ahead with anything. If I met a customer at these fairs, I would probably arrnage one on one consultations at their convienience, especially for stationery to make sure I had all the information I needed and that they were happy.

However, I aren't sure many brides will actually make more appointments, and although I know I probably won't make any sales on the day, it is very hard to advertise locally here, and I aren't sure how else to get my name out.

I just think £180 is a lot of money!