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As a producer of bridal shows, we really want brides to get the most out of their bridal show experience!  Whether you just got engaged this week or you’re getting married this month, you can find what you need at a bridal show!  With a little help, you can become a bridal show pro!

We’ve put together a few expert tips for you to navigate the show…

• Set up an email address exclusively for your wedding planning. This way, once your wedding day has come and gone you can close the account without interfering with your main email address. Example: futuremrsjones@yahoo.com or bradandjanswedding@gmail.com
• Bring labels with your contact information (name, email address, wedding date, phone number, mailing address) to help when filling out contact forms or registering for prizes. You can make them yourself using Avery labels (we recommend Avery 5160).
• If you don’t print labels, when filling out forms make sure to print VERY clearly. You’d hate to miss out on a door prize or lose track of someone you like because they couldn’t read your handwriting!
• Bring some friends! (Yes, it can also be your fiancé). You’re going to need some help in carrying literature around, as well as someone to offer an objective third party opinion on things.

 

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring swatches of material with your wedding colors on them. This will help bakers, florists and other vendors make appropriate suggestions as to what they can do for you.

 

• Don’t expect to walk away from the show with signed contracts in your hand.  A show is a place where you make appointments to discuss your wedding in depth.
• Bring your date book with you so you can schedule your appointments for follow up.

 

• Avoid bringing small children. They will tire quickly and detract from your mission of finding vendors and ideas for your wedding.
• Take as much literature as you can from everyone.  You might not think you need information on skin care or a consultant, but who knows, things have a way of surprising you.  When you get home, put the literature from services you don’t think you need in a box that you can come back to if the situation warrants.
• Ask lots of questions.  The show is filled with wedding professionals, and while you’re there you should take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can.
• Prepare for information overload.  When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write what struck you as appealing about them on their business card or literature.  When you get home and are faced with brochures from multiple photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why.
• You may be approached by people passing out flyers or business cards outside the venue. You may have a bridal show “special” on your windshield when you get back to your car. All of these people have skirted the rules and requirements for participating as an official vendor of the show. In most cases, they may be unlicensed or out to make a quick buck. The actual vendors at the show are giving you their information at their assigned tables. Anywhere else is not acceptable. If you’re approached by someone either outside or inside the venue who does not appear on the show program or is not an official vendor, let someone from N-Joy know. They will take care of it. It is not worth your time and trouble.

We hope to see you all, labels and swatches in hand, at the Baton Rouge Bridal Show on Sunday!  If you have any questions on bridal show etiquette or tips that we didn’t touch upon, feel free to contact us!