First things first, DO make sure to check out multiple bridal shows before settling. When planning a wedding, it is important to take the time to look around and research before making a final decision on anything.
Once you have decided on the right bridal show for your needs, DO be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, and maybe even pack some Advil in case of headaches! It will be very helpful if you can bring one, but no more than two of your bride tribe with you that day who can help carry all your swag bags! Your groom is encouraged to come too. If possible, leave any children with a sitter.
Plan ahead to make attending a bridal show a success.
Planning ahead is important for making the most of attending a bridal show. The best way to do this is by planning your day ahead of time, so you don’t get overwhelmed and miss out on things that could make your experience more enjoyable. If you know where you want to go first and what you want to look at, it will help keep things organized in your mind, which will make it easier for you to enjoy the day! If a show has multiple days, try to attend more than one day.
Do check multiple bridal shows before settling.
Before you commit to any one bridal show, it’s important to do your research and consider other options. If a show has a high ticket price and/or requires memberships, it could be worth your time to check out another event.
That said, if the only options available are either expensive or low quality (and don’t have the vendors you’re looking for), it might be worth paying extra for something better.
Do be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and snacks.
Being prepared is key to having a successful experience at a bridal show. You should wear comfortable shoes (I know, I know), and bring water and snacks. A tote bag will also come in handy to hold any goodies you will receive during your visit.
Do create a wedding email account. Print out labels that have your basic information on them.
Create a wedding email account and use it to keep track of all the vendors you are interested in. Trust me the expos give your contact information to the vendors at the show and you do not want hundreds of emails coming into your normal email account. Print out labels that have your basic information on them: name, date, contact information, etc.
Do visit the show’s actual website.
The show’s website is your first and most important resource. The website will include all of the information you need to attend the show, including vendor and event details like show times and location. Visit the site well before it begins so you can get any last-minute questions answered.
You can also find out more about individual vendors by visiting their websites or calling them directly and asking if they’ll be attending the show. That way, when it comes time for you to make a final decision on which wedding vendors to hire, you’ll have a better idea of what they’re capable of offering your special day.
Don’t miss out on freebies and gifts.
Bridal shows are a great opportunity to discover new vendors, but you can also score some sweet benefits that won’t cost you a dime…or even an email address. Here are some of the best:
Free samples—If you have any interest in planning your own wedding, this is an obvious one. It’s hard to pass up free stuff when it comes to something as exciting as planning your big day! This includes jewelry, cakes, flowers…the list goes on!
Free giveaways—If you’re looking for a vendor who provides high-quality service at low prices (and who doesn’t?), then consider stopping by their booth first thing when doors open at each bridal show. Many vendors will hand out swag bags filled with coupons and other goodies just for stopping by their booth!
Free consultations—Some bridal show attendees only attend because they want advice from those in the know about how much money should be spent on things like invitations or centerpieces for the reception tables at their upcoming nuptials; others might want help picking out which color flowers would look best with their bridesmaid dresses or what kinds of cake flavors work well together so everything tastes delicious but doesn’t overwhelm guests’ palates during dessert time.”
Do plan to spend the day browsing vendors.
To make the most of your time at a bridal show, plan to spend a few hours browsing vendors. Take notes and pictures of the ones you want to follow up with later and try to meet with as many as you can if there is time left after browsing. It’s important that you pay attention to details like the quality of their products and customer service because this will determine whether or not they’ll be a good fit for your wedding day.
Don’t make any decisions the day of the show. Set appointments for a consultation. Do not sign contracts that day.
Don’t make any decisions on the day of the show. Don’t sign contracts that day. You should not be forced to make a rush decision to choose a vendor on the spot. Schedule a consultation to receive a full explanation of the services offered.
Do get there early for the best giveaways, samples, and deals.
Get there before the doors open! The best giveaways and samples go fast, so if you want to snag them, be sure to arrive early. You’ll also want to get a good seat in the main area of the room—you don’t want to miss anything! A bonus tip for you: when you and the hundreds of other brides enter the conference room, go left. Most people will go right when they enter a room (scientifically proven). By going left you will avoid most of the crowd for a while and allow you to have more time with some of the vendors.
Hopefully, I have given you some insight into a bridal show and how to make the most of it. By planning ahead, you will be able to maximize your time spent at the event and go home with a list of contacts that can help you on your journey. Now get out there!
Do you want to see what expos and events are going on in Arizona? I keep a calendar with events here on my website.
