I’ve been engaged for 13 months now and have found myself attending just about every bridal show that comes to town. I’m not really sure if it’s the planner in me that wants to ensure I’ve been able to visit with every vendor imaginable in the city, but with each show I attend, I always come prepared and end up walking away with an idea that I never thought of before.
Living in the digital age of researching and visiting many wedding websites, it helps tremendously to attend a bridal extravaganza so you can meet the vendors in person. If you’re looking for a photographer, gown, transportation or linens, bridal shows have most wedding needs available and are a great way to help you compare prices and services.
Photo credit: Pink Pearl Images
Some tips to consider when planning to attend a bridal show:
- Pre-register. Tickets are usually cheaper if you register early or online than if you just show up at the door.
- Bring pre-printed self-addressed mailing labels to save time from filling out an information card at each vendor. Bridal shows also offer opportunities to win a variety of prizes, including a free honeymoon! The labels can also be used for any prize drawings there may be.
- Ask your fiancé to come along. Mine did and while you may have your bridesmaids and moms to offer their opinions, it’s nice to have your fiancé with you to help you decide since after all, it is his wedding too.
- Wear comfortable shoes. A lot of time is invested in attending bridal shows. Be prepared to spend approximately three to four hours to see all of the exhibits, visit with a lot of vendors and attend the fashion shows.
- If attending a fashion show, be sure to grab your seat early as many other brides-to-be want that front row seat to watch every gown that comes down the runway.
Photo credit: Brides Club.com
- Ask questions! For example, “Are you available on our wedding date?” “What kind of services do you provide?”
- If you’ve decided on your color scheme or theme, bring any swatches you may have to coordinate any items you will need for the ceremony or reception.
- The amount of vendors at each bridal show can be overwhelming. Remember to take notes and gather all the information from each vendor to be able to sort through later.
Photo credit: Dream Weddings Bridal
Whether you’re a first-time bridal show attendee or a regular, bridal shows are a great way to help with the planning process. For a bridal show near you, check out your local wedding websites or magazines. I don’t think there can ever be too many to attend since you will constantly find a new idea that offers a fresh perspective that can be incorporated into your special day.
DIY Touches for a Post-Wedding Brunch
Photo credit: e-how
Whether you’re having a fully catered post-wedding bunch or a simple, “hey come over to our place and we’ll order some pizza” soirée, here are a couple handmade upgrades that will help add just a little something extra while everyone winds down from the big day!
Let guests know what you’re serving with these adorable little tags from nicepackage.etsy.com. Bonus for using recycled materials…they’re made from recycled security envelopes!
Photo credit: nicepackage.etsy.com
Vintage paper straws (available on Etsy or Ebay) help make mimosas even more fun.
Photo credit: Bridal Bar Blog
Paper placemats are inexpensive and, since paper comes in every color and pattern imaginable, can be customized to match your colors and theme.
Photo credit: Twig and Thistle
Want to have a buffet or picnic brunch? Don’t forget the silverware…packaged in adorable little envelopes from Squeedles on Etsy.
Photo Credit: Squeedles on Etsy.com
And my favorite idea…custom crossword puzzles! I personally love doing them and Sunday mornings are famous for their crosswords.
Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings
There are a ton of companies out there that can make a custom crossword for you, or you can use Crossword Weaver by Variety Games to try your own hand at one.
But, if you’re anything like me, you’re not about to attempt a crossword in pen, so you’re going to need a pencil to write with…DIY and/or customized of course!
These “Oh Happy Day” pencils from Earmark on Etsy fit the bill perfectly!
Photo credit: Earmark on Etsy.com
Or you could wrap your own pencils in whatever paper you’d like (tutorial available from Design*Sponge).
Photo credit: Design*Sponge
I can’t wait to try the pencil tutorial (and those waffles)