The Indie Wedding Fair

When mooching around wedding fairs in the midst of planning my own wedding, it didn’t feel as jubilant and exciting as I’d hoped, really.

Some of the environments housing what are essentially ‘trade expos’ were pretty uninspiring, and it felt a bit corporate for my taste. I did visit one or two smaller events that were much more inviting and soulful, but there didn’t seem all that many ooop North that really tickled my fancy.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some great finds to be had on occasion at ‘showcases’, but it can feel a bit impersonal, really. A tad overwhelming, even. I’ve spoken to many now-hitched and currently engaged friends that felt/feel the same. Call me an old-fashioned hippy (I’m really not!), but I wanted to find creative, dedicated, quality suppliers that were style-savvy, hot on their knowledge and passionate about what they offer, without feeling like I was in a meat market!

I didn’t want to travel to London or Brighton or elsewhere for this inspiration; I knew there were amazing folk right here on the doorstep in Manchester that also weren’t fond of these style of fairs, but that connectingwith them, from an engaged person’s point of view, was a bit of a mission.With so many directories and blogs out there, it can be a bit mind boggling.

Alas, all is not lost! As a bespoke event planner and all round list-making aficionado myself, I know that wedding planning can be brilliant. I blummin’ love pinning my heart out and ooo-ing and ahh-ing at my favourite blogs andwedding mags. I also know that this is not the case for everyone… people are busy- and don’t necessarily have the inclination to indulge in the planning process to this extent! People have jobs, kids, pets, lives!

There were busy schedules during LBE (Life Before Engagement), busy schedules during and busy schedules will surely ensue after.

I wanted to create an aesthetically beautiful alternative event (hence the tipis),that offered this happy medium to brides and grooms like me; those who wanted to enjoy the planning process and connect with lovely local suppliers, offering something a bit special! Carefully curated, relevant and reputable exhibitors offering a wedding fair with a bit of a different vibe. A cracking day out, with a festival-style welcoming atmosphere, that is smallbiz and independent-friendly.

With the trend for outdoor, rustic, festival and Tipi weddings still prevailing (and showing no signs of waning, I hasten to add!) It seemed a stonking idea to hold it in Giant Tipis. Ashton Hall Equestrian Centre are sponsoring the land usage (big shout out to them!) and Tipi Unique totally got on board with the concept, (which I was more than a little bit delighted about) and will be providing an array of Tipis to house all these crafty creatives and bespoke beauties.