You are engaged! Now what? Most brides begin the planning process at a bridal show. Bridal shows are so helpful but can also feel overwhelming. So we asked our friends at I Said Yes to help us with by giving us some information on bridal shows and how to navigate. Enjoy!
Bridal Expos are similar to tradeshows. However they often go by different names. For instance, wedding show, bridal show, and wedding expo. As a rule, the purpose of attending these events is to find your wedding vendors. Certainly, the list of vendors you need for your wedding will vary. Depending on your particular wants and needs. Without a doubt this can be a daunting task. This is why attending a bridal expo is an important part of your wedding planning process. As you will have the chance to meet a variety of wedding vendors face to face to help you find the best fit for your wedding. But that’s not all. We will go into more detail below.
In the meantime, it’s important to know that not all bridal expos are created equal. That is to say, each one will have different vendors, entertainment and interactive elements. We encourage you to attend more than one, to be sure you find the very best wedding professionals to help you create your perfect wedding.
But That’s Not All
Most show producers believe in creating a fun and inspiring atmosphere to ease the stress of wedding planning. For example, you may have the chance to sample food and sweets. In addition, watch fashion shows with wedding dresses and men’s wedding attire. In fact, some bridal expos even have live entertainment and interactive experiences as well.
Have Some Fun
First thing you should do, have some fun. Wedding planning can be stressful. However, you can get some wedding planning work done and have fun when attending a bridal expo.
Many wedding expos have interactive booths. For instance, photo booths or wall crawls, where you can be silly, take photos and make memories. Additionally, there may be entertainment, like performers, singers and musicians. And some even have games to play.
Plan to spend a few hours at the event. Starting with the fun stuff. Then relax and enjoy spending time planning your wedding with your family and friends.
Feed your feed. You just can’t stop posting that you are engaged. I mean, we don’t blame you, we would too! Therefore, stop and take some photos for your social feed. Assuredly you are invited to pose, snap and post all about your fun times at the wedding show. Of course, that you are engaged also, I mean, show off that bling. Remember to use the show #’s and your wedding # too.
Bring Your Fiancé, Family and I DO Crew
Wedding shows often take place in large event venues or convention centers. This allows room for a large number of attendees. Which means, you can bring your fiancé and your crew. In the same vein, bring your family members to make them feel special and a part of the planning process as well.
Did You Know?
Did you know you can have a beer burrow or llama at your wedding? Or a custom design fitting for your suit (similar to the specialized wedding dress fitting)? In addition, confetti cannon and sparkler boxes? What about dueling pianos and a live band? There are so many options available to help you make your day custom designed to fit your dream.
By attending a bridal expo, you can learn more about a variety of products and services available to you, that you might not otherwise have known existed.
It’s important that you come to a wedding expo to have fun. But also be prepared to speak to the wedding professionals exhibiting at the event. They are there to help you learn more, compare products, services and prices and make a personal connection. Many of the vendors you hire for your wedding will be with you for the entire wedding day. Make sure you can make a connection and that you know they have your best interest in mind. Choose someone you like. And the best way to know you like them, is to meet them face to face and hold a conversation.
You Can Eat Cake
Most wedding expos will have caterers and dessert vendors serving complimentary bite size samples. In short, you can eat cake!
What better way to add a sweet touch to your wedding show experience, than to have some sugar. Food and dessert is an important part of your wedding day. So come to a wedding expo and sample a variety of food and dessert options. This will help you begin to imagine what your guests will be able to enjoy at your wedding reception. Similarly, you may find just the right caterer and cake designer for your big day.
Wedding Dresses Galore
Wedding dresses galore, need we say more. As a rule, wedding shows will showcase a variety of wedding day attire through a runway style fashion how. Again, the types of attire may vary. From wedding gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses, to mother-of-the-bride and flower girls. In addition, there will be male models showing off the latest trends in men’s suits and tuxedos.
Most show producers will work with local bridal gown salons, so if you see a dress you love, be sure to stop by their booth in the show to learn more. We want to help you find your dream wedding dress and suit.
You Can Win Prizes At A Bridal Expo
Prizes can be anything from a Starbucks Gift Card to a Honeymoon. Further, some exhibiting wedding vendors will also do special prize entries at their booths. This is your chance to win some fun wedding related prizes. Similarly, vendors may offer show only specials. In other words, you can get special pricing because you signed your contract with them at the wedding show. This may not be a prize in the purest sense of the word, but you definitely won by saving on your budget.
No matter if you are just getting started, or only need a few more wedding vendors. A bridal expo is a fun and relaxing way to tick items off your wedding planning checklist. So grab your fiancé, family and I DO Crew and get your tickets to the next wedding planning event in your area.
Click the links to learn more about I Said Yes! FL wedding shows and their signature wedding planning date night – I DOs and BREWS wedding planning dates nights