Bridal Show Savvy: Tips Every Bride Should Know

by Sharon LeCompte

Planning a wedding is an experience that can be exciting and scary at the same time. There are so many decisions to make while the clock ticks away. Music...dresses...invitations...flowers...these thoughts clutter the mind and leaves little time to enjoy the whole wedding planning experience. One way to help simplify the wedding planning process is to attend a bridal show. A bridal show is basically a one stop shopping experience where local vendors gather under one roof to show their products to potential customers. Florists, photographers, bridal salons and more are available to you to offer their services and expert advice. Visiting with the different bridal vendors in one location makes it easy to compare prices and services and in turn, to save you time and money. There are several do's and don'ts when it comes to bridal show shopping. Here is a list of tips to help you to become a savvy bridal show shopper.

Tip# 1: Register Before the Show Most Admission is discounted or free if you register prior to the show.

Tip#2 Wear Comfortable Shoes You will be doing a lot of walking.

Tip #3 Return Address Labels Bring along a roll of return address stickers. These are useful for prize drawings. Use the stickers rather than filling out the entry forms.

Tip#4 Bring Pen and Paper You will need to take notes to remember what the vendors tell you.

Tip#5 Browse but Don't Buy Meet with the bridal vendors to see what they have to offer but don't be pressured to book their services at the show. Take information with you to go over at home.

Tip#6 Ask Questions Bring a list of questions to ask the bridal vendors. They are there to help you. Jot down any price quotes or tips they may have to offer.

Tip#7 Create a New E-mail Account Register for a free e-mail address that you can use when filling out forms. When the wedding is over you can cancel the account and not receive any unwanted wedding information.

Tip#8 Gather Information Take as much literature home as you can. What you may not be interested in today, you may decide tomorrow that you would like to try.

Tip#9 Rate Bridal Vendor Information Bring a marker or colored pen to rate the vendor information on a scale of 1-10 (10 being best). Mark the flier or business card of the bridal vendor with your rating so you can remember how interested you are in what they are selling.

Tip#10 Bring Along a Friend It is fun to have someone to share the experience with and to offer a second opinion.

Tip#11 Bring Your Checkbook You may want to book a service or give a deposit to hold a date.

Tip#12 Relax and Enjoy Bridal shows can be hectic but don't get overwhelmed. Decisions take time and do not need to be made in one day.

For the perfect keepsake every bride should own visit Keepsake Frames and Flowers.

About the Author

Sharon is a licensed Retail Florist and owner of the website Keepsake Frames and Flowers.com