Going to a wedding fair is a rite of passage when you get engaged. There are some incredible ones (and, let’s be honest, some not-so-great ones!), so we’re here to help you figure out which ones are truly worth checking out! And before you ask—we don’t have a date for the next Rock n Roll Bride Live just yet. So, if you’re tying the knot this year, these fairs are definitely worth a visit!
The Eclectic Wedding Extravaganza
When and Where: Birmingham, 25th January; Sheffield, 23rd February; Bristol, 1st March
Tickets: £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Rock n Roll Bride readers can get 25% off with the code ROCKEWE
Instagram: @allaboutewe
Eclectic Wedding Extravaganza is going on tour visiting Birmingham, Bristol and Sheffield this spring. After starting out a whopping 12 years ago, the UK’s longest running alternative wedding show is back again bringing it’s simple message of hope to those lost in a beige wedding world. As they say, “Don’t be a wedding sheep, it’s all about EWE!”
Kids are welcome and there will be activities and competitions to keep them entertained. And don’t forget about their infamous sheep hunt where you can win some fabulous prizes too!
Opening times will include a quieter time to make the show more enjoyable for those who may feel overwhelmed or have sensory needs. If you would like to come during this time, simply choose tickets for the afternoon sessions.
The Quirky Wedding Fayre
When and Where: Devon, 26th January; Oxford, 2nd February; Norfolk, 9th February; London, 6th February; Doncaster, 23rd March; Kent, 27th April; Norfolk 11th May; Suffolk, 18th May
Tickets: Free, VIP from £5. Rock n Roll Bride readers can claim a free VIP welcome drink with the code RNRBRIDE
Instagram: @quirky.weddings
The Quirky Wedding Fayre brings together the most unique wedding suppliers in a truly quirky venue to help make your wedding one of a kind! Each event features a talented bunch of wedding pros who all offer something different from the standard wedding packages and adhere to our zero-judgement ethos. The events feature live music and performances, decor inspiration, food and drink and lots of other surprises!
All the fairs are held at fully accessible venues and are also pet-friendly. Bring along your dogs, cats, ferrets – they’ve even had a snake brought along before! To assist those who may be anxious, overwhelmed or neurodivergent, the hour between 2pm and 3pm at all fairs is a Quirky Quiet Hour. Quiet Hour is an individually ticketed timeslot where those who feel they need a quieter browsing experience can attend. During Quiet Hour there will be no live or loud music, no harsh, twinkling or neon lights, and smaller capacity to limit crowds. You can feel free to browse exhibitor stands without being talked to – exhibitors will only initiate conversation if you would like to talk to them.
The Unconventional Wedding Fair
When and Where: Nottingham, 23rd February; Northampton, 16th March
Tickets: from £4, VIP from £10. Rock n Roll Bride readers can get 25% off with the code ROCKNROLLBRIDE50
Instagram: @unconventional_wedding
The Unconventional Wedding Fair is crammed full of colourful, quirky, and unique wedding ideas and inspiration. From unique bridalwear and live entertainment, to striking a pose at the photo booth or trying some street food, there really is something for everyone. You might even bump into a Wookie from Star Wars or learn to dance to a Ceilidh! It is open, inclusive and, most of all, fun.
Alt Wedding Fair
When and Where: Manchester, 9th March
Tickets: from £6.13
Instagram: @altweddingfair
If you want a wedding fair that knows it was never a phase then the Alt Wedding Fair is for you! This show is ran by three elder emos who work in the wedding world. Hosted at an accessible, wheelchair friendly venue with a range of 40 unique alternative suppliers, there will also be high energy entertainment running through the day and interactive displays. There’s truly something for everyone, from cakes in the shape of anime characters, to florals inspired by My Chemical Romance and musicians who’ll play Korn, Paramore and Sleep Token.
Hampshire Wedding Network Alternative Fayre
When and Where: Southampton, 16th March
Tickets: Free, or £9.99 for VIP
Instagram: @HWN_alt
The Hampshire Wedding Networks Alternative Wedding Fayre is taking place in the heart of Southampton and is designed for those who want to break away from the conventional and embrace creativity, individuality, and their dark side.
From black wedding dresses to quirky decor ideas and even live tattooist, this fair is set at the biggest stadium on the South Coast meaning that there are 1000 tickets available for this event!
Visitors can expect a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with opportunities to chat one-on-one with talented suppliers. Whether you’re looking for geek chic options, deliciously dark touches, or bold modern designs, you’ll find plenty of ideas to bring your vision to life.
Scottish Wedding Unconvention
When and Where: Glasgow, 9th March; Edinburgh, 13th April
Tickets: £8
Instagram: @scottishweddingunconvention
Uncon is Scotland’s original alternative wedding fair and supplier directory, bustling with the quirkiest and most creative suppliers in the country. They represent a community of over 150 alternative wedding suppliers based in Scotland. Expect good energy, good music, and lots and lots of love from their incredible supplier community.
Gothic Luxe Wedding Fair
When and Where: Bristol, 23rd February
Tickets: £4 in advance or £5 on the door, £29 for VIP. Rock n Roll Bride readers can get 25% off tickets with code RockNRoll25
Instagram: @tildeath_darkweddingcol
Taking place at The Mount Without in Bristol, Gothic Luxe Wedding Fair brings together an exquisite collection of wedding suppliers, designers and ideas that will inspire you to create a wedding that reflects your dark romantic, gothic and metal loving tastes perfectly.
You will find a curated collection of talented wedding vendors who specialise in the dark and dramatic. From wedding planners who understand your desire for an ethereal ambiance to photographers who excel in capturing mood and mystery.
Quiet Hour will be from 11am to 12am, with lower visitor numbers and no music or performances to help with sensory overload. VIP goody bags include loads of gifts and samples, plus exclusive discounts from exhibitors. Guaranteed to to be worth over £50.
The Un-Wedding
When and Where: London, 22nd February; Glasgow, 23rd March; Newcastle, 27th April, Manchester, 18th May
Tickets: from £10 (£20 for London) or £25 for VIP (£35 for London)
Instagram: @the_un_wedding
Having an Un-Wedding is about filling your wedding day with things you truly love and not what you’re told you should have. Sorry mum, but chair covers are not a vibe. They aim to turn the wedding industry upside down and give modern couples the tools and the courage they need to do what the f*ck they want on their wedding day!