Wedding Planning - Bridal Shows

There's truly no other event quite like a bridal show. Bridal shows often happen at either a convention/expo center or hotel, where you'll be afforded the opportunity to meet a multitude of wedding vendors from your local area-- all under one roof. Dozens upon dozens of wedding professionals will showcase every kind of wedding service imaginable-- from caterers and photographers to bakers, bands, honeymoon specialists and everything else in between. Another exciting feature at these events are the bridal fashion shows, where you'll be able to get a glimpse of numerous bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, flower girl dresses, fashions for the mothers, and formal wear for the groom and his party as well.

Bridal shows are exciting, indeed, though they can also be a bit overwhelming. Not only will there be a sea of wedding vendors readily available to offer you their services, there will also be hundreds of other brides eager to get a taste of it all, just as you are. If the thought of that makes you a bit hesitant in whether or not you want to attend one of these events, read on. We've put together a few helpful tips to better prepare you for an enjoyable and productive visit to any bridal show.

• Wear comfortable shoes-- you'll be on your feet for a good amount of time, walking through what may seem like an endless crowd of wedding vendor exhibits. Leave the heels at home.
  
  
• If possible, attend this event with your fiancé. This is the perfect time for the two of you to form ideas and begin planning your wedding day. If your fiancé isn't quite as eager to venture out to one of these events as you are-- or if he is unable to attend-- then invite your mom, Maid of Honor/ bridesmaid, or another close friend to bring with you. Your bridal show buddy can assist you with carrying the gobs of stuff you'll pick up at the show-- not to mention it's always fun to experience and share in the event with someone else. You can always treat them to lunch after attending the show with you.
  
  
• For convenience, carry along a handled bag to use for storing the oodles of brochures, business cards and other goodies you'll be collecting throughout the event. This sure beats trying to maintain everything in your arms and eliminates the worry that you may drop something along the way.
  
  
• Expect many opportunities to add your name to a drawing. These drawings could include anything from winning a bridal gown or honeymoon to a new car, or chunk of cash to use for your wedding day. To make participating in the many drawings easier, bring along preprinted labels with your info included on them (name, wedding date, phone number, etc.)
  
  
• When visiting and speaking with a vendor draw your attention to several important details. Are they courteous, knowledgeable and attentive to your needs? Is their area set up professionally and is it well organized? It may help you in making a decision later if you jot down a few of these details on the back of the business card they give you. Ask them any questions you may have and collect the brochures and cards they're handing out.
  
  
• Resist the urge to make immediate decisions on the spot, or in placing any down payments with vendors on the day of the bridal show. It's best to speak with them at least one more time. You won't want to regret any decisions made out of haste. You'll be in a busy environment that day, and it may be impossible to get the vendor to completely focus all of his or her attention on you (as they will probably be answering the questions of other brides and grooms as well). If you are interested in their services, check with their availability on your wedding date and set up another interview/meeting with them. You may even want to think about it some more, and give them a call soon after the bridal show instead. This is a wise idea if your fiancé has not attended the event with you and you would like to discuss the options with him as well.
  
  
• Speak with at least several vendors rather than choosing the first one you meet. When you get home you can sit down with your fiancé and make a list of the wedding professionals you were interested in calling and meeting with again. The bridal show is a wonderful opportunity to meet so many wedding vendors at one time. In one afternoon you'll have done much of the legwork it takes to search for each professional you'll need for your wedding day. Use the bridal show to help narrow your choices, and then make the calls for an initial visit.
  
  

Bridal shows happen throughout the US, all year long. If you are interested in attending a bridal show, check online with The Great Bridal Expo and see if there will be an upcoming show in or around your area. Click here to visit the Great Bridal Expo online.