YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR

Just like that, it’s January and you realize this is the year that you are getting married.  Panic starts to set in, but don’t fret, January means bridal show season.  Grab your friends or fiance and make a fun day of it.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR LOVING THE BRIDAL SHOW EXPERIENCE

1. Stay close. Try to pick a wedding show that is not an hour away. Going to appointments may be hard and you may have to pay for the vendor’s travel and accommodations for your wedding.
2. Don’t go alone. Bring someone who can give you opinions and also help you remember what you liked. Make sure that whoever you bring is willing to walk around for hours and carry bags.
3. Bring a bag.  Even something that rolls is good. Most bridal shows and their vendors will give out bags, but not all do. You will receive a lot of info and gifts to carry.
4. Have a plan. Start at one end of the venue and go up and down the rows so you do not miss anything. Do not forget the booths in the corners or against the walls.
5. Make labels. Make labels with your name, event date, email address, and phone number. Many booths you stop at or even the bridal show itself will have some sort of raffle. It will get tiring if you have to write out every ballot you are given. 
6. Bring a pen. When you are given a card or pamphlet from a vendor, write a little note on it to remind you who they are. It may be very overwhelming to go through all of the info you will receive and you may forget which vendor you spoke to about what.
7. Talk to the vendors. Everyone is working hard for their businesses and is willing to stand there for 3 days. Do not walk by them like they are a nuisance. You can simply say you have already hired a photographer or say thank you for the info and you will contact them once you have figured things out.  You may actually surprise yourself and like the person you are talking to. After all, you will have to work with this person all day if you hire them. A good vendor is not just about how they decorate their booth.
8. Be Courteous. Do not just enter a booth for the candy!
9. Keep it simple. . Making appointments with all of the vendors you met at the bridal show will be too confusing and overwhelming.  Go through all of the information you have received and pick 3 vendors from each category that you would like to contact. Keeping your budget in mind will help with this as well.
10. REPEAT. There are many bridal shows you can attend in January and February. Don’t be worried if you don’t find someone at the first show you attend.