Wedding show season is now upon us. The plethora of vendors all under one roof can be overwhelming to say the least. The first time I went, I almost left 10 minutes after arriving.
The first thing to do is to bring along your fiance, family member or a couple friends. People you trust, who will keep you calm.
Keep an open mind. Yes there will be 4 cake vendors, 4 tuxedo companies, 6 DJ’s, not to mention officiants, party rental companies, flower vendors and even credit card companies… just because they are all there, does not mean that you need to decide on anything that day. Take notes… if there are vendors that seem pushy or just don’t feel a connection with, mark it down. On your wedding day, you want those who are professional and supportive. Likewise if there are vendors you would like to possibly consider, keep their contact information and call them later for a 1:1 meeting to get to know them better. Weddings can be expensive, so shop around.
Take your time. Do not expect to be out of there in 45-1 hr. If you are seriously looking for vendors, it may take you 3-4 hrs to look around.
Remember not all vendors are at wedding shows. Personally I choose to rely on word of mouth and less expensive smaller and more personalized shows as a means to advertise my business.These larger shows (at the London Convention Centre or Western Fair cost upwards of $800 per table for the weekend.
Word of mouth and the experiences of friends and co-workers will go a long way in helping you to choose the right vendors for your wedding.
Good Luck!