Bridal Shows – Why would I go?

Bridal shows can do one of two things:  They can either help you or terrify you!

As a Certified Wedding Planner, I spend a lot of time meeting with and checking out vendors.  I have a few from every catagory that I feel are good people, great artists, are about the bride and groom, and do the very best work.  With that being said, I encourage you to go to a bridal show because it is a fun outing with mom or your maid of honor.   But beware, when choosing vendors from a flyer in the bag they give you.   Otherwise, my best advice, is hire a wedding planner.

Bridal shows are intended to help the bride find the perfect vendor.  If you have attended a large bridal show held in a huge exhibit hall, you will probably only attend that one show.  There are 100’s of vendors pushing papers into your hands, while trying to convince you they are the only one in town.  Tuxedo companies will convince you to order your tux “NOW” with a deposit  because you can get the groom’s tux free (all tuxedo companies give you the groom’s free with ordering of the groomsmen tux).  Buyer beware!  You will eat approximately 3000 calories in cake and won’t be able to remember which one you liked better.  This type show is very overwhelming and will scare you off from attending any other bridal show.

Another option  is a community bridal show, put on by local vendors in your area.  Usually there are 2-3 of each type of vendor from wedding planners…to cakes…to flowers…to photographers…to caterers….to DJ’s and so on.  It is not unusal for all of these vendors to have worked together at one point or another and can give you good advice on the vendors attending.

Another option is a venue driven bridal show.  If your venue is having a bridal show, you should attend.  Chances are they will have it all set up for a wedding and/or reception and you can get a feel of how your perfect day will look.  The vendors that attend this type show are usually vendors that have worked at that venue, know about setup, cleanup, rules and regulations.  This is a good bridal show to pick your vendors from.  They are usually tried and true to that venue.

Happy shopping and be sure you always talk to someone who has used the vendor you are choosing!  Happy Bridal Show!