Valentine's Day typically marks the end of engagement season. Wedding show invitations and open houses are sure to fill your inbox soon. One questions lingers, do I really need to go?
Yes! The wedding show (also known as bridal shows) is an excellent opportunity to meet, interview, and book vendors, all in a day's work. Wedding shows can also save you a time, gas and several weeks of tracking a vendor down, coordinating schedules, along with a time and place to meet. Bridal shows allows you to see the work of a variety of vendors all needed for the big celebration.
On the other hand, if you are unprepared, a bridal show can leave you feeling shocked and overwhelmed. Which are not often associated with a pleasant experience. Navigating aisle after aisle of photographers, planners, cakes, and facilities requires a strong strategy. Use these 5 essential tips to plan ahead and maximize one of the BEST resources for planning your wedding.
1. Register. When you register for a bridal show or Open House all of the show information comes to you. Shows have a variety of operating procedures but participating vendors, special discounts, and giveaways will be at your fingertips. Best of all, most couples who register receive extra perks just for doing so.
2. Research. When available, check out the list of vendors attending the show against your list of wedding needs. Visit vendor websites, check their reviews, photo galleries. This will allow you to better decide who you must meet, and who it would be nice to meet if you have time. Remember, to keep an open mind about visiting and talking with each vendor; because you love someone's website doesn't mean you'll connect with them in person. Don't be afraid to visit with someone not on your list, you never know who will surprise you with great service AND a winning attitude.
3. Print It Out. Pick up a pack of mailing or return address labels. Print your name, wedding date, and email on them. This will allow you to sign up and register for activities, information, and prizes with ease. Pre-printed labels also aid in time management during the show, allowing you more time to network and connect with vendors that pique your interests most.
4. Take Note. When you are meeting vendors and picking up business cards, be sure to mark the services you like best and want to connect with again. Make a note with a pen, colored marker or highlighter, or stickers; any way to make them stand out and easy to find once you get home.
5. Act. When a connection is made with a vendor, be ready to act. Know your budget, upcoming schedule, and availability. Don't be afraid to get on their calendar! After all, there about about 6 dozen more bride-to-be's (and fifteen with your same wedding date) shopping the same vendors. Be ready to set a meeting, follow up call, request a contract or book on the spot. This is the point of the show. No one says you have to drag out the planning process over twelve months. Save yourself time by preparing in advance and reward yourself with all your free nights and weekends.
Remember to decide ahead of time if you are shopping for particular goods/services or just browsing and idea gathering. Keep interviewing until you get a warm and fuzzy feeling about the vendors' ability and understanding of your vision. You get to choose most, if not all of your vendors. Surround yourself with positive energy and people that get you.
If you use these tips, you'll be more prepared to get the information you need AND create the opportunity to enjoy the experience too.
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