A GUIDE FOR COUPLES ATTENDING WEDDING TRAILS, EXHIBITIONS, AND OPEN DAYS
As you embark on the exhilarating journey of wedding planning, attending a wedding trail, open day, or exhibition can be invaluable. These events are designed to inspire and inform you about the myriad options available for your big day. Each type of event offers a unique opportunity to explore wedding venues, meet vendors, and see the latest trends in action.
Wedding Exhibitions
Typically held in large conference centres or hotels, wedding exhibitions bring together a wide range of wedding vendors under one roof. You walk from stall to stall to meet with venues, florists, photographers, caterers, and more, making it a one-stop-shop for planning. Wedding exhibitions were once the go-to option for couples planning a wedding, however many are now able to receive information digitally, and are looking for a more experiential offering, such as an open day or trail.
Wedding Open Days
These are hosted by specific venues, giving couples the chance to see the venue fully dressed for a wedding, meet the staff, and often sample the catering. It’s a more focused experience, emphasising the venue’s offerings and service. Wedding venues typically arrange for their recommended suppliers to be onsite, so that you have the opportunity to interact with the vendors who know the venue inside out.
Wedding Trails
These are exciting opportunities for couples to visit multiple venues all clustered in a specific area. In South-East Queensland, you’ll find wedding trails operating across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Redlands Coast, and Maleny. Wedding trails allow you to experience each venue set up for a wedding, giving you a real sense of what your day could look like. Simply drive, or in some cases walk, from venue to venue in the region.
The Brisbane Wedding Trail – A Must-Attend Event
Mark your calendar for the Brisbane Wedding Trail from 10am – 2pm on Sunday, 25th August 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for couples to explore what Brisbane has to offer in terms of wedding venues and suppliers. Factory51 is proud to be part of this event and we invite you to experience firsthand our unique venue, meet our dedicated team, and discuss how we can make your wedding day truly special. Our rustic industrial space will be set up for a ceremony and reception, complete with styling from our preferred vendors and complimentary tastings. Our team will be on hand to answer all your questions and walk you through our comprehensive wedding packages. Grab your free ticket here!
Key Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Venues
When visiting venues during these events, it’s helpful to come prepared with questions that will inform your decision making. Here’s a list of our top 15:
- Capacity: How many guests can you accommodate?
- Availability: Are my preferred dates available?
- Packages: What wedding packages are available, and is there room to customise them?
- Inclusions: What furniture, linen, AV is included?
- Costs: Are there any hidden or additional costs?
- Food and Beverage: Do you have in-house catering/beverages, or do we need to bring this in?
- Duration: How long will we have use of the venue?
- Setup and Breakdown: What time can we start setting up, and when do we need to be out by?
- Restrictions: Are there any limitations on music, decorations, candles, or confetti?
- Weather Contingencies: Is there a backup plan for wet weather?
- Vendors: Are we required to use your preferred vendors, or can we bring our own?
- Accessibility: Is the venue accessible for guests with disabilities?
- Accommodation: Is there accommodation nearby for guests?
- Transport and Parking: Do you provide transportation or parking?
- Securing a Booking: What are the next steps to securing a booking?
Key Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Vendors
Wedding vendors are integral to the success of your big day, so finding the right fit for you is important! When meeting with potential vendors, consider these questions:
- Photographers and Videographers: Can I see full wedding albums/videos? How would you describe your style? What packages do you offer? How long will it take to receive my photos/film?
- Cake Artists: Do you offer cake tasting boxes? What flavours can I choose from? What options do you have for dietary restrictions? What do your prices start from?
- Florists: What flowers will be in season on our wedding day? Do you have a minimum floral spend? What’s your preferred style?
- Entertainment: Can we see videos of your performances? How do you handle song requests? Can we give you a list of favourite songs prior to the day?
- Hair and Makeup: How do trial sessions work? Can you accommodate the size of my bridal party? Do you travel or do we need to come to you?
- Stationery: Do you have stationery sample sets we can view? What is the timeline for ordering invitations? How many revision rounds do you include?
Taking Advantage of Special Offers and Discounts
Many vendors and venues offer special promotions or discounts if you book on the day of the event or within a short timeframe afterward. These offers can provide significant savings, but it’s important to be prepared.
- Research in Advance: Know which vendors will be at the event and what you might be interested in. This helps in making quicker decisions.
- Budget Preparation: Have a clear understanding of your budget limits to ensure that any commitments made are financially comfortable.
- Read the Fine Print: Be sure to understand the terms and conditions attached to any discounts or offers.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Attending a wedding trail, exhibition, or open day is an excellent way for you to gain a clearer picture of what your wedding could look like and make connections with professionals who can turn your vision into reality. By coming prepared, you can effectively use these opportunities to make some of the biggest decisions in your wedding planning process.
Can’t make a trail, open day, or exhibition?
Contact us to make an appointment for a private tour of our Brisbane wedding venue.