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The Planner's Corner
Posted on Saturday, January 15, 2011 2:16 PM
Bridal shows are great places to attend where you have all the vendors you need under one roof for four to six hours. But when you attend one (or more) be prepared using this tips. This is a fun experience but it can be overwhelming. - List out the things you need to accomplish for your wedding. Do you need a florist, table linens, DJ, Limo, baker, etc.? Listing these out will help you stay focused and find the vendors you need. If you need a band, don't talk with a DJ.
- Upon your arrival at any bridal show, you will be handed a bag for you to collect vendors information. For the vendors you really like, collect and separate their business card by placing them in your pocket or in the side of your purse for easy access. Place all others in the bag.
- Before filling out any forms, create an email address just for wedding-related info. As you walk through the fair, you will be asked to fill out entry forms to "win" something and during the registration process, you will be asked to fill out the registration form. The information on the form will be given to each vendor that participated in the bridal fair. This is called a lead list. By creating a separate "wedding email address", you keep track of all your wedding-related information without giving your personal email address.
- Speaking of winning something, do your homework before you book with any vendor. Contact your local Better Business Bureau or google them to see if they had any complaints. Saving a $100 may not be worth the heartache you could possibly encounter in the long run. Also ask for references and/or to see testimonials from past clients.
- Go to the show prepared. Create labels that include your name, address, number, email, wedding date to use when vendors have giveaways or ask for information. You can also create business cards using stationery from your local office supply store to drop in their box.
- Ask for special pricing. Usually at bridal shows, a vendor will have some kind of discount rate. Find out what it is and ask if they price match. Also you want to know how long is the special rate for. It's usually for a week. So if you are not ready to book on that date (because you have to do your homework mentioned in #4), you will have seven days to do so and still receive the discount.
- Wear comfortable shoes and wear a light jacket. You will be walking around for at least an hour and you want to make that you are comfortable and not fighting carrying your coat, handbag, and literature bag with sore feet.
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