Hello you beautiful brides and grooms! Happy Wednesday! Wedding Wednesday around here means me pulling on a little of my years of experience to share with you something that has to do with weddings! Inspiration, tips, tricks, or something that moved me that I hope will benefit you along your planning journey.
This week’s thoughts: Attending a Wedding Show.
So… the Big question:: Should you attend a Wedding Show? Absolutely!!
Wedding Shows are glorious for so many reasons. They are bright, happy, and full of excited energy. And, as the bridal couple, you have everyone you are looking for right at your finger tips. Wedding professionals are there for one reason- to talk with you. They may actually be pouring over one another for your attention, presenting delectable foods, gorgeous cakes, turns in their photo booth, discounts on dresses, and drawings for free engagement portraits (just to name a very short few😄)! These shows are fun and packed full of information. There is no other event at which you will have the ability to try the food from each caterer, get a feel for each DJ’s personality, and take a serious look through each photographer’s set of albums in one place. So, if given the opportunity- GO to a Wedding Show! Gather your fiance´, your mom, or a couple of best buddies and make a day of it!
You’re Going. Awesome. Here are a few helpful hints that may make the Event a bit easier::
DO YOUR RESEARCH. – Browse participating vendors ahead of time to see who your “don’t miss” favorites are so you can be sure to spend time meeting them.
COME WITH AN OPEN MIND. – No matter how much you have researched, be open to surprises! That casual-looking barbecue catering place might have the most amazing food of the entire event. Or the musician you had your heart set on may already be booked for your date, be open to other options!
PRE-PRINT LABELS. – Vendors will want your information to follow up and you might want to enter into giveaways. Make simple labels in Word or a similar word processing program with your name, your fiancé’s name, your wedding date and contact information.
COME HUNGRY. – This is Knoxville and food is a big part of our livelihood – prepare to be treated to some amazing cuisine.
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. – You are going to have a lot of ground to cover!
TAKE PHOTOS AND NOTES. – Bring a notebook or use an app like evernote to organize your notes. Take a photo of the booth after visiting and enter quick notes – “almond cake was amazing, definitely a top choice” or attach business card to the page in your notebook to stay organized.
BRING A FRIEND. – or your fiancé or a family member or all of the above! I know I mentioned this once already. But, bringing help along is important. Wedding planning choices can sometimes be overwhelming but having someone to discuss options with or to confirm that that shrimp and grits was the most amazing thing you have ever tasted always helps.
EXPLORE THE AREA. – Have extra time? Spend time touring venues, checking out local activities you may want to recommend to guests and just getting excited about your upcoming celebration!
BE READY TO BOOK – Especially if your wedding date is in the next year or your date is very popular (holiday weekends in the Spring and Fall). Many vendors will have exclusive offers when you book the day of the show. Some venues book popular dates a year or more in advance and photographers calendars start to fill up at about that rate too. If you’ve spent time viewing portfolios and know what you want, go ahead and get to them early in the show to get to know them :: if all goes well – book it!
RELAX & BE YOURSELF- This Event is for You. Every wedding professional attending the show wants to serve you and your wedding guests. Be clear and forward about what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask questions, and take your time to get solid answers. Again, this is a time when you have everyone in one place. Use your time to cover all your bases.
I always post about the Bridal Events that I participate in. Stay up-to-date by joining me on Instagram and Facebook!
Happy Wedding Planning, Everyone!
Sarah Keenan, Westland Farms Studio
