A bridal show is typically a gathering of vendors who service weddings. A few vendors will be there to service YOU personally, like skin care specialists, but the majority will be Florists, DJ’s, Event Planners, Caterer’s, Venues, Photographers, Videographers, Invitation Suppliers, Bridal Gown Stores, Tuxedo Stores, Hair & Make Up Specialists, Cake Companies, Transportation Companies, Linen Companies, Favor Companies, Musicians, Honeymoon Companies and a few other specialties like Gown Preservation, Bar Services and Alterations. The point is you can find every type of vendor under one roof, normally.

Keep in mind, these vendors have PAID to be in the show. The bigger the show the more they pay. Many shows don’t screen the vendors, so you aren’t guaranteed that the vendors at the show are reputable. Although, I don’t mean to imply that they aren’t reputable; I really just want to caution you not to think that just because a vendor is at the show you can count on them. I would personally rely on word of mouth, personal referrals for that! And, just because a vendor is NOT at the show, doesn’t mean they aren’t reputable! Not all vendors like the Bridal Show Experience! (I, for one, am not a huge fan of bridal shows….the smaller the better for me. I like personal time with you!)

What You Can Expect

You probably won’t get any personal one on one time with the vendors at a large show. I mean, you can try, but with hundreds or thousands of brides all hitting the show at the same time, it is nearly impossible to spend quality time with the vendors. It is my opinion, that the best you can hope for is to get some ideas….from what you see at the show. Now if the show is a small show, that is a different story….you may get some one on one time with the vendors.The vendors want to get your contact information so they can follow up with you  and most will have sign up sheets or give-aways to entice you to leave your contact info. For this reason, I suggest you come with preprinted labels that have your name, address, phone number, email address and wedding date printed on them. That will make it easier for you and the vendors…imagine how tired your fingers will be if you write out all the information over and over and over again. Whether you do this or not, know that the show producer is going to provide all that information to the vendors after the show based on what information you provide when you register for the show. That information is part of what the vendors are paying for to be at the show….so don’t get mad at them when they follow up with you. That is the whole point of the show from the vendor’s point of view! They want your business!

Many vendors will have free goodies for you and before you know it, you’ll be carrying around several pounds of goodies and information. You may want to bring your fiance or a friend to help carry everything.

Oh, and before I forget….WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! Sample the food, sample to cake, sample the favors….taste is important in these areas!

Last but not least, go with an open mind. In the end, you’ll need to sort through all the information you have collected. If you do have a good feeling or experience with a vendor, make sure you have their contact information and don’t wait too long before you call them… “out of site, out of mind” will set in otherwise. If you see something you really like, make a note about it on the back of the vendor’s business card, so that later on you will know why you want to contact them.

I sincerely hope this helps you navigate the next bridal show you attend.