NI Wedding Shows

gibbyni

Never done one since that, we worked out better forms of advertising for us. Few things I would say is do your offers and get them to book there and then, offer some sort of discount of something free if they book on the day. We do the same sort of thing where when someome requests a sample they get a discount code with it for an extra 15% discount valid till the end of the month, and when it get close to expiring we get a load of order in.

Its going to take time to build up but word of mouth will be a big thing in getting orders for next year and way into the future. Have you a website set up? if not get one ASAP

Also what size is your stand we had a 2 x 1 with 3 people and it was crampt. Also have a good think about how your going to set your stand up. We left it to the last min and to be honest it could have looked better.

What other forms of advertising are you doing for the business?

weeclick

yeh had a website set up before the business even "went live" and its of great help to us!

I think our stall is about 3X1 in the Kings Hall, I know its not great but all we could really afford when booking. Weve already got the lay out sorted and went to Balmoral show yesterday to get an idea of the actual size of the stalls and what everyone else was doing really. I think judging by yesterday our stall will fit in nicely.

Weve been in a few wedding magazines, local newspaper, things like google and yell and some leaflet drops. The best return has been the local paper the other stuff hasnt really worked out for us which is why we thought wed try the fairs then. Weve got half a dozen weddings for this year (not bad considering weve only opened) and already got a few booked for next year as well.

Going to spend all weekend finalising things for it - want to be really prepared

weeclick

Hiya Everyone,

Just wanted to bump this thread again as our first show is this Saturday in Newtownards so if you plan on getting married this might be ideal for you - I know my company have arranged a nice goody bag for anyone that books us on the day and will include vouchers, frames, chocolates, pens and if your one of the lucky few some perfume as well!!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

weeclick

*bump*

wedding show in Queens Hall Netownards today folks!!

gibbyni

Well how did your first wedding show go then?

weeclick

I was a mess in the morning, really nervous and gave myself a headache driving down but all in all a good day! Got there really early (was first to arrive) and so was dissappointed to find we had been pushed into the corner and half of our table was impossible to reach for some clients!

We became really busy really early but then after an hour they had a band on stage promoting their business and was far too loud (dispite the organisers asking them 5 times to turn it down) and due to this we lost about 3 solid bookings there and then! However as a quick turnaround we decided to offer everyone interested a free consultation for next week and we are keeping the offers we had opened until they have seen us next week then, otherwise we would have lost a lot of sells!

We also seemed to get a lot of interest in our portraits which surprised me so even if they didnt want us for their wedding we would still get something from them anyway!

Our stall looked brilliant though, alot of effort went in and Im very excited to see what we get back out of it - We have a definate 3 consultations next week with a possible 8 or 9 others to still get back to us which would be fantastic - just really excited about our next wedding show next week :D:D

chunter

I've heard that the border hotels in the north are doing a roaring trade at the moment because a substantial number of the Republic's weddings are being switched up here for fairly obvious reasons.
..And they're stopping at Asda on their way to the airport!

weeclick

I think all businesses up here are booming thanks to people coming up to save a few pennies - sprucfield is jam packed at weekends!

coolcarma

I've just been 'upgraded' from girlfriend to fiancee over the weekend (:rotfl:) and I'm now looking into all things to do with Weddings! I'm really keen on photography myself so I'd expect a lot from my wedding photographers!

Can't seem to find many Wedding Fayres in the Belfast area and the one at the Kings Hall this September seems to be fully booked.....anyone know of others nearby?

Our wedding will probably take place around May or June 2010 but I guess it's never too late to start so we're starting with the engagement ring this weekend....might try Joseph Rea's as they've been recommended by a few people.

hnisc

coolcarma wrote: »

I've just been 'upgraded' from girlfriend to fiancee over the weekend (:rotfl:) and I'm now looking into all things to do with Weddings! I'm really keen on photography myself so I'd expect a lot from my wedding photographers!

Can't seem to find many Wedding Fayres in the Belfast area and the one at the Kings Hall this September seems to be fully booked.....anyone know of others nearby?

Our wedding will probably take place around May or June 2010 but I guess it's never too late to start so we're starting with the engagement ring this weekend....might try Joseph Rea's as they've been recommended by a few people.

Firstly congratulations!

There are sooooo many photographers to choose from even within the Belfast area alone so check out 4ni.co.uk for all those. Visit their websites and check prices and make a point in seeing their work first hand.

The Wedding Fayre in the Kings Hall is not booked out far from it perhaps your talking about having a stand there? You can even pay on the day (although more costly).

Joseph Rea's half price sale can't be beaten! lol