The National Wedding Show (Birmingham NEC 16th - 18th March 2012)

LONDON, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Marriage has recently seen a surge in popularity, experiencing its first rise in several years.* The cost of weddings is also increasing, with the average cost of tying the knot in the UK almost £20,000.**

Despite the high cost of getting married, The National Wedding Show, Birmingham, due to take place in mid-March, looks set to be another triumph. With more than 50,000 visitors expected, over 250 suppliers are ready to exhibit their range of wedding dresses, wedding cars and wedding cakes to countless brides to be.

If you're recently engaged then a wedding fair can help you work out what sort of wedding you hope to have. You can look around, make some contacts and get some inspiration on planning the perfect wedding. With the biggest collection of wedding dresses under one roof, you could even find the perfect dress.

Even if you've almost finished organising your wedding, it's always worth visiting a wedding fair to pick up some last minute tips on hair and make-up, or to get some final flourishes for your nuptials.

The National Wedding Show is the UK's largest wedding event and includes a Catwalk Show, Bridal Coaching, and a brand new Vintage Area. If you're a bride or groom to be, this weekend is the ideal opportunity to speak to wedding experts who can answer your questions on timeless tiaras, snappy suits and choosing a wedding cake.

Wedding fairs can be quite a daunting experience as many suppliers at a wedding fair feel that they have to convince every future bride that she needs to wear their veil, use their venue and carry their flowers.

The suppliers haven't been dreaming about your wedding since they were a little girl, so it's important to be firm, focus on what you want and steer the vendors towards your wedding day. This is one of the most important days of your life, so make sure you're completely happy with everything before you buy.

The cost of true love:

Many suppliers will offer discounts if items are purchased on the day, so wedding fairs can be a good way to save money on a designer wedding gown or vintage Rolls-Royce. However, as costs mount up and the stress of organising the most important day of your life sets in, it's essential to make sure that your dream wedding is protected against disaster.

About johnlewis.com/insurance

John Lewis Wedding Insurance starts at just £65.62 and covers risks including cancellation costs if a close relative falls ill.

• Six levels of flexible wedding cover up to £50,000.
• Cake, flowers, rings and wedding dress all covered.
• Weddings covered both in the UK and abroad.
• Cancellation costs reimbursed if the bride, groom or close relative falls ill.
• Optional marquee cover for weddings in the UK.

Whether you're planning a fairytale wedding for hundreds, or a traditional family-only ceremony, Wedding Insurance from John Lewis is flexible, guaranteeing the perfect level of cover for your special day.

* http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/9114138/Marriage-is-back-as-middle-aged-couples-lead-the-way.html

** http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/average-wedding-costs-acircpound17000-482706.html

Contact: Lauren Baldwin, Email: customerservice@johnlewis-insurance.com, Tel: +44(0)207-592-6677