BridalTweet Wedding Forum & Vendor Directory

Heading To The Bridal Show??

I've attended many bridal shows over the past 9 years. I learn something new every year. I thought I would share some of my ideas today.

1. Dress comfortably: This is something that is so important. This is not the day to wear heels or the new, cute, strappy sandals you just bought. Depending on the size of the show, you could be doing a lot of walking, and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. There is usually a good bit of eating at these things too so comfy clothes are necessary. At one year I got the booth next to the Edible Arrangements people and they were selling chocolate covered strawberries, I'm glad I took my own advice :) I think I had 10 chocolate strawberries that day, it was a good day. Which brings me to my next point...

2. Bring cash: You don't need a lot of cash. You will not be placing deposits today or at least you shouldn't be. However, you will probably get hungry or thirsty. Some of these events sell food and drinks and some food vendors sell sample packs of their foods. The chocolate covered strawberries I ate that day were 2 for $1, my happy indulgence for the day. So keep a little cash on hand, but...

3. Do NOT make a deposit with any vendor! Some vendors may have Bridal Show Day only specials. There is way too much going on during a bridal show and it can be overwhelming. You do not want to make any rash decisions and start booking vendors. The deals may seem great but be careful. However, it is a great idea to make an appointment with a vendor so you can follow up later and any vendor that tells you that the deal won't be as good after the show probably isn't a vendor you want to do business with anyway.

4. Bring address labels from home. The easiest way is to get some Avery return address labels and print several sheets. Include your name, address, email and wedding date. You could include your phone number but I don't suggest it. I would only give your phone number to vendors you make appointments with.

5.Arrive early: The early bird really does get the worm in this case. There are almost always goodie bags for the brides but sometimes there's AWESOME goodie bags to the first brides. For the shows I usually attend its for the first 150. I've seen some great goodies in these bags.

6. Bring a notebook, pen and your date book. . Like I've said before, bridal shows can be very overwhelming. You are going to want to make appointments with potential vendors and take notes. If you really like a vendor, book a follow up appointment with them. Take notes to remind you what you really liked or any questions you may have forgotten to ask. Like the best venues and caterers, the best vendors book up fast.

7.Know what you need: You don't want to waste your time talking to a photographer if you already have one. If you still haven't picked a bakery for your wedding cake, you might want to take some extra time with the bakeries. Also, bring color swatches and your dream board with you so you can keep in front of you what you really want.

8. Its always good to bring a pal but...don't bring your entire entourage and DON'T bring children. If you have too many opinions floating around, you probably will be even more overwhelmed and children get cranky quick.

9. Bring your big purse, you know the one everybody asks you if you brought the kitchen sink in. If you don't have a big purse, bring a big tote bag. Vendors will be passing out business cards, pamphlets, samples and a ton of other little goodies. You are not going to want to be carrying all of this, you'll soon run out of space. Sometimes bridal shows or even vendors will give out tote bags but theres never a guarantee. You always want to be prepared.

10. Ask questions! Make a list of questions ahead of time if you need to. Remember, you may hire these vendors for your wedding. If the place is packed and you have a ton to visit, keep your list of questions for your follow up appointment.