Bridal Show Etiquette

It is that time of year again and bridal show season is upon us. You will find that there are events all over the country this month and next – almost every weekend! Bridal Shows can be a great way to find products and services for your wedding but some of them can also be overwhelming if you are a first-timer.

To get the most from your bridal show experience, get there early and plan to stay for the entire event. If you are able to actually spend some time talking with vendors you can sometimes save yourself from additional appointments. Don't just walk by the vendor booths and pick up information. Try to talk to the representatives and see if you connect with them. Personality and communication play a BIG part in wedding planning so this personal one-on-one time is important.
It can be hard sometimes to make a personal connection at bridal shows because there are so many people there. Be patient. Again, plan to stay all day -- don't plan to be in and out in an hour. If you come across a vendor that you are interested in, stay there until you have a chance to talk to them.
When you do talk to them, try to find out crucial information - such as if they are even available for your date and what their prices are. This can save you a lot of time!!!
Remember, large bridal shows can be overwhelming to everyone, including the wedding vendors. Most wedding vendors are not "slick" salespeople who have got the "trade show" thing down. Many of them are trying a bridal show for the first time and they are nervous...worried about their displays... hoping they make themselves stand out from their competitors.
Don't make judgments on a wedding vendor if you don't catch his or her attention right away. Again, he or she may just be overwhelmed and distracted by all of the people. Believe me, every wedding vendor there would like to talk to every bride there - that isn't realistic - but they are there to win your business so they WANT to talk to you!
Good luck at the shows!