*Sign Yourself Up
Pre-register
First of all, if the bridal show allows pre-registration, take advantage of it. It will save you precious time when you arrive, letting you skip the sign-up line and get to the show floor much faster. Another bonus of pre-registering is that some shows offer special perks for early sign-up, plus you will be on their mailing list for updated show information and specials.
Wedding Freebies
Once inside the doors, most of the wedding vendor booths will have giveaways for you to sign up for. With everything that you will be spending to put on a wedding, free swag is always welcome. To save yourself a lot of time, and to keep your hand from cramping up from writing your contact information over and over, make labels to bring along with you to the show. Pre-print your name, the groom's name, your wedding date, email address, phone number, and address; then when it's time to sign up, simply peel and stick. Quick & simple!
Be aware, though, that these vendors are using the drawings to get your contact information so that they can try to sell you their services. If you don't want to be contacted, either don't sign up or you can create a temporary email address to use specifically for your wedding. That way, all of your wedding correspondence will be kept together in one space, away from your regular emails, and you can discontinue that email address once the wedding is over.
*Make A Plan For The Day
Choose Helpers
A bridal show is the perfect place for you and your fiance to get some great ideas for your wedding decor and also check out many different vendors all in one stop. It can also be a fun day to get all of the girls from your wedding party together. They can help you get some wedding tasks accomplished, and you all get to have a girls' day out in the process. Decide who will help you get the most out of the bridal show and ask them to join you.
Map Your Route
Next, take a look at the list of vendors that will be there and plan who you need to visit the most. Start with vendors that you still need to hire, and if there is time left over, you can browse the other booths to see if you can find some new ideas or great deals you simply can't pass up.
There are often special events planned for specific times, like a fashion show or first dance demonstration. If there is something that you really want to see, plan the timing so that you are in the right place at the right time. Seating can fill up fast, so if you don't want to stand through it, get to the stage early.
*Don't Forget To Bring...
We've already mentioned that bringing along labels to use for giveaway sign-ups can make that part of your day a lot easier. Here are a few more items that you should bring with you too.
- Comfortable Shoes!
If you've chosen to use the show for a fun ladies' day out, you may have the urge to get all dressed up. That's fine, as long as you stay sensible when it comes to your shoes. There will be lots and lots of walking involved, and possibly big crowds to maneuver through. You may regret wearing high heels halfway through the day. There are plenty of fashionable options for your feet that will keep you comfy too. - Calendar
There will be a lot of other brides wanting to visit the same booths that you do. Once you find a vendor that you like, get out that calendar and book an appointment to speak to them in more detail. - Checkbook / Credit Card
Many vendors will be offering "bridal show only" discounts if you book them during the show. You will want to have your credit card handy so that you can put down your deposit and get your wedding date on their calendar. Bring your checkbook too. Some smaller businesses may not have the ability to accept credit cards. - CashIt's probably going to be a long day, and you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking. At some point you may want something to eat or drink beyond the sweet cake samples. A little bit of spending cash will come in handy because that is all that some pop-up bars and small food stands can accept.
- A Bag For Goodies
You'll be gathering a lot of business cards and informational pamphlets at each booth that you visit, as well as promotional goodies that they'll be giving away. You may be handed a bag to use when you arrive at the bridal show, but having an extra one isn't a bad idea. You can use one bag for your VIP information, and the other to hold stuff that is second-string. Don't throw away any vendor information until you have contracts signed, though. That way, if your first choice doesn't work out, you can still get in touch with other vendors that you liked.
**Have Fun With It!
There are wedding planning tasks that can be stressful, but attending a bridal show doesn't have to be one of them. Remember to enjoy the moment. After all, brides-to-be are queens for the day at a bridal show. Every vendor there will be catering to you, hoping to get your attention and your business. Enjoy the attention, as well as the useful information that you can find at a bridal show.
Another wedding task that doesn't have to be stressful is finding your dream bridal gown. When you shop at our wedding dress store in Miami, you will have our undivided attention, plus the experience of our knowledgeable consultants to make your shopping appointment easy and fun. You can just relax, tell us what you have in mind, and let Brides of America guide you to that perfect dress.
The gown of your dreams awaits you.
Brides of America is an authorized retailer of all Mori Lee Bridal Lines.
The gown of your dreams awaits you.
Brides of America is an authorized retailer of all Mori Lee Bridal Lines.
