Florists, soloists, caterers, dresses, tuxes, transportation—there’s so much to do and so many vendors to call when planning a wedding. Why not kill about 50 birds with one stone by attending a local bridal fair or expo? Bridal fairs are great ways to meet with multiple vendors, try out some tasty treats and see some gorgeous gowns without running around town (trust me, running around will come soon enough). While they are helpful, would you believe there is actually an art to attending these events? I learned that bit of information the first and last time I went to a bridal fair last winter and I’m happy to share what I learned so you can have a positive, successful and fabulous time attending bridal fairs.
Photo credit: San Fernando Valley Sun
Buy Tickets in Advance
If available, you should think about purchasing tickets in advance. Advance-ticket prices may be a little cheaper and there may be an incentive to buying early like drawings or prizes.
Get There Early
Who doesn’t like free stuff? Samples go fast so you want to consider getting there early so you have first dibs on any of the swag.
Eat a Light, Nutritious Breakfast
If you plan on being at the fair all day, I suggest eating a light breakfast. Sure, you’ll be sampling cream puffs and cake with fondant and raspberry filling, but you will need the strength to get through the crowds of brides and their moms. With that said, don’t spend a dime on concessions. Usually there is plenty of food to try and water to drink. I guarantee you will be full of cheese balls and pigs in a blanket by the end of the day.
Have a Plan of Attack
One way to get overwhelmed at these things is to go in without a plan. Plan ahead and find out which vendors are going to be there and which ones you definitely want to talk to. Most bridal fairs feature a map or layout of the floor so you can plan accordingly. Once you’ve hit all your must-see vendors, you can go visit others, but at least you covered all your bases first.
Photo credit: sweetjulias.wordpress.com
Start at the Back
Almost inevitably, when patrons enter the fair, they will congregate at booths in the front. So, why not head straight to the booths in the back and work your way to the front. You’ll avoid the crowds and have more time to spend with your vendors.
Bring Name and Address Labels
Unless you want your hand to fall off filling out contact information, I strongly recommend pre-printed address labels. With your hands full of magazines and bags of goodies, it’s a pain to dig around to find a pen and write the same information over and over again. With a label, you can just stick it and walk away.
Take Notes
Be sure to write down which vendors you liked or want to research further. There are so many vendors that by the time you get home, it’s hard to remember who you met.
Have Fun
This is the most important tip. Bridal fairs are an excellent way to bond with the moms, dads, bridal parties, whoever, while getting some great ideas for your wedding. With these tips, you will be on your way to surviving your next bridal fair.
Photo credit: bridalexpochicago.com
What tips do you have for surviving bridal fairs?
Image Credits: San Fernando Valley Sun, sweetjulias.wordpress.com, bridalexpochicago.com
The Name Change Game
Photo Credit: Snippet and Ink
Keep in mind that the following steps are a guide and vary slightly from state to state. For specific instructions, your local courthouse can give you more information. This will at least give you an idea of what to expect.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE - Request a copy of your certified marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds in the County you were married in. It should arrive in the mail fairly quickly. This is the document that most places want/need.
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD - Take the marriage certificate and your old drivers license down to the social security office to request a new social security card. The new card should arrive within a couple of weeks. For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration website.
DRIVERS LICENSE - Take the new social security card and your marriage certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles to request a new driver’s license. Most agencies can issue this on the spot.
Photo Credit: Single Frame Cinema
Now the fun begins:
Bank
Employer
Mortgage Company (separate from personal bank)
Credit Cards
Store Credit Cards
Passport
Doctor’s Offices
- Eye
- Primary Care
- Dentist
- Specialist
- Chiropractor
Insurance
- Health
- Vision
- Dental
- Life
- Car
- Homeowners / Rental
Health Club / Gym
Library
Book Clubs
Magazine Subscriptions
Email Accounts
Utilities
- Electric
- Water
- Gas
- Cable Company
- Internet
Cell Phone
Student Loans
School / College
Retirement plans
Attorney
Accountant
* This is just a list to get you started. Every individual is different!
To avoid multiple trips to and from home it is smart bring along the big three (new drivers license, new social security card and marriage certificate). In researching this article, I received 20 different responses in what bank needed what. Some banks and employers need a copy of EVERYTHING while some “mom and pop” employers just need word of mouth confirmation of your new nuptials. What I am trying to say is that no two businesses or agencies are alike! It’s better to be prepared to avoid anger and frustration
Good luck!!