So, it's officially bridal show season. Everyone and their mother (and perhaps ten gazillion friends) will be attending a bridal show at least once in support of their favorite bride. While bridal shows are as a whole an incredible resource for learning more about a wedding and the various vendors who can help pull off a stunning event, keep in mind that there are a few pitfalls.
1. Make a list of the vendors you need.
It makes absolutely no sense to gear up for a bridal show, pay the entry fee, and then look at vendor booths for services you've already booked. Sure it's fun to look, but keep yourself grounded- once you start second guessing decisions based on the high-pressure and excitement of a bridal show you are ultimately setting yourself up for disaster. Focus on meeting and engaging vendors you haven't already booked to save your energy, keep your sanity later on, and not waste the time of the vendors who've paid a pretty penny to show off their wares.
From a photographer perspective, I want a client to book me because they love my work. Not because I'm cheap. Bridal shows are chock full of the pricing spectrum of vendors and it's best to keep focused on what you need, keep your budget in mind, but not settle for something just because it's cheap.
2. Keep your budget in mind and adjust when necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask for packages or a list of pricing from any vendor when at a bridal show. They should be prepared enough to discuss their pricing with you. THOUGH... Many photographers prefer to have an actual consult to go over their packages with you to customize and answer questions, so if a vendor doesn't have a print off, that doesn't make them "too expensive" or "shady." It never hurts to ask for a pricing range so that you can determine if this vendor is affordable for you.
3. Don't BOOK at the show!
I'm probably going to take some guff for this point, but I adamantly stand by it. Unless you've researched the vendor beforehand, there's no reason to rush into a contract. There are often great discounts and sales at bridal shows, but be wary of feeling forced into a contract with a vendor you've never heard of before. I've watched enough TV court shows to know that just because you see a vendor at a prominent bridal show, doesn't make them a professional. Do your research after and stay in touch with them. Schedule a consultation with them for sometime after the show so that you can check out their website, stalk them on social media, and read their reviews from past brides.
4. Bring a notebook and folder.
You will be inundated with information. It's a fact. I mean, seriously, you're attending a bridal show with vendors who want you to book them and that means they will have all kinds of information for you. Keep track of what you're being told if you truly like the vendor (I'm not saying to be rude and jot down their words verbatim haha). Just be careful of mixing up information from the various vendors you will meet.
5 Bring CASH!
Many booths will feature cash and carry items that you may adore! Often jewelry vendors or those weird skinny wrap things... if you want to take advantage of the discounts at a show, make sure to bring a little dough with you so you don't regret it later.
And remember to relax. Enjoy the time perusing the beautiful items, the fun people, and the atmosphere of connecting with other brides. Best of luck to all the planning couples out there!
You can reach me at lashmunro@yahoo.com if you have any questions about this post. Also, you can check out my website if you feel so inclined at www.munrophotos.com
1. Make a list of the vendors you need.
It makes absolutely no sense to gear up for a bridal show, pay the entry fee, and then look at vendor booths for services you've already booked. Sure it's fun to look, but keep yourself grounded- once you start second guessing decisions based on the high-pressure and excitement of a bridal show you are ultimately setting yourself up for disaster. Focus on meeting and engaging vendors you haven't already booked to save your energy, keep your sanity later on, and not waste the time of the vendors who've paid a pretty penny to show off their wares.
From a photographer perspective, I want a client to book me because they love my work. Not because I'm cheap. Bridal shows are chock full of the pricing spectrum of vendors and it's best to keep focused on what you need, keep your budget in mind, but not settle for something just because it's cheap.
2. Keep your budget in mind and adjust when necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask for packages or a list of pricing from any vendor when at a bridal show. They should be prepared enough to discuss their pricing with you. THOUGH... Many photographers prefer to have an actual consult to go over their packages with you to customize and answer questions, so if a vendor doesn't have a print off, that doesn't make them "too expensive" or "shady." It never hurts to ask for a pricing range so that you can determine if this vendor is affordable for you.
3. Don't BOOK at the show!
I'm probably going to take some guff for this point, but I adamantly stand by it. Unless you've researched the vendor beforehand, there's no reason to rush into a contract. There are often great discounts and sales at bridal shows, but be wary of feeling forced into a contract with a vendor you've never heard of before. I've watched enough TV court shows to know that just because you see a vendor at a prominent bridal show, doesn't make them a professional. Do your research after and stay in touch with them. Schedule a consultation with them for sometime after the show so that you can check out their website, stalk them on social media, and read their reviews from past brides.
4. Bring a notebook and folder.
You will be inundated with information. It's a fact. I mean, seriously, you're attending a bridal show with vendors who want you to book them and that means they will have all kinds of information for you. Keep track of what you're being told if you truly like the vendor (I'm not saying to be rude and jot down their words verbatim haha). Just be careful of mixing up information from the various vendors you will meet.
5 Bring CASH!
Many booths will feature cash and carry items that you may adore! Often jewelry vendors or those weird skinny wrap things... if you want to take advantage of the discounts at a show, make sure to bring a little dough with you so you don't regret it later.
And remember to relax. Enjoy the time perusing the beautiful items, the fun people, and the atmosphere of connecting with other brides. Best of luck to all the planning couples out there!
You can reach me at lashmunro@yahoo.com if you have any questions about this post. Also, you can check out my website if you feel so inclined at www.munrophotos.com
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