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Submitted By: Images by N'neka
Jan and Feb are the popular
bridal show months with plenty of different shows to choose from. Bridal shows
are a great way to get ideas and meet vendors at one time but they can be
overwhelming. It's best to know the different type of shows and pick one that
suits your personality and wedding.
There are the large conference style shows that have hundreds of vendors and
thousands of brides plus their entourage. These can be very overwhelming
because it's often so crowded that it's hard to see the booths let alone talk
to people. You'll come back with lots of brochures & handouts but you may
forget who you've actually talked to or liked. These are great if you want to
get lots of ideas and see a variety of vendors at different price levels. These
shows generally costs $10-$15 but you can pre-register and usually save a few
dollars.
Next there are midsized shows that are generally produced by local wedding
planners or wedding associations. They have less vendors and the crowds are
smaller. You may not have as much variety as with the larger shows but you'll
have more time to see and speak with vendors. The entrance fees are generally
less than $10. For some, the price is free if you pre-register.
Last there are smaller venue shows that are produced by a specific wedding
venue, normally a reception hall. They will often invite some of their
preferred vendors. This is a great way to see a particular venue or see if you
like their recommended vendors. Keep in mind some venues require you to use a
specific caterers, photographers, etc. You should know that up front and make
sure they're preferred because of their quality of work and not kickbacks.
Tips for a successful show:
- If you don't like crowds or are
easily overwhelmed, avoid the larger shows.
- Visit the show website 1-2
weeks prior to see which companies will be exhibiting. It costs extra for
vendors to include a weblink on the show's website, so google their names
if there isn't a direct link.
- Bring pre-printed labels with
your names, email, wedding date, address & phone number. It will save
you time and writer's cramp from filling out different vendors form.
- Expect to be contacted by lots
of different vendors by email, mail and maybe even phone. All
participating vendors get lists of every bride who registers or attends
the show. You can control who contacts you by having a separate wedding
planning email address. For vendors you're really interested in, you can
give them a personal email address or phone number.
- Don't be afraid to talk to the
vendors. I sometimes see brides stand back looking at the displays.
They seem to be too afraid to talk to someone & be sold. This is your
time to ask questions so don't be shy.
- If you have your wedding dress,
skip the fashion show and use this time to get to know the vendors you
like better.Â
- Most important of all, have
fun.
Want to know where you can find me? As a photographer I feel it's
very important to connect with a bride and understand her vision. So I prefer
the smaller & midsize shows which allow me more time to talk to each one
instead of frantically handing brochures to whoever passes by. You'll find me
at the Chic Ocassions shows, which are
produced by two local wedding planners and are held in different venues every
month. All of their shows are free. You can pre-register to win a $1000 wedding
band set (and avoid the long lines at the entrance.
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