Getting The Most Out Of Attending a Bridal Show
By Lisa Powers, CJC Events

If a wedding is in your future, then attending a bridal show is a “must-do” in the planning process.  Bridal shows and bridal expos provide a one-stop location for all the products and services you could possibly need for planning a wedding, large or small.
 
This allows you to comparison shop much easier.  You can actually view many wedding photographers’ portfolios, listen to two or three different bands, and even taste many varieties of wedding cake from different bakers.  Most bridal shows have a fashion show that highlights the latest styles in bridal gowns, tuxedos, and attire for the entire wedding party.

Before you head out to any of these wonderful bridal shows, here are a few suggestions for making the most out of your bridal show experience.  Are you ready?  Here we go...

Wear comfortable shoes.  This has to be one of the most important items.  The odds are you’ll be on your feet for quite a while, and uncomfortable shoes or warm, heavy boots will tire you out too quickly. 

Wear comfortable clothing.  If possible check your coat in a coat room or leave it in the car.  It’s one less thing you have to carry around.

Here’s a huge time saving item - come prepared with peel off labels printed with your name, address, and wedding date and even email address if you have one.  You will be writing your name and address a lot otherwise, entering the various giveaways and promotions.  

Bring a large tote bag or pick up one at the show from a vendor.  You’ll need it to carry all the brochures, flyers and information you collect from the vendors.

Bring a friend or two along.  (Yes, it can be your fiancé!).  You’re going to need some help in carrying literature around, as well as someone to offer an objective third party opinion on things.

Avoid bringing small children to the show.  While it may be tempting to bring your flower girl along to see all the pretty wedding dresses, they are sure to tire quickly and detract from your mission of finding wedding professionals and ideas for your wedding.

Sign up for the giveaways. Some bridal expos and vendors give away prizes such as toasting glasses, gift baskets or major discounts off their service.  You’ll find that some vendors actually give away their service or product as a prize, such as a free limousine for your wedding, free wedding cake, or a free portrait sitting. 

Bring swatches of material or ribbons with your wedding colors on them if you have them.  This will help bakers, balloonists, and florists make appropriate suggestions as to what they can do for you if you have the opportunity to discuss details at the show.

Grab a seat and enjoy the fashion show.   Most are choreographed beautifully and offer a variety of the latest styles of wedding dresses, colors and trends for your viewing pleasure.  Bring a pencil or pen and notebook to take notes on the program in case you see something you really like.  You can go back to that bridal shop’s booth after the show and ask questions or make an appointment.  If you already have a wedding dress, you might want to skip the fashion show and visit vendor’s booths during that period.  Most vendors should be available to talk with you as the booths might be less crowded during the fashion show.
 
Don’t be afraid to take literature from every vendor.  You might not think you need information on a string quartet, wedding planning, or another wedding photographer, but who knows, things have a way of surprising you. 

Bring your date book with you so you can schedule your appointments with the vendors you are really interested in.  For example, when you find a wedding photographer you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write down what struck you as appealing about them on their literature.  When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different wedding photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why.
            Above all…have fun!  Keep an open mind to all that is presented at these bridal shows and you’re sure to find the wedding products and services that are right for you and that will make your wedding day memorable and special.

Lisa Powers is the editor of The Wedding Day Sourcebook Magazine and producer of several bridal shows including the Western New England Bridal Shows at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. She is a member of Bridal Show Producers International and The Association For Wedding Professionals International. She has been involved in the wedding business in Western Massachusetts since 1986.

This article appears courtesy of www.mywedding-planner.com and www.cjcevents.com