Why Wellbeing Wedfest-Pride in Your Wedding Exists

Wedding suppliers, we have all experienced it before, the anticipation builds up as we prepare flyers, business cards, stall designs, props, and decorations to make ourselves stand out among countless other vendors. Yes, I’m talking about wedding fairs!

Let’s paint a broad picture here, as everyone sets up, we exchange pleasantries and briefly connect with other vendors, some of whom become friends, while others remain strangers we may never encounter again. However, there’s one thing that often catches our attention, the overwhelming prevalence of traditional wedding planning.

You know what I mean, everywhere you turn, there are advertisements featuring conventionally beautiful white women. They wear size 4 dresses, their hair and makeup resembling those seen on Hollywood red carpets. Their husbands are sculpted men, impeccably dressed, with slick hair and seductive eyes that seem to say, ‘come to bed with me immediately’.

After experiencing this many times, I asked myself; ‘does any of this truly reflect real life?’ Is it what most people want or can realistically achieve? After conducting plenty of market research (including having exasperated conversations with overwhelmed couples), the resounding answer is no. This is especially true for individuals from the LGBTQ+ community who are seldomly represented realistically at many of these events.

The Birth of Wellbeing Wedfest-Pride in Your Wedding

It was after one such wedding fair a few of us got talking over cocktails and Wedfest-Pride in Your Wedding was born. In collaboration with The Wellbeing Farm in Bolton and myself (That Celebrant Guy), plans started.

The main objective behind Wellbeing Wedfest-Pride in Your Wedding is to celebrate the diversity of real couples, and what better time to do so than during Pride Month, when everyone deserves to take pride in one of the most significant days of their lives? This one day wedding mini festival is designed to be a show for everyone, embracing what we like to call ‘real wedding planning’.

From the outset, we established a strong ethos. We got on the lookout for suppliers who shared our passion for driving change within the industry. These were individuals and businesses committed to consistently using imagery and language that showed inclusivity and diversity. We recognised the importance of showcasing a wide range of love stories and perspectives, ensuring that every couple feels seen, respected, and valued.

North West Pride Wedding Fair

In collaboration with these likeminded suppliers, we created an event that goes beyond the traditional wedding fair experience.

Wellbeing Wedfest is a platform where couples can explore a vast array of options that resonate with their unique identities and personal styles. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a big ole celebration, we wanted to provide a diverse range of resources and inspiration to make the big day an authentic reflection of who each client is.

By bringing together a community of supportive and forward thinking vendors, we are actively challenging the norms of the wedding industry. We believe that love knows no boundaries, and every love story deserves to be celebrated and cherished. Wellbeing Wedfest is not just an event. It’s a movement towards a more inclusive and accepting future, where weddings truly represent the beautiful tapestry of human connection.

Wellbeing Wedfest recognises the beauty in diversity and the importance of representing individuals as they are, without conforming to societal expectations or stereotypes.

Now in its second year, Wellbeing Wedfest has not only set out to change the way these events are organised; it has successfully achieved that goal. Gone are the days of white-washing, generalisations, and excessive pomp and circumstance that may not align with the desires or budgets of some couples.

Real People, Real Weddings

This event is designed for real people and real weddings, with suppliers who truly comprehend and embrace this concept. It celebrates the diversity of love stories and recognises that every individual is unique. No longer are the catwalks filled with models who conform to a narrow definition of beauty or adhere to a specific age, size, or identity.

Instead, the catwalk at Wellbeing Wedfest showcases models who represent a true cross-section of society. They come from all backgrounds, encompassing a wide range of ages, sizes, and identities. These models are real people who confidently appear down the runway, strutting their stuff, embracing, and celebrating their authentic selves.

It creates a safe space where all attendees can find inspiration and relate to the real people showcased on the catwalk. By embracing and celebrating the uniqueness of each person, the event fosters an environment of acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment.

This approach extends beyond the catwalk. Every aspect of Wellbeing Wedfest, from the vendors to the decorations, reflects a commitment to embracing diversity and catering to the varied needs and desires of couples. It showcases a wide array of wedding styles, themes, and options that can be tailored to suit the individuality of each couple.

Whether you dream of a grand affair or an intimate gathering, Wellbeing Wedfest offers inspiration and resources to create a wedding day that is a true reflection of who you are as a couple.

In a world where standards of society often dictate how weddings should be, Wellbeing Wedfest challenges these.

Love knows no boundaries and beauty comes in countless forms.

Wedfest- Pride in Your Wedding serves as a bright light of hope and inspiration for couples who seek to celebrate their love authentically, breaking free from the confines of convention and embracing their unique journey.

Tickets for this free event are still available for 2023’s event to be held on Sunday 18^th June.

These fabulous suppliers will be at the event and their Instagram handles are:

@wellbeingfarm – Venue
@that.celebrantguy – Celebrant
@rebelvoyagephotography – Photography
@vickyduboisphoto – Photography
@paparazzimirror – Photo Booth
@rockstar_magic – Magician
@ashleighlmua – Make up
@rosehillcakestudio – Cake
@thealternativeflorist – Felt Florist
@stepinthepicture – Artist
@rocks.revival.jewellery – Handmade Jewellery
@to_have_and_to_hound_uk – Dog Chaperone
@makeupbykellywaters – Glitter Bar
@paperpoutstudio – Custom Clothing
@newcardsontheblock_ – Stationery
@willowandwildebridal – Dresses
@gavinjfoleyfilms – Videography
@katie.olivier.blooms – Florist
@dianadogood – Drag Queen
@ameliasbridal – Bridesmaids and Suits
@galactic.travel – Travel Agent
@jessicastrettonmusic – DJ
@wearelovepiano – Live Band