Founders of South London Wedding Club explain the ‘huge, underground wedding industry’ in south London
South London Wedding Club grew from “an urge to get to know, rebuild the ‘high street’ and support other south London wedding suppliers”, says founder Akilah.
Working with her husband Michael means they can “bounce ideas off each other” when it comes to weddings, but also “the more weddings we coordinated, the more we realised there is a huge wedding industry underground and secret in south London”.
These businesses were passionate about being south Londoners, but not “necessarily shouting loud”, she explains.
Akilah always hoped to plan local wedding shows that offered something “unique, comfortable and full of like-minded suppliers”. The complete opposite to the ones she attended as a bride-to-be that were “uncomfortable, stuffy, always the same and boring”.
Now they’re on their third show, bringing the online wedding high street to life, and hosting shows that are “full of businesses that champion diversity and inclusion, just like the heart of south London”.
On 28 April 2024, they will open the doors at Stanley Arts Centre and invite couples and local businesses to meet, chat and share ideas: “Imagine a high street, for wedding businesses,” says Akilah.
Those to be wed can explore the stands, take part in vow writing workshops, live question and answer sessions with experts and a group wedding planning session with an award-winning wedding planner, too.
When it comes to wedding planning tips from Akilah, she understands the “choices are endless”, but says: “To avoid that overwhelming feeling most people talk about, get to a local wedding show like ours. One that understands what it’s like to be a south Londoner or has the best and most supportive connections with their wedding suppliers.”
“Our final tip would be to support local; we understand the venues and are so passionate about our area in general. It would mean you do your part, too, with having a sustainable wedding day by lowering the carbon footprint,” she adds.
And a final tip, “enjoy the planning!”
South London Wedding Club Wedding Fair, 28 April 2024
Stanley Arts Centre, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB
www.southlondonsweddingclub.com
Images: Nia Rose
