Plenty of venues will be holding wedding fayres and open days in January for two reasons. Firstly because so many couples get engaged over Christmas and New Year but also because January is generally one of the quieter months for weddings and so even popular wedding venues are likely to have a weekend date on which to open their doors to prospective couples.
What is an open day?
An open day is an opportunity for venues to open their doors and showcase what they do.
What can I expect from an open day?
You can expect to taste samples from the food menu, sample the welcome drinks, speak to staff, see the venue set up for a wedding and talk to suppliers who regularly work with the venue and whom the venue recommends.
You can also expect to be shown around the venue by an experienced member of staff who will be able to answer any questions you may have and who can check availability if you have not already booked your wedding date.
Who can attend an open day?
Open days are usually by appointment only – directly with the venue – and attendees will be a mixture of couples who have already booked their wedding at the venue holding the open day and those couples who are interested in looking at what this venue has to offer them with the view to booking their big day once they’ve viewed and they like what the venue has to offer them.
What is a wedding fayre?
A wedding fayre is an opportunity for suppliers to showcase their services to prospective couples. Wedding fayres are usually organised by an external organisation and are held in various locations – not necessary at a wedding venue.
You’ll find a wide range of suppliers from Registrars to venue dressers, photographers and videographers to and cake makers to florists – all in one place. It’s a great way to get inspiration and to while away the afternoon with your partner, your best man or your bridesmaids.
It’s an excellent way to contemplate the finer details of your day and to work out what you do want to include and what you might be able to do without on your wedding day.
Wedding suppliers also provide a great insight into the wedding industry in general – they are a fountain of wedding knowledge so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation .
Often wedding venues do opt to hold open days in their main function room so that they are able to showcase what they as a venue do, to a large and captive audience. If you attend a wedding fayre in a venue that also holds weddings and receptions, you’re likely to be able to taste the food (think finger food like canapes) and a selection of the reception drinks menu. You’ll also be able to suss out the waiting and bar staff (who will probably be the same people who will be serving you and your guests if you chose to hold your wedding at the venue) and the wedding managers who will usually be available to talk to you and to show you around the venue.
Who can attend a wedding fayre?
Wedding fayres are usually open to anyone who is currently planning a wedding, thinking about getting married in the next couple of years or hoping to get married one day!
You shouldn’t expect to be charged an entry fee but most wedding fayre organisers will ask you to register your details via Eventbrite or similar so that they are able to gauge attendee numbers.
If your wedding day (no matter how far off it is) could do with some inspiration, then a wedding fayre is exactly what you’re looking for.
To keep up to date with our calendar of Wedding Fayres and events, sign up to our Newsletter. You’ll also get a free useful Wedding Checklist to keep you organised and on top of your wedding planning! And you’ll get notified first of any special deals that might be running (particularly look out for winter wedding savings!).
We look forward to seeing you soon!
