So you're newly engaged after the holidays and Valentine's Day? First, congratulations! I could not be more excited for you and I say that genuinely! Show off that gorgeous new ring! I'd love to see it, so PLEASE put a picture in the comments!!
Second, it's the perfect time to be engaged! Even if you have no idea where to start and haven't set a date yet. Why? Because it's Wedding Show season!! If you follow us on Instagram, you know we have been attending them too--to see the latest and greatest trends in weddings! In January, we attended Unveiled (one of our favorite shows), which was beyond amazing! From the fashion show, to the organized one-way route through the vendors, that ensured you didn't miss ANYTHING, we were in awe!
We even got to keep the champagne glass from the fashion show!
Unveiled was only ONE of the many other wedding shows--including The Wedding Fair (held in January this year), The Twin Cities Bridal Show (coming up this weekend--Feb. 27th), the Minnesota Bridal & Wedding Expo (May 2022), and MORE!
There are so many vendors all in one place, it is a great way to get some ideas for your wedding and figure out what you like and don't like. But honestly, it can be overwhelming IF you don't have a game plan! Here's ours:
1. Have a goal in mind before you get there.
Think about what you want to accomplish by going to the show, which might be different for each bride-to-be, depending on where you are with your wedding planning:
Newly engaged? Go to get ideas on what the trends are and maybe gather some information on venues you like. Just enjoy your time! Maybe follow a few vendors you like on Instagram, so you can get a better idea of their work and decide later if they are serious contenders for your wedding.
Ready to start booking the Big 3: Venue, DJ, & Photographer? Focus your time on talking with these vendors and getting information from them! Many vendors offer discounts for show attendees!
Already have the Big 3? You'll want to make sure you stop to see catering companies, florists, and transportation companies, as these will be next on your "vendors to book" list. Many caterers will have food samples for you to try (Um...yes please!) and florists will usually have flowers on display so you can get an idea of their work.
Most shows will have, at the very least, a list of vendors attending the show on their website. Print out the list and highlight any vendors that you for sure want to check out. Bring it with you to the show!
2. Take Your Time and Don't Feel Pressured
Once you get there, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the crowds and all the different vendors. Stay focused, and stick to your game plan. When you meet a vendor you're interested in, take the time to talk to their representatives and ask questions. Find out what makes them unique and what services they offer. You might be surprised by their answer!
If a vendor approaches you and they offer a service you've already booked, you can simply say, "Sorry, I've already booked my (entertainment, venue, caterer, photographer)." That way you're not wasting your time...or theirs!
If a vendor pressures you to book their services that day, but you're not ready yet, simply say, "I'm not ready to make a decision today." Feel free to leave your email address or get theirs if you'd like to get more information from them.
3. Have Fun!
Don't go alone! Bring a couple of your nearest and dearest to share in the fun and excitement of it all.
Opt in for the fashion shows! They're just fun!
Sign up for the freebies! You never know what you might win--a stay in a nice hotel, a manicure, dinner for two, or a nice bottle of wine!
Take pictures of things you like! At Unveiled, we thought this presentation of some mini bottles of wine was so cute, we just had to take a snap! Wouldn't this be a cute wedding favor? Or great invitation for a bachelorette party? We have so many ideas!
Have you been to any wedding shows yet? Do you have a different game plan? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear from you!