Weekly Wedding Tip: What to Expect When Attending a Bridal Show (Part 1)

Are you recently engaged?  Are you about to get engaged?  Now the fun begins….the planning, trying on gowns, sampling food and cakes.  And now the bridal shows begin.  Here are some tips to make the shows fun and efficient for you and your wedding party.

1.  You get what you pay for.  Not all bridal shows are the same.  Find out about the show, the quality of exhibitors and what you can expect.  Shows at a neutral venue (a convention center, for example) usually offer more choices.  Visit the show’s website for a list of vendors.  Some shows offer a floor plan too.  This way you can plan which vendors you particularly want to see.

2.  Exhibitors will be there to talk to you about your wedding.  Look at their work, sample their food, talk to them.  If this is someone you want to be part of your wedding, don’t wait; book them at the show (or shortly thereafter) especially if your wedding is during a busy wedding month.

3.  Is there a fashion show?  These are always fun because you see the latest trends in gowns, dresses and tuxedos. Plus, you’ll see hair and make-up by some of the best in the business.  Many fashion shows are quite a production with lighting, music and choreopgraphy.

4.  Many bridal shows have a cash bar so you and your entourage can enjoy champagne or a toddy.

5.  Pre-register for the show.  This will save you time and money.

6.  Make address labels.  Most of the exhibitors will have door prizes to give away in their booths.  Having peel and stick address labels means you don’t have to write down your information at each and every booth.  Include on your labels: your name, address, phone, wedding date and email.  Many exhibitors will not award the prize without a wedding date.

7.  Get an email address specific for your wedding.  Ex:  Susie2wed@___.com or Jane07052014@___.com

8.  Wear comfortable shoes.  It’s a lot of walking and standing so look cute but be comfortable too.

9.  Leave the children at home.  This is a time for you, your groom, your Mom and your maids to plan and have fun.  You do not want to have to keep up with children.  Many of the exhibitors have expensive items at the show and they don’t want children tugging and pulling and possibly breaking or tearing anything.  Many shows do not allow strollers.  Find out before you attend.

10.  Shows produced by members of the Bridal Show Producers International…BSPI…must meet standards of the highest criteria including ethical standards.  These bridal shows are the best to attend because these show producers have been in business and producing shows for some time.  Find out if the show producer is a member of this organization.

For a show near you, visit:  www.premierbridems.com

For The Premier Bridal Show near you, visit:  www.thepremierbridalshow.com