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TIPS ON ATTENDING BRIDAL SHOWS

Bridal Shows or Wedding Expos have been around for decades. They can be fun and informative as long you go prepared with the right attitude. We’ve prepared a FAQ and tip sheet for you to make it easy. Get ready for the bridal show!

How Do I Find Bridal Shows? Bridal Shows take place year round. They are held in hotels, civic or convention centers, department stores or other large venues. Shows range from the intimate with perhaps a dozen wedding vendors to huge two day events in big cities that may have well over a hundred vendors. Check out websites, wedding publications and bridal shops to see where shows are in your area. If you’ve registered your name anywhere as a bride-to-be, you will more than likely receive information about bridal shows in your mailbox or e mail.

Do they cost anything to attend? Some are free while others may cost up to $10 or more. Many times, participating vendors give out free tickets at their stores. Other times, there may be a coupon in the paper. Pre-registering may also get you a free or discounted ticket.

What shall I wear? Comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing so be dressed comfortably as well. Depending on the venue, it may either be too hot with all those people present, or too cold, with air-conditioning blowing right on you. Be prepared.

Can I bring someone with me? Absolutely! You may want to consider bringing your mother, fiance, maid of honor or all three! Having someone with you is a great way to bounce ideas off of or just to help you carry the many items and ideas you will pick up at the show. Some shows actually have something specific for the grooms who attend. And if you bring children, be prepared to deal with them as they will easily become bored.

Pre-Registering. What is that? When you arrive at the show, you will be asked to register for the door prizes, grand prize. You can save a lot of time by pre-registering online at the bridal show’s website. Pre-registering may also get you a free or discounted admission ticket, early admission or preferred seating during the fashion show, special door prizes or any number of other things that registering at the door won’t get you. Some shows will also provide you with pre-addressed mailing labels so you won’t need to fill out a hundred different forms at every vendor table you visit.

Should I bring a notebook or pad and pen? As you walk around the show, it’s fairly certain you are going to see something you hadn’t thought of or perhaps you’ll want the name of the designer of a wedding gown during the fashion show. In this case, yes, bring something to write with because you may get home and have forgotten everything you wanted to remember!

Do I need to visit every vendor? Some shows will require that you get a program signed or marked by each vendor in order to be eligible for any prizes. There is another good reason to visit all the vendors, even when you have a particular service already booked. Many vendors can tell you other people they work with and who they recommend. Talk to everyone. By the way, you’ll want to take the literature or brochure they are handing out. Even if you think you have no use for something, it’s better to have it in hand in the event you change your mind. The vendors have brought their literature to the show with the express purpose of giving it to you. Most of them are very friendly and will be glad to talk to you about their products and services in as much detail as you want. However, if the show is noisy or hectic, it would be better to set up an appointment with them if you’re interested in what they sell or provide. Many vendors have specials, or discounts, to offer if you book their services on the day of the show, but if you don’t feel comfortable with that vendor, move on. You may want to have your checkbook or credit card with you, though. Many times you will see something you must have and a deposit will be the only thing that will save it for you. If you are going to sign any agreements or contracts, be sure to read all the terms and small print.

Will there be food and drink available? At many bridal shows, there are food tastings available from the hotels, country clubs or caterers present. At others, you can purchase food on premise or nearby. Wedding cakes are another tasty treat you’ll find at all shows. Some shows will have a champagne or punch fountain while still others will have a bar set up for beverage sales.

Is there a fashion show? Most shows have some kind of entertainment or runway show, especially wedding gowns and/or tuxedos. In smaller cities, you may just have some models walking around in gowns or tuxes. Runway type fashion shows with numerous models, are generally found in larger cities. Some smaller shows may have seminars or some other form of entertainment or information as an alternative.

Is there anything I should or shouldn’t expect? You should expect to have a good time and pick up some great ideas for your wedding. You should never expect to be pressured in to getting something you don’t want or need. Expect to talk to other brides. They’re in the same boat as you, so to speak. Talking to other brides may also get you some new friends!

Do they really give out all those prizes and honeymoons? You better believe it! We have talked to so many brides who tell us they never thought they would win a honeymoon in the Caribbean or even dinner for two at a nice country club restaurant. Fill out as many entries as are offered. Sure you’ll get stuff in the mail, but it’ll be worth it. Many vendors will send you coupons, offers, discounts and just great information that you can use to plan your wedding. Besides, it’s pretty common for companies to give out a set of cookware, overnight stays at nice hotels, dinners at fancy restaurants or a week in Hawaii.

Should I accept information from non-show vendors? You may be approached at some shows by people passing out their business cards in a subtle manner. You may be handed a flyer or card by someone standing outside the venue. You may have a bridal show "special" on your windshield when you get back to your car. All of these people have skirted the rules and requirements for participating as an official vendor of the show. In most cases, they may be unlicensed or out to make a quick buck. The actual vendors at the show are giving you their information at their assigned tables. Anywhere else is not acceptable. If you’re approached by someone inside the venue who does not appear on the show program or is not an official vendor, let one of the vendors know. They will take care of it. It is not worth your time and trouble.

Get to the show early, listen to the advice being dispensed, enjoy the food and cake and who knows, you may go home with your honeymoon plans already made.

Perfect Wedding Guide and WeddingManor.com wish you the best of luck with all your wedding plans!