With the chilly mornings and darker evenings, I think we can all agree that autumn’s certainly here. I LOVE this time of year and, if you’re planning your wedding, you’ve got an extra reason to smile at the onset of autumn because it’s wedding show season!
This year, the UK’s biggest and best wedding show, The National Wedding Show is back and with four shows this season, you really must save the date right now. The National Wedding Show is, quite rightly, legendary in the wedding world. Whatever stage of planning you’re at, there’ll be inspiration aplenty, fantastic exhibitors and a whole host of special events at each show not to mention the AMAZING catwalk show (and yes, the excitable capital letters are most definitely deserved).
The first show takes place at London’s Olympia 22-24 September and that’s followed by shows at NEC Birmingham 29 September – 1 October, ExCeL London 21 – 22 October while the final show hits Manchester Central 28-29 October.
So, now you’ve added those dates to your diary, let me tell you a bit more about what’s in store for you at each show. I apologise in advance if this is a bit of a whistle-stop tour but there’s SO much to include! Let’s get started…
Whichever show you attend, you really can’t miss the catwalk. The carefully curated catwalk shows feature the latest dresses, suits and accessories from a range of fantastic designers including Allure Bridals, Confetti Box, Riki Dalal, Berketex, David’s Bridal, Maggie Sottero, Nigel Rayment, Ben Sherman, Slaters, Youngs Hire and Rainbow Club.
The shows take place four times each day and seating is first come, first served so get there early to bag a fab spot. However, VIP ticket holders will be able to enjoy reserved seating at the shows not to mention access to the exclusive Secret Garden for plenty of treats and surprises. Think complimentary sparkling cocktails, the latest issues of bridal magazines plus a goody bag worth over £100. What’s not to love?
Away from the catwalk, The National Wedding Show gives you the perfect opportunity to find your dream dress. There’s something for every taste, style and budget and you’re positively encouraged to browse and try on gowns. Hurrah to that!
All shows will also feature a Champagne Bar, an Inspired Bakes Gallery showcasing an array of spectacular wedding cakes plus some of the best wedding suppliers around ranging from venues, photographers and stationers through to caterers, wedding planners and more. Love My Dress favourites including Helaina Storey Designs, Doris Loves and Rachel Simpson Shoes will be in attendance and you can find out more online.
And, if all that’s not enough, there’s even more to look forward to! London Olympia, NEC Birmingham and Manchester Central will feature Lancôme Make-Up Masterclasses; you can get hands-on in the free wedding DIY workshops in The Inspiration Lab at London Olympia, NEC Birmingham and ExCeL London and don’t miss the Vintage Wedding Village in partnership with Magpie Wedding at Manchester Central and ExCeL London.
London Olympia will also be offering the chaps entry to the Grooms’ Room with Cad & The Dandy or, if you’re visiting the show at Manchester Central, the Floral Inspiration Lab with Joseph Massie Flowers really has to be part of your day. There’s heaps more on offer too so check out The National Wedding Show website for more details and timetables – we’d hate for you to miss out!
Ticket prices start at £14 in advance for adults and £35 (£30 in Manchester) for VIP tickets but, if you use code LMD17 when booking your tickets, you can snap up 2 adult tickets for £25 (a rather lovely saving of £15 on the ‘on the door’ price). Just make sure that you book early as this offer is only valid until Thursday prior to each show.*
Now, aren’t you even more excited for autumn?
To find out more about The National Wedding Show this autumn, just click on over and visit the website.
Love,
Tamryn x
*Advanced saving based on door price of £20 (adult) and £40 VIP (£35 for Manchester). Offer valid until Thursday prior to each show. Transaction fee applies.
Content varies at each show and is subject to change.
Images courtesy of Louise Bjorling Photography.
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
