I remember when I was planning my own wedding, the thought of a big show room with thousands of other brides did not sound appealing. I just knew though that it probably wouldn't hurt to attend one (considering my wedding was only 7 months away and I had nothing!). So what should you expect at a Wedding Expo?
1. Location: Pick one that's close to your home, no need in driving 40 miles out of your zip code and you are disappointed when you get there. Most vendors will travel to get in front of local brides and most of the DC area shows are jam packed with almost everything you need under one roof.
2. Don't Go Alone: Bring a family member or member of bridal party - I probably would not have gone myself if I didn't have my sister (MOH) or Mom with me. (Advice: bring someone that has good taste and will help take the pressure off!) But also, don't bring too many people with you. It is already hectic as it is, and bringing your 10 bridesmaids may just add stress to your already full plate.
3. Cost, Is It Worth It? -paying $10 at the door may sound like a rip off, but there are a ton of highly esteemed vendors on site. The advertisers there are making an investment in the show, which means they are business savvy and are willing to pay lots of money to meet with sophisticated brides like you. Also there are a ton of giveaways if you don't mind giving your email address out. Which brings me to my next point...
4.Register for a separate email account for your wedding research. For example: sarenabakerwedding@gmail.com, after you go to a wedding expo you might be kicking yourself after realizing how many vendors you actually gave your email address to. This way you can keep track of everything and you won't be inundated with spam or junk mail in your work or home email account. You will be able to keep track of all the vendors that you want to stay in contact with.
5. Dress cute and comfortable. Bring a bag that you can carry all the paper and hand outs that you get. Sometimes the Expo bags may not be sturdy enough. Also bring a camera, just in case you see that "Must Have" item that you can keep record of.
6. Make a list of vendors you want to speak with and don't be afraid to go up and talk to them. A lot of the time, this can act as your first meeting (this will save you a lot of time in the long run) and the first impression you get tells a lot about their business and product.
7. Last, but not least. Make sure you enjoy yourself while you're there. You only get to plan one wedding, and you have to make the most of your experience in the planning process. Enjoy meeting all the vendors and get all the goodies you can! Get there early, and travel to all the booths you need for your wedding.
7. Last, but not least. Make sure you enjoy yourself while you're there. You only get to plan one wedding, and you have to make the most of your experience in the planning process. Enjoy meeting all the vendors and get all the goodies you can! Get there early, and travel to all the booths you need for your wedding.
If you have any feedback, let us know! What were your experiences at a bridal show and what were the things that you enjoyed/disliked?
Sweetface will be at the Washington Bridal Showcase at the Patriot Center on 01.23.11... Stop by our booth if you're going!
xoxo
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