Many brides look forward and plan their wedding years in advance, picturing the day in great detail in their mind. Once engaged the planning begins in earnest. One place many brides begin is with a local wedding show. These can vary from the ‘big’ ones held at convention centres or local fair grounds with over 100 vendors to smaller ones with 20-30 vendors. Personally I find the larger shows as many wedding parties do, overwhelming. There is so much to look at and so many people vying to be your vendor. The smaller wedding shows give you a longer and quieter opportunity to meet with potential vendors and get to know them, and have them know your needs. Probably the best advise I can give couples planning an upcoming wedding is to start with a budget. Do your homework (Google is great for this) regarding: cost per person for meals, drinks, venue, officiant, dresses, tuxes, photographer, DJ, cake etc. Then when you go to a Bridal Show you will have at least a starting point. No decisions need to be made at the show. If some vendors stand out, make an appointment with them at a later date. Take pictures of what you are able (some vendors prohibit pictures of the their booths) and get their handouts. If there are some that you really don’t like, make a note of them as well. Look them up on-line, check out their website, read testimonials and see if they reflect your needs. This is your day. Remember the Wedding Show is a great resource… go there with an open mind and have fun.
