Tips on How to Prep for Wedding Shows & Expos

Bridal shows and wedding expos provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a diverse array of vendors all in one place, on a single day. Esteemed wedding businesses, with a proven track record in orchestrating weddings, actively participate in these events to engage with you on a personal level. This face-to-face interaction allows them to showcase their products or services, address your inquiries, and create a meaningful connection.

As an engaged couple, attending these shows enables you to compare similar vendors side by side, helping you identify the ones that align best with your style, personality, and specific wedding requirements. Planning a wedding is an intimate process, and choosing vendors with whom you resonate is crucial for ensuring a harmonious collaboration on your big day.

When it comes to attending wedding shows, it can all become overwhelming pretty quickly. What should you bring, what questions should you ask, who should come with you? We’ll help you through every step of the way.

Entering a room filled with more than 100 wedding vendors, all eager to engage in conversation, may appear daunting. These tips listed below will help calm your nerves so you can not only get some productive answers to your most pressing questions but also have a great time.

1. Create an email address solely for wedding planning to avoid inbox overflow.

Having a separate account just for your wedding – for contacting vendors or receiving helpful Wedding Planning Information – will make sure your inbox isn’t overflowing. It will keep you from having to scroll through all your work, personal and other emails just to find ones that pertain to your Wedding.

ONE PLACE FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING PLANNING
By creating a wedding email, you’ll be able to keep all of your wedding-related information in one place. Requests for more information, appointment confirmations, and contract drafts are all easily accessible and easy to find! Want even more organization? Create folders for separate categories! One for contracts, one for contact information, one for planning tips, etc!

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE
Getting ambushed by emails that don’t pertain to you is annoying. Who has time to unsubscribe to every company they gave their email to? By having one email where everything is sent, you can easily deactivate it after your wedding.

2. Decide what vendors you still need:

If you are in the very beginning stages of Planning you might need everything for your Wedding. In that case make a list that prioritizes what you want to accomplish first, then second and so on. For example booking your venue might be first, then maybe a Photographer, then DJ, Florists etc. If you have booked a venue you might want to focus on a DJ or Photography. You also might want to make a list of “extras” you might consider if your budget allows such as renting decor, having a videographer, a photo booth, custom invitations, dessert bar etc.

Just make sure you go in with a PLAN so that you can utilize your time most effectively to accomplish getting key vendors that you still need.

 3. WHO Should I Bring with Me?

Our shows can get crowded, so we don’t suggest bringing your entire wedding party. However, a few key people who have helped you plan your wedding up to this point – mom, mother-in-law, maid-of-honor, and fiancé – would be helpful in making decisions. Inviting a few people who have done this before, can give you advice and keep you on budget, help you pick out your dress, or remind you which vendors you loved after the show ends will be beneficial toward you. Kids under 6 are free, but keep in mind that strollers can make getting around a bit harder and kids tire easily.

4. Bring a NOTEBOOK, FOLDER/BINDER & PEN

Definitely bring a notebook and pen! We know you will have an information overload by the end of the show, so taking notes on what each vendor offers, any specials they have, and the name of who you spoke to will go a long way when you’re trying to remember which DJ you liked or cake sample you loved. Though Claiborne Productions will give you a free tote bag (while supplies last), we recommend you consider bringing a Folder or Binder to organize Business Cards, Brochures and Handouts the vendors give you. Organizing your papers rather than just throwing them all in your tote bag will help you after the show. You might want to put all your “favorites” on one side and then the “others” on the other side.

6. QUESTIONS!

Bring a list of prepared questions. Decide what is important to you when it comes to flowers, menus, music, desserts, photography/videography, rentals, etc. Will your DJ or musicians expect dinner? Does your caterer charge a delivery fee? How many hours does your photographer provide on your wedding day? It is important to listen to what the vendors can offer you but be sure you are telling them what you want. Many vendors have different packages and options so be sure if you don’t see what you are looking for to ask if they can provide it. They love getting questions from you so don’t be afraid to ask!!