Bridal Show Etiquette Part II

Following are some tips to get the most out of your bridal show experience:


Pre-register if possible. Many bridal shows offer a discount on price if you register early.
Plan to make a day of it and try to really connect with the wedding vendors. You will usually know within minutes if you are interested in hiring someone or not so don’t just pass by their table and pick up their brochures. Try to talk with each vendor for couple of minutes to get a feel for them. If a booth is particularly busy when you walk by, come back to it. (Also many shows award prizes at the end but you have to be there to win!)
Bring your fiancé with you if you can. I know, I know, men in particular don’t want to miss the big football game or the weekly golf game to hang around a bridal show. BUT, if your man is the type to be heavily involved with the wedding planning he needs to attend the shows. Why? Well, let’s say you meet the most fabulous disc jockey at a bridal show. The guys usually want to be involved with planning the music. If your guy is with you at the bridal show he can also meet the fabulous DJ thereby reducing the chance that you will both have to meet with the DJ again later.
Don’t bring kids and baby strollers if at all possible. I know it is unavoidable for some but there are a lot of people at these events and I always see people struggling with their baby strollers trying to push their way through the crowd and maze of wedding vendor booths.
Be as prepared as you can with the wedding plans you have already made. For example, if you already have your date set, go ahead and ask the wedding vendors you are interested in if they have your date available. This will cut down on your need to call them later. Also tell them where your wedding will be held. Although most wedding vendors will travel, it isn’t practical for some wedding vendors. If you know this up front it can save you time.
Bring your wedding planning notebook with you if it isn’t too large to lug around. You can add vendors that you are interested in right there on the spot – saving you time later!
Bring your credit card – not your checkbook. I have written this over and over in article after article. Book your vendors by making a deposit on credit card if at all possible. PLEASE do not pay by check unless it is absolutely necessary. If a wedding vendor goes out of business before your wedding you can usually get your money back if you use a credit card but you will be out of luck if you pay by check.
Don’t attend a bridal show with a full stomach. No, you won’t be served lunch so don’t expect it but a lot of times you will get to taste cakes and sometimes other catered food. This is a great way to find or eliminate cake bakers and caterers. So be sure you have room to taste some yummy treats!
Bring some cash for parking. Sometimes you do have to pay for parking, especially in larger cities. It just depends. Don’t be caught unprepared. Also, if you didn’t pre-register, bring cash. Some shows only accept cash at the door.