How To Maximize Attending A Bridal Show

It is that time of year again.  People are getting engaged and are planning their dream weddings.  That means that Bridal Shows are in full force.  We have participated in many Bridal Shows over the years and would love to give you some tried and true Bridal Show Tips.  You might wonder why you should attend a Bridal Show.  After all, so much information is at our fingertips in the privacy of our own homes with the internet.  But simply put, the human interaction at a Bridal Show is a good way to determine who is right for you.   Really.  It is a fabulous way to personally meet many different vendors in one spot at one time.  The internet can be a great tool, but you really do want to meet people in order to  get a true read on their personality.

Stay Focused At A Bridal Expo

Great Bridal shows can be noisy, crowded, confusing and overall pandemonium.  It can be easy to get lost in the craziness.  Do not give up!  Below are some tips for making your trip to a Bridal Show fun, easy and efficient:

Have a Wedding Budget In Mind Before Attending A Bridal Show

1.  Before you do any kind of event planning WHATSOEVER, establish a budget.  The dreaded “B” word.  Really, the “B” word is your friend.  Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so you need to figure out what your financial priorities are.  Maybe you want amazing photos, but don’t really care about the cake.  Perhaps your attire is the most important thing.  Knowing your financial parameters can make the entire planning process easier and a lot more fun.  Knowing what your budget is for each line item can keep you from spending time with a vendor who no matter how great, is simply out of your price range.  It can also give you a starting point when discussing what your needs are.

Scan The Program Or Map Before Entering

2.  Most shows provide a program guide listing the exhibitors with a floor map.  Scan the guide to see who is attending and  prioritize who you would most like to speak with.  Determine what your mission is at the show.  For example, if you already have a venue and a DJ, then you really don’t need to see any of those categories.  Speak with the high priority people first. Color coded Sharpie markers can work great, i.e. blue for photographers, pink for florists, etc.–or whatever is visually easiest for you.  After you speak with each one, check them off so you know who you spoke with.  You can also jot down any notes or impressions you got.  A small notebook can be a great little item to have on hand.

3.  Many vendors have raffles at their booths.  Save yourself some time (and possibly carpal tunnel syndrome) by pre-printing address labels with your name and contact information to stick on the forms.

Bring Your Calendar To Schedule Appointments

4.  You may want to book appointments with vendors for a more in depth consultation, so remember to bring your appointment book/calendar/smartphone.  Also, bring some form of payment–checks, credit cards, etc. just in case you find a vendor you truly love and want to book on the spot.

Bring Your Reference Materials To The Bridal Show

5.  You might want to bring color swatches or swipe files of different things you want to incorporate in your day.  This will give the vendors more of an idea of exactly what your style is.  They can provide a great starting point for conversations and questions.

Designate Someone To Attend For You

6.  If you live out of town–send your mom, friend, anyone you can trust to scout some things out for you.  Having someone do a little reconnaissance  work for you can dramatically save time in the long run.

Ask Questions

7.  Ask questions–most vendors are proud of their work and really like to talk about what they do.  We want to be helpful and give you great ideas on how to make the most of your special day.  It will also give you somewhat of an idea as to whether your personalities will work well together.

Most of all, keep calm, wear comfortable shoes and have a great time!  Planning a wedding is fun!

If you enjoyed this article on Wedding Planning, check out our post in Wedding Day Timelines.  Please fill out a contact form or call 518.584.4237 to schedule a consultation–we would love to meet with you!

Susan Blackburn is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer located in Saratoga Springs NY specializing in Wedding Photography and Portrait Photography.