Bridal Show Season Approaches

Get ready for the circus to come to town. That’s what it can feel like sometimes when a newly engaged bride and groom attend their first bridal show. Dozens and sometimes hundreds of wedding vendors everywhere you turn. Who is professional? Who is giving you a line, and who is the right pro for the most important day of your life?

Don’t feel bad. The “Deer in the Headlights” syndrome affects just about every bride and groom who are planning their first wedding. It’s not like you plan these type of events every day. Here are a few tips to get the most out of a bridal show.

1. Start right or left and walk every single aisle until you have completely passed through the entire exhibit. Do not stop at one booth or talk with anyone. Just walk through and take it all in. After walking the whole show floor, take a break, have a drink (not alcoholic) and collect your thoughts. Then go back for a second pass, and this time stop at every booth that looked interesting the first pass. This will help you absorb more and not get so overwhelmed.

2. Don’t fall victim of the bridal show special! Many vendors have show specials. While any deal is nice, no discount is worth a bad service on your wedding day. Look beyond the deals.  Most of the best professionals  never offer a deal or special. That is because they don’t have to. Their reputation alone keeps them booked year round.

3. Avoid impulse buying. As much as you might panic, don’t book the first service you see unless it is a service you are familiar with, and already wanted to contract with. Take it all in, wait a few days after the show, and then set up a few appointments with your favorites.

4. Finally, be aware that if you attend a bridal show, you might get phone calls and direct mail or even e-mail after the event. This is just part of the experience. Don’t be shocked if you get called at home on a Sunday night. This is the way the wedding market works.

Ultimately, the best remedy to fix “Deer in the Headlight” syndrome is to plan early and book all of your wedding professionals as soon as you can. This will not only get your first choice locked in for your special day, but help you avoid the last minute anxiety that comes with waiting to book vendors.

Happy Planning!