Brides, Get Prepared for an Amazing Wedding Show

Ten Tips To Help You Rock Your First Wedding Expo

Are you engaged and planning to attend a bridal show? As a boudoir photographer that started out as a wedding photographer, I have attended tons of bridal shows. Bridal shows are a great way to find photographers, caterers, wedding planners and floral designers and literally ANYTHING related to your wedding. If you are getting married in the next 18 months you should attend at least a couple bridal shows.

{Scroll down to skip to the list if you are a skimmer or have ADHD like me!}

Vendors at these shows are experts in the wedding industry – they are there to help you and many will offer advice or ideas even if you aren’t booking with them. Use this chance to talk to people and ask questions. This is especially true if you are looking for an out of the box experience or venue.

I always suggest having a budget in mind when attending bridal shows but also keeping an open mind. What might seem expensive or out of the ballpark may actually be more inclusive or turnkey and could save you money in the long run. It is worth it to talk to vendors that appear out of your budget and understand what is included in their services and a conversation costs you nothing!

To make the most of your bridal show experience I have assembled a list of tips of the trade – feel free to share this article and let me know if you think I missed any important tips!

Top Ten Tips For Rocking A Wedding Show

1. PHONE- Have your phone charged up and with you. Taking photos of things or wedding vendors you don’t  want to forget. Many vendors use touchless QR codes to give you links to their information or specials. 
2. PRIZES- Don’t be afraid to enter for prize drawings. There are some amazing gifts that are given away at every wedding show I have ever attended. Your odds of winning are quite good because many people do not take the time to enter. Pro-Tip – Bring pre-printed labels with your name, phone, email and wedding date to save time. If you don’t do that – please write legibly on entries – if I can’t read it or it has missing info, I throw it away. 
3. DISCOUNTS – are a huge part of bridal shows – many wedding vendors offer one of a kind or show only deals at these events. Discounts and specials aren’t a scam – they are often the best prices of the year. Some of specials are time sensitive or are in limited quantities. Be prepared to spend a little money to save a little money! 
4. DATES – Certain months book out early, be prepared to book your wedding date ASAP. If you are looking at October of any year be prepared to pay your deposit the day of the show. It’s worth it if you meet a vendor you can’t live without. If your favorite vendor is booked – ask them for a recommendation!
5. VIBE – Your vibe attracts your tribe. Use this chance to see if you vibe with certain vendors such as photographers or wedding planners. Yes, you may like their product or service, but can you see yourself spending 6 to 8 of your very special day with them?
6. EMAIL – Setting up a wedding email can keep you from missing out on the best parts of a bridal show. Always check your email after you attend a Bridal show. It generally takes about a week for the wedding vendors to get your information. Your wedding show vendors will often have some kernels of info that are super helpful. Some even extend their wedding show specials or offer special discounts to anyone that attended and it would be a shame for you to miss something that valuable.
7. BREATHE – Take breaks. Sometimes these events can feel very overwhelming. Go grab some sample food and find a quiet spot to sit and decompress for a minute. Make some notes in a notebook or notebook app in your phone about vendors or ideas you don’t want to forget. Do a second walk through, sometimes you miss something because there is a crowd.
8. TIMING – Go later in the day. Bridal shows are busiest right when they open. If you are easily overwhelmed, don’t like crowds or have obligations earlier in the day it’s ok to go late. It can be hard to speak to the vendors you are most interested in during the first hour or two because it is so crowded. Don’t be afraid to catch the last half of a bridal show. It might be your easiest option. Also, if you aren’t interested in the fashion shows – that’s the perfect time to have more in-depth conversations with vendors!
9. Friends/Family/ Fiancé – It’s ok to bring people with you to bridal shows. In fact you will likely find it helpful to have at least one person with you so have an extra set of hands and eyes. Just don’t bring anyone with you who isn’t into it or will rush you. 
10. PRE-REGISTER- Don’t miss out on early bird contests and specials. Pre-registration gets you into the show faster and helps the vendors in the show prepare for the number of guests that will attend. 

There are tons of other things you can do to have a great experience at your local bridal show! These are just the highlights. It should go without saying, wear comfy shoes, have lunch before the show and dress in layers so you can stay at a comfy temperature! What is missing from my list? Drop a comment and I might update my list!

Are you interested in gifting your sweetie with the most amazing wedding gift ever? Check out this post which is JUST chock full of unusual ideas!

Written by pinkcrush1112