Bridal Show Season is here! Bridal shows are the perfect place to start the planning process! Although they are fun, they can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our Bridal Show Survival Guide is here to help you make the most out of your experience. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the different types of shows to preparing yourself for the event, and even provide you with tips and tricks to maximize your time there. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or a member of the wedding party, our guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of this exciting event. So, get ready to say “I do” to a stress-free bridal show experience!
WHAT IS A BRIDAL/WEDDING SHOW?
When it comes to wedding shows, there are two main types to choose from: the large expos and the smaller, boutique style shows. Large expos offer a wide variety of vendors to choose from but can be overwhelming and crowded. On the other hand, boutique style shows like the Happily Connected Wedding Showcase which are usually held in wedding venues provide a more intimate setting and the opportunity to see how the venue and vendors work together to create a cohesive event.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A BRIDAL SHOW/WEDDING SHOWCASE?
Bridal shows are a fantastic opportunity for engaged couples to connect with a variety of wedding vendors all under one roof. From photographers to florists, caterers to wedding planners, these events offer a one-stop-shop for all your wedding needs. In addition to the chance to meet vendors, bridal shows often feature fashion shows, live entertainment, and giveaways, making them a fun and informative experience. To make the most of your time at a bridal show, it’s important to come prepared with a list of vendors you want to meet and questions you want to ask. Be sure to take advantage of any specials or discounts offered exclusively at the show. With a little planning, attending a bridal show can be a valuable and enjoyable part of your wedding planning journey.
WHY ATTEND THE HCWS?
The Happily Connected Wedding Showcase is not your typical bridal show. Instead of row of booths, local vendors will come together to showcase their work! Join us this Sunday, February 18 at the Hermitage Golf Course and Explore, Experience, and Enjoy this gorgeous venue and see what local talented Nashville/Middle TN Wedding Professionals have to offer for your big day!
EXPLORE
Unlike the typical bridal show, the Happily Connected Wedding Showcase is staged to feel like a real wedding. Join us and explore the gorgeous venue and our Design Gallery designed by local and talented wedding professionals.
EXPERIENCE
Come experience a showcase of beautiful inspiration, connect with the local, talented creatives and discuss your ideas for your own wedding!
ENJOY
Enjoy delicious food + drinks, listen to live music, view gorgeous floral designs & beautiful bridal attire, check out the amazing venue and get a feel for what YOU want to create for your own Wedding Day.
Swag Bags
Arrive early and receive a Swag Bag full of goodies (first 35 couples in the door)! Click here for more information and for tickets! Use code 5OFF for discounted tickets! Hope to see you there!
Tips for Making the Most Out of a Bridal Show
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.
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.
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!
Enter the Giveaways
Remember those labels we just mentioned? From Grand prizes to vendor giveaways, they’ll definitely come in handy for those you want to enter. Instead of getting finger cramps, stick your label to the prize entry for any product or service you might need or want for your big day. You just might win something that will allow you to free up funds for something else you want for your special day.
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.
LESS IS MORE
We love when we 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 but Aunt Mary doesn’t and she will probably voice her opinion through the entire show. Bridal Shows are supposed to be fun and also educational, so you definitely don’t want to bring someone who doesn’t understand or get your vision for one of the biggest days of your life!
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 connect with!
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 weren’t interested, let them know (Not responding doesn’t mean you’re not interested. It could mean their email never made it to you.)
TAKE NOTES
When you see 30-50 vendors in a few short hours, it can be difficult to remember why or what you liked about a particular vendor. Make a note on the brochure of why or what you like about a particular vendor. Then remember to 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. Wedding expos are not just about finding good deals, they are also an opportunity to have fun and bond with your fiancé and/or wedding party. Attending a wedding expo allows you to see gorgeous wedding gowns, take pictures in a photo booth, and get into the wedding spirit. Regardless of who you attend with, what you are looking for, or who you talk to, it is important to remember to have fun. You’re a bride, and they’re here for you… so enjoy the process, V.I.B. – Very Important Bride!
AFTER THE SHOW
Attending a bridal show can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable resource for planning your wedding. After the show, take the time to review your notes and materials to ensure you remember the information you gathered. Follow up with vendors who stood out to you and use the information you gathered to make informed decisions about which vendors to work with. Additionally, take the time to reflect on your wedding planning process and make any necessary adjustments based on your experience at the bridal show. By using these tips, you can make the most of your bridal show experience and plan the wedding of your dreams with confidence.