Never Been To A Wedding Fair

[MintyDave 0]

i want to target some wedding fairs this year but having never been to one - just a quick question - what do you do exactly

 

are you allowed to take some gear in, how much can you usually take if you are and what sort of material do you have to hand out

 

posters, flyers, business cards, laptop with presentation?

 

cheers

Dave

 

 

[vokf 0]

Carmen and I went to one today (as visitors - not exhibitors!).

 

I would strongly suggest visiting a few (with Mrs Dave), and seeing how others do it (and what catches your eye).

 

The one we went to had 1 events company, who were to favored supplier of the venue - no over entertainers were present.

 

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I feel that to make your money back from these things, you really need to be doing the work already (ie, already working weddings in similar venues).

 

Jas

[Dukesy 0]

i want to target some wedding fairs this year but having never been to one - just a quick question - what do you do exactly

 

are you allowed to take some gear in, how much can you usually take if you are and what sort of material do you have to hand out

 

posters, flyers, business cards, laptop with presentation?

 

cheers

Dave

 

 

Depends on the host of the event. Years ago at my first Wedding Fayre, I took all my kit to only to learn that I wasn't permitted to turn on! Turns out exhibitors complained about the previous years DJ who kept on turning his system up, and annoying everyone with his 'observations' expressed over the mic!

Suppose I gained the experience, and the exercise did me good! LOL!

 

What I have learnt is that if you were selling a product, then the 'product' would obviously need to be seen by the end client.

I'm essentially offering a service, although I use a range of products or 'tools' within that service, therefore, the most important thing for me to promote and focus on is the service, and not rely heavily on being 'product focused'.

 

I offer a Master of Ceremonies service, so I'll wear the MC Tuxedo and promote that area of my service without having to rely solely on literature. I purchased a simple exhibition display board which not only allows me to display promotional material, enlarged photos, etc, but helps to hide stuff behind too!

 

Depending on the venue and event / stand space allocated, I may use a table if provided but its not essential. I'll add a couple of chairs for client use should they wish to use, but I personally try to avoid the temptation of sitting as I feel this does not look favourable in promoting the service.

 

Some people prefer to take a flyer, others a business card. It's probably best to offer a variety of promotional material options (literature) for visitors.

 

When space has permitted, I've used a plasma screen with a looped visual, very handy for when you're talking to someone and there's something running in the background promoting your service. This method is adopted by other services and especially by videographers in my experience.

 

Except for third party wedding venues that may be attending, I personally found networking opportunities with 'fellow' services a waste of time. The B.S. you often hear among exhibitors doesn't make the day drag any less during the 'quieter periods', but I guess small talk can sometimes offer insights into how others perceive their fellow services - especially rivals!

 

It's funny, you can have more than one cake, florist or photographer service attend these events, but when it comes to 'DJs', the 'rules' can change - the organisers will take your pitch money, but DJs are not respected in the same vein as other service providers, and no matter how professional you operate your own business, all DJs are invariably treated the same - way down the list!

 

One year, a last minute exhibitor tried to muscle-in on my pitch. I'd arrived early enough but found the pitch space already 'occupied'. Before I even opened my mouth, a very large lady approached and started wagging the finger in my face, stating that before I complained to the organiser, everything had already been cleared and confirmed, and that I would have to set-up elsewhere as she was now settled.

 

You have to be firm and stand your ground and don't be intimidated. Don't take any nonsense, but still be extremely polite and of course smile. I've found this approach to be most annoying to those out of their depth and highly rewarding when common sense prevails.

 

I agree with Jas - I'd go and visit a couple of Wedding Fayre's first and see how they differ. Compare the advertising too.

You'll get an idea of numbers on day and hopefully, you'll be able to choose which event is going to be more ideal to gamble your money on.

[MintyDave 0]

Thanks for that Dan, really appreciate the indepth advice. The last few fairsfayres i have enquired about have been closed to Dj's as they were in venues catering for weddings and had residents or favoured companies.

 

Im on the look out for local fayres now and plan on going as a punter to pick up some tips, minus the wedding ring of course.

 

Dave

[aaadisco 0]

I would add to this that if possible, try and do a deal with them where you setup the PA for the fashion show. in exchange for a free stand or a reduced fee. You will have to introduce the models wearing the dresses but it gives you a chance to show off your mic skills and then you get to also plug your dj services when everyone is paying attention. (although some of the makes like taffeta and swarovski are a mouthful and it feels a bit odd at first.)

 

Normally the model walks out and hands you a bit of paper and you then read it out eg. "and here is rachel with a lovely taffeta dress at only £700 which is perfect for a winter wedding!" She gets a clap and walks back then the next model walks out etc..

 

Then they normally have a break for a couple of mins and start again, this is where you can promote your services. You will have a captive audience and will find that some of them will then come to speak to you later if interested.

 

If there is already a DJ doing this at the show then I wouldn't bother exhibiting as everyone will go to the DJ doing the fasion show thinking they have already seen him in action.

 

You will also find that people tend to look the other way and walk past your stand.

 

If you do want to do a Wedding fair then you need to be the sort of person who will stop people as they are walking past and start talking to them.

 

Typically the bloke will be looking at the floor bored as he doesn't really want to be there. You need to stop them and say something like," Hi have you booked a DJ yet for your Wedding?, Can I give you a brochure about our services etc.."

 

Then see what happens, if you have a good conversation then suggest you take their phone number or email and send them a quote for their date.

 

One final point is that typically people going to wedding fairs are right at the start of the planning process and will not have booked a venue yet. When they choose the venue, they could be pushed the venue's resident DJ.

 

I am not saying that Wedding Fairs don't work as I know some DJ's that get a lot of work from them but before paying your £150 to £250 for a stand, find out if there will be any other DJ's there and be ready to sell, sell sell :-)

 

Last year I did 3 shows and got no bookings from them :-0

 

 

 

 

 

[Big B 0]

I go to many wedding fayres all year round and me and my wife also organise wedding fayres as well, we find that they are a great way of showing potential clients what they are getting and they also get to meet you.

 

We have got 5 we have organised for this year.