Have you just attended a wedding showcase and your head is overflowing with ideas, colours, dresses and endless to-do lists? Take a breath! This is a natural and expected next step after attending a wedding fair, and if you were lucky enough to visit the Wedding Showcase at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel on 22nd February 2026, then you’ve already laid some solid foundations for the next steps of your planning.
So… what’s next? Here’s how to turn that beautiful inspiration into a clear and practical action plan.
1. Choosing your wedding season
Before anything else, ask yourself the essential question: which season truly reflects you? Each time of year comes with its own atmosphere, and depending on your wedding date, the celebration can take on a very different feel:
• Spring is defined by a soft, floral and bright atmosphere
• Summer brings long evenings and a festive vibe
• Autumn stands out with warm colours and a cosy ambience
• Winter, finally, is romantic, elegant and often more budget-friendly
Your venue and date influence everything: décor, outfits, budget… which makes this a crucial step in your wedding planning journey!
2. Booking key suppliers
Once your date and ceremony venue are confirmed, you can begin securing your essential suppliers. You may need to book:
• Photographer / videographer
• Musicians or DJ
• Florist
• Wedding cake
• Caterer
To keep in mind, some of the most popular suppliers are often booked 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly during peak season. A wedding showcase is therefore the perfect opportunity to identify reliable, local professionals.
3. The wedding dress: strategy and serenity
Choosing the wedding dress is often the most emotional moment of all! After a wedding fair, it’s time to begin fittings. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
• Plan ahead and, if possible, start fittings around 8 months in advance
• Book appointments during the week if you can (it’s usually quieter)
• Bring one or two trusted people for outside opinions and reassurance
• Keep an open mind… the perfect dress isn’t always the one you imagined!
4. Budget management and money-saving tips
With these key steps confirmed, take the opportunity to revisit your budget, clarify any remaining financing needs, and refine your priorities. It’s also the ideal moment to determine where to invest more and where to optimize your spending.
February is an ideal month for this. Many bridal boutiques offer sample dresses at reduced prices, discounted accessories, or special “post-wedding fair” deals.
In addition, since alterations often cost far less than ordering a brand-new custom-made dress, a great tip is to buy bridesmaids’ dresses from sale rails and then have them tailored. This way, you significantly reduce costs while still ensuring each dress fits every body shape perfectly.
5. Key takeaways
Attending a Wedding Showcase, such as the one at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, marks the true beginning of the wedding adventure. Inspiration, connections, and vision[1]building… everything comes together to help you move forward with confidence.
Take your time to make choices that truly reflect who you are, don’t hesitate to rely on professionals such as the wedding planners at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, and above all: enjoy the process. After all, planning your wedding is already a way of celebrating it.