Fairydust Wedding Fayres

So, you've got the ring, you've set a date (or you're working on it), and now you're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of wedding planning. Exciting, right? But also… a little overwhelming?

Wedding fairs are an absolute goldmine for finding your dream team of suppliers. Whether you're searching for a photographer who gets your vibe, a florist who can make your Pinterest board come to life, or a DJ who won't play the Macarena (unless you want them to, no judgement here), these events bring everyone together under one roof.

But here's the thing, walking around a wedding fair without a game plan is a bit like going to IKEA without a list. You'll end up with a lot of brochures, a few free cupcake samples, and absolutely no idea who to actually book.

That's where we come in. We've put together the top 10 questions you should be asking every supplier you meet at North West wedding fairs. Armed with these, you'll feel like the organised, empowered couple you were always meant to be.

Let's get into it.

1. Do You Have Our Wedding Date Available?

This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many couples fall head over heels for a supplier, spend twenty minutes chatting about colour palettes and canapés, only to discover they're already booked for the big day.

Lead with this question. It saves everyone time and heartache. If they're free, brilliant! If not, ask if they have any colleagues or recommendations. Good suppliers know good suppliers.

2. What's Your Experience With Weddings Like Ours?

Every wedding is unique, and you want someone who gets your vision. Maybe you're planning a rustic barn do in Cheshire, an elegant manor house affair in Lancashire, or a quirky village hall celebration in Shropshire. Whatever your style, ask if they've done something similar before.

Don't be shy about asking to see their portfolio or examples of previous work. A seasoned pro will have plenty to show you, and it'll give you a much better feel for whether they're the right fit.

3. Can You Work Within Our Budget?

Ah, the B-word. It can feel a bit awkward bringing up money, but trust us: it's essential. Wedding costs add up faster than you can say "open bar," so getting clear on pricing early is crucial.

Ask for a full "out the door" quote that includes everything: travel, setup, any extras, and taxes. You don't want nasty surprises popping up later. A good supplier will be transparent and happy to work with you to find a package that suits your budget.

Pro tip: Many suppliers offer exclusive discounts at wedding fairs, so this is the perfect time to bag a deal.

4. What's Included in Your Package?

Following on from the budget chat, make sure you understand exactly what you're getting for your money. Does the photographer include an engagement shoot? Does the florist provide vases, or is that extra? Does the caterer cover table settings?

Get the details. Write them down. You'll thank yourself later when you're knee-deep in spreadsheets trying to remember who said what.

5. What's Your Payment Process and Cancellation Policy?

Life happens. We all hope it won't, but sometimes plans change. Before you sign anything, ask about:

• Deposit amounts and when they're due
• Payment plans (because not everyone has thousands lying around)
• What happens if you need to reschedule
• Refund policies

This isn't being pessimistic: it's being smart. Any reputable supplier will have clear terms and be happy to walk you through them.

6. Are You Familiar With Our Venue?

This one's a game-changer. A supplier who's worked at your venue before already knows the layout, the best spots for photos, where the power sockets are, and any quirky challenges the space might throw up.

If they haven't worked there before, no problem: just check they're willing to do a pre-visit or site tour. You want everyone on the same page before the big day.

7. Do You Have Insurance and the Proper Licences?

Not the most glamorous question, but definitely one of the most important. You need to know that your suppliers are fully covered if something goes wrong. We're talking public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and any relevant licences for things like serving alcohol or playing music.

If a supplier can't confirm they're properly insured, that's a red flag. Move on and find someone who takes their business (and your peace of mind) seriously.

8. How Will We Communicate Moving Forward?

Once you've booked a supplier, you'll need to stay in touch: whether that's for updates, changes, or just to reassure yourself everything's on track. Ask how they prefer to communicate:

• Are they an email person or more of a phone call type?
• Do they use WhatsApp or a client portal?
• How quickly can you expect replies?

There's nothing worse than chasing someone for weeks when you just need a simple answer. Find out now so you know what to expect.

9. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

Reviews are brilliant, but there's something extra reassuring about chatting to (or reading detailed feedback from) a real couple who's worked with a supplier before.

Don't be afraid to ask if they can put you in touch with previous clients, or if they have testimonials you can read through. Most suppliers will be proud to share their happy customer stories: it's like a warm hug for your decision-making process.

10. Are There Any Special Considerations or Restrictions?

This is your catch-all question for anything that might not have come up yet. A few things worth checking:

• Social media policies: Are they going to share your wedding photos online? Are you okay with that?
• Inclusivity: If it matters to you, confirm they're experienced and welcoming to all couples.
• Backup plans: What happens if they're ill on the day? Do they have a contingency?
• Flexibility: How do they handle last-minute changes or unexpected curveballs?

The best suppliers will have thought about all of this already and have answers ready to go.

Bonus Tip: Bring a Wedding Fair Survival Kit

Before you head out, make sure you've got:

• A notebook or your phone ready to take notes
• A list of your must-ask questions (hello, this blog post!)
• Your wedding date, venue name, and rough guest numbers
• Business card holders or a folder for all those brochures
• Comfy shoes: you'll be doing a lot of walking

And most importantly, bring an open mind. You might discover suppliers you never knew you needed.

Put These Questions to the Test at a Fairydust Wedding Fayre

Now that you're armed with all the right questions, you need the right place to ask them. Our Fairydust Wedding Fayres across Cheshire, Lancashire, and Shropshire bring together some of the best local suppliers in the North West: all under one roof, all ready to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Whether you're just starting out or you're looking for those final finishing touches, our fayres are relaxed, friendly, and full of inspiration. Plus, many of our exhibitors offer exclusive show discounts, so you might just save a few quid while you're at it.

Check out our upcoming events in Lancashire and Shropshire and come along. We can't wait to see you there.

Happy planning, lovebirds! 💕