The National Wedding Show - worth a visit?

Hi

I have purchased tickets for the Wedding show at the NEC in March, i haven't gone for the VIP tickets but i think you can still attend the catwalk show- just may have to queue instead of getting reserved seating.

I go twice a year, Spring & Winter and are great for inspiration. The Catwalk shows are open to everyone so you can see all of the shows & demonstrations.

I am going in Feb.

I think i'll go for it then!

Is the Sunday likely to be quieter than the Sat do you think? (Can't do the Friday due to work)

Have googled everywhere for discount code but no joy! Only £15 though so not too bad for an afternoon out!

I've chosen the sunday too as cant do the fri or sat- but £15 i thought was a bargain really for a day out!

I went to the National Wedding Show in Earls Court last year in October - not sure how useful it was, I think you need to have a clear idea of what you want to look for/ask about before you go. I wasn't ready to buy/book anything on the day which didn't help.

I did however get a few sneaky photos of flowers and suits for inspiration, which will be useful. My top tip is don't take every leaflet that you get offered, or you'll have hundreds to lug home and they get heavy!

I went to National wedding fayre when i first got engaged in 2009. I found it fun but waste of money to be honest (i went to nec one!). Some of exhibitors were quite rude when i told them my wedding was in 2011. Plus although its 'national' everything was local which didnt really assist me with my planning what so ever! I couldnt enter any competitions because they wouldnt deliever the prizes to my area (ie free chair covers etc).

I think if you are geting married near to the fayre then it would be helpful but if you live away i would attend a local one to you.

I think it really depends on how far along in your planning you are... I found it great for inspiration as you have everything all in one place.

I went to Earls Court in October 2009 and bought my dress (!) - I did find that Olympia in February was much much smaller.

Handy tips...

Get there early, if looking for dresses, head to those stands first as they get really busy (wear leggings for trying on as the changing rooms are often communal (I was stood there with 4 other brides in my bra and pants!!!)

Take your own food or be prepared to queue and pay through the nose for a salad (!)

Take an easy to carry bag for all the bumpf you will get - it's a good idea to sort through these at lunch and throw away anything you definitely don't want to save your poor shoulders!

I am sure I had more tips but can't think of them all right now... will have a ponder!

I went to the nec one last year with my cbm- i wouldnt go again. i had booked most things anyway and i found the issue about suppliers not being able to come to me anyway- even though i live an hour ish away from bham

i wudnt go again- or if i knew then what i knew now i wudnt go

if you do go i wud say wear comfy shoes, and half way through the day sit down and go through the hundreds of leaftlets you get so you can lighten the load