Best wishes, you are engaged!  Now it’s time to plan the wedding!  One of the most fun and exciting beginnings of planning a wedding is attending your first bridal show.  It is always a good idea to ask your fiancée, and your family or his family to attend too.  The maid of honor can also be helpful.  The bridal show will give them all true insight into the services and price points bridal professional have.  It will also allow them to see the variety of services you may need or want to contract.

Preparing for the bridal show will be helpful; allowing you to get the most value for your time.

Here are some suggestions that will make your visit successful:

1.  Try to arrive at the beginning while vendors are fresh and samples flourish.
2. Eat a good breakfast.  You’ll be sampling lots of wedding cake and reception foods.  Prepare for a sugar high!
3. Allow plenty of time so that you don’t feel rushed.
4. Make sure to take pre printed address labels with you including your name, contact information, wedding date and ceremony site/ reception site with you.  This will allow you to register for giveaways easily and for the wedding professional to be able to contact you.
5. Ask one of your companions to bring a tote.  The bridal show should provide one for you and sometimes all guests, but just in case……..This way you will have plenty of room for information etc.
6. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  You will probably be on your feet for up to three hours.
7. Take bottled water.  Lots of talking= lots of fluids.
8. Be prepared to ask questions and answer questions about your wedding.  Take a list of vendors and sites you have already contracted to refer to.  No need to give this to any of the vendors, just something for you to refer to if needed.
9. Make sure to carry your planner, just in case you would like to schedule an appointment.
10.  Enjoy!  It is going to be so much fun to meet the wedding vendors, see their wares and meet other brides!
11.  Savor each moment and smile; you’re planning the biggest day of your life!

by Kim