A week ago, I gave you the first 10 of the Top 20 Tips in Attending a Bridal Show. Here are the last 10 tips of the Top 20!
#10: Brides/Grooms, Interact with all the Wedding Professionals: Don’t just pick up material from their booths! Actually talk with the people manning the booths. See if they would be someone you would like to work with & feel comfortable with spending your whole wedding day.
#9: While you are at the show, don’t just talk with the vendors, think of how many other brides-to-be will be there as well. Who knows, you might just make friends with another couple going through the same things you are and you can share ideas! There are brides getting married just about every weekend your area.
#8: Bring your checkbook & agree on a budget before attending the bridal show. Many vendors will offer great discounts for reserving their services / products at the show. However, don’t feel pressured. Many of these discounts will continue for one – three weeks after the show. Note: Many vendors only do one wedding a day, so don’t wait if you do like them and want them for your wedding.
#7: Write down a list of questions to ask wedding vendors “before” going to the bridal show, then when you’re at the show, ask the questions. Don’t be shy…taste cake, smell flowers, load up on brochures, enter contests & leave your name with everyone. Be sure to ask how many weddings they had last month, last year, for their career. Do they work part time or full time? How many weddings do they do in one day? In one weekend?
#6: Check References. When speaking to vendors at the show ask for references to follow up with later on, to confirm that they are a high quality and reliable vendor.
#5: Bringing a simple digital camera will allow you to quickly remember some of the great things you saw at the show. Did you see a great dress during the fashion show? Maybe there is a great cake from a wedding cake designer.
#4: Bring a notebook, pen, and your list of questions with you. The best place to write notes about a particular wedding vendor is right on the literature they give you; after the show, when your brain is on information-overload, you’ll be able to recall vendor details. Also bring your appointment book and calendar.
#3: Instead of having to fill out multiple forms with your contact info, make contact info labels (Avery…) and bring them with you. (Include: Bride’s name, Groom’s name, address, phone, email, wedding date, event location…) Wedding vendors will often have drawings for prizes at their booths, or after the show they will contact regarding drawings, special offers and appointment setting.
#2 – If offered a Bride or Groom sticker/button… when registering, wear it! Wedding vendors are more likely to give you that little bit of extra fun attention. Plus, many wedding vendors have special prize drawings for brides & grooms.
#1 – Don’t go alone! Bring your bridal party, your fiancé, your mother! Plus, fashion shows aren’t just about the bride. There’s something for everyone. Tuxedos, bridesmaids’ gowns, mother-of-the-bride gowns, flower girl, etc.
Check out the upcoming The Premier Bridal Show which will be Sunday, January 11 in Jackson /Sunday, January 18 in Tupelo/and Sunday, January 25 in Biloxi. Pre-register and save: www.thepremierbridalshow.com
The Premier Bridal Show, proud member of BSPI, Bridal Show Producers International: www.bspishows.com