Tips from a Vendor on How to Get the Most from Attending a Bridal Show. - IRENE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY blog at BridesClub.com

As a wedding photographer I have put in many hours at bridal fairs and trade shows. I would like to offer a few words of friendly advice that will make visiting these events more successful for brides everywhere. 1. Decide what services/products you need.
If you don’t have a check list of “to do” items, please make one. Planning a wedding is very time sensitive and many of these list items need to be taken care ASAP. Booking a photographer is one of them. Most photographers, me included, book their weddings about 9-12 months ahead of time. If you don’t have a photographer and you’re wedding is in June you might want to put this at the top of your list. If you’re wedding in is March you should be panicking.
2. Where possible get a list of the different vendors attending and do your homework ahead of time.
Use the website from each bridal show to get a listing of all of their vendors. Bridesclub.com does a great job. It might save you a lot of time and money if you visit the site of these vendors prior to the show. As an informed consumer, you now have the upper hand and you will be more satisfied with your choices. It’s also a good idea to write down a few questions to ask. This will help you compare the different products and services. Don’t be surprised if comparison shopping is difficult, each vendor will have their own pricing, style, and way of doing business. You should ask questions that help you establish why that particular business is right for YOU.
3. Print out labels to use for entering contests and give-a-ways.
Many vendors will offer a prize as a way of attracting you to visit their booth. To avoid hand cramping, I suggest pre-printed labels. Make sure they include your name, phone, email and wedding date. Simply stick your label on the entry form, cross your fingers, and pray that you win.
4. Get there early. Bring good shoes and a game plan.
These types of events always have long lines, and if you want to get the most out of the experience, be prepared to invest some time with each vendor before you invest your money. You’re game plan should include who you want to see first, second and so on. It’s okay to re-visit a vendor you like, or skip one you are not interested in. Take notes and gather information. Ask questions you’ve prepared to help you do a side by side comparison. Try to get a feel for how they do business, and if they say something that interests you, take notes so you will remember later on. Don’t forget to grab a brochure.
5. Bring the guy!
It never hurts to have your fiancé around, but try to make planning the wedding fun for him too. If he doesn’t have his tux yet, let him spend some time looking at tuxes, and even if you have a caterer and confectioner, don’t skip these booths when they will offer your sweetie a taste! After he’s spent a long afternoon doing what you want to do, take him out for dinner as a “Thank you for coming even though I know it was the last thing you wanted to do today.”
6. Don’t feel rushed, spend time talking to the vendors.
A lot of people come to bridal show unsure what they need or where to get it, so they wander around trying to look unapproachable so no one sells them something they don’t want. Truth is, they do want what the vendors are offering, and they are just too scared to ask! They then leave the bridal show and wonder why it wasn’t very helpful. What’s the worst that could happen? You might find a vendor you didn’t know about that has exactly what you have been looking for. Remember you’re in control. We are asking for you business, not the other way around.
7. Bring your check book.
If you stuck to your plan and asked all of your questions, odds are that before you leave the bridal show, you will have a pretty good idea of what you want. So, what are you waiting for? Be prepared to pay deposits and sign contracts. Then walk to your car with a smile on your face, because you just set in motion the happiest day of your life!