Good morning all, I hope whatever and where ever you are reading this that you are having a lovely relaxing Sunday. I am absolutely delighted to have discovered yesterday that those who contributed towards my book received their advance copies – I wasn’t expecting this to happen quite so soon and the flurry of emails and Tweets congratulating me was such a gorgeous little suprise – thank you SO much everyone!
Those of you who have been following my observations of developments over at The Designer Wedding Show will probably be aware that an event was held last week, Friday 8th February, with Tim Etchells and his team of SME London – the new owners of The Designer Wedding Show brand.
The occasion, which was by no means anything exclusive, had been organised by Philippa Craddock. Philippa’s original plans had been to hold a small, intimate event at her floristry studio in Sussex, involving anyone who would have been due to exhibit at the show and who would like to ‘get together’ for a morning of sharing ideas – a genuine attempt to pull something positive out of what seemed to be unravelling as a somewhat rather more disappointing situation.
‘Tim Etchells outlined his personal commitment – as owner of SME London,
as well as the company’s commitment to the show,
both in terms of resources
and success…’
The event was never intended to be exclusive – Philippa rightly and very fairly attempted to reach out to everyone who wanted to be involved, but given the limited capacity at the venue, and with no time to relocate again as interest peaked, sadly not everyone could attend. I was in attendance on 8th February, and speak from my heart when I say it was a brilliant success.
Mr Etchells outlined his personal commitment, as owner of SME London, to the future of the Designer Wedding Show, as well as the company’s commitment to the show both in terms of resources and success. He confirmed SME London’s commitment to at least the forthcoming October and February shows being held at Battersea Park – very much throwing ‘everything at them’ to ensure these first two shows are a real success and to demonstrate his long-term commitment to all stakeholders. Beyond this, he is keen to explore ways of enhancing the show, rebranding, relocating, researching how the show can become much more of an exciting, conceptual, experiential type of event.
My main purpose for posting today is to share some notes* that were recorded on the day, and that have been read and approved by Mr Etchells. Please click here to download a copy in PDF format. I also wanted to convey to my readers how, from my perspective, which I know was shared by everyone present on the day, what a fantastic occasion it was. Mr Etchells left all those present feeling extremely excited about the future of The Designer Wedding Show. There was a wonderful spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm in the room. I also lost count of the number of people who came over to say hello and tell me how pleased they were that they had attended and how positive they were now feeling.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect for me was discussion that focussed on exactly how suppliers should be exhibiting; doing away with the (oft very limiting) traditional shell schemes for example, and looking at something much more experiential, appealing and enticing to todays brides and engaged couples. Reference was made to The Cream event hosted by BASH,PLEASE in the US, and the One Fine Day events that take place in Australia as being brilliant examples of how we could be doing things. I wholeheartedly agree, and for the first time feel more than just hopeful that our overwhelmingly talented wedding industry will follow suit in this cool, creative and conceptual way of connecting with the modern bride. There has to be change, a big change – the bride today is not the bride that the Designer Wedding Show was targeting to – even as little as two years ago. I left on 8th February feeling entirely reassured for all those sponsors in the room, that Mr Etchells more than undersood this need to change and that had all the expertise and knowhow required to make it happen and guide the Designer Wedding Show in to a glorious new lime light.
I would like to personally thank Philippa Craddock for organising such a brilliant event. I know how hard she worked to make it happen – even styling the sumptuous Fetcham Park with some of her elegant floral creations on the day. I was blown away by them.
I would also like to thank Laura Caudery of Parallel Venues for so kindly donating the simply exquisite Fetcham Park as venue for the day, Mr Etchells who provided a delicious lunch courtesy of Fetcham Park’s caterers Kalm Kitchen, and for those panel members who made time to listen and feedback to a room full of 70+ inquisitive exhibitors.
I know that Mr Etchells is planning another Fair in March, where future exhibitors can gain an understanding of the type of events SME London organise, but in the meantime, please feel free to download the copy of the notes* that were recorded on the day of this event – I hope you find them useful)
As usual, I’d welcome any thoughts on these developments in the comments box below. I hope you’re all having a lovely relaxing weekend.
Kind regards,
Annabel