Recently Engaged

gettingmsrried

Hi. I am new to the board and recently engaged. What are your thoughts on bridal shows?
Should I attend them? Thanks

tonyadombrowski

First off Congrats!! Very exciting time, Im getting married next October.. I def recommend going to Bridal Shows, I've gotten alot of good deals through them, and you can also enter prizes to win such as honeymoons, hair and even dresses! My venue (Crystal Gardens), had a bridal show and I got $1 off all chair covers, doesnt sound like a lot but when its for 200 ppl it'll save me alot! I also got to talk with my dj who was there and ask him any additional questions for the photobooth etc.. I also ended up changing florists just from going to a Bridal Show.. I am also a hairstylist and we always have a booth and Crystal Gardens, we do free makeup trials and thats also good way to see how different salons do there work so you can have a feel of where you would want to go. Plus, they usually have a lot of tasting of foods and cakes! Its a fun time and I would def go to at least one! Good Luck and Congrats!

zantster

I can only speak from personal experience with the one I recently went to at the Palace in September.  I'd secured most of my vendors but needed a few more.  Me and FI and a couple friends went.  I honestly came away feeling like there was no advantage over checking out vendor reviews on websites like this one or wedding wire or wedding channel or others and then making appointments with those you liked.  I

It's a way for vendors to get your email address and other info to sell you what they have.  We went a couple hours before it closed, which was the best time to go after the crowds had gone.  So we could check everything out quickly.  We won't be going back.  You might get a few trinkets or coupons from the vendor tables but to me that did not offset the hassle and constant sales pitches whether you walked up to their table or were just walking by. It was like being at a state fair except no rides and only for brides.

Meegles4

I went to one and didn't find it supremely helpful. I'd already booked most of my vendors, with the exception of limo and cake -- and while there were lots of limo companies at the show, there was only 1 cake baker so that was useless. It was good to get all the limo info., but I ended up going with someone who wasn't at the show.

Also, Zanster is right on the sales pitches. My e-mail and cell exploded with wedding vendor info. In some ways it was a good thing when I lost my cell phone and had to get a new number!

anikischer

I think its nice, sometimes you can secure more affordable prices!! Plus, I look at it as a fun time for the "girls" in the family