Planning a wedding is an extraordinary journey, filled with dreams, decisions, and countless details. It’s a time when every couple seeks to create a day that perfectly reflects their unique love story. But where do you begin amidst the endless array of choices? How do you find those truly special suppliers who can bring your vision to life? The answer for thousands of couples across the UK lies in one unmissable event: The National Wedding Show.
This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a vibrant, immersive experience designed to be your ultimate companion in wedding planning. Imagine stepping into a wonderland where every element of your big day – from breathtaking bridal gowns and delectable cake creations to stunning floral arrangements and captivating entertainment – is brought together under one roof. The National Wedding Show offers a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with a curated selection of the finest wedding suppliers, gather endless inspiration, and turn your wedding dreams into a beautiful reality.
Unveiling the Details: Your Guide to the Show
To help you navigate this exciting event and make the most of your visit, let’s explore the essential practicalities.
The Venues: Multiple Locations for Regional Convenience
The National Wedding Show is designed to be accessible, taking place at multiple prominent venues across the UK, allowing couples to attend the show most convenient for them. This means you might find the magic unfolding at different locations throughout the year. The primary venues typically include:
- ExCeL London: A modern, expansive exhibition centre in the Royal Docks, East London. Known for its excellent public transport links (Elizabeth line and DLR) and vast exhibition spaces, it’s a grand setting for a show of this scale.
- Olympia London: A historic and architecturally stunning venue in West Kensington, Central London. With its elegant halls and convenient tube connections (District Line and Overground), it offers a charming backdrop for wedding planning.
- NEC Birmingham: The National Exhibition Centre, located near Birmingham International Airport, is a major UK exhibition venue. Its central location and superb transport links (including a dedicated train station) make it a popular choice for attendees from across the Midlands and beyond.
Having multiple venues throughout the year ensures that couples across different regions have the opportunity to experience the show’s benefits without extensive travel.
When Your Wedding Planning Begins: Dates and Times
The National Wedding Show typically runs several editions throughout the year, usually in spring and autumn, to coincide with peak wedding planning seasons. While specific dates vary annually, here are some of the typical timings based on past and upcoming schedules:
- Autumn 2025:
- Birmingham NEC: Saturday, October 4th to Sunday, October 5th, 2025.
- Olympia London: Saturday, October 18th to Sunday, October 19th, 2025.
- (There are also often shows in Manchester and Glasgow, typically around the same periods).
The show generally opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays. It is always recommended to check the official show website closer to your preferred date for the precise opening and closing times, as well as catwalk schedules, which can vary slightly.
The Investment: Cost of Attendance
Attending The National Wedding Show offers excellent value for the comprehensive planning experience it provides. Standard adult tickets typically range from £16.50 to £18.50 when booked in advance online. There is often a transaction fee per order (e.g., £1.50).
For an enhanced experience, VIP tickets are usually available, often priced around £40.00. These typically include perks like fast-track entry, reserved seating at the catwalk shows, a complimentary drink, and often a goody bag. Children under 10 years old can usually enter for free, while those aged 10-15 might have a reduced ticket price (e.g., £9.50). Carer tickets are also generally provided free of charge for registered disabled visitors upon presentation of valid ID.
Booking your tickets online and in advance is always the best way to secure the most favourable rates and avoid potential queues on the day.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near the Show Venues
Given that The National Wedding Show takes place at several key locations, nearby accommodation options are plentiful. Booking well in advance is highly advisable, especially for the London shows, as hotels can fill up quickly.
For ExCeL London: The Royal Docks area boasts numerous hotels within walking distance or a short DLR ride. Popular choices include Novotel London ExCeL, Aloft London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, Travelodge London ExCeL, and Ibis London ExCeL Docklands. For a unique experience, consider the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, docked right next to ExCeL.
For Olympia London: Being in West Kensington, Olympia is surrounded by hotels. Options range from the directly opposite Hilton London Olympia to other convenient choices like Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel, Point A Hotel Kensington Olympia, The Hand & Flower (with a pub downstairs), and various hotels in nearby Earl’s Court or Hammersmith, which are just a few tube stops away.
For NEC Birmingham: The NEC benefits from a multitude of hotels right on its doorstep or a very short shuttle/walk away, many directly connected to Birmingham International Airport. Top choices include Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Genting Hotel at Resorts World Birmingham, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Moxy Birmingham NEC, and various Holiday Inn Express and Ibis Styles hotels. These provide excellent convenience for attendees.
Regardless of the venue, major hotel chains and independent establishments offer choices for various budgets, from luxurious stays to more economical options. Checking reputable online travel platforms and filtering by proximity to the specific venue will yield the most current availability and pricing.
The Unrivalled Benefits of Attending The National Wedding Show
Attending The National Wedding Show is an invaluable experience that streamlines your wedding planning and adds a touch of magic to the process.
1. Meet Hundreds of Suppliers Under One Roof: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. Instead of spending countless hours researching online, making individual appointments, and travelling to various locations, you can meet hundreds of wedding suppliers – from bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, and cake designers to stationers, venue representatives, and entertainers – all in one convenient place. This allows for efficient comparison, face-to-face discussions, and immediate quotes.
2. See, Touch, Taste, and Hear Everything in Person: Online research is helpful, but nothing compares to experiencing things firsthand. At the show, you can try on wedding dresses, sample delicious cakes, see floral arrangements in person, listen to live bands or DJs, and browse photo albums. This sensory experience is crucial for making confident decisions about your wedding elements.
3. Discover New Trends and Unique Ideas: The show is a hotbed of inspiration. Catwalk shows showcase the latest bridal and groomswear trends, while supplier stands are beautifully styled to display innovative decor, colour schemes, and unique services you might not have considered. You’ll gather fresh ideas that can truly personalize your big day.
4. Exclusive Show Offers and Discounts: Many exhibitors offer special, show-only discounts, promotions, or added value packages for bookings made at the event. This can lead to significant savings on your wedding budget, allowing you to get more for your money or even invest in premium services you might have thought were out of reach.
5. Get Expert Advice and Personalized Consultations: Engage directly with wedding professionals who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. Ask questions, seek advice tailored to your specific needs, and benefit from their insights. Many suppliers are happy to offer mini-consultations on the spot, guiding you through options and solutions.
6. Inspiration from the Catwalk Shows: The highlight for many is the spectacular Catwalk Show, showcasing the latest collections for brides, bridesmaids, grooms, and even mother-of-the-bride. It’s a fantastic way to see gowns and suits in motion, get ideas for styling, and find the perfect look for your wedding party.
7. Win Prizes and Enter Competitions: Many exhibitors run exciting competitions and giveaways at their stands, offering everything from free engagement shoots and wedding cake vouchers to significant discounts on services or even honeymoon prizes. It adds an extra layer of excitement and potential savings to your visit.
The Perks That Make It Special
Beyond the practical benefits, The National Wedding Show offers distinct perks that make the planning process enjoyable and memorable:
- One-Stop Shop: The sheer convenience of having every service imaginable under one roof saves you immense time and stress, allowing you to tick off multiple planning tasks in a single day.
- The Bubbles Bar: Often a feature, a designated bar where you can relax with a glass of champagne, discuss your findings with your bridal party, and soak in the celebratory atmosphere.
- VIP Experience: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the VIP ticket offers an elevated visit, ensuring comfort and premium access to key areas and benefits.
- Bring Your Bridal Party: It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride, or even your groom to share the experience, gather opinions, and make collective decisions in a fun, pressure-free environment.
- Stress Reduction: Walking away with confirmed bookings, fresh ideas, and a clear direction for your wedding significantly reduces planning stress, allowing you to enjoy the journey more fully.
The National Wedding Show is an indispensable resource for any couple embarking on their wedding planning adventure. It demystifies the process, connects you with the best in the business, and provides all the inspiration you need to craft a truly unforgettable day. Don’t plan your wedding alone when you can step into a world designed to help you create your perfect celebration.
To begin your beautiful journey and book your tickets, visit the official National Wedding Show website: