It’s a lonely life for a blogger sometimes. Not that my cats aren’t great company, but being self employed, I realised that I’m in serious danger of becoming a crazy cat lady. More so. In fact, when people come round I’ve got into the habit of poking them in the face to check that they’re real. It’s not making me popular (sorry guys).
I’d wondered for a while about doing a wedding fair, but I wanted it to be the right environment. Going to wedding fairs as a bride can be quite daunting, particularly if they’re in huge halls, packed with suppliers throwing leaflets your way. I wanted to exhibit at a fair where I could really talk to people, find out what they’re doing for their big day, a place to actually connect with brides rather than shove leaflets at them and send them on their way.
When I first heard about the Alternative Wedding Fair, back in its infancy, I knew it was going to be special. I immediately emailed Heidi to book my slot. Then I panicked. What on earth should a blogger do at a wedding fair? I’m not selling anything, there’s no tangible return on my investment. But then I told myself to trust my instincts. It’s all very well and good sitting in front of a computer all day and watching stats climb. That’s nice. But what’s even nicer is getting the chance, in person, to gauge how people respond to what I’m doing.
So I got myself a banner made (and I have to credit the amazing I am Nat again for turning a hi-res version around so quickly) and, Sunday morning, set off for the fair armed with hundreds of bridal SOS pamphlets I’d made in a panic the day before and all my DIY projects.
It looked something like this (Images courtesy and copyright of the very lovely and efficient Claire of Claire Graham Photography):
Anyone who’s followed my personal journey will know I’m not a big people person. It’s not that I can’t talk to people, it’s more that they sort of terrify me. I guess it comes from years and years of feeling quite a lot like the rest of the human race is in on a big, secret “how to be normal” guide. And I got skipped.
Or, in laymans terms, I’ve always felt inferior. In general. To everyone.
Yesterday was a real eye opener – it made me realise that this blog has been a form of therapy to me. It’s helped me to find my voice, my niche and my confidence. Yesterday I was selling something I’ve created and I’m actually quite proud of. I didn’t feel any of the panic I thought I’d feel.
I felt happy and excited to be talking to bride after bride about her wedding. I felt thrilled to be around so many talented exhibitors. I felt on top of the world. I wasn’t even phased when I realised I’d been meeting new people with chocolate all over my face. Self worth is a lesson I can’t believe I waited so long to learn. The only thing I’ll say is, in hindsight, I did look a bit like I was selling props. In fact, someone tried to start a bidding war for the flowery phone! Perhaps next time I’ll think of a more creative way to showcase what the blog is about.
But anyway, I love being surrounded by talent and creativity. It’s an environment to really thrive in. I may have been a bit overexcited.
In fact, here are a few more pics to give you an idea of the amazing things on display, courtesy of Carla Thomas Photography to give you an idea about the day. I have to give a special mention to Charlotte of Restoration Cake, who put up with me constantly stealing her red velvet cake samples. And who stole the show with her fierce modeling. I’m a bit in love (with Charlotte and the cake)!
Did we get a chance to chat at the Alternative Wedding Fair? Come and say hi, and please keep in touch!
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aaaah, this has made me smile! Have read through it twice. I completeley understand where you are coming from and whilst it would fill me with horror to be patronising, I’d like to say well done!! Firstly for exhibiting at the fair and surviving and secondly for documenting it so honestly and with humour. Particularly like the bit about the chocolate over your face…I can relate with something similar.
It IS difficult to get out there and sell yourself, your brand, your ideas. I’m not a confident person at all, but I have grown in confidence and have suprised myself at how easily I can now shout from the rooftops about my little business, yet still find it hard to stand outside the school gates with a group of parents I don’t know very well….
I enjoy reading your blog and shall continue to do so, and to shout from the rooftops about what you are doing too.
Karen x
Hi Sara – well done. Your stand looks beautiful – love the style of it all. Thank you for promoting us all so well. I know what you mean re exhibiting – I always think it feels a bit unnatural at first but by the end have so got into my stride! Emma x
It was a really good effort on your part. I loved everything you had on the table. I read the SOS guide on the way home on the train. We written and informative. I think you may well be on your way to writing a book!! No pressure intended to do so.
Well done Sara. You rocked!!! xx
Well done on this post and I am so glad you did the Alt Wedding Fair. Good on you!
Teresa x
Looks gorgeous, & so much fun. Defo keeping the next date free.
AND I want a phone like that! x
Well done you, your display looks amazing too!
Well done Sara ~ I would have been petrified too XxX
ahhh your jars..your display looks fab, well done you
xx
Your stand looks amazing! Wish I could have come along to say Hi but I was tied up in the Midlands (not literally – tee hee). Next time! x
It was fab seeing you my dear, your stand was fab and you looked like you were in your environment. Really bubbly and happy. Thanks for the lovely hug and being so welcoming no wonder brides love you xx
Well done! Have you considered offering the SOS guide as a free download to people who subscribe?
Yes, I’ve been reading lots of ‘how to grow your readers’ articles lately, and that’s a popular one!
Well done that lady! xx