Bridal Shows, Bridal Woes
By Jessica Natal
Sep 17, 2009 - 12:00 AM
If you know what to expect, bridal shows can be a great place to find everything from flowers to videographers.
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There are so many different types of bridal shows going on around town each year that it is difficult to decipher exactly how beneficial each show can be for a bride. I, for one, am not a fan of bridal shows, but I still go. Is it the allure of free gifts? Maybe it’s the chance to see different vendors in the name of research? I’m not exactly sure. But I can say this –– bridal shows take effort and discipline. Here are my Top 5 tips about attending bridal shows based on personal experience.
1. Arrive early! Many bridal shows have valet parking included, but I’ve never actually been able to take advantage of this perk. If the bridal show begins at 3 p.m. and you arrive at 3:30, chances are you’ve already missed out on the valet parking and free champagne at the door. There is only a limited supply of each. Be forewarned!
2. Bring a bag to carry pamphlets in. Some shows give out bags at the door, but others expect brides to be prepared. I have attended both types of shows, but it is still helpful to have a bag handy just in case. I attended a bridal show recently at a newly renovated hotel downtown. Bed Bath & Beyond was giving out bags at the door, but I was unfortunately one of the ones who missed out on getting one. Maybe they underestimated how many brides would be in attendance, but I was only 20 minutes late. It definitely stinks to carry around tons of pamphlets, a purse and all the rigmarole that goes along with the show. Bringing your own bag (and maybe someone to carry it for you, like a fiancé … hint, hint) will definitely help out in the long run.
3. Don’t visit booths for vendors you don’t plan to use. This is an easy one. If you already have your photographer chosen, it doesn’t make sense to pick up a pamphlet for every other photographer at the event. It’s also disheartening for the vendors if you visit their booths and then inform them you’ve already chosen one of their competitors. A lot of times, they ask you for your information and so you fill out the paperwork because you’re put on the spot. I am still getting phone calls from vendors I wish would just take me off their list as I had no intention of using them to begin with. Just stay away from their booth, and no one gets their feelings hurt.
4. Bring something to drink. You usually have the option to purchase beverages at a bar inside the show, but the prices are pretty high, and you’re going to be thirsty. For some reason, it gets extremely hot inside the showroom, no matter how much air conditioning is pumped inside. You’re also yelling over loud music and hundreds of excited brides to ask the vendors questions. A bottle of water will come in handy.
5. Be open-minded and pay attention. This is probably the most important tip because it will help you save money and time in the end. I found many vendors at bridal shows that I never would have given a second glance in a magazine or Web search. But after talking to them and seeing what they had to offer, I was able to consider using them for my event. This goes for favors, registries, videographers –– you name it!
Bridal shows can either be a very positive experience or make you swear off these events altogether. I tell myself I’m going to stay away from bridal shows because they take a lot of time and are generally crowded, but I usually attend them in the end anyway. There is something about the chance to win a honeymoon or gift package that keeps me interested. At the last bridal show I attended, I was able to find a videographer, which was definitely a big check off my list. Just follow these tips as best as you can, and you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience. What are your tips for attending bridal shows? I’m interested to find out!
About This Blog
Jessica is a life-long New Orleans resident who wants nothing more than to get married in this beautiful city. From the food to the fais-do-do, who wouldn’t want to tie the knot in such a great place? She began working in the wedding industry five years ago as a banquet server, moving up in rank until she reached the position of event coordinator at a French Quarter hotel. Her fiancé Brandon is also a wedding DJ and bartender for a local reception hall. Between the two of them, they have nearly 12 years of wedding experience – you would think that would make things easy! Not quite. The two are pickier than most people and know what they want for their big day. Read her blog to find out what happens during the planning process!
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Reader Comments:
From the other side of the booth perspective, you make some great points. As a vendor, I gauge the success of a bridal show primarily by the number of definite sales I can walk away with, which means a deposit check in my hand. In order to enhance this, I will usually offer "show only" specials or discounts. In the past, I have offered free delivery and setups on my sculptures, free luges with ice bars, 1/2 price on a second sculpture at the event, or other upgrades such as adding names or monograms. So one more point, be sure to have your check book with you to take advantage of specials offered that day only!!
John R. Albrecht
Albrecht Ice Sculptures
I agree with John. We bring a lot of rhinestone crystal t-shirts and tank tops to shows and so many brides are unable to take advantage of show special pricing because they have no form of payment with them. Bring some cash with you, along with that checkbook! We'll be at the Jax Brewery show on January 7th, with our new "New Orleans Bride" apparel.
Another tip is to save money by pre-registering. Show admission nearly always costs more at the door.
Hope to see you at Jax!
Sandy K.
AdvantageBridal.com