SWEET FINDS CAN BE HAD AT BRIDAL SHOWS by Jennifer Howell
Low on ideas for your nuptials? Bridal shows can offer you some fresh ideas for everything from reception decor and entertainment, to your gown and make-up. Not to mention freebies, food, and tons of vendors eager to win your business! Indeed these events can have many benefits for the blushing bride and can be an all around fun day focused on planning your wedding.
Besides having numerous vendors to meet and freebies to enjoy, bridal shows can also offer brides great deals and discounts on wedding attire as well as services. It can also be a great way to socialize with other gals headed down the aisle and gather even more ideas and suggestions on vendors. Finally, let's not forget the fun that can be had with the give-aways and fashion shows that normally coincide with bridal shows.
However, on the flip-side, bridal shows can turn into a more negative experience if you do not go in with some sort of a game plan. In fact, they can turn out to be completely useless if you get too inundated with information to remember what you liked and what you hated when you get home. Below I have included some tips from brides that have been there, so that you can get the most out of the next bridal show you attend.
Be wary of who you give your contact info to. When you attend a bridal show usually you will need to register your information. That alone may subject you to telemarketers and a onslaught of spam from numerous businesses and vendors. Consider creating a separate email account for your wedding to give out to vendors and to put on the bridal show registration form. Also, don't feel the need to register for every sweepstakes or giveaway. If it sounds too good to be true, then you probably have to sit through a 3 hour sales seminar to get it.
Research some of the vendors that will be there before you go, to give you a better idea of who you might want to talk to, and what booths you may want to avoid.
If you are offered a free bag, take it. It can come in very handy when you are given info from vendors, so you are not just lugging around a stack of brochures and random trinkets vendors give you.
Speaking of trinkets, remember every freebie you accept is another one you will be carrying around the bridal show with you. If you do not want to lug a bunch of stuff around, consider only taking things you really like (instead of taking it just because its free), or waiting to grab stuff toward when you are getting ready to leave.
Take a pen! While you're at it, take paper and take some notes. Mark brochures and business cards of vendors your like so that when you get home you can remember who you may want to call later, and whose business cards you can toss out.
Don't be a push-over. Regardless of how pushy a vendor can get, do not let them make you feel obligated to use them, or to sign a contract then and there either. If they are a good vendor they will be fine with you sleeping on it, because they know you will be back.
Bring your plastic. This one may seem to contradict my last tip, but if you have done your research, and are set on a vendor or even a dress at the show, you may get a better deal if you put down a deposit or purchase your dress on the spot. This tip is definitely for the brides that know exactly who or what they are looking for. If you are unsure even after researching, you still may want to use the previous tip, or see if they are willing to give you a grace period to change your mind.
Ask questions! The last tip, but the most important! Any good vendor should be happy to answer your questions. If they don't give you the time of day or at least acknowledge your existence as they are answering someone else, keep on walking!
Read more articles by Jennifer Howell
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Georgia Bridal Shows
At A Glance
September
Georgia Bridal Show
Gwinnett Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth (Atlanta), GA 30097
Sunday, September 11, 2011
12:00pm - 5:00pm
- Event Website -
Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show
Omini Hotel At CNN Center 100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303
Sunday, September 18, 2011
12:00pm - 4:00pm
$10 (online)
- Event Website -
October
Great Bridal Expo
GRAND HYATT IN BUCKHEAD
3300 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Sunday, October 16, 2011
12:00 noon
- Event Website -
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