If you are engaged, or soon-to-be, one of the first things you may do is sign up for every bridal fair… within a 50 mile radius. That is okay, if you want to spend up to 5 or 6 hours every weekend amidst a mob of people. But chances are, after the first 2 or 3, you will be likely be way over it, and may still not have any usable information. Worse, you can be so overwhelmed by all the information you did receive, that you don’t remember much at all and certainly not enough to make decisions about vendors. However, good news! There is a way to maneuver a bridal show so that you get the most out of each one you attend and walk away with valuable contacts and information to help you start planning.
When you are deciding which shows to attend, make sure you do some research. Read the feedback that brides have left from that show in past years. Did they have quality vendors? Did they have vendors showcasing what you are looking for? Did they have enough vendors to meet the needs of the population at the show? These are things you want to find out before you start paying entry fees. If you already have a wedding planner, ask them if they recommend any particular show, or are exhibiting at any. Sometimes, they can get you a free pass (or two) as their guest plus give you insight you might not otherwise get.
Once you have decided which shows you want to test the waters in, decide who is going with you. In the past 2 years, I am happy to see there are more couples attending the bridal shows together. If you are bringing your fiancé, you definitely want to have a plan to maximize his attention span. Moms, sisters and girlfriends are always fun too. Be sure that you invite those who will help you navigate the space, information and share valuable feedback.
Once you have decided which exhibits you will attend, register. It is a much richer experience when you come as an expected guest (wear your name badge). If you choose not to, make sure you know what payment methods are accepted at the door. As part of your navigation strategy, consider and use the following tips:
1. Do a Little Homework to Conserve a lot of Legwork – Typically larger bridal shows (The Great Bridal Expo, Unveiled Wedding Event) will list the vendors they have slotted to be at the event. Take some time to look them up online. Keep a list of the vendors you are most interested in and questions you want to ask them directly. When you get to the event, mark their names and locations in your guide to make sure you get to their booth/table before the day is over. This doesn’t mean you won’t take in all the vendors, but you want to focus on those that may be a match for your celebration. Also, wear comfortable shoes so that you can focus on the experience and not the amount of walking you will do
2. Be Prepared to Collect and Keep Complete Information – It’s okay to bring a notebook for notes. You will probably get at least one notepad in your goody bag from the exhibit. However, you want to take notes you will understand later. A tool I always carry is a pad of sticky notes. When you pick up the business cards or information packet from different vendors, it is easy to jot down notes on the sticky and attach it directly to their information. Later on, when you are going through the pile and you want to remember the name of the florist with the beautiful peonies n display, you have your sticky note to help. Also, make note of things/comments/displays you are not impressed with. Vendors should be putting their best foot forward at an exhibit. If they cut corners with their display or materials, you want to remember that if you are considering using their service and how that might translate into delivering on your wedding day. Taking lots of pictures is a great way to keep up with what you liked and/or didn't
3. Leave an Impression – You are not only looking for the best vendors for your wedding day, the best vendors are also looking for their ideal brides. When you present yourself as such, they will be excited to meet with you and follow up. Make it quick and easy by bringing either pre-printed labels or slips of paper with your contact and wedding date information on them. Many vendors have specials they make available specifically to exhibition participants. You want to be on that list
4. Do Not Impulse Shop – Exhibits can be an intoxicating experience. Vendors intentionally design their set ups to intrigue and engage all of your senses to stir up the emotional connections that take place when you select them for your dream wedding. However, you should always sit down and talk to a vendor about your day, one-on-one in an environment that allows you to gauge how well you will work together. It is absolutely okay to fall in love with a vendor at the exhibit (that is why they are there with the most wonderful raspberry/lemon cake with Swiss butter cream icing). It is a better idea to do a bit more research before you make any major decisions. Beware of vendors who are pushing on the spot purchases or packages that are only available if you pay that day
Bridal exhibitions are fun. There is wine and champagne to sip, cake and cocktail hors d’oeuvres to taste, massages to get, vendors to meet, DJs/bands to hear, fashion shows to watch and prizes to win (honeymoon packages are still some of the best prizes). But along with all the excitement, there is some business to take care of. Make it easy on yourself by planning ahead and maximizing your time spent there. You will find the experience much more rewarding.
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