How to Survive the Bridal Show Whirlwind

How to Survive the Bridal Show Whirlwind

He asked you to marry him. You said yes (of course). Now what? Wedding planning causes stress and it is an activity that many people dread. When are you going to find the time to read every wedding planning book on the market and make educated wedding planning decisions? One of the smartest wedding planning miracles appeared in the late 1980s. The Bridal Show is an excellent opportunity for you to talk to a wide variety of wedding professionals as well as gather information, prices, and new ideas all in one place.

Bridal Shows also create overwhelming feelings in many Brides. The following tips will provide you with helpful answers on how to survive any Bridal Show and make the most out of the experience.

1. Most Bridal Shows run from 3 to 5 hours. Plan to spend a minimum of 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours at the show. This will vary based on your planning needs.

2. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Most facilities only have space to sit while viewing a fashion show. Keep in mind that you will spend most of your time walking, standing, and talking.
3. Ask key people in your wedding planning process to attend the show with you. It is good to have Mom, your fiancé, and/or your bridesmaids to bounce ideas off of and keep things in perspective.

4. Most Bridal Shows charge admission. Listen to local radio stations and check out newspapers, the internet, or local wedding vendors for possible discount coupons or offers. Many vendors offer discounts for purchasing their products or services the day of the bridal show, so it may be wise to ask if you aren't sure.

5. Car pool to the show if possible. Very few Bridal Shows offer FREE parking.

6. If you must bring children with you to the show, ask someone to accompany you who can watch the children as you visit the booths.

7. Bring a roll (or sheet) of pre-addressed name and address labels. Many shows as well as vendors offer FREE registration for door prizes and give-a-ways.

8. Bring a swatch of material or ribbon in your wedding colors. This will give both you and the vendors a better visualization of your wedding ideas.

9. Register for any/all prizes that interest you. Keep in mind that by you registering for these prizes you are granting permission for those vendors to contact you (via phone, mail, or email).

10. Most shows supply the vendors (present at the show) with a Bridal listing (of those who attended the show) after the event. You may receive information from vendors who you did not actually register for a prize or talk to.

11. Pick up a Vendor listing or Vendor map when you enter the show. This will help you make notes about those professionals you talked to at the show.

12. Take the time to look at all booths and not just those vendors that you think you need services or products. You will gather many new ideas as well as helpful hints in many cases.

13. Focus on getting as much information from wedding providers for the services/products that you need to most.

14. Pace yourself. You will only have a short amount of time to talk to the wedding professionals in the areas where you need assistance. Get as much information in writing as possible. Find out when you can schedule a private appointment or consultation.

15. Bring a date book or calendar so you can schedule appointments with specific wedding vendors.

16. Do not make decisions the day of the show unless you previously talked to that vendor. Any vendors who offer show specials should offer a deadline after the show date.

17. Some retail specialized vendors may offer wedding items (cards, veils, etc.) for sale at the show. Ask about return policies if you are unsure that the item will match your wedding plans.

18. Ask if the show price is available if you purchase within the next week of the show.

19. Unless you already have all of your bridal and wedding party attire purchased (or rented), plan to attend the Fashion/Style Show.

20. A Bridal Show Style/Fashion show offers more than just wedding dresses. In many cases you will see bridesmaid’s dresses, shoes, tuxedoes for the guys, flower girl dresses, formals for Moms, flowers, etc. You will probably also hear music and possibly see MCs (Master of Ceremonies) work.

21. Take notes at the Fashion Show. Also, most shows allow picture taking, so bring your camera or camera phone. Photos will help you remember more details.


22. If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is just that. Get all specifics in writing so you can review them prior to committing to a wedding service or product.

23. Wants and needs are very different. Keep your wedding budget in mind and be realistic when looking at specific areas. In service specific areas such as DJs, photographers, etc., keep in mind that you only get one chance to "do it right." A cheap price usually equals cheap service.

24. Have your wedding vision in mind when you are talking to vendors. Bring photos or drawings if possible. Be open to new ideas. Be wary if a vendor is not listening to you or tries to pressure you in a different direction. Make sure to ask if and how the vendor will accommodate your needs if you hire them.

25. Try samples at the show. This is a good road test for cakes, punch, appetizers, and more. Vendors are at the show to attract business. Most present their best tasting or most popular samples to Brides.

26. Take time to look at Photographers' sample books and Video Artist video montages. These will give you great examples of those professionals' styles. The dresses and flowers may be pretty in the photos, so try to focus on the styles themselves.

27. If a particular service or product is not represented at the show ask questions and/or get information from vendors who may have a similar service/product. They may offer those options or be able to direct you to a professional in that particular area.

28. If you feel many products or services are not represented at the Bridal Show, mention this to the show manager.

29. Ask vendors if they offer in-store workshops or classes on their specialty after the show. This will give you additional opportunities to learn as well as see how committed vendors are to their clients and potential clients.

30. Take advantage of vendor’s FREE try-ons. Many shows offer hair styling, mini makeovers, veil and tiara fittings, ring cleaning, dance lessons, and more.

31. Make sure to pick up a FREE wedding planner. Most shows offer one of their own or vendors may supply the books to the Brides.

32. Many shows offer small bags to carry your information. Bring your own bag just in case. You will have a lot of information to carry.

33. If you like a particular person at a vendor booth; be sure to get their business card or write their name down for future reference.

34. Be prepared for vendors to tell you that your date is booked. Ask them who they would trust to provide that service for their wedding or their child's wedding. Then check out that vendor.

35. If a vendor says that your particular times are unavailable ask them if their services are available earlier or later on that date. Some vendors are able to do multiple events on the same day.

36. If a vendor says that they are a member of the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or other professional group, take note and follow up after the show.

37. Be ready for wedding vendors to ask you if you need their services/products. Be honest with them if you have already hired someone. Saying,” I’m not sure," means (to them) that you have not hired someone.

38. If a vendor sounds overpriced, ask them what you will get for the fees that they charge. Service is a key difference between many companies. Ask for other package prices if you are interested in the vendor's services/products.

39. Put extensive education into areas of your wedding that you really love.
If the dress is important, but not the tux, have the guys wear suits.
If you want a great entertainer, then you may want to forego the surf and turf dinner. People will remember whether they had fun or not, but may forget what they ate during your wedding.
40. If your favorite facility is booked for your date, you may want to change the date.

41. Ask vendors up front for a list of optional or hidden fees.

42. If having a Master of Ceremonies (MC) at your wedding reception is important to you, be sure to ask entertainers if they offer that service at no extra charge and find out how much experience they have.

43. Take time to make a second trip around the Bridal Show. Try to go in the opposite direction that you went the first time. Seeing things at a different angle or perspective will help you get a whole picture of the vendors at the show. This will also give you a chance to talk to vendors that were very busy the first time that you went around the show.

44. Be sure to fill out any exit survey that the Show Manager may offer. This will help make improvements for future Brides as well as let the Show Manager know what was good or bad about the show.


Take your accumulated information, notes, and photos home. Go through these items within a couple of days of the Bridal Show. You will have the clearest thoughts soon after the show rather than weeks or months later.


A side note: You may need to attend more than one Bridal Show before your planning is completed. Just think that you are now an experienced Bridal Show attendee. You have your tools and you can plan your wedding with less stress.