What is the first thing you do once you commit? After spreading the happy news, head straight to the nearest newsstand and buy as many wedding magazines as you can. Then, you search for the next bridal fair to attend!
Bridal fairs can be a lot of fun. They’re a great place to check out vendors for just about everything imaginable as you start planning your dream wedding. Nowhere else can you find so many vendors in one place offering everything from invitations and flowers to cakes and venues to things you never thought were wedding related. To make the most of your visit, keep these tips for shopping at the bridal fair in mind.
Buy tickets in advance. You can often go ahead and register online before the show date. Ticket discounts may also be available, so don’t delay. With your name and address on file, you will begin receiving information about providers in your area if you wish. Encourage the people you will be attending the show with to purchase their tickets as well.
Plan ahead. Start now by making a notebook and writing down the questions you need answers to. At bridal fairs, you’ll find wedding planning experts ready and willing to answer any wedding-related questions you may have. Start writing down your list of questions now and organize them by provider. If you have particular vendors that you know you’re already interested in, make a divider tab with their information included so you can be on the safe side and stop by their table.
Never buy alone. Shopping is always more fun with others to exchange ideas. You can drag your fiancé along with you or your mom, a few friends, or any combination of people you’d like to help you plan your perfect wedding. For a little fun and so you can keep track of everyone, consider dressing your group in matching t-shirts. As a bride, make yours extra special or add a crown or veil to your outfit!
Wear comfortable shoes. Bridal shows can be huge, and since they’re typically held in convention-sized halls, you’ll know you’ll be walking on concrete floors with a thin rug. So make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. You’re not there to impress anyone, so think about comfort first.
Contact information. Many bridal fairs provide you with labels that contain your contact information. These are great for contacting vendors you want tracking information on. They also save you the time and effort of signing registers and entering giveaways at the fair. If you’re not sure they provide them, make your own ahead of time and bring them with you. You will be glad you did!
Take your time. There is much to see and do at a fair. Allow enough time so you don’t miss any opportunities. In addition to walking the aisles, you’ll want to check out the various fashion shows and talk to vendors you find interesting. If participating vendors are listed when you sign up for tickets, make a list of their names and booth locations so you don’t lose them as you walk across the floor. Plan a logical approach so you don’t run from one end of the convention hall to the other. If you walk up and down each aisle, you’ll come across some interesting vendors you hadn’t previously thought of or unusual items that would really make your wedding one to remember.
Budget. Now is a good time to set a budget for your event. Sure, you’ll be tempted by everything you see and hear, but a little realism also needs to come into play before you lose your way. Bring your checkbook or credit card in case there are discounts on offer that you don’t want to miss out on. But don’t feel pressured into thinking that he has to commit on the spot. Vendors realize you’re buying and hope to secure your business as soon as possible, but you’re the customer, so collect your details and meet up when the time is right. Vendors will often accept discounts after the show if you ask politely.
Hunt and gather. A bridal fair is your opportunity to find the best suppliers for everything you need for the perfect day of your wedding. From wedding invitations that set the tone for your day to wedding announcements that share the news after the event, compare quality, prices, and in-person customer service.
Ask questions and touch and feel what’s on offer, as you may want to order later by phone or online. From flowers to wedding cakes, personalized napkins to wedding favors, take this opportunity to research and keep accurate records for later reference when you’re ready to place your order. Gather as many brochures, reading materials, and business cards as you can, adding notes to each one to help you remember them later.
Enjoy the experience. You are the bride and everyone there should attend to you. Enjoy the care and expertise as you visit providers, see what they have to offer, and weigh the pros and cons of each. Keep your wits about you and dream realistically. Ask lots of questions and let providers “sell” you on the special features they have to offer. Taste the cake samples, smell the flowers, listen to the string quartets and feel the quality of the wedding invitations. This is your opportunity to enjoy being the client.
Bridal fairs are fun but can be overwhelming. Use the experience to learn as much as you can so there are no surprises later. It’s much easier to shop under one roof, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue shopping after the show, as there are sure to be good vendors who simply opted out. Ask your friends for their opinions, follow up with companies that interest you, and use what you’ve learned to plan the perfect wedding that will make your dreams come true!