Bridal Shows

 Planning a wedding can be such a fun time, and also a time of much decision-making.

A great tool for you is a Bridal Show.

The basic concept of a bridal show is that many of the wedding vendors in the area will get together for an afternoon or a weekend under one roof.  This gives brides a chance to meet a lot of different vendors in a short amount of time.

 It is a great opportunity to see who is out there, ask questions, and make follow up appointments for a later date.

There are a great number of reasons to attend a bridal show. The vendors that are going to come out in full force are those who do not have a large storefront. So it can be a terrific chance to meet independent wedding professionals who can give your wedding unique and personalized attention. Bridal shows are a great place to find  wedding officiants, planners, florists, photographers, bakers, limos, entertainment and others.

There are certain categories of wedding vendors that you are more likely to meet at bridal shows than others.  For instance, many well-established bridal shops will choose not to participate in bridal shows because they figure that most brides already have their gowns by the time they get around to attending shows however some smaller shops that you may miss because they do not have thousands of dollars to spend on advertising may attend and have the dress of your dreams.  

You may also see artisans who create things such as candles, soaps, chocolates and other favors will often gather at bridal shows. You may also find people who make handmade wedding jewelry for gifts.  If you have been looking for some original touches for your wedding, you may find a bridal show to be helpful.

Many brides who attend bridal shows will go simply because it is a fun thing to do,  some go to win the prizes most shows have, that can be reason enough.  But most come to get information and choose the vendors they need to complete their special day.   Whatever your reason, here are some tips to make the show worthwhile for you.

Pre-register. Pre-registering saves you from having to fill out your name and information at the entrance. This is used often used for drawings as well. Part of the fun of going is to see if you win a prize.

• Be a bag lady. If you’re handed a bag when you enter, take it! You’re going to be collecting lots and lots of cards and brochures with vendor’s information on it and it’s nice just to be able to slip into the bag.

• Take a pen. This way as you collect the information you can make a star on the ones you like, so if there are a lot of vendors you can remember who’s who when you get home.

• Ask questions. That’s what bridal shows are all about — getting to talk to the vendors.  Ask details about the packages they offer and how flexible they are about customization for your wedding. Also, make sure they have your date available.  If you feel you will be comfortable working with them, make an appointment to see them after the show.  If you don’t feel the “chemistry” move on. 

Contact me for information on the next show: http://www.afloridaweddingceremony.com/Contact_us.html