So you’re going to a bridal show?!?! Let me just start by saying those things can and will be overwhelming but they can be a LOT of fun too. Most people don’t know what to expect when planning a wedding in the first place—so having a bunch of vendors in one room for one day can be a good (and very helpful) thing. However, to get the most out of it you have to know how to tackle it before going in or you’ll risk getting more than a little stressed out. Some of the obvious perks of a show are meeting a lot of vendors in one day, tasting great food and drinks, discounts and prizes, and just getting to hang out in an environment that’s all about weddings. The experience can be pretty all encompassing.  So you walk in and you’re hit with tons of booths each of which are elaborately decked out to fit whatever the brand is that’s displayed—you won’t exactly know what to do or where to start. I tend to go to the left when I walk into a room like this. When I visit conventions or bridal shows I like to just walk through and take it all in first, and then I go back and visit the vendors I liked the most to talk more in depth with them. I find that just doing a walk through to kinda browse, gives me a good idea of what I am getting into and allows me to make a plan.

As you walk through you will get handed LOTS of business cards and materials. They can be helpful but it will definitely be a chore later for you to go through all of that if you don’t plan ahead. Instead, bring an organizer with you and organize those things while you’re there, so that when you get home you don’t have all that wedd-a-phanalia to go through and weed out your favorites. Bring a notebook and pen or tablet and take notes. You won’t remember everything you were told once you get home.

Deals and contests…
Most vendors offer special deals for the bridal show only—I would highly recommend taking advantage of this. This may be the only time some of these vendors have special prices for whatever it is they’re offering but don’t feel like you have to make a decision that day as some vendors will still let you book them at that show rate a few days after too. Not all will do this but some will. Bridal shows can be a great way to save money. Be ready to sign a contract at the show if you like a vendor and they’re offering a great deal which will mean checking the vendors websites out ahead of time.

Photographers, oh my!
Yes there will be A LOT of photographers but comparing a bunch in one room is kinda cool. You can really nail down a style you like just by reviewing the different styles that are there. Once you’ve picked out a few you like go back and chat with them about your wedding. It’s a great way to get to know the photographer and find out if you’ll click for the journey that leads up to your wedding day.

At the end of the day…
You may either like so many wedding vendors that you can’t decide or you’ll just be so overwhelmed that you don’t know what to do. Don’t feel badly if you didn’t like any of the vendors there it just means you know what you like and you know who to not call (that really is quite beneficial). Check those vendors off your list once you start searching again. This doesn’t mean they’re bad either it just means they didn’t resonate with you and your vision for your big day. I could have gone a lot of directions with my wedding planning, but I knew what I wanted and had a vision for it. Vision is key. It will help you make the right decisions and know who to hire and who not to hire.

Oh and one more thing, yes those address labels are super helpful. Bring address labels with your name and number on them, it makes filing out contest and giveaway forms so much easier and quicker. Make that two more things…. Don’t be surprised by all the emails you WILL get after the show. Expect them the week after maybe even expect them after you’re married. One great idea to help organize those emails is to create an email account just for your wedding, that way when your wedding is over you can close the account whenever you feel like you don’t need all that info anymore.

Just remember to have fun. This should be an exciting time for you. YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!!

(See you at the show Sunday  January 12, 2014 12pm-5pm Charleston Marriott. )

Here’s a few shots from Robyn and Micah’s wedding. Robyn stopped by my booth last year at the bridal show and booked me for her October wedding. Stay tuned for a blog post on this fabulous wedding.