Looking for some helpful tips for attending the show? Well I can give you a couple of pointers being as how I was once in your shoes. Here are some things that we did while attending the bridal show back in 2008.
1. I created large address labels with my name, my now husband's name, address, phone number e-mail account and wedding date. I printed off several sheets of these and took them with me, then when I stopped to chat with a vendor and they asked for my info (or I wanted to enter a drawing) I simply peeled off the sticker and slapped it onto their info cards. It may not seem like much but trust me after filling out 4 or 5 of those same things you'll thank me!
2. For the e-mail address since I didn't want to get a ton of spam I created a free account on gmail.com and used that for registering on PWG's website and used that on my address labels to hand out to vendors. I still checked that account daily but I wanted to keep all that stuff separate from my main e-mail account. Over the years THAT e-mail has turned into my main e-mail account. Haha Oh well.
3. Wear comfortable walking shoes, I can't stress this enough! You will be walking around and standing for long periods of time. Some vendors (such as myself) will be kind enough to provide a couple extra chairs for the happy couple to sit in while discussing their special day with us. However there is still a lot of walking so be prepared.
4. If your like me and just loving every minute of planning your wedding you might want to spend a lot of time there. So wear comfortable clothes too, pack a sweater in case you get chilly but also wear a short sleeved shirt under it in case you get warm from all that walking.
5. Bring some money! I believe they will be having a concession stand and I'm sure you'll get hungry and or thirsty. If they will allow it bring a bottle of water in with you, you want to stay well hydrated!
6. Bring your check book, if you think you might want to book with a vendor to make sure you get YOUR day booked with one you really connect with. Most vendors require some sort of deposit for reserving your date. I'm sure there will also be some that accept credit cards but better safe then sorry.
7. Have a list of things you still need, have whats most important to you at the top of the list and look for those vendors. Make sure you talk to ones you are interested in as much as possible, make sure you find one that fits your personalities. Especially when booking a photographer as they will be working with you ALL day long! Make sure you ask lots of questions. It might be helpful to have a list of questions you need answers to with you. If not schedule a consultation with vendors of choice, most offer this for free... I know I do!
8. If you want to be REALLY organized (like I did) carry along a small file folder. I had one that had a nice handle on it and it had several slots that I pre-labeled so I was able to file each vendor according to what they offered. (I.E Photographers, Dresses, Venues, Caterers, Music, etc) Then as you visit each table take any business cards/pamphlets and file them in the correct category. That way when you get home you can eliminate the ones you don't need! Was so simple!
9. Take time to rest, if your like me and not really into the whole "fashion show" then sit and watch even just a part of it to give yourself a little break. Or use that time to visit with vendors as they might not be as busy during the fashion shows because so many people will be watching that.
10. Most of all HAVE FUN! This is a magical time in your life! Don't stress about the small stuff, don't worry if you don't have much time left to plan your wedding everything comes together in the end and it will be much better to look back and say "Wow that was so fun!" instead of "Wow that was so stressful".
Highlights Studios will be at booth number 168 so stop by and enter to win our free drawing which will include a free engagement session plus a DVD high resolution copy of ALL of your engagement pictures. We will have some of our work on display and just getting to know as many people as we can. I am a very big people person so I am really looking forward to that part. So make sure you drop by and say hi! Take a look at our work and if you want to book your special day with us! We WILL be accepting bookings that day and we will be giving a 10% discount off to couples who take advantage of the day and book with us! So come over and say Hi! Even if you don't book with us we'd love to meet you!
