Hello,
Be warned, this could be a fairly long blog post ;o)
Tatty Angel Designs got invited to the Reading Wedding Fair last minute so pretty much had one week to prepare for it. Needless to say, this last week has been hectic and has consisted of long and busy days. Each day has been a blur of designing, making, pricing up, and even making the pretty little pink bows to glue on to the gift boxes. Apologies to those friends that have been neglected during this time ;o)
So, I'll start with the bad news first as I prefer to end on a high. One earring sadly went astray, and it's a bit of a mystery as to where it went. Looking at the photos taken just before packing away the earring is clearly in sight. It's not the end of the World but just slightly annoying. One of our suppliers sells sterling silver ear wires singular. Whilst placing a recent order I forgot this and as I ordered 2 of one design, 2 of another design and 3 of yet another design I expected 7 PAIRS of earrings. I actually received 7 earrings (Hey, I told you it was a long week). And do you think the earring that went missing was made with the ear wire that I had a spare one of, no of course not. It had to be one of the others. Anyway, like I said not the end of the World but I had to vent slightly.
Today was also the Reading half marathon, so it was expected that this would delay the crowds coming to the fair - however, we all know that a bride-to-be will not let 16,000 runners stand between her and a wedding fair, so I was still optimistic. Seeing as it was a quiet start I thought I'd do my bit and support the runners. I've done a couple of 10k's before and appreciate how much a bit of crowd interaction can really help. Plus I knew two people that were running. To cut a long story short (which is hard for me, why use 15 words when you can use 1500), I was lucky enough to see both of the people I was supporting - out of 16,000 who'd thought??? Pleased with myself, my eagle eye and my clapping efforts I was about to go back to my stand (business is business after all) when I was approached by a guy. He was with Reading 107 radio. He asked if I was supporting anyone, whether I'd seen them and whether or not I'd like to go on radio. Who me, ooh I'd hate it, haha. I managed to give a shout out to the runners, the charities oh and jammy me also managed to get in a quick plug about the Wedding Fair.
And the news gets better. I didn't go to the fair with the expectation of selling anything. I see them as mainly opportunities for networking and the chance for you to grab (not literally) as many people as you can to convince them that your products/services are the best. So imagine my delight when I did actually sell a couple of items. One was even right at the end as we were all packing up. I was a selling machine!
However, the best news was receiving such positive feedback regarding 'Tatty Angel Designs' jewellery and tiaras. People didn't automatically think the items were handmade and seem incredibly impressed when I told them that EVERYTHING is handmade. It was also mentioned on several occasions that the table looked very professional. What more could we ask for (except for sales obviously).
All in all it was a fantastic networking event and I spoke with some very lovely and talented people in the wedding industry. And I generated a lot of genuine interest which I hope will lead to sales.
I am and I hope to remain a romantic soul so what better way for me to spend a day than being surrounding with all things weddingy - and who said that isn't a word, it should be.
Here's me in the obligatory 'vendor with stand' photo. Btw, it pays to take care when choosing an outfit to wear to a wedding fair. You want to appear professional, elegant and comfortable (nothing worse that watching someone altering their clothes as they try to convince you to buy their products/services). Yet at the same time you don't want to out bling your bling. I chose this delightful little flower dress, pale green, knee length, worn with black leggings and flat black pumps. One vendor struck up a conversation with me by telling me how she'd been eyeing up my dress, I liked hers too and so the start of what could be an beneficial relationship began. Oh and I also wore some of my handmade jewellery to complete the look and to provide another talking point...
Til next time,
Annaliese (TAD)
