Wedding fair weekends are incredible in many ways. They’re immense fun and an inimitable experience, with a group of people you’ll hopefully think of as your industry family by Sunday night; but they are also insanely exhausting. Talking to people constantly at your full wattage all day off the back of what is essentially an exhibition install is no mean feat, so we want to make sure you look after yourself as well as your business over the weekend.

Keep hydrated

I know, I know, I sound like your parents giving you advice before your first big night out - but it was true then and it’s true now. Plenty of water will keep you refreshed and on the ball.

Don’t be a mug

If you don’t feel human until you’ve had a coffee, or you chain drink tea like it’s going out of fashion, remember to bring a mug and a flask. We’ll have hot drink bits in the kitchen for our exhibitors, but we all know paper cups go walkabout seriously quickly.

Get your pals involved

The Beatles had it spot on when they sang You Get Brides With A Little Help From Your Friends. If you can and need to, recruit some pals to come and assist you on your stand for a few hours. All you need to do is let us know that they’ll be assisting you in advance so we can make sure they get on the guestlist.

Get people’s info even when you’re not there

It is undoubtedly true that your stand will get more interaction when you’re behind it - after all, the whole fair is a celebration of the artisans and makers behind weddings. However, everyone needs a toilet break, tea run, or the chance to stretch your legs so make sure you have some way of capturing people’s info if you’re not there to do it in person. Having a form for people to fill out with preliminary info or, if people are coming specifically for you and you’re worried you’ll miss them, put a sign up with your mobile number for people to beckon you back. If you don’t want to give your number out, consider wearing a badge with your business name so people can catch you on the hoof.

Get to know your neighbours

If you’re daunted by the idea of doing your fair alone, don’t worry - all of our exhibitors are bloody lovely human beings. (It’s not technically on the application form but it helps!) Make pals with the people you’re situated near, and those you’re not - your new adopted family will be there to support you and lift you up.