Planning a wedding in Yorkshire can feel like juggling ten Spotify playlists at once — every supplier, every song, every little detail competing for attention. But there’s one thing couples often overlook in the noise: the value of wedding fairs and awards.
Last week on Vows & Vocals, Pat Mulligan and I sat down with Rob O’Neill from The UK Wedding Event to dig into why these events still matter — not just for suppliers like me, but for couples trying to bring their day to life.
Why Wedding Fairs Are Worth Your Time
Wedding fairs have evolved a lot in recent years. They’re no longer just endless rows of business cards and cake samples. The best fairs, like those Rob runs across Yorkshire, create real experiences. You can chat face-to-face with photographers, celebrants, musicians, and stylists, all in one afternoon.
As a Yorkshire wedding guitarist, I love them because they give couples a taste of what live music actually feels like. You can hear how a song sounds in a real space, how it changes the atmosphere. No YouTube video can quite capture that moment when a live acoustic version of “Sweet Disposition” echoes through a venue hall and people start picturing their own ceremony.
If you’re still early in your planning, wedding fairs are one of the quickest ways to understand what kind of day you want. Even a short chat with a supplier can spark ideas for how music flows — from the ceremony entrance right through to the evening party.
What Wedding Awards Mean for Couples
Rob also shared news about his brand-new Yorkshire Wedding Awards, designed to recognise real quality in the local wedding scene. There’s sometimes scepticism about awards, but done right, they’re powerful. For couples, they act like a shortcut to trust — a sign that a supplier has been recognised by industry peers or real clients.
As someone who was named Best Solo Musical Act in the UK back in 2019 and later became an awards judge, I’ve seen both sides. Awards aren’t about ego — they’re about accountability. They push suppliers to raise their game, and they give couples confidence that their day is in good hands.
How to Make the Most of Local Events
If you’re based in Yorkshire, keep an eye out for upcoming UK Wedding Event fairs in venues like York Racecourse, Harrogate’s Pavilions, and Leeds Marriott. Bring your partner, ask questions, and take notes. Most importantly — listen. When you hear a live act, picture where that sound fits in your timeline. The right music can make every stage of your day more personal.
Catch the Full Conversation
You can watch the full discussion with Rob O’Neill on my YouTube show Vows & Vocals, where we break down topics like this every week — from song ideas for ceremonies to how to build a relaxed, indie-inspired wedding vibe.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf_T6UHPLiA
If you’re looking for wedding planning advice in Yorkshire and want to understand how live music can elevate your day, start with inspiration, not overwhelm. Attend a fair, chat with your suppliers, and let the soundtrack of your day take shape naturally.
