by Guest Blogger, Astra Dwyer, WPICC of On Your Day Events in Durham, ON
I had the pleasure of being a vendor at a bridal show last weekend and I realized that couples are not being educated on the do’s and don’ts, for bridal shows! Sit down, grab a pen and keep reading. If you plan on hitting up the next show in your area, this blog entry is for you!
DO
Pack Snacks: Travel with energy packed and/or hydrating snacks (granola bars, sliced peppers, grapes, etc). If you are as serious about food as I am, pack sandwiches or easy lunches that you can eat on the go or in the car before you actually enter the bridal show.
Stay Hydrated: This is so important. Have at least one bottle of water per 50-75 vendors .. so for the larger shows, carry at least 2 bottles of water per person.
Be prepared: Take pre-typed labels with your name, contact phone number, email address and wedding date/year. This will help you fill out forms for information requests from the vendors that spark your interest! In turn, keep their business card in a business card holder or your purse/wallet to separate them from the rest of the flyers and postcards you receive. It helps you to remember who to follow up with at a later date.
Stay comfortable: Wear comfy shoes and clothing. You’ll thank me later!
Head out early: Every show is different, but if you arrive as soon as the doors open, you have a better chance of getting through the majority, if not all of the vendors .. plus make it home in time to have some quality time in the afternoon.
Use the bathroom: For the larger bridal shows, go to the washroom before you begin your tour. You’ll feel much more “ready” to tackle all the vendors and be more focussed.
Research the vendors: For each bridal show, there is usually a list of which vendors have booths on the bridal show website. Take your time beforehand and see who will be at the show before you go.
Plan ahead: If your goal is to find vendors to book, go with your fiancà©(e) or one other person you trust to help you make decisions. You may actually meet a vendor that you know has a great reputation, you love their work and want to sign with them right away…or you both may decide to wait and interview other pote
ntial vendors.
Pack smart: Although you receive eco friendly bags to hold all of your wedding show flyers and finds, it is quite helpful to bring a shopping bag on wheels! It can hold your snacks, water and all the goodies you get from the show without placing stress on your shoulders, neck and back!
Take a look at this cute find from Ikea!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60162971
DON’T
Feel pressured or stressed! Wedding shows are a fantastic way to meet vendors face to face. As a vendor myself, I understand wedding shows can be overwhelming, but if you plan on going to a bridal show over the next few months, get all the information from the vendors you need, take it home and decide what your next steps should be together.
Happy Planning!
Astra
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