It’s that time of  year ladies, Bridal Show season is right around the corner!

I know not everyone in the industry is, but I am a huge Bridal Show fan! A good show will showcase multiple vendors, decor options, offer discounts galore, tons of give aways, and a huge opportunity to network with other Brides in your area. What’s not to love?

With the season right around the corner, I wanted to provide you with some tips of the trade for attending a Bridal Show, and give you some info. on local shows coming up in the area.

First of all, please save yourself the time and register online! Almost every show will offer you the option to pre-register online, but not many brides normally take advantage. Save yourself the time waiting in line! The less time you wait in line to get in, the longer you can be talking to your favorite photographer about that great discount you are hoping for. If you can’t register online, be sure to make it to the registration table upon arrival so you can register yourself for the free gifts, give aways, and prizes.

Even if you are only looking for one vendor, walk down every aisle! If you don’t, you may miss someone great. The vendors at the show will be likely to give you a booking discount if you book the day of the show, so it might pay to look at all of your options. Bring a notebook and take notes, as you may forget all that was said when the vendor was in front of you.

Bring address labels with your name, address, email address and wedding date. This will make it so much easier for you when you visit the booths and fill out the information. Peel and stick ladies! Dont fill out the same info. over and over again at 20 different booths!

And finally, Plan ahead! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be on your feet. Dont bring your entire bridal party, maybe just your Maid of Honor or Sister. Prepare questions you have for the individual vendors. Bring your check book in the case you find a deal you just cannot pass up. Eat before you come, but save some room for some yummy snacks. Those cake vendors always love to bring samples 🙂

I hope these tips help as you venture to the local shows! Make it fun ladies! Grab a coffee, throw on some comfy jeans, put on your negotiator hat, and head into that ballroom.

Here is a list of a few local shows in the next few months. Click on the link for admission fees, parking information, and the most current information…. have fun!

~Candice

Premier Bridal Shows www.premierbridalshows.com

Jan 8th, Long Beach Convention Center

Jan 22nd, Radisson Newport Beach

Feb. 12th, Doubletree Anaheim/OC

Expo Bridal Events www.expobridal.com

Jan 8th, Hyatt Newport Beach

Brea Bridal Show www.breabridalshow.com

January 28th, Brea Community Center

Bride World www.brideworld.com

January 7th, OC Fair Expo Center

Feb (date TBD), Anaheim Sheraton Park Hotel

The Great Bridal Expo www.greatbridalexpo.com

April 1st, Anaheim Convention Center