The past 6 weeks have been crazy busy for me (just how I like it)! I decided this year to invest in a few bridal shows in Los Angeles. When I was planning my own wedding I only attended 1 bridal show, but I still remember some of the vendors that I met. Unfortunately I didn’t save their info, and now I don’t know how to find them. 
I definitely took my own experience into consideration when I planned to be a vendor in a bridal show and came up with some helpful tips to share with brides.
1. Take notes! Yes, every vendor will have literature and giveaways with their branding stamped all over it, but after you meet 25 vendors, your going to have a hard time remembering all the extra information they give you. Also, vendors have a wealth of knowledge and are often more than happy to share referrals and advice that will help you with your planning process. It also helps to bring a long a friend that will take the notes for you, so you can focus on the conversation.
2. Write out a list of what you need and questions you need to ask before you go to the show. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to the details of wedding planning. I’m still discovering new stuff myself. Its very easy to get sidetracked and overwhelmed at a show. Your questions and priorities may change after you’ve met with a few professionals, but at least you won’t feel like a deer in the headlights when someone asks you how many tray passed hor d’oeuvres you want at your cocktail hour.
3. Know your budget. Its fine to shop around to get budget ideas at these events, but if you are in the booking stage, have a number in mind. Wedding vendors book up quickly, and chances are if you’re planning a Saturday wedding there are at least 4 other brides at the same event with your date.
4. Book follow up meetings. Give yourself an opportunity to have a more intimate experience with vendors, see more work, and ask questions that you may have not asked at the show.
5. Limit yourself on the number of vendors you meet with. Don’t confuse yourself with price shopping 16 different photographers. Trust me, it will only make things harder for you. If the stars align and you happen to find a vendor that you like and the numbers are right, don’t fight the feeling. Sign on the dotted line.
More tricks of the trade:
- Stay for the giveaways and take advantage of the freebies. Who can’t use a little bit of free when planning a wedding?
- Make sticker labels with your name, email, phone number and wedding date, so you don’t have to write out your info at every booth.
- If you can’t stand email marketing, make a separate email account dedicated to wedding planning. Just don’t forget to check it, most vendors send out time sensitive information.
- Arrive early for the mega-swag bags and vendor hand outs. Arrive later (or just stay later) for less congestion and a more relaxed one-on-one experience.
The team at the Everything Wedding Bridal Show at the Adamson House in Malibu. (L to R: Stephanie, Monique, Mo Wooley) Celebration Portraits teamed up with Make Up by Mo Woolley to offer an incredible show special with all the bells and whistles. Wedding day make up included!
Booth set up at the Porter Valley Country Club Bride Expo (iPhone picture)
Monique was supposed to be helping me at the booth, but she decided to go be in the runway show instead. 
(iPhone Picture… ok so clearly I don’t have a 4s)
I also showcased at the Premier Bridal Show in Pasadena, but my booth was too big to take a picture with the iPhone!
Thanks to everyone who came to the shows and stopped by my booths! Happy planning!
