Bridal Shows?

dianaslik

What are y'alls thoughts on bridal shows?
I really want to go to one (even though the bulk of my planning/vendors are already selected...) - partially just for the experience   - and maybe some fun ideas!  (I seem to have missed the big season for them, which appears to pick back up in the Spring)

Are they worth it?

I found this one online and may go check it out (plus it's free)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Free-Bridal-Show/148665305156141?v=info

lesalyric

This one is 10/10/10. - http://www.unveiledweddingevent.com/

I went to two and enjoyed both. It is nice to see what people are doing and get a few ideas. Just don't sign up with your actual phone number or email unless you are very interested in the service. You will receive a thousand messages! Also print address labels with your info ahead of time if you can, it will save your hands from so much writing!

bsn1752

I have been to 2 bridal shows - and I'm not going to anymore.  It's overwhelming, especially if you already have alot of your vendors planned/booked.  And you will get emails/calls FOREVER.

I recommend going to atleast one though - for the experience.  There are definitely alot of good ideas out there (and freebies).  But set up a fake email to give to the vendors!!

Tiffany618

Honestly, I hated them.   There wasn't anything fun about it to me.

rcpm44

I planned the whole wedding by myslef and not once did I go to a bridal show. Our wedding turned out quite nice, if I say so myself. So, it can be done.

cfibelkorn

I have been to two and would not recommend it. I went to one about a year out and then another one about three months ago. I did not find them helpful...I feel like the knot and the internet are better resources for finding vendors.

The one I went to last year seemed to have people offering discounts if you booked them; which is why I went in July this year but then NO ONE was offering discounts.

I say SKIP IT!!

serlace

I went to two and although I did not really enjoy the experience - I did find my florist at one.  That being said I still get emails.  I've even replied and asked to be removed from their list and they still email me.  Frustrating.

SoonToBeMrsHoz

I didn't go to one and didn't feel like I was missing much.

krwinningham

I went to 2 & didn't feel like it helped w/ anything.  I didn't book one vendor that I met there.  Plus, the phone calls you get afterward are HORRIBLE!  It seriously feels like they are stalking me sometimes.  I would not recommend giving out your number. 

fallbride1109

I went to the Dallas bridal show because it was right after I got engaged, I went with my MOH/sister and Donnie Brown was there.  Plus it was before I knew about TK.  I got free magazines and a tote bag and tasted lots of cake but that was about it.

Tiffany618

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_bridal-shows?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:ab6c0c46-21ec-4d70-98e9-96e164c45976Post:09cb142a-fea5-449e-a8ca-8cf5a93b1ab5">Re: Bridal Shows?</a>:
[QUOTE]I I got free magazines and a tote bag and tasted lots of cake but that was about it.
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]

Me too!  Actually, I was so excited about the cake when I went and I think I got 2 1" squares and they weren't very good.

I'm sure there are some great vendors there, but the ones I saw when I went were WAAAY overpriced and not as good as the ones recommended here.

You know those people in the mall that want to sell you soap or fix up your nails?  It's kinda like that...except they give you a "bride" button to wear so you are a walking target.

brooke.anne

waste.of.time. 

I agree with everyone else, set up a different e-mail address and DO NOT give out your phone number. I am still getting multiple calls and e-mails a day. 

serlace

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_bridal-shows?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:ab6c0c46-21ec-4d70-98e9-96e164c45976Post:c86d3879-f33f-4a66-a522-f48c1e0c57d0">Re: Bridal Shows?</a>:
[QUOTE]...except they give you a "bride" button to wear so you are a walking target.
Posted by Tiffany618[/QUOTE]

LOL!!!

carmen9311

i went to two. overall, waste of time. like stephie said, i got free magazines, which was nice, but that's about it!

meghanttu08

I've been to a couple. One just so I can go talk to my photographer and give him some $$ and another I had questions for my DJ. It seems it's just venues and photographers at them. I don't like the men's warehouse/tuxedo junction/al's formalware cus they pressure you into putting a deposit down. They don't understand that it's not my choice..it's my FI's. However, I do like going to get ideas-and my MOH loves getting bachlorette party ideas too. We went to the expo (it was horrible except Coleen's Cake-OMG YUM!!!) and we found this business that does parties (like Mary Kay parties but it's with jewlrey)...she was telling us about it and all, and I  think we will be doing one in the spring!  Plus I keep bringing home more honeymoon stuff to the FI in hopes he starts planning it...for now no such luck