Bridal Show Survival Tips

Choose Your Show Wisely
There are basically two types of shows: large expos held in convention centers, and smaller, local shows held in wedding venues. Both have their pros and cons. At a larger convention-type show, you’ll encounter alot more vendors. I think expos are best if you’re just starting out with the planning process, since there’s such a plethora of knowledge, wisdom and information – especially if you have discovered Pinterest!
Meanwhile, shows held in wedding venues are a great way to experience how a venue handles an event. If you’re interested in a particular venue, ask if it’s hosting a bridal show in the near future. Not only will you often get to sample some of the food (most offer hors d’oeuvres and a variety of sample dishes and desserts), but you’ll also get a look at some of their preferred vendors. While you’re there, try to sneak a peek at the other rooms in the venue, and be sure to check out the grounds just in case you would like some outdoor pictures.

Plan Ahead
Call ahead to find out which vendors will be participating and in attendance. Most bridal shows will have a map with vendor locations pre-arranged. Sometimes, especially at the larger, convention-type shows, it’s just overwhelming as there is so much to see in so little time. – so plan your route and prioritize.

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be standing and walking and talking. A lot. We hope.

Create Labels
As you visit the different tables, vendors are going to request your basic contact information. Save yourself a lot of time by printing out labels with your name, address, email address and wedding date (if you haven’t chosen a date yet, put TBD). Not only does this give the vendor an easy way to reach you after the event, but it also enters you to win door prizes – which as we all know, is one of the best things about attending shows!

Make a Wedding-Only Email Address
Let’s face it, just because you enter to win a door prize from a vendor doesn’t mean that you’re interested in any further contact with them. Creating a separate email address for wedding vendors eliminates the clutter from your regular inbox.

Bring a Tote Bag
When you check in, you’ll typically be given a plastic bag to gather information rack cards, pamphlets, CD/DVD samples, and tons and tons of bridal magazines. Some vendors will offer a coupon for visiting their booth at bridal shows. All of that stuff gets heavy. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and there will be a vendor giving out tote bags, but throw a small one in your vehicle or purse just in case. You can also use your tote bag to save yourself a seat for the fashion show while you continue perusing vendors.

Stay for the Show
Most bridal shows have an entertainment portion, where a DJ or a band will perform and a local bridal boutique holds a fashion show. Even if you have already booked your entertainment or purchased your gown, it’s still fun to stay. You may get ideas about which songs to play at your wedding. Or you may find inspiration for bridal accessories or even gifts for the wedding party. You never know where inspiration will come from. More importantly, the door prizes are usually only announced after the show.

But mostly…..have fun! Enjoy every aspect and detail of the planning as well as the main event itself.