Attending a wedding show is like stepping into a wonderland of wedding inspiration. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and filled with endless possibilities for your big day. But how do you make the most of it without getting lost in the sea of tulle and vendor booths? As experienced wedding planners, we’re here to guide you through successfully navigating wedding shows so you leave inspired, informed, and on track to create the wedding of your dreams.
Let’s dive into our expert tips on how to prepare, what to look for, and how to make wedding shows work for you!
Know What You Want Before You Go
Wedding shows are brimming with options, from florists to photographers and everything in between. To make the most of your time:
Define Your Priorities: Know which aspects of your wedding you need to focus on. Are you looking for a caterer, venue, or DJ? Having a clear vision helps you stay on track.
Create a Vision Board: Whether it’s on Pinterest or a physical board, compile images and ideas to bring with you. Vendors love seeing your style so they can tailor their pitches to your aesthetic.
Set Your Budget: Be prepared to discuss pricing with vendors. Knowing your limits ensures you’re connecting with vendors within your range.
Pre-Register and Plan Your Day
Wedding shows can get crowded, and the best booths are often the busiest. To maximize your experience:
Pre-Register Online: Many shows offer discounts or incentives for early registration. Plus, it saves you time at check-in.
Research the Vendor List: Check the show’s website to see which vendors will be there. Highlight the ones you want to visit and prioritize those booths.
Plan Your Timing: Arrive early to beat the crowds and have more one-on-one time with vendors. If possible, plan to stay for the entire event to take in everything.
Dress Comfortably and Bring Essentials
Wedding shows often mean walking, standing, and carrying materials. Be prepared with:
Comfortable Shoes: Trust us—heels are not your friend here.
A Tote Bag or Backpack: Vendors will shower you with brochures, samples, and swag. A sturdy bag helps you keep it all organized.
Notebook and Pen: Take notes on vendors you loved, ideas that sparked your interest, and questions you have.
Pre-Printed Labels: Save time filling out forms by bringing labels with your name, wedding date, and contact info. Vendors will love you for it!
Ask the Right Questions
You’re meeting potential vendors who could make or break your big day. Don’t shy away from asking detailed questions:
What’s your availability for our wedding date?
What’s your experience with our chosen venue or wedding style?
Do you offer customizable packages?
Can we see examples of your work or client testimonials?
What’s your deposit policy, and when is the final payment due?
Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
Many vendors offer exclusive discounts for couples who book at the wedding show. Be prepared to:
Bring Your Calendar: If you’re ready to book, having your availability on hand is essential.
Ask About Show Specials: Vendors often offer discounts, freebies, or upgrades for signing contracts at the event.
Negotiate Smartly: If you love a vendor but need time to think, ask if they’ll honor the discount for a short period after the show.
Stay Organized Post-Show
After collecting stacks of brochures and business cards, you’ll need a system to sort through everything:
Create Categories: Divide materials into categories like “Must-Have,” “Maybe,” and “Not for Us.”
Follow Up Quickly: Vendors meet hundreds of couples at shows, so reach out soon to remind them who you are and ask any follow-up questions.
Schedule Consultations: Narrow your list and set up meetings with your top vendors to discuss your needs in detail.
Keep an Open Mind
While it’s great to have a plan, some of the best ideas come when you least expect them:
Explore New Trends: Wedding shows are the perfect place to discover unique ideas, from interactive photo booths to cutting-edge decor.
Talk to Vendors Outside Your List: You may fall in love with a vendor or service you hadn’t considered.
Engage with Fellow Couples: Chatting with other couples can give you fresh ideas and insights.
8. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Wedding planning can be stressful, but wedding shows are meant to be an enjoyable part of the journey. Take time to:
Sample the Food: Many caterers offer delicious samples. Enjoy the perks of being a bride or groom-to-be!
Snap Photos: Document your favorite setups, floral arrangements, or unique details for future reference.
Soak in the Inspiration: From runway shows to stunning decor displays, let yourself be inspired.
Why Hiring a Wedding Planner Makes Wedding Shows Even Better
Here’s a little secret: having a wedding planner by your side makes navigating wedding shows a breeze. As professionals, we know how to:
Guide You to the Right Vendors: Based on your style and budget, we’ll steer you toward vendors that fit your needs.
Ask the Hard Questions: We know what to look for and what red flags to avoid.
Save You Time and Stress: With our expertise, you can focus on enjoying the experience while we handle the details.
Let’s Create Your Dream Wedding Together
Wedding shows are a fantastic way to kickstart your planning journey, but having an experienced team like Elegant Affairs by your side makes all the difference. With over 19 years of wedding planning expertise in Seattle and Tacoma, we’re here to ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.
Ready to dive into wedding planning? Let’s chat! Book a complimentary consultation today, and let’s start bringing your vision to life.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.