What are Bridal Shows and Expos? Tips on Attending

Often times when you are looking and shopping around for a photographer, an event planner, DJ, or any other vendor it takes an incredible amount of time. By doing most of your negotiations and making your contacts at the bridal show you might even get better deals by bouncing back and forth between multiple vendors or competitors.



If you haven’t been to a bridal show yet, they are a really interesting event. Sometimes they are free, sometimes they cost $2 to $5 other times they are even more pricey. In reality though, they aren’t that expensive to attend, because most of the costs are covered by the vendors by renting or buying a booth in hopes of you booking them for your wedding.



While you are at the bridal show, you can check out the DJ’s, listen to tracks, do cake taste testing, see photographers albums, and get to know the people that could be at your wedding.



Before going, be sure to have a budget in-mind for each vendor and a total budget. Plan to spend at least a few hours if your serious. Some shows last 7 or more hours and be prepared to make decisions and possible contract signing. Remember that photographers and DJ’s might only be able to do one event per day, so check the date first before wasting time talking to certain vendors.



Remember that a bridal show is there to help you make decisions, and check out vendors in your local area. You are NOT obligated to book anyone at the show, sign any contracts, or make any choices at that time if you don’t want to. It's okay to say "no".



So have fun, relax, and go taste some good food and cake at your local bridal show.