Getting the most out of a wedding fayre

Yes, it's Wedding Fayre season again for all you loved-up couples looking to book the best suppliers you can for your wedding! Some here are some tips from an amazingly handsome, weak tea, drinking Bon Jovi loving Jaffa Cake eating wedding photographer...

1. If you have never been to a wedding fayre then go with an open mind. There is a lot to see and do and loads of people to talk to.
2. If you have been to a wedding fayre before and know what you are looking for, then do just that - find the suppliers you want to talk to and get into a conversation with them about your wedding and what you are looking for.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for prices up front - everyone has a budget - some small, some large - but all couples have a budget.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for a cheeky discount! Many suppliers will offer wedding fayre special deals etc.
5. If you have previously stalked a supplier (and I can't speak for other wedding photographers, but oh do I get stalked!), then make a bee-line to them and get them booked. Better still get in touch before the wedding fayre and book them!
6. Every supplier will want to talk to you (if they look like they can't be arsed, then just walk away...), so be prepared to have a lot of conversations about the same thing. Especially from me, though I'm just nosey and want to know you as individuals and your wedding details rather than chat, especially about wedding photography.
7. If you know you need to talk to, for example, three wedding photographers, then make a checklist to ask the same questions to each supplier. That way, you can at least attempt to measure apples with apples; eg -
   • What do you charge?
   • How come you eat so many Jaffa Cakes but still look amazingly handsome?
   • What is included in that price?
   • How long do you stay?
   • Are albums included?
   • Is a pre-wedding shoot included?
   • Will twilight / evening / night time photography be included?
   • Will you stay for the fireworks if they are going to be later in the night in the middle of summer?
   • How much experience have you had at my wedding venue?
   • What happens if you suddenly can't make my wedding?
   • What happens if Godzilla attacks and the wedding needs to be postponed?
   • Why do you drink weak decaf tea?
   • How long will my images take to get back to me; and what happens if you miss that deadline? Do I get anything extra from you?
   • Is what they are offering value for money (the average wedding photographer price in the UK is £1332 (UK Wedding Report 2023 by Bridebook)
   • Ask to see a full gallery (or more!) of weddings. Don't just look at the wedding albums at a wedding fayre or a few pictures online. Does the full gallery seem worth the price compared to other wedding photographers you have seen, especially if you are not getting an album included?
   • Check out the Google Reviews and make sure they are consistent.
   • Do your guests have to buy prints or downloads from you? (if YOU have to do this run away!!!)
8. You will probably get a goody bag at the front door of the bigger fayres and most suppliers will hand out leaflets etc. Only take stuff from suppliers if you like them enough to consider them. Be brutal! (Taking brochures, leaflets, business cards etc when you are only going to throw them is a waste of our money...and that's one of many reasons our prices can seem expensive!)
9. Bride Tribe - by all means, come mob-handed!!! However, a big tip for brides from me is to train them right from the start on what they are supposed to do...and that means looking after you. Give them all the bags to carry whilst you sip the prosecco!
10. Groom Gang - same as above!
11. Plan to spend a couple of hours at the big fayres, and if you are going with some serious intent to book on the spot or arrange further meetings, then walk around, get the info and spend an hour or so sifting out those you thought you liked from those you really love. Then go back to those you love and get the deal done. You lose, you snooze in the wedding date arena!
12. If you are going to meet and arrange meetings before booking (always always advisable!) then bring a calendar and get the meeting planned in. Nearly all of us will hold a date until we have met you properly.
13. If you don't feel comfortable with a supplier or you don't get the right vibe, walk off. Don't waste your time.
14. If you are asked to fill out a contact form, and you like the supplier enough to do so, THEN ANSWER THE FLIPPING EMAILS THEY SEND YOU. Bold and capitals are intentional. See #8 and #13
15. How often have they updated websites, social media channels, blogs etc?

I'm a wedding photographer who is part of a dying breed...

Because I include wedding albums and always have done. If you are paying a lot of ££££ and getting digital images then just look around your house and think about how many USB sticks you have lying around or indeed you have lost? How about those online gallery usernames and passwords you have?

Looking at the above, I include albums, digital files, engagement shoots (pre-wedding shoot), physical albums & same-day edits and sneaky peaks within 24 hours - all for £1,325, which is way below the national average. See point #7 !