Lauren Russell
The Wedding Emporium- September 2019
The day after I handed my notice in at work, I received an email from Victoria who works for The Wedding Emporium asking if I would be interested in the running the Creche at their upcoming wedding fayre. I couldn’t believe the opportunity she was offering and jumped at the offer! What perfect timing. Fast forward a couple of months and I had been nonstop planning. Putting together risk assessments, registers and disclaimers. Also ensuring we will have enough staff to help care for all the children. As I drove to The Bath and West Showground, I’m making sure everything has been covered. In my head, ticking off everything that must be done. I was meeting Jenny from Cotton and Canvas, where we were going to set up our creche and make our stall look presentable.
On the morning of the fayre, I was feeling very confident. Setting up went smoothly and everything was reading to go. Once the nannies turnt up I went through all the important things they needed to know like fire exits, nearest toilets and going through the risk assessments. We also had a little time left to look around the stalls. It was great to see what others offer. All of us in the wedding industry, coming together to make wedding days the best day they can be.
We seemed to have a lot of children coming to visit our creche. Many parents dropping the children off so they can go and their wedding without having to worry about the little ones. It was great to know we were helping them do this, and of course we loved talking all things wedding with them.
Whilst the nannies cared for the children, me and a few friends stood at the stall. We showed couples what we offer and took details from them so we can send them a quote. When booking us we find we need a lot more details than some wedding suppliers. It isn’t as easy as giving timings and a venue. We need ages for ratios, number of hours, number of staff, etc.

Over the weekend it was great to communicate how we can help at weddings and hearing positive feedback from them. “Look at the creche, so sweet” or “that tepee is the cutest” were some of the things I heard people comment. A huge sense of pride overwhelmed me.
At the end of the weekend, I filled out my feedback form and handed it back to Victoria. She was so happy with everything we had provided, she asked us to help at the Spring Fayre also!
Overall, it was a great experience and a huge success in showing the couples in the south west how we can help them at their weddings.
Thanks for reading, Lauren