| Couples who attend local bridal shows and expos will | | | | best place to write notes about a vendor is right on |
| find an excellent way to get a handle on the | | | | the literature he or she gives you. It will help you |
| wonderful world of wedding planning. The planning | | | | after the show to keep the vendors from melding |
| starts at least a year in advance. The average | | | | into one another. |
| engagement in the United States is between 12-15 | | | | 6. If organization is your strong suit, bring a binder |
| months. If you leave yourself plenty of time in | | | | with envelopes and file tabs for each kind of vendor |
| advance of your wedding, you will benefit greatly | | | | (caterer, photographer, florist, etc.). Before you leave |
| from the time you spent at the bridal show. | | | | a vendor's booth, file the business cards and |
| Recently engaged couples who are in the early to | | | | brochures. This will save you lots of time later. |
| mid stages of planning a wedding can meet and | | | | 7. Bring along a Palm or appointment book to record |
| speak directly with many wedding event | | | | meetings you set up with vendors. |
| professionals - all in one place! Wedding expos | | | | 8. A lightweight tote will work well to carry all your |
| feature the latest trends from cakes to limos to | | | | goodies. |
| photography and video. Many bridal shows will have | | | | 9. Come with an open mind. One of the best things |
| live band and DJ performances and/or fashion shows | | | | about a bridal show is that it gives you an |
| featuring the latest in bridal and tuxedo fashions. This | | | | opportunity to see what's new and exciting, things |
| is your opportunity to get ideas, gather information | | | | you may not have thought of or considered. |
| and compare services and prices. | | | | 10. Don't be embarrassed to ask lots of questions. |
| Most bridal shows offer free magazines, prizes and | | | | That's why you are at the show. Professionals are |
| honeymoon trips. Individual vendors may also offer | | | | happy to share what they know with you. Be gutsy . |
| discounts only available to bridal show guests. Going | | | | . . taste the cake and smell the flowers. Cut to the |
| to a bridal show can be a lot of fun. Bring your mom, | | | | chase to save time. Your first question to a vendor |
| the groom and a bridesmaid or two... | | | | should be: Are you available on this date ? If you get |
| How do I find a bridal show in my area? Most bridal | | | | a "NO", move on. |
| expos will be listed in regional magazines. Bridal Show | | | | 11. Collect information from every vendor. Take it |
| Producers International is the trade association for | | | | home to look over when you have some quiet time. |
| bridal show promoters. This directory lists bridal | | | | During the course of planning your wedding you may |
| shows nationwide. | | | | not have thought you wanted certain things, like a |
| Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned veteran, | | | | harpist or freeze drying your wedding bouquet. |
| the following tips will help make your bridal show | | | | 12. Bring along color swatches. They may prove |
| experience both productive and enjoyable. Have a | | | | helpful in getting suggestions from vendors, such as |
| great time at the show! | | | | bakers, florists, and balloonists. |
| 1. Be prepared to wait in line to register. Please be | | | | 13. Bring preprinted self-adhesive address labels if you |
| patient! This is well worth it. Your registration may | | | | have them. You will be asked for your name, |
| entitle you to win door prizes and will allow vendors | | | | address, phone number and wedding date countless |
| to get in touch with you after the show. | | | | times before the show is over. This will save you |
| Pre-registration on-line is offered by many wedding | | | | time and it will allow you to sign up for many of the |
| expo promoters, who usually give you a discounted | | | | prizes that will be given away. If you are out of |
| ticket price pre-show. | | | | town, send your mother or a friend to collect |
| 2. Ask your fiancé to come along. It is much | | | | information on services you need. |
| more likely that you will be able to make a decision | | | | 14. Bring along bridal show buddies. There's plenty of |
| and book a vendor, if accompanied. The groom's | | | | territory to cover, between you and your friends, |
| participation in wedding planning is growing. Today, | | | | you'll be able to locate the hottest booths and the |
| about 30% of grooms accompany their brides to | | | | best deals. |
| wedding shows. | | | | 15. Wear comfortable shoes. For the better part of |
| 3. Plan to spend a minimum of three to four hours in | | | | the day you'll be standing and talking to vendors. The |
| order to see all the exhibits and the fashion show. | | | | only opportunity to sit down is during the fashion |
| 4. Be prepared to wear a "Bride-To-Be" or "Groom" | | | | show, and even then, seating is limited. The bridal |
| sticker to receive special attention from the vendors. | | | | fashion show is often the highlight of a show. |
| 5. Remember to bring a pen and notebook to take | | | | 16. Make certain to arrive early enough to get a really |
| notes and make certain to write clearly. In addition to | | | | good seat. If you have already selected your |
| a pen and paper or notebook, bring along a clipboard | | | | wedding attire, you may wish to skip the fashion |
| to serve as a solid surface for you. It will be better | | | | show in order to spend more time with the vendors. |
| than leaning on a friend's back. If there is room, the | | | | |