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Making the Most of Bridal Shows

Bridal Shows offer a fabulous, one-stop-shopping approach to planning your wedding. Whether you are recently engaged or about to walk down the aisle, you may be unaware of the terrific opportunities a bridal show presents; you may also be unaware of the amount of time that can be saved by attending such a show. Where else can you meet a wide array of vendors, collect information, register for prizes, receive discounts and taste test potential caterers’ hors d’oeuvres and cake samples? A taste of most of Austin’s finest caters is sure to please your pallet. Take time to attend Bridal Events of Distinction Bridal Show prior to your wedding and read below for some helpful hints that will allow you to gain the most out of your bridal show attendance.

Before The Event

If you are planning a wedding outside of the Austin area, choose a show in the same geographical region where you are planning to hold your wedding in order to meet vendors servicing that region. A good region is within 1-2 hours from your wedding city. Keep in mind that many vendors will travel the entire state or neighboring states for a very nominal fee.
Pick out a comfortable pair of shoes to wear. The odds are you’ll be on your feet for quite a while, and uncomfortable shoes will tire you out too quickly.
Have a plan of attack. Make a checklist of required services, accessories and design questions to streamline your efforts. If you already have a reception venue, don’t spend time looking at others.
Register in advance for a free e-mail address from one of the many free services like Hotmail and Yahoo, or create a new screen name in AOL. When filling out contest entry forms and inquiry sheets use this address so when the wedding is over you can simply cancel the account and avoid any further wedding related e-mail. Reserve your main e-mail address for vendors you actually contract with.

What To Bring With You

Come prepared with peel off labels with your name, address, phone number,
e-mail address, and wedding date printed on them. You can make them yourself using Avery® labels (or something similar) and any word processor. Otherwise, you will constantly be writing your name and address when entering the various giveaways and promotions.
Bring your date book with you so you can schedule your appointments for follow up.
Bring your checkbook and also some cash. There are usually special sales on items like jewelry cleaner or cool accessories, and not everyone takes plastic.
Bring a camera to take pictures of ideas that you might want to implement, but be sure and ask permission of the vendor before doing so.
Bring a friend: your maid of honor, bridesmaids or your mother, and especially your fiancé. Many times there are decisions you might want to make that day that you really need your fiancé to help with. A second opinion or different perspective can be useful and besides, the show is more fun if you have somebody to share it with.

Meeting Vendors

Sign up for all the giveaways. Some vendors give discounts for their services, but many give prizes too.
Put accurate information down on your registration forms. If a vendor calls you and you do not wish to talk with them, just tell them so. To put down an incorrect address or phone numbers is inconsiderate to vendors that you are hoping to win prizes from and who have paid good money to earn your business.
When you’re interested in a particular service, find out if the person you are talking to will actually be involved in your event. The best way to get a “feel” for the service is to advance as high up on the proverbial food chain as possible, even if you have to wait
a few minutes for a key person’s attention. If the key person is not present and you like what you see in their booth, by all means set up an appointment to speak with the appropriate person.
Try to find vendors who not only meet your needs, but also match your personality. You will be working very closely with them and you need to feel completely comfortable. Take notice as to which vendors listen to your needs. A quality vendor should ask you questions such as, “What have you envisioned so far?” and “What do you want to avoid?” A good rule of thumb is to proceed cautiously yet decisively-popular vendors book early.
Don’t expect to walk away from the show with signed contracts. A show is a place where you should make appointments to discuss your wedding in depth. Beware of vendors who offer show discounts on the day of the show only. If you don’t have the opportunity to talk with them in depth, how do you know they are right for you? Vendors really should offer you their “show price” for at least 24 to 48 hours.
When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, write what struck you as appealing about them on their business card or literature. When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why.
Even if you already have a gown, you should still attend the fashion show. You might get ideas for flowers, decorations, tuxedos and/or accessories. Besides, most of the prizes are given away before, during, or right after the fashion show and you don’t want to miss your chance of winning a Grand Prize.
Even if you aren’t sure you’ll need a particular vendor’s service, at least pick up a business card or brochure. Add them to your planning file so you can find them easily if your needs or plans change.
If you see one of your vendors there, by all means, say hello! However, don’t get into too many details with them; they won’t remember that you want to change your first dance song or the wedding album cover.

After The Event

Make a day of it. Plan on lunch or dinner, shopping, and time to review all the new ideas that you will have after attending the show.

Bridal shows can be a fun bonding time for you and those involved in your wedding, so take advantage of them. If you still need help narrowing down your vendors, use www.Austinweddingday.com and the variety of services offered there to provide you with all you will need to make the best choice for your specific wedding day.