It’s engagement season in Florida and that means it’s time to start preparing for Bridal Show season. These amazing shows come packed with hundreds of eager brides all looking for the best deals, awesome giveaways and the unequivocal “runway” shows that always end in mini “Chip and Dale” cat calls (all in good fun of course). So here is our TOP 5 TIPS to Rock Your First Bridal Show from a photographer’s & vendor’s perspective to ensure you have the most amazing time and qualify for some awesome giveaways!
#5. Don’t come early.
Ok before you call me crazy, yes you do get a free bag from the Knot. But all of the really good, expensive prizes are announced at the end of these events. So that means you’d have to stay for a full 4 hours for the good stuff! Plus, if you come at opening, there is usually a huge line and bottleneck effect on the first few vendors, especially when there is free cake from Publix involved.
#4. Create a wedding email.
No-one wants their email overrun by wedding stuff 24/7, so do yourself a big favor and create a special wedding email. This is especially important for all of the giveaways you will be entering. Plus, Bridal shows are amazing and offer huge discounts, but you will be emailed…..by everyone,
Bonus idea: Use your wedding hashtag in the email to really make it fun!
#3. Enter giveaways and ask about special show discounts.
As a vendor, we are there to meet Brides and create relationships that will eventually lead to wedding bookings. However, we can only speak to about 10% of all the Brides there and because of this, us vendors create some amazing giveaways!
Our wedding show special – happens once a year and only one available ….
1/2 day wedding coverage and full online gallery for only $999.
#2. Create a special location for your “favorites”
At the bridal show you will probably be picking up cards, flyers and freebies from every table you go by. So make sure to keep the really important (must follow up with) info in a special location. This way when you get back home completely overwhelmed and exhausted, you’ll at least know who was your favs and be able to follow up with them on Monday.
#1. Print your address labels.
Every booth you go to will have some type of entry or giveaway which means you’ll need to write your information down like a million times! Save yourself and your hand the agony and print a few pages of address labels for quick entry at your favorite booths! Make sure to include:
Full Name EMAIL Phone number Wedding Date
This will give you the best chances, if picked, to have all your contact info correct and win those amazing gifts!
Bonus idea: Have your fiance make his own label sheet for twice the awesome giveaway chances!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Bridal Show this weekend at FSW in Ft. Myers and if you have any questions or want to be the first to grab the show special – check us out here to send us a message.