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 so we have listed our survival tips to 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.
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. From boutique bridal shows to large wedding convention expos, you will be on your feet for most of the time and generally covering a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy.
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.
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 (remember #2) 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!
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.
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.
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 and 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!
BE COMFORTABLE. Bridal shows are supposed to be a fun part of the planning process. Remember to dress comfy 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 best and will allow you to enjoy the show.
TAKE NOTES. When you see 30-50 booths 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 #4 put this information in a special place so you can contact the vendor when you get home. Only take pictures if you have 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.
These tips should make the bridal show fun for you and everyone who joins you!
We are so EXCITED to announce our Inaugural Wedding Showcase and believe us when we say you won’t want to miss! Make sure to attend the Happily Connected Wedding Showcase on February 24, 2019 from 1PM – 4 PM at Wilburn Street Studio.
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 through ‘inspiration vignettes”.
This event will include beautiful tablescapes, lounges, music, food, cocktails and live models showcasing wedding dresses from some of your favorite designers. This will create an experience to inspire you and make you feel that you are a part of a real wedding event!
Come experience a showcase of beautiful inspiration while meeting the creative vendors and discuss your ideas for your own wedding!
Arrive early and receive a Swag Bag full of goodies (first 50 couples in the door)! Click here for more information and for tickets! Hope to see you there!
Photo Credit: Events by Aly