The Wedding Fair Calgary is Calgary’s largest and most beautiful wedding show and it’s happening on Sunday, January 15! Lisa Vettese of the Calgary Bridal Alliance gave us her top ten tips for surviving and THRIVING at a wedding show and we’re excited to share them here today!
So you are engaged, congratulations! But now what? You are probably feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start your planning process. Well, grab your A-team, put on a pair of comfortable shoes and head to a bridal show!
You will find that attending a bridal show can be most helpful in planning your wedding. They are exciting, informative and full of terrific ideas. You will be able to meet and ask questions from many wedding professionals all under one roof. You will want to: gather information, compare prices and services, register for prizes, see the latest fashions at the fashion show, and hear the latest music trends, get great new ideas and, just have fun. But it will be more fun if you go prepared, so follow these helpful hints to get the best experience out of your next bridal show.
1. Research the show ahead of time to see what vendors will be there. Look specifically for the one’s you need. Many vendors offer discounts on their services if you book them at the show. Make a checklist of required services, and the most essential elements needed to complete your wedding plans and design questions that will streamline your efforts and help speed things along.
2. It may seem a little overwhelming at the show, but most vendors love to spend time with you and answer your questions. They will talk to you about their products and services in as much detail as you want. However, the shows are often very hectic and can be noisy, so if you find a vendor that you like, it’s best to set up an appointment and meet with them at a later date.
3. You should always feel comfortable with a vendor’s attitude toward you and your event. Personality and communication play a crucial role as well. You want to feel comfortable with their personality, and if they will be easy to work with. Of utmost importance, notice which vendors “listen” to your needs and ask what “you” want.
4. Take lots of pictures with your phone, ask questions and collect any information you are interested in. When you get home and have some quiet time, review the literature and book follow up appointments to ask more questions. Make little notes on the literature you collect when you find a vendor intriguing or use your phone to capture a picture of their booth.
5. Bring a credit or debit card in case you want to book any services or give a deposit to hold a date. Be sure to check on refund policies before giving any money and read the contract carefully before signing.
6. A number of shows offer a Bride and Groom sticker when you register. Please wear it! It can become confusing for vendors to identify everyone that attends, especially at a larger show, and if they know you are the bride, they are more likely to give you that little bit of extra attention. After all, it is all about you!
7. Most vendors offer drawings for prizes. Enter them, as there are fabulous prizes to be had!
8. It is suggested that you create a temporary email address to be used while you are planning your wedding. This way you can delete it when you no longer are interested in receiving special offers or hearing from vendors in the wedding industry.
9. Remember Avery is your friend! Pre-printed self-adhesive address labels with your wedding date on it makes it a breeze to enter the numerous prize giveaways and draws and are also handy to give to exhibitors who you would like to contact you after the show.
10. The fashion show is also important to see as it not only shows you the latest trends on the runway and gives you different ideas on the styles and colours for the upcoming seasons, but the music is also fun to listen to as it can give you ideas of songs you might want to be played at your wedding.
Bridal shows are not supposed to be stressful or overwhelming. There is so much to see and so many vendors but taking your time to view each exhibit will help reduce the stress so plan on being there from 3 to 5 hours. Remember wedding planning is preferably done over time, not in one day. It’s one decision at a time. Enjoy yourself, have fun and make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
