The question has been popped, the answer was yes, and every available wedding magazine has been purchased. Now, it is time to gather your friends and family and head to some of St. Louis’ best wedding shows. While very exciting and inspiring, wedding shows are often also very overwhelming for many brides because they are introduced to all of the best wedding vendors, from bridal stores to florists to venues, all in one place. Just in January alone, Mia Grace Bridal will be attending three of the best wedding shows in the St. Louis area:
No matter what show you are going to, we want to make sure all brides get the most out of their experience at the show. Here are 10 tips on how to get the most out of the wedding shows you attend.
First off, pre-register so that you save both time and money on the day off. No long lines, no extra time spent filling out forms, and usually there is a discount for registering early.
Allow yourself lots of time, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to work your way through the entire show, visit all the vendors you want to meet with, and of course catch the bridal fashion show!
Have a game plan. Before you head to the show, create a list of the wedding services you need, and try to have an estimated budget for each service.
Bring pre-printed labels - include your name, wedding date, wedding location, mailing address and wedding email address that you can have readily available to give each of the vendors you meet. It will save you a lot of time that you would be filling out forms and prevent a possible hand cramp!
Bring your appointment book so if you find a vendor that you like you can set a consultation right then and there, especially because many vendors offer discounts if you book an appointment that day.
If you know what your wedding colors or theme, bring your ideas with you, a vendor may have some ideas on how to pull it all together.
Follow the “Two-Bag” Rule – most show will give you a bag of some sort for you to carry all of your handouts and swag you get from vendors, and you will be surprised how quickly it fills up. But, by the time you get home and lay it all out on the carpet, you won’t remember one vendor’s handout from another vendor’s, but buried in there is the ONE business card you need but you can’t seem to find it. Instead, follow the “Two-Bag” rule. Bring another bag, or use your purse, for when you walk away from a vendor’s booth and decide right then if their business card goes in Bag A (the keeper) or Bag B.
Take notes; don’t just collect collateral and swag. (Make sure to bring a small notebook and pen!)
Bring your maid-of-honor, a bridesmaid, or at least one of your friends.
10. Lastly, wear comfy shoes because you will be walking a lot and fuel up beforehand, it will be a busy day!