Attending a Bridal Show 101
‘Tis the season for bridal shows…here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Tip #1: Bring a Bag. Bring a BIG Bag. At a bridal show, you will receive so many items: giveaways, postcards, magazines, samples, prizes, and business cards. Before you know it, your hands are filled with boxes, paper, pens, food, and drinks. How are you going to introduce yourself while juggling these items? You’re not. My advice: Bring a cute, fashionable, and functional tote bag with you. Smoothly place every item you receive in the bag slung over your shoulder and continue chatting with the vendors! When you return home after the show, sort through the wedding loot and organize it accordingly.
Tip #2: Business Card Exchange. You will remember the vendors you meet and you will have their business cards to reference later. How are we to remember you? Some bridal shows recommend printing your name, address, phone number, and email address on labels and using those to establish connections. And this works! If you want to kick it up a notch, consider creating your own business card (with your own creative style!) that you can exchange for ours.
Tip #3: Dress Comfortably, But Stylishly. Bridal shows vary in size and presentation, but they all require lots of standing and walking. You should be comfortable at the show (physically, mentally, and emotionally), so we encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Please do not interpret this as grungy or the “sweatpants” look. Instead, consider a cute pair of jeans, with a fun blouse, and a pair of bright yellow flats. Or, think of a summer dress with a fun print and strappy sandals. And most importantly, leave your purse in your car! With all the vendors, brides, and friends and the many totes (see Tip #1), your purse is just another item for you to worry about. Ditch the purse and toss your wallet, business cards (see Tip #2) and car keys in the tote!
Tip #4: Map Out Your Route. If possible, learn the physical layout of the land and discover which vendors will be at the bridal show. With this information, you can plan ahead and identify those vendors you absolutely must meet, those vendors you want to meet if time permits, and those vendors whose services you do not need. In the amount of time you will be at the show, you will be sure to chat with each vendor on your list. Create a treasure map with X marks the spots!
Tip #5: It’s More Fun With Someone Else. And they can carry your tote bag (see Tip #1). Bring your Maid of Honor, your sister, your best friend, your fiancé, your mom, whomever! Bridal shows are a lot of work, but a lot of fun, and even better when shared with someone else. On the drive home, you will have someone to debrief with, share notes with, and make appointments to meet with the vendors! Two heads are better than one.
Tip #6: Have Fun! Bridal shows are meant to be fun! You get to meet tons of new people, learn the new trends and styles of the day, and find the right vendors for your special day!
Guest Blogger: Brandi Virden and Andria Edgett
Post Published on January 29, 2010.
