With today’s abundant options for your wedding shopping and ideas – mainly online shopping, Pinterest and Wedding Facebook Groups, is there a reason to attend a Bridal Show or Fair?  I say ’Most Definitely’. Now I will admit I’m a little biased as I ran my own successful wedding show for 20 years.

But as result of that, I saw so many brides and their wedding parties tell me how glad they were that they attended. Why? Because of the 'realness' of it.

The main purpose for these shows – whether they be large or more intimate, is to show you, the bride, all things wedding. Of course, they would like your business. But it also gives both you and the vendor a chance to connect.

  • Would you like to work with this person or company?
  • Are you feeling comfortable with them and/or their product?

There is nothing like the human connection and the touch of the real thing to help you in making those important decisions.

With that in mind, here are my top 5 reasons to attend a bridal show!

 

Inspiration in Abundance

A Bridal show is the Ultimate one-stop-bridal-shop. There is no other place where you can meet so many vendors face-to-face and ask questions. Now you may not be able to ask all your questions, but you should be able to get a good number answered.

Plus, you should be able to get a feel for whether you connect with them. Are they pleasant, reliable, easy to talk to, confident?  If all the stars line up, go ahead and book them not just because their work looks amazing, but because they make a really good impression.

Often vendors have bridal show booking discounts so you can save some moolah! Definitely a bonus right there.

Seeing is Believing

Even if you’ve been reading bridal magazines and blogs, pinning on Pinterest, or checking out websites for ideas, nothing compares to seeing the real thing – up close and personal. This is one of the greatest pluses and reason to attend a bridal show. With so many vendors, you’re going to see a large selection of all things wedding.

From glitter and glam to make-up and music. Here’s the perfect opportunity to get those wedding inspirational juices flowing. There’s always examples of the latest trends as well as something for the traditional bride.  You’ll see things you never even thought of before, and also things you thought you liked… but now...maybe not.

 

Free stuff and discounts – what’s not to love?

Usually bridal shows have some type of swag bag for their brides that include coupons, samples and magazines. Most vendors will have samples at their tables - cake, sweets, and goodies for the brides to take home. There are usually door prizes for all kinds of things, including décor packages, DJ discounts and sometimes entire weddings!

It’s no secret that weddings can be tres expensive, so many vendors will prepare a special offer for the show. This may be a reduced price on their services, or something extra with a booking.  Whatever it is, take it into consideration as you make decisions.

OMG - the Amazing Dresses!

 

There’s no better place to see a wide variety of beautiful wedding dresses than live on the runway. You get to see tons of beautiful gowns and elegant footwear, bridesmaids and occasional wear. These lovely ladies are often joined onstage by male models showcasing tailored suits and tuxes. It’s the perfect way to get you inspired to start looking for that perfect dress. Once the fashion show is over, take note of your favourites and head to the booths to try them on. If they are not available to try on, talk to the vendors, see what they do have and make an appointment to try on at their shop.

Even if you already have your dress, you may still pick up an idea or two. Plus it’s a good excuse to take a break and relax.

And one more good reason to attend a bridal show .......

Bridal show = Fun time

Treat attending a bridal show like a fun outing that may bring unexpected yet delightful benefits. Maybe you’ll find your dream florist, taste the best cake of your life, or win a fabulous prize. You’ll get lots of freebies ranging from magazines and samples and possibly a free makeover and a picture of you and your besties.

Bring your mother or MIL, bridal party or your fiancé (more guys are attending these days). Whomever joins you, it’ll be an unforgettable experience. You are the Bride and this is your moment to revel in all that is weddings. Make the most of it!

Bonus tip: Take pictures of everything you like, and you may have your wedding all figured out by the time you go home.

Where to start:

 

As you start planning for the big day, the list of things involved can feel seemingly endless. From the venue, photographer, food, wedding attire, music, photo booth, and more; the list of things to book or buy and decisions to be made goes on and on.  There's something to be said about the power of face to face interaction with potential vendors. If you're hoping to make a more personal connection and be efficient with your planning efforts, you should definitely try to attend a bridal fair in your area.  It could get your wedding planning into high gear.

Knowing what your wedding will look like and possibly cost is a good first step in planning your wedding. Take a moment and read an earlier blog of mine Do you REALLY Know what Your Wedding Day will cost You? before you start your wedding planning.  It should help you work through some thoughts and ideas you have.  

Now if you still need some help sorting out all the information you've collected, Click here right now for a Free 15 minute chat with me. I'd be more than happy to answer your most pressing question and get you started on your wedding planning. 

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Comment by Emily Reed on July 11, 2020 at 12:22pm

I can only agree that preparation is key and attending wedding fairs or bridal shows is a great way to plan ahead.

More and more wedding shows are attended by entertainers and sometimes even have live bands playing to help couple choose the music and fun they will book for the day.

As a wedding singer it is sometimes frustrating that the shows are at weekends - exactly when I have singing jobs linked up.

One of the outcomes of the recent disruption to shows and weddings is that some wedding entertainers are holding virtual performances - singing auditions in a sense because they are still not able to perform live when looking for work.

Comment by Emily Reed on July 13, 2020 at 9:36am

very good

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