The National Wedding Show: Essential for wedding planning: find suppliers, dresses, venues, and expert inspiration.

The sound of wedding bells is truly magical, and planning that perfect day should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. With so many choices out there – from stunning dresses to dream venues and delicious cakes – it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to piece it all together. If you’re a bride-to-be, a groom, part of the wedding party, or even just helping a loved one plan their big day, then The National Wedding Show is the event you simply have to experience. It’s more than just a show; it’s a vibrant, inspiring hub designed to make your wedding planning journey fun, easy, and unforgettable.

Imagine stepping into a grand hall buzzing with excitement, where every aisle holds a new discovery. You’ll see sparkling “dresses” that might just be ‘the one,’ chat with talented “suppliers” who can bring your vision to life, explore beautiful “venues” that perfectly match your style, and soak up tons of “expert inspiration” to make your day truly unique. This show is all about making your wedding planning easier, more enjoyable, and helping you find everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams, all under one roof.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to make your wedding dreams a reality? Here are the key details for The National Wedding Show in London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition center is located in London’s Docklands and is a fantastic space for such a grand event.
Dates: Mark your calendars for October 18th and 19th, 2025. This is a two-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore, try things on, and chat with all the suppliers you need. Please note that there is also a Spring show in April, but this blog post focuses on the Autumn show.
Timings:
- Saturday, October 18th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday, October 19th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Tickets for The National Wedding Show offer various options:
- Standard Admission: Prices typically start from around £22.00 – £25.00 for an adult ticket if purchased in advance online. Prices might be slightly higher if you buy on the day at the door.
- Children (Under 10): Great news for families! Children under 10 years old generally go free.
- Children (10-15 years): There’s usually a reduced price for older children, often around £10.00.
- Group Discounts: If you’re coming with your whole wedding party (typically groups of 5 or more), there are often discounted group rates available, sometimes bringing the price down to around £19.00 per person.
- VIP Tickets: For a truly special experience, VIP tickets are often available. These usually include perks like fast-track entry, reserved seating at the catwalk shows, access to an exclusive VIP lounge with complimentary drinks, and a luxury goodie bag. VIP tickets are more expensive, typically starting from £40.00 – £50.00, but can offer great value for the added benefits and a more relaxed experience.
- Early Bird Deals: To get the best prices, it’s always a good idea to book your tickets well in advance, as early bird offers are common.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a well-connected venue, making your journey stress-free:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located right at the venue’s doorstep.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site, though there’s usually a daily charge. However, driving in central London can be busy, and public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for maximizing your time at the show. Look for well-known names like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a slightly different vibe close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: The National Wedding Show is a popular event. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up quickly. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the event – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official show website might sometimes provide a list of recommended hotels or partners that offer special rates for attendees.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you gather your wedding squad and head to The National Wedding Show? The advantages are immense, whether you’re just starting your planning or putting the finishing touches on your big day:

Hundreds of Suppliers, One Place: This is perhaps the biggest draw! Instead of spending weeks researching online or driving all over to meet individual vendors, you can meet hundreds of trusted “suppliers” – from florists and photographers to cake designers, stationers, jewellers, and more – all under one roof. It saves you so much time and effort.
See, Touch, Taste, and Hear: You can truly experience what suppliers offer.
- See stunning floral arrangements and venue decorations up close.
- Touch the fabrics of beautiful wedding dresses and suits.
- Taste delicious cake samples from various bakers (yes, really!).
- Hear live music from bands and DJs who could be playing at your reception. This interactive experience is something you just can’t get online.
Inspiration Overload: Get endless “expert inspiration” for every aspect of your wedding. From unique themes and colour palettes to creative entertainment ideas and personalised touches, you’ll leave with a notebook full of brilliant ideas you might not have thought of.
The Famous Catwalk Shows: Witness spectacular fashion shows featuring the latest trends in bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, groomswear, and mother-of-the-bride outfits. Seeing the dresses in motion on models is a game-changer for finding ‘the one.’
Expert Advice & Workshops: Attend free talks and workshops on the “WED Talk” stage. Hear from industry experts on topics like wedding budgets, choosing your photographer, planning your honeymoon, mastering your wedding day timeline, and beauty tips. It’s like getting free personal wedding planner advice!
Exclusive Show Discounts: Many exhibitors offer special “show-only discounts” or promotions if you book their services at the event. This can lead to significant savings on your overall wedding budget.
Find Your Dream Dress: With so many bridal boutiques and designers showcasing their collections, you can try on various styles, get fitted, and potentially even buy your “dress” on the spot. It’s a truly special moment.
Meet Your Dream Team: It’s not just about what people offer; it’s about connecting with them. You’ll get a feel for personalities and find suppliers you genuinely click with, which is so important for your big day.
Relax and Recharge: Take a break from all the excitement at the Champagne Bar or VIP Lounge. It’s a lovely opportunity to sit down, discuss your discoveries, and celebrate your progress with your loved ones.
Prizes & Giveaways: Many exhibitors run competitions and giveaways, offering amazing prizes like photography packages, venue discounts, or even a honeymoon! You have to be in it to win it.
Make it a Day Out: Bringing your fiancé, bridesmaids, mum, or closest friends makes it a truly fun and memorable day out, a joyful part of the wedding journey.

Attending The National Wedding Show isn’t just about planning; it’s about celebrating your engagement, feeling the excitement build, and knowing you’re making informed choices for one of the most important days of your life. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to create a wedding day that truly reflects your love story. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this essential event!

To learn more and book your tickets, visit the official website: https://nationalweddingshow.co.uk/