When you start planning a wedding suddenly there is a mountain of things to think about: your wedding dress; your bridesmaid dresses; and also venues and colour scheme – the list goes on! Not surprisingly it can all feel rather overwhelming. The National Wedding Show, Olympia is one of the most convenient places to start because you will find everything in one place from an on trend wedding dress to a country house venue.

At the Spring National Wedding Show, 15th to 17th February, you will be able to meet suppliers and have a much more satisfying experience than you will get online. It’s really helpful to be face to face with an expert so you can ask all those questions that are turning in your head. Can my wedding dress be eco? Do all my bridesmaid dresses have to be the same colour? Where else will you be able to hear entertainers, smell the flowers, try on wedding dresses, taste cake and sip champagne all under one roof…

Here are my top 7 tips to getting the best out of your time at the National Wedding Show:

A bride trying on an Elizabeth Bessant couture wedding dress at The National Wedding Show

1. Pre-register to save money and time wasted checking-in.

2. You will be doing a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. And wear layers – because it is cold outside but you will soon warm up walking around Olympia.

3. Bring a credit card and some cash. There are often incentives and discounts to be had if you order at the show and some exhibitors won’t take plastic especially if they are offering discounts on low cost items such as bridal accessories.

4. You will be given a National Wedding Show carrier bag of goodies when you arrive and you will probably collect many more cards and brochures as you talk to various exhibitors. Only take their info if you are potentially interested in their services otherwise you will end up with a very heavy bag – and you will have a confusing wedge of leaflets to work your way through when you get home.

5. If you already have your wedding dress and/or your bridesmaid dresses bring a colour swatch with you so you can colour coordinate- this is especially important if you are looking for accessories.

6. Although there are areas to purchase food and drink, I would advice having something to eat before you arrive, it is a long day. A coffee and snack mid-way around the show will be a welcome break. If you buy a VIP ticket you will have the advantage of being able to sit in the VIP area away from the crowds.

7. Most importantly bring a companion with you so you have someone to bounce ideas off and to stop you making a rash decision that you may regret. It is also a lot more fun sharing the experience.

I will be at the National Wedding Show on stand C10 next to the catwalk with my collection of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and mother of the bride and mother of the groom outfits. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about dressing the bridal party.