How To: Wedding Shows

With wedding show season just around the corner I thought it would be a good time to share some advice on how to navigate wedding shows. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of a wedding show.

1. Create a separate email account (gmail or hotmail are easy to setup and free) and use it for all those giveaways, mailing lists, etc. That way once you are married you can go through and delete the whole account. However, I would suggest giving your personal email to any vendor that you've decided on and will be working with for your wedding. You want them to be able to contact you easily.

2. Create labels with you and your fiances name, address, wedding date, email and phone number and print off several sheets. There are dozens of things to sign up for at wedding shows and you'll be far more efficient if you don't have to stop and write all your information out every 30 seconds. 

3. Wear clothes that you feel good and are comfortable in. If you are going to be trying on dresses make sure you are wearing appropriate underwear. You could also bring a pair of heels about the height you think you'd like to wear so that you can try them on with the dresses. 

4. Bring a day planner/appointment book so that you can immediately write down any consultation appointments that you make. Be sure to jot down the phone number in case you need to call and cancel.

5. Most of the vendors will offer great deals if you book during a wedding show, so bring along a checkbook in case you find the perfect venue, dress, caterer, etc. But always ask about cancellation policies. 

6. Bring a list of what you are looking for (venue, catering, photography) so that you can target those specific vendors and avoid getting overwhelmed by all the unnecessary options. 

7. Know your budget

8. Provide vendors with any information that you already know, colors, guest list, theme, etc. 

9. Bring a camera. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures of decoration ideas, dresses, etc. But be sure to always ask permission before snapping a picture. 

10. Make a day of it. Wedding shows require a lot of patience and energy so bring along friends and family that will be happy wandering, waiting and debating for an entire day.

Hope these suggestions will help to make your wedding show experience a success!

Happy Planning!!!