Are you newly engaged? Planning a wedding?
Emerson Hall is an elegant, modern event space housed in one of East Nashville’s historic churches. Fully restored in 2021, we took the sanctuary of this 1930’s-era church down the bones before completely renovating. Meticulously designed and crafted by Nashville artisans, this venue was conceived to be the perfect canvas for your special event.
With our Wedding Showcase just around the corner, we wanted to share a list of bridal show survival tips so you can make the most out of your experience.
CREATE A NEW EMAIL
During the planning process, you will be asking for information from many vendors and by having a designated email just for planning, it will help you stay on top of things and be more organized! It will also make it easier to unsubscribe to newsletters when you no longer wish to receive them.
RVSP OR PRE-REGISTER FOR A SHOW
By pre-registering or buying tickets online, you save time getting into the show. It could also save you money as many shows offer Early Bird Discounts if you buy your tickets early. Just like a wedding, bridal shows need to know an approximate count of attendees to plan for the amount of cake needed for tasting, door prizes, swag bags, magazines, and samples.
Make sure to register for our Wedding Showcase on April 2, 2023!
ADDRESS LABELS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Although many vendors will use an iPad or laptop for you to share your information with them, some are still old school and use pen & paper! Print your name and your grooms name, address, email and wedding date on address labels and bring them with you. You will be thankful you have them while filling out forms for more information from key vendors. Print, Stick, and wait for the email!
BE COMFORTABLE & WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
Bridal shows are supposed to be a fun part of the planning process. Remember to dress comfy and wear comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking in just a few short hours. Whether you find heels and a cute dress comfortable or tennis shoes and jeans, wear what makes you feel your best and will allow you to enjoy the show.
EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST
Although many shows offer cake and food samples, hor d’oeuvres and other treats, it is still not a meal and you don’t want hunger to interrupt your fun.
GROOMS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
A Wedding Trade Show Expo goes by many names including “Bridal Show”, “Bride Expo”, “Bridal Faire”, and “Wedding Show.” Most of these names contain the word “bride” and none say “Groom.” For that reason many grooms feel that it is not an event for them, but indeed it is. The groom can help the bride make decisions about wedding services such as invitations and flowers as well as check out “manly” wedding services such as tuxedos, honeymoon destinations and the “Get-Away” car.
LESS IS MORE
Vendors love when they have the opportunity to meet you and your fiancé. However, don’t get upset with him if he would rather be watching the game or kicking it with the boys…cut him some slack and bring your favorite girls but remember to bring the key players. Remember the more people you have with you the more opinions you will get as well. You & your mom might love a vendor and Aunt Mary doesn’t and she will probably voice her opinion through the entire show. Bridal Shows are supposed to be fun and educational so you don’t want to bring someone who doesn’t understand your vision for one of the biggest days of your life!
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Also, remember when you give your information to a vendor, you are giving them permission to contact you, because you are showing genuine interest in learning more about their product or services. Not every vendor is a good fit for every bride, so if you don’t feel a connection, don’t feel obligated to give them your info. Remember if you give your info they will contact you…so, if they do, respond to their messages, or, if you decide you aren’t interested, let them know.
VENDOR LOVE
You will meet many awesome vendors at the show and have a ton of information when you get home. There will be some you fall in love with! Carry a smaller bag or make a spot in your purse to put these vendor’s information so when you get home, you will remember who they are and who you wanted to contact.
TAKE NOTES
When you meet 30-50 vendors in a few short hours, it can be difficult to remember why or what you liked about each one. Make a note on the brochure of why or what you like about a particular vendor. Then put this information in a special place so you can contact the vendor when you get home. If you want to take a photo, please be sure to ask the vendor for permission.
HAVE FUN
Enjoy the wedding planning process. Be queen for the day as a V.I.B. – Very Important Bride…attending a bridal show where every exhibitor is interested in knowing about your day including wedding colors, wedding date, engagement and wedding party. Take the time to talk about your plans and enjoy and savor your upcoming day.
HAPPILY CONNECTED WEDDING SHOWCASE NOT YOUR TYPICAL BRIDAL SHOW
We promise you won’t want to miss our Wedding Showcase on April 2, 2023…check out the video from one of our past shows to see why!
We hope you will find these bridal show survival tips helpful when attending bridal shows. And if you haven’t already, click here to register and grab your tribe and come meet some super talented vendors at our Wedding Showcase. We look forward to meeting you!