How to survive a #Bridal #Show with flying colors!

The D-Tales is attending quite a few shows in the next few months.  We love the opportunity to meet with you and realize that your attendance is crucial to your wedding planning. The “Bridal Show” is an excellent opportunity for you to talk to a wide variety of wedding professionals as well as gather information, prices, and new ideas all in one place. Bridal Shows also create “overwhelming” feelings in many Brides as you can meet over a hundred vendors during the show. The following tips will provide you with helpful answers on how to survive any Bridal Show and make the most out of the experience.

1. HAVE A PLAN! What do you need to see and what vendors are on your To-Do list?  Pick up a Vendor listing or Vendor map when you enter the show. This will help you make notes about those professionals you talked to at the show.
2. Take the time to look at all booths and not just those vendors that you think you need services or products. You will gather many new ideas as well as helpful hints in many cases. Most Bridal Shows run from 3 to 5 hours. Plan to spend a minimum of 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours at the show to ensure your plan is accomplished.
3. Pace yourself. You will only have a short amount of time to talk to the wedding professionals in the areas where you need assistance. Get as much information in writing as possible. Find out when you can schedule a private appointment or consultation.
4. Bring a date book or calendar so you can schedule appointments with specific wedding vendors. Great vendors book early and book fast.  If you have any desire to learn more about their services be sure to schedule an appointment.
5. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Most facilities only have space to sit and view a fashion show. Keep in mind that you will spend most of your time walking, standing, and talking.
6. Ask key people in your wedding planning process to attend the show with you. It is good to have Mom, your fiancé, and/or you bridesmaids to bounce ideas off of and keep things in perspective. But just know that too many people can cause confusion if they don’t know your plan.  Let your group know what you intend to accomplish.
7. Most Bridal Shows charge admission. Listen to local radio stations and check out newspapers, the internet, or local wedding vendors for possible discount coupons or offers.
8. Car pool to the show if possible. Very few Bridal Shows offer FREE parking.
9. If you must bring children with you to the show ask someone to accompany you who can watch the children as you visit the booths. Note that aisles are small and bringing children or strollers will not be easy on you PLUS if you want to have an in-depth conversation, you might think about finding a babysitter.
10. Bring a roll (or sheet) of pre-addressed name and address labels. Many shows as well as vendors offer FREE registration for door prizes and give-a-ways. Include: Name, Wedding Date, email, budget, number of guests in order to save you time.
11. Bring a swatch of material or ribbon in your wedding colors. This will give both you and the vendors a better visualization of your wedding ideas.
12. Unless you already have all of your bridal and wedding party attire purchased (or rented) plan to attend the Fashion/Style Show. A Bridal Show Style/Fashion show offers more than just wedding dresses. In many cases you will see bridesmaid’s dresses, shoes, tuxedoes for the guys, girl’s dresses, formals for Moms, flowers as well as hear music and possible MC (Master of Ceremonies) work.
13. Take notes at the Fashion Show. Also most shows allow picture taking so bring your camera or camera phone. Photos will help you remember more details.
14. If a “deal” sounds too good to be true than it most likely is just that. Get all specifics in writing so you can review them prior to committing to a wedding service or product.
15. Wants and needs are very different. Keep your wedding budget in mind and be realistic when looking at specific areas.
16. Try samples at the show. This is a good road test for cakes, punch, appetizers, and more. Vendors are at the show to attract business. Most present their best tasting or most popular samples to Brides.
17. Take time to look at Photographers sample books and Video Artist video montages. These will give you great examples of those professionals’ styles. The dresses and flowers may be pretty in the photos so try to focus on the styles themselves.
18. If a particular service or product is not represented at the show ask questions and/or get information from vendors who may have a similar service/product. They may offer those options or be able to direct you to a professional in that particular area.
19. Ask vendors if they offer in-store workshops or classes on their specialty after the show. This will give you additional opportunities to learn as well as see how committed vendors are to their clients and potential clients.
20. Take advantage of vendor’s FREE “try-ons”. Many shows offer hair styling, mini makeovers, veil and tiara fittings, ring cleaning, dance lessons and more.
21. Many shows offer small bags to carry your information. Bring your own bag just in case you think that you will have a lot of information to carry. Many brides have TWO bags.  A YES and a NO! This will help you sort through well after the show!
22. Be prepared for vendors to tell you that your date is booked. Ask them who they would trust to provide that service for their wedding or their child’s wedding. Then check out that vendor.
23. Be ready for wedding vendors to ask you if you need their services/products. Be honest with them if you have already hired someone. Saying “I’m not sure” means that you have not hired someone.
24. If a vendor sounds overpriced ask them what you will get for the fees that they charge. Service is a key difference between many companies. Ask for other package prices if you are interested in the vendor’s services/products.
25. Take time to make a second trip around the Bridal Show. Try to go in the opposite direction that you went the first time. Seeing things at a different angle or perspective will help you get a whole picture of the vendors at the show. This will also give you a chance to talk to vendors that were very busy the first time that you went around the show.
26. Take your accumulated information, notes, and photos home. Go through these items within a couple of days of the Bridal Show. You will have the clearest thoughts soon after the show rather than weeks or months later.

A side note: You may need to attend more than one Bridal Show before your planning is completed. Just think that you are now an experienced Bridal Show attendee.