10 Tips for any Bride to Rock a Bridal Show

Thinking about attending a bridal show?  Great, don’t let it overwhelm you. It is easy to just stroll through a bridal show taking it all in while accomplishing nothing. Is that really what you want to do? I didn’t think so. Here are 10 tips for making your bridal show visit a productive experience that helps in your wedding planning journey!

1. Have a Game Plan

Wedding planning is stressful, it just is. So here comes along an opportunity for you to meet with/test out/inquire with several wedding vendors all in one place in one day! SCORE! Take advantage of that. Put together a game plan for the show – complete with the list of vendors and items that you still need for your wedding. If you have everything planned but your photographer and DJ - then you've already narrowed down the vendors that you need to see. Now your plan is starting to come together.

2. Research Ahead of Time

Now that you have your game plan, check out the bridal show website for a list of vendors and events that will be at the show. Looking at your game plan of what you still need for your wedding – look up the vendors that fit those categories who will be at the show. Also find out what specials and/or door prizes these vendors are having. This gives you a chance before you meet them to check vendors out online and come up with any questions you might have for them (write any questions down as you think of them!).

3. Be Prepared & Organized (and have your list of questions ready)

Now that you have your game plan and research done, make sure you are ready to take on the show. Have your list of potential vendors (booths to visit) along with any lists of questions you’ve come up with for them. This will allow you to move much more quickly from booth to booth rather than wasting time with vendors you don’t need.

4. Allow Yourself Time

If you are taking this event seriously, then you want to find your dream wedding team (vendors). Allow yourself time to do that. Don’t rush through every booth accomplishing nothing. Take time to meet the vendors you are really interested in and take notes so that you can follow up after the show.

5. Dedicate an Email Account to Wedding Vendors

if you haven’t already, create a new email address that you only use for wedding planning purposes. Give that out to all of the wedding vendors you come into contact with so that your regular email account isn’t bombarded with mail.  *As you hire your wedding vendors, you may want to give them your regular email for important email correspondence.

6.  Be Prepared to Write (or bring along pre-printed labels/cards)

Nearly every vendor will ask for your information for specials or drawings. If you are looking to get into these, it may help if you have pre-printed info to give them. Or just be prepared to write... a lot!

7. Take Advantage of the Specials

Every vendor will likely be having a show special. These specials do not last – so make sure if the special is something you need, take advantage of it while you have the chance!

8. But DON’T Register for Everything!

If you don’t need something, then don’t waste your time on it! For example – you already have a DJ that you love – but another DJ is offering a drawing for $500 off of of their services.  As hard as it is to pass up a great deal, that special will literally do nothing for you and you would be wasting everyone’s time by entering. Only go after the things that you need and are serious about.

9. Don’t Let Salespeople Push You Around, But Don’t Think You Can Wait Forever

This one may sound confusing (sorry about that). All I mean is, keep in mind that show vendors will fill up their schedules quickly and because their specials won’t last long, if you want something – get it right away. However, if you aren’t quite ready to commit, do NOT let pushy salespeople intimidate you into booking. Trusting and getting along with your wedding vendors is huge - don't book with anyone you don't mesh well with. Take your time, just remember vendors will book up - so snatch up the ones you have to have! 

10. Make Decisions!

Come to the show prepared to make decisions. The more of your wedding that you can get planned at the show – the less phone calls, hours spent, and stress you have to deal with later! You will thank yourself in the long run... promise!

I hope this helps you to make the most out of your next bridal show! 

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