All of us at Weddingbells know that January and September are the major months for wedding shows. And if you’ve never been to one yourself, then you might be surprised by just how vast and busy they are. No worries, we don’t want you to be overwhelmed or confused by the experience—planning your wedding should be one of your happiest moments. So take note, and follow our top four tips for attending a wedding show.
Expect a Crowd
If you’re going to one of the national or regional shows expect tons of people. Not only will these shows be crowded with brides and their entourages, but they will also be packed to the nines with vendors galore. You’ll be handed flyers, pamphlets, booklets, contest pages, etc. from all directions.
Our advice: Go walking around during off-hours. This consists of early morning (right when it opens), lunchtime (anytime from noon to 1) and late evening (a few hours before the show closes). You might also want to skip out on the fashion shows, as they draw the crowd to the centre of the show and away from the vendors for a good hour or so.
Guest Attendance
Cut down on the number of people who come with you. Like dress shopping, you don’t want to be pulled in five different directions with five different opinions. However, don’t go by yourself—trust us, you’ll need some backup to carry the loads of pamphlets and free items you’ll receive.
Our advice: Take your fiancé (there might be sales that you can only get on the actual day, so it’s good to have his input, too) and an important family member or one or two friends whose opinions you hold dear.
On the Clock
If you plan on going in and out, make sure you know where everything is. Most shows are set up according to services (i.e. you’ll find all the caterers in one area and all the photographers in another).
Our advice: Maximize your time by visiting the areas where you need information or inspiration. Otherwise, you could spend the entire day and still not get halfway through the show. Download the maps or pick one up before you enter and look at where you need to go. It’ll be easier on your feet.
Be Prepared
Walking around these shows can get tiring, so be prepared and go in comfy clothing (such as jeans and sneakers), bring a camera to take pictures and bring extra bags to carry magazines and pamphlets. Also, be prepared to talk to major vendors and have all your information ready, especially for contests.
Our advice: If you plan on entering contests or swapping info with other vendors, save time by printing labels with your name, date of birth, address, email, phone number and wedding date.
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Posted by Adrian on August 7, 2009 at 10:56 a.m.
I do agree with most of what is said above.
The only thing I would have to differ on is the vendors do not get put in all one area but rather they are usually spread out.
The biggest thing to watch out for is businesses that have gimmicks that get you to put a deposit down , these are the types that once they have you booked usually don't follow through on their promises.
I think the smaller more intimate shows are better , you have a better handle on who you speak to and they are generally the better vendors that go to these ones.
Posted by Teresa Ross on August 7, 2009 at 12:07 p.m.
I'm going to a show next month, so this was very helpful! Thanks!!
Posted by Raina on August 7, 2009 at 12:49 p.m.
I've been to a few wedding shows and printing the labels with out info beforehand saved a TON of time! Great tip.
Posted by Andrea on August 11, 2009 at 5 p.m.
Printing labels is an excellent idea, it saves so much time. At SmartBride Boutique.ca, we also suggest to brides that they choose a specific wedding planning e-mail address to use for contests. That way your regular inbox doesn't fill up with random e-mails from show vendors.
Not sure that my fiance would have been willing to go to the show with me, but if yours will, the more power to you. Don`t forget a bottle of water too!
Posted by Patricia on August 27, 2009 at 11:42 a.m.
After going to a couple wedding shows (one large, one small), I find that it didn't help me much at all. However, looking back, newly engaged, I don't think anyone could've talked me out of not going. I think it's something you just need to do; just so you don't think you've "missed something".
I would definitely wear comfy clothes and be prepared for huffy brides who will elbow you in the stomach to get ahead. haha.
Posted by Tracy on January 7, 2010 at 2:28 p.m.
I'm looking forward to the Winnipeg show in a couple weeks - I've got everything booked but want to see other idea's as well. Crowds don't bother me so I'm not worried about that.
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