Its Bridal Show Season!
Here are some things you can do at the show to help make some decisions and also possibly save yourself some money.
1.You Can Actually Meet The Vendors You Plan on Having at Your Wedding
DJ Kevin Redford (on the Right) with Bride and Groom August 2012
At the bridal show you are going to meet hundreds of vendors lined up to service you and your fiancé on your big day. They are going to have flashy photos and statistics about the great service they provide. Don’t be taken in by big lights, colorful pictures, and big boldly broadcasted prices. Get deep into their true style and service.
This is the most important day of your lives, do not accept anything less than what you are comfortable with, in terms of service.
You want to know that the professionals at your wedding and reception are truly professionals. You’re not looking for a photographer who just started last year or a DJ –to be determined later-.
Shake hands, start up a conversation with the vendors vying to service your wedding.
Find out what inspires them and what makes them tick, then ask yourself some post conversation questions:
Is that DJ passionate about providing a great time for me and my guests or is he only interested in being the star of our wedding?
Is that photobooth company going to get along well with me and my guests and show us excellent service or are they planning on sending some college kid on minimum wage?
Will that photographer see us as a unique couple with whom he or she is excited to create some unique images or does she see us as just another wedding on her calendar?
Get to know the people you are going to trust it all to.
Talk Price
2. You Can Talk Price
In this economy, obviously price is a big concern for everyone involved. Sure this is the biggest day of your life but the economy has affected everyone. Even the vendors you will meet. Weddings are unique in that they are not daily happenings. Wedding vendors can only work 1 or 2 days a week in the summer. Dates are at a premium, this will limit the wiggle room of the vendors you meet. This being said, at Bridal Shows you can find great deals if you’re willing to ask. You cannot assume that a great vendor is going to drop price dramatically but always ask if there is a ‘show special’, there normally is some kind of show discount.
3. You Can Enjoy the Fee Stuff
FRee Stuff
Who doesn’t like a little swag. Free cake and chocolate, a free fitting or a fun round in the photobooth. Don’t feel like you are required to contract a vendor because you took their free candy. But, you should definitely stop and talk a minute. It never hurts to meet too many vendors, only when you don’t meet enough do you have anxiety.
Think it Over
4. You Can Think About It
While I stated earlier that dates are at a premium, this does not mean you must make all of your decisions in one day. Sure there are show specials for instant booking, but we know no bride is ready to book EVERYTHING that day. When I am asked if I’ll honor the show special a day or two later, I always say yes–If I am still available for that date. If you don’t get the photographer you wanted because you didn’t rush your decision… Then he wasnt meant to be your photographer. You’ll never regret the vendor you didn’t get– only the one who rushed you into a bad decision.
I hope this helps. If you see me at a show www.brideshow.com (We will be at the Cavanaugh Show on January 26 and 27 at the Wyndham Grand) please stop by and say
If you want to get the DJ thing off your list, feel free to contact me to schedule a no pressure entertainment consultation to learn more about what I can offer your reception.
Best of luck out there, and congratulations on your engagement!
Kevin Redford
Redford DJs