7 Reasons to Visit The National Wedding Show in 2026
If you’re looking to kick-start your wedding planning in style, what could be more exciting than a day out at the UK’s largest wedding event?
With hundreds of exhibitors under one roof, The National Wedding Show has the answers to all your wedding questions and caters for couples at every stage of planning, whether you’re just engaged and starting to think about your budget, or are planned and ready to go but just need those last-minute details to dazzle your guests.
And what’s more, we’ve got an exclusive 20% discount on tickets for you to enjoy…
Disclaimer: Venue and supplier availability, pricing, and offerings are subject to change. Always confirm details directly with the venue or supplier before booking.
The National Wedding Show 2026 Dates & Locations
City | Venue | Dates |
Birmingham | NEC | 3-4 October 2026 |
London | ExCel London | 17-18 October 2026 |
Manchester | Manchester Central | 24-25 October 2026 |
Ready to find out more about this unmissable event? Here are seven reasons to visit The National Wedding Show this autumn…
1. Save On Tickets with Bridebook’s Exclusive Discount
Snap up tickets to The National Wedding Show with Bridebook and you’ll save 20% on standard admission, with savings on VIP tickets, too. All you need to do is:
1) Sign up to or log into Bridebook
2) Unlock 20% off standard tickets (usually £20 per person) or £7.50 off VIP tickets (usually £38 per person) with a hidden discount code
3) Follow the link through to book!
2. Meet Hundreds of Wedding Venues & Suppliers in One Place
With only the finest wedding vendors and designers selected to exhibit, the hard work has already been done for you – all that’s left for you to do is gain inspiration from the huge selection of suppliers available.
With fabulous flowers, bespoke stationery, and the most elegant venues, you’ll have all you need to plan your dream day. Sample delicious cakes in the Cake Gallery, check out exotic honeymoon hotels, and look at the work of top wedding photographers all under one roof.
3. Get Expert Advice on the Say, I Do Stage
As well as inspiration, you’ll want some tips on how to create a day you’ll love.
Don’t miss the Say, I Do Stage where Bridebook’s very own Zoe Burke will be speaking alongside other industry experts.
Get dress shopping tips from Lily Francis Bridal, learn how to make the most of your wedding flower budget with Peony Faux Flowers, and discover how to take your wedding makeup from ceremony to dance floor with global Bobbi Brown artist Amy Conway.
4. See Real Styling & Catwalk Inspiration
If you’re still searching for the dress, don’t miss the daily runway shows – a fabulous showcase of designer gowns featuring every style from classic cuts and fabrics to wow-factor contemporary looks.
And there’s inspiration for your wedding party, too, with gorgeous looks for flower girls, stunning gowns that grown-up maids will adore, chic outfits for mothers of the bride, and sharp suits for the men in your life.
Once you’ve watched the shows, head over to the boutique and designer areas to shop the looks, and pick up styling tips and on-trend advice from the dress experts while you’re there. You’ll even get a sneak peek at the yet-unreleased bridal and bridesmaid collections from Six Stories at the brand’s on-site pop-up.
5. Compare Everything Face to Face
Online and social media are great sources of inspiration, but there’s nothing quite like meeting a curated selection of suppliers in person to help you save time – and maybe even money.
Not only will you be able to browse wedding venues and suppliers and gauge their energy and communication style to help decide if they’re the right kind of vendor for you, but many wedding suppliers will be offering on-the-day show discounts, too.
6. Make it a Day Out with Your Partner – or Your Wedding Squad!
Imagine spending a whole day with your team in tow, discovering gorgeous goodies, sampling cakes, meeting industry experts, and exploring everything from the brilliant world of weddings…
And what better way to top off your visit than toasting to yourselves with a celebratory glass of fizz (or two) in The Champagne Bar? A bubbly end to a wonderful day!
7. There’s a Show Near You
Whether Birmingham, London or Manchester, there’s a National Wedding Show happening near you, each one in a top exhibition venue that has brilliant transport links to the rest of the UK.
With hundreds of top wedding suppliers, live catwalks, and expert-led planning advice sessions, The National Wedding Show is geared to make wedding planning easy, fun, and inspiring.
What to Wear to a Wedding Show
With hundreds of suppliers and thousands of exciting ideas to inspire you, you’ll be amazed by your step count at the end of the day, so comfortable shoes are a must! Remember, too, that exhibition halls can get warm under all those lights, so light layers are a great option.
Complete the look with a handy tote for all that material you’ll be collecting on your way round.
Finally, don’t forget that you can also try on wedding dresses at the National Wedding Show, so consider nude underwear if you plan on slipping into one or two gowns…
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Our top tips for getting the most out of your visit – perfect planning really doesn’t get much better than this:
- Set a budget before you go: With so much to see, it can be easy to get carried away. Make a list of things you’d like to tick off and know your financial limit to stop you from overspending on the spot.
- Bring your partner (or your wedding squad): Grab your mum, your maids, your partner and turn wedding planning into an experience you’ll never forget.
- Book yourself a complimentary treatment: Glossify will be on hand to offer free 45-minute manicures and share advice on getting your nails in tip-top shape for the big day. Visit on arrival to secure your slot.
- Take lots of photos: Snap dresses, décor and more so you don’t forget who you met and what you saw.
- Consider a VIP ticket for extra perks: Reserved catwalk seating, unlimited access to the exclusive VIP lounge, fast-track entry, a free glass of fizz, and a luxury goody bag? Sign us up!
The National Wedding Show FAQ
How much are standard tickets to The National Wedding Show?
Standard tickets to The National Wedding Show cost £20 per person. To save 20%, book through Bridebook. The National Wedding Show also has a limited number of exclusive VIP tickets for £38 each.
Can I bring my partner or family to The National Wedding Show?
Yes! Bring your partner, your mum, or your entire wedding party if that’s what you want. Take advantage of group tickets, with discounted options for multiple guests.
Which National Wedding Show date should I go to if I’m not local to Birmingham, London or Manchester?
All the show venues in Birmingham, London, and Manchester have great transport links to the rest of the UK, so getting there couldn’t be easier. If none of these work, hold tight for the National Wedding Show Liverpool LEX which is scheduled for 13-14 March 2027.
If you would like to attend this autumn, simply choose the show that is most local to you. Most of the wedding vendors who exhibit are either nationwide companies or happy to travel for your wedding day.
Discover the Bridebook Vendors You Can Meet at The National Wedding Shows
After all, there’s no harm in getting a headstart on your research, is there?
London – 17th-18th October
Here are the Bridebook approved vendors you can meet at the London National Wedding Show:
- Atholl Palace Hotel
- Bella Sposa Bridal
- Boxed Bridal
- Bruisyard Country Estate
- Cooper Studio
- Down Hall Hotel & Spa
- Flash FX
- Forever Paper Co.
- Gin Fizz Photographic
- John Fox Photography
- Marquis Suffolk
- Morden Hall
- Myriame Lawley Photography
- Perfect Tipple
- Rob Moore Photography
- Short Legs Dog Care
- The Cadogan Arms
- The Dilly
- The Granary Estates
- Thornton Manor
- Visually Captured Photography
- Wedinsure
Birmingham – 3rd & 4th October
Here are the Bridebook approved vendors you can meet at the Birmingham National Wedding Show:
- Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa
- Audio Guest Book
- Brett Sirrell Magician & Entertainer
- Chris Denner Photography
- Cooper Studio
- Elle Bee Design Ltd
- I Do Film & Photos
- John Fox Photography
- Kara Mia Venue Styling
- P&O Cruises
- Perfect Tipple
- Peter Posh
- Professional Magic
- Rob Moore Photography
- Sian’s Special Occasions
- Synergy Live Band
- TDR Bridal
- The Floral Hire
- The Renaissance at Kelham Hall
- Thornton Manor
- With Love Wedding Stationery
Manchester – 24th & 25th October
Here are the Bridebook approved vendors you can meet at the Birmingham National Wedding Show:
- Audio Guest Book
- Cooper Studio
- Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
- Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort
- Fi Farrelly Bridal Beauty
- Henblas Country Park
- Keyhole Studios Ltd
- Perfect Tipple
- Peter Posh
- Professional Magic
- Chateau Rhianfa
- Rose Castle
- The Budding Cupcake Studio
- Thornton Manor
- Town Head Estates Ltd
- Two for Joy Photography
Why Trust Bridebook
Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
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