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New Post has been published on http://www.anotherwildhare.com/bridal-expos-what-to-expect/2013/07/15/
Bridal Expos: What to Expect
Many brides sign up for wedding website accounts to get the latest scoop on wedding trends as well as everything a bride would want to know and need to have access to.
Another thing you might look into is attending Bridal Shows and Expos near you. It is a one-stop shop where all the vendors are presented to you in a box with a pretty bow on top. Brides will even have a friend or family member attend these shows for them if they are too busy or out of town. Here are some tips to get the most out of your Bridal Show experience.
One of the things to look forward to: CAKE!
It is OK to try one of each flavor (and go back for seconds).
Photo Credit: Honey’s Cakes
1. Organize. Mark your calendar. Visit show websites, such as The Great Bridal Expo and Wedding Salon, for upcoming show dates, times, locations and tickets.
Get a filing binder or folder with tabs and dividers. Remember to bring this folder with you to the show. The labels we recommend for your organizer are:
- Planners
- Ceremony Venue
- Reception Venue
- Photography/Videography
- Rentals
- Music/DJs
- Cake/Sweets
- Makeup
- Attire
- Floral
- Catering
- Transportation
- Other
2. The List. Check out the list of vendors who will participate in the show you are planning to attend and do the research. Go to the venders’ personal websites for a more in-depth description of what they do and offer. For further info, visit WeddingWire.com and theKnot.com to view the venders’ customer reviews.
Having notes on-hand about the venders you are interested in will help you on the day of the bridal show. You can save time by only approaching booths and tables you are interested in.
3. Ring Ring! Contact loved ones. Give family and friends whom you would like to join you a ring on the phone. You can make a day of it! Plan where and what time you are going to meet. Research nearby shopping, restaurants and cafes for things to do before or after the event.
4. Got a card? When in doubt, grab business cards and brochures. It can get very crowded at these events, especially if it is hosted by Wedding Salon or another large company. If you do not want to wait around a booth to speak to a representative, just ask for a business card or brochure (something with a contact name, telephone number and e-mail address).
Event design companies will always be a staple at wedding expos.
Guests can appreciate all the fine details of their work.
Photo Credit: DC Photobooth
5. Strategize. Have a strategy. You might think: “I will hit up all the photographers and videographers first. Then I will do all the DJ and music booths second. The third group is….” This method is not effective, unless your only goal attending a show is to look at and find one type of service, such as photography, because you have not found one yet.
Companies that host bridal shows and expos do not place booths in category order. Wedding ceremony and reception companies are mixed in with bakeries and florists. Your best bet is to visit each vender one row or area at a time. Once you finish an entire row or area, spot a booth handing out cocktail, food or cake samples, get sustinance and just chill for a moment before moving on to your next row or area.
Also, if a booth is swarming with people and you want to speak to someone at the booth just wait until the fashion show begins. Most brides and couples will be sitting in the stage area while watching the show meaning most booths will be open and venders available to chat. You will then have plenty of opportunity to approach the booths you were eyeing earlier.
Ask questions if you want more info about the services a company provides.
Photo Credit: Another Wild Hare
6. Q&A. Prepare questions. As an engaged couple, there will be a point when you will have to face the music, sit down and take the time to come up with questions for the companies you would like to meet with. At the show, if you approach a booth and a representative is available to speak with you, you should ask away. Do not forget to bring water!
7. Early bird gets the worm. Arriving early gives you an advantage even if there are people manning the door and you have to wait in a line outside. Venders will be available to chat without rushing. You will be able to see the space better and locate certain venders, without people blocking your view. You have first pick for bags, pens, and other goodies while supplies last. Make sure you locate the nearest bathroom as well.
8. Bag it up. Find a booth giving out bags and snatch one before they run out. Tons of materials will be handed to you: fliers, coupons, samples, business cards, brochures, etc. Make sure to get a bag or two for everything you will collect from the show.
There are also makeup, beauty and hair venders.
Definitely visit their booths if you are in the mood for a mini makeover.
Photo credit: Shear Art Salon
9. Say Cheese! One of the first things to pin down at a bridal show is the photobooth. Not all shows guarantee a photobooth vender, but nowadays it has become more common for photobooths to show up at expos. Before getting your hopes up, first double check the vender list to see if the show is featuring a photobooth. Once inside, do not be shy if you are the first person or group at the photobooth. Otherwise, you will end up spending more time waiting in line to get your fun memories on a stick of photo paper.
Once you spot bartenders and bottles, have someone from your party get some drinks.
It will help relieve the stress!
Photo source: Wedding Salon
10. We have a Winner! Enter contests, promotions and sweepstakes. When you approach a booth, make sure to ask about any promotions or contests being offered. With throngs of people everywhere, it is easy to miss signs or notifications about deals. Being informed could score you discounts, coupons, or even a free service.
As wedding planners, we’ve attended many Bridal Expos, and we know what to expect. In addition, we are familiar with many of the vendors in the New York City area, and can help you sort through all of the information you collect. If you need advice on how to get the most out of such a large event, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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