going to a wedding expo/bridal show...help!?

Question

I am going to a bridal showcase/wedding expo. All the local vendors and things will be there. What can I do to prepare? What do I need to bring? What questions do I need to ask certain vendors? I am getting married in November and have not planned/done anything yet, so I need to talk to lots of vendors at this expo! Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't really need to bring or prepare anything. Mostly you will just get an idea of who's out there and what they can do for you. If you know what kind of wedding you want (big/small, formal/casual) you can find places that will cater to what you need. If not, you can get lots of great ideas.

Collect lots of business cards from places you like. Bring your appetite, you'll sample lots of food. Most of the venders will stop you and ask you questions. Don't skip the fashion show, it will show you what the latest things in formal wear are.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Fiance and I got back from THREE wedding shows in two weekends (two first weekends in January).

The first thing we did was get a backpack. You will be handed a crapload of pamphlets, business cards, pricing sheets, free samples. A backpack will work great because those bags they give you do NOT hold up well at all!

Next thing I noticed, and forgot about doing, was how tired my hand was getting filling out all the vendor giveaways. I noticed that a few were smart and were using preprinted LABELS!

So, if you have or can get access to a printer, get a sheet or five for labels, then print out your name, your fiance's name, your address, phone numbers, date of wedding on them. It will save your hand from getting tired.

At the three shows we went to, each one we were there for no more than two hours. So unless you are going to one where the first X amount of brides that show get a prize, you could always wait till about three hours till the end of the bridal/wedding show.

Also, with the big prize giveaway, they had the drawing after the fashion show at the END of the event. So IMO you don't have to go there right when the event opens.

Answer 3

Just go, look, bring a pad and paper to take notes but for the most part people will give your information. FIRST RULE IS DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING. Bridal stuff can be pushy and they want you to sign them ASAP and will tell you crap to get in a panic. Alway price out a couple people first and join the knot.com- I actually got all my vendors off of there because bridal show vendors were too expensive. You can chat and compare notes with people on the knot. And it's free to join!

Answer 4

I actually suggest heading to your local walmart and purchasing a package of address lables unless you already have some that you use when mailing off bills. This will help because each vendor will have their own comment cards or whatever and without these lables you will write your name, address and telephone number about 100 times. They really do come in handy. Other than that. I suggest making a list of everything you still need and write down a price you intend to spend on that particular item or service. Also, make a budget. Then when you pass each booth, you can get estimates on their service and not waste your time if someone is out of your price range.

Answer 5

Which state or country are you in? I know a person in Florida who will do all the jewelry and makeup, etc. If you never went to a Bridal show, then I will tell you briefly what happens. There will be many booths and each company will give you many broshures. All you have to do is ask questions like what are you going to do differently than the company in the next room? or such questions like that. When I went one for a friend, all I did was grab the material and didn't even have a conversation with any of the people at the booths.

Answer 6

My two girls just got married so we have recently been through this. We compared cakes, DJ's, photography at the show. We got a good feel for prices and especially personalities. You really want a photographer you feel comfortable with. That is the person you will spend the most amount of time with. Look for someone who is esy going and , of course, good. We wanted a DJ with that same quality. Fortunately, we found THE BEST DJ who offered unlimited hours for the day. One price for as long as we wanted him. He was great. Cakes are spendy but some are outrageous. We liked the smaller businesses that seemed to really care about the quality of the product. They aren't hard to find but you will need to check them all out. Ask the questions you feel are important. How long do they play? What if you want them longer than that? How much do they charge per slice? Delivery fee? Set up fee? E-mail me if you have any questions I can help answer. Enjoy all this because it really can be fun.

Answer 7

They will give you a bag to carry around with you..bring a note pad and pen...leave your purse in the car trunk. wear comfortable shoes and go casual, there will be alot of walking. Remember to ask what everyones cancellation policy is (just in case something were to happen) ask waht they would do in case of rain, how much is the deposit and when it needs to be paid. They should have photos of other weddings they have done. They should give you a business card so you don't have to make a descision right there on the spot. You might want to tape the business card or paper clip it to the sheet of notes you made in your little note book that way it will be easy reference when you do decide. Have fun, I loved my first expo even though i was not the bride.

Answer 8

I've only been to one expo but I didn't bring anything with me, They gave everybody a bag and it had a pen in it and basically you just go from booth to booth and get papers from people. It's so crowded in there that you really won't have a chance to speak to alot of people. Just remember when you taste food and you like it, write down who the caterer and what you ate because that was the main reason why I went. I needed a caterer and when we left I didn't remember anything that I had eaten or who had cooked it. So basically you'll just really get an idea of who is in your area and where you can go and they will all give you cards and pamphlets. The obly thing that I could really say to prepare yourself is to just bring a notebook and a pen and write down stuff. I would say call and ak them later so that you have their full attention. Good Luck!

Answer 9

OK: here is what you need to have prepared to make this a successful process for you.

1. What is the exact date
2. How many people do you intend to have at the wedding
3. What is your budget
4.what style of wedding do you want; i.e. casual beachy or formal/traditional for example
5. How many attendants (bridesmaids/groomsmen)
6. Are there any dietary issues (vegetarians, kosher, major food allergies etc)

Here is a list of the major issues that you will need to address
1. ceremony location and officiate
2. Dress/Tuxedo
3. Reception site
4. Food Service
5. Bar
6. Photographer
7. Invitations
8. Flowers
9. Entertainment
10. Rehearsal Dinner
11. Honeymoon
12. Cake
13. Hostess gifts
14. Transportation to and from the wedding ceremony/reception
15. Hotel Accommodations for out of town guests

Take your mother, if your parents are going to be expected to pay.

Finally: have a realistic expectation of what to expect for your budget. If you are hoping to do this for $10,000 don't expect Vera Wang, a live orchestra, and fillet Mignon. However, no mater what the budget you and craft a special day.

Answer 10

This is an opportunity to meet the vendors, get ideas, that type of thing. You will be able to interact with them to see if you would like to use their product or have them work with your for your wedding. Stay open to suggestions. Just relax & enjoy.

DON'T be pressured into signing a contract at the show, unless you are VERY sure & confident this is what & who you want.

Email me. I have something you might be able to use.