If you are wondering what a 'Fox Party' is, it is the gender neutral term for 'hen' and 'stag' parties, as these terms carry a lot of gender stereotypes (the crazy costumes and novelty drinking straws, need we say more!). Instead, people are now choosing to have 'fox party' where friends of all genders come together to celebrate the marriage of their closest friends. So, if you are in the process of planning your pre-wedding party, we have come up with the perfect way to kick start your celebrations: Pre-wedding celebrations with your friends have moved on from being one night of partying. Now, many nearly-weds are opting for long weekend break with their closest friends. If you can’t decide how to celebrate getting married with your best friends, having the whole weekend means you’ve got the time to do a bit of everything! You could book an apartment in the city, go out for brunch, book an experience like an interactive show or a trip on the river, and head out to the bars in the evening. If you still have some planning and shopping to do before the big day, why not start your weekend off by trying on dresses or suits, sitting front row at a bridal catwalk show, getting expert advice from skin care and makeup professionals, and lots more, all with a glass of bubbly in hand!  

The perfect start to your fox weekend:

Adding The National Wedding Show to your list of activities will make your weekend a fun and memorable trip for your closest group of friends. Your wedding party will be able to help you choose everything from table decorations, to that surprise honeymoon suite and spa day you’ve been wanting to book for your other half. As the ultimate one-stop wedding planning destination, The National Wedding Show is perfect for if you want your Maid of Honor, bridesmaids and groomsmen to help with the big decisions and you can’t find multiple weekends when you’re all free. Plus, if mum or dad aren't so keen on the ‘going out-out’ night that you’ve planned, they can still have that time with you to really feel involved in the celebrations (and maybe even decide on an outfit!).

What’s on at the show?

At The National Wedding Show, you can visit hundreds of top bridal boutiques, jewelers, makeup brands, cake companies, photographers, party services and more. When it comes to the mammoth task of choosing bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen suits that everyone loves, there are hundreds of suppliers and changing rooms where the group can find the perfect compliment to your showstopper wedding look. If you book VIP tickets, you can head to the VIP Lounge and indulge in a glass of bubbly whilst flicking through the show guide to plan your day. Once you have planned what stands you’d love to visit, head to the catwalk stage to see the latest wedding trends from the biggest names in the industry. When you’ve explored the show in either Birmingham or London, and you’re ready to hit the town to celebrate your new purchases and bookings, it’s an easy commute to restaurants, bars and clubs from both of the show’s locations.

Where to head after the show:

London ExCeL

If you’re thinking of heading into central London for a big night out, the ExCeL show is the perfect place to get in the mood to celebrate your engagement with just a short trip on the Elizabeth Line to all the best restaurants, clubs and bars in London. The incredible transport links from this venue means getting to Chelsea for a michelin star meal, to the West End for a show, or to a vibrant night out in Soho is easier than ever.

NEC Birmingham

If you have decided to hit the major city of Birmingham for your celebrations, the NEC is the best place to start with amazing transport links into the center so you don’t need to think about parking and driving. Why not go all out and book you and your friends in for a night at one of Birmingham’s top hotels just a short distance from the NEC. The city is full of incredible restaurants and rooftop bars and, of course, a great club scene.