Bridal Shows - Part 2

As promised, here are my thoughts for the brides, couples, and families who attend for how to get the most out of the show.  It's all about the preparation!

First, once you've decided to attend, sit down and think about what you still need for your wedding.  Are you recently engaged, and just trying to figure it all out?  Then maybe make a list of all of the vendor types, and put them in your personal priority order - your priorities are not another bride's priorities, so work from yours.  Otherwise, the shows can be very overwhelming, and definitely not as productive for you.  Are you largely through the planning and only need a few more things?  Then know what those are.  After you have your priorities, go to the bridal show website (in this case www.BridalBazaar.com), and check out each of the vendors in that category.  (A heads-up - some bridal shows do a new website per show, so you know that all of the vendors listed are expected to be there.  Others, like the Bridal Bazaar, list their vendors for the year on their site, so the vendor might have been at the January one, but won't be at the April one.)

Then, here is the part of the prep with the biggest payoff and time saver - take a few minutes to visit the websites of each of those vendors.  That way you know if their style, service offering, and even their price range, matches your needs, and therefore you know whose booths you should visit for a real conversation.  No reason to waste your time stopping by a booth when you only realize afterward that there definitely wouldn't be a match, for one reason or another!  And, with this prep work done, you can actually have a real conversation, as you already know something about them, and can ask whatever else you want to know, as well as focus on next steps, such as a personal meeting to discuss your needs.

Second, a simple and fast thing to do ahead of time is to create a page or two of labels.  What is this for?  Most booths will have giveaways, contests, or, if you want more information from them, will have a form for you to fill out.  If you have prepared with labels (and for every show there are a few prepared brides with them!), this part is easy!  The labels should have your name (or both names), the wedding date and time, mailing address, email address and/or phone number.  This will save a lot of time and hassle in filling things out.  Yes, each vendor may ask for something different, but it's easier to just add that one piece of info than to write it all every single time!

Lastly, dress comfortably, especially with comfortable shoes!  There's a lot of ground to cover and a lots of standing.  And, bring a shoulder tote bag for all of the pieces of material you will be getting.  Some shows, and some booths, give out the plastic or paper shopping bags, but as they get full, they get heavy and tough on the fingers.  Plus, it ties up a hand.  By having a shoulder tote, you can fit more, without the pain, and it frees you up more.

Just my thoughts and advice, from being on both sides at bridal shows!  Any more ideas or thoughts?  Post 'em below as a comment - let's share those great ideas!

Cheers,
Bethel