Columbus Bridal Show Tips

 

Sunday March 21st, 2010 from Noon - 5PM

Hilton Polaris

8700 Lyra Drive  Columbus, Ohio  43240

 

This will be our first time at this show and we will be in the main hallway!  Make sure you stop by and get a picture at our Photo Magic booth too!  We also have a few discount tickets for this show, so please email us and we will send these discount passes out to you.  You can pre-register at www.pwgadvancedtickets.com if you'd like.

 

 

If you are looking for great DJ entertainment at your reception please stop by and visit Buckeye Sounds at either show!  We would love to talk with you. At both of these shows we will have our Photo Magic which is a wonderful alternative to photo booths, and makes for a great giveway for your guests.

 

Many times we have had brides tell us about their experiences at the bridal shows and the word they usually use to describe it is "OVERWHELMING". Bridals shows should be fun and helpful. . . . . if you know to prepare for one. So to that end, we are offering you a list of ideas that we are sure will help you make the show a big success!

Before The Show:

1) Have a strategy before attending. Make a note of the type of vendors you need to see and concentrate on those. This will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed! Don't waste your time! For example if you already have a hall, don't spend time looking at other halls, it will just slow you down when you need to find a photographer or a Disc Jockey. (If you see one of your vendors there by all means say hi! But don't get too much into details with them, they won't remember that you want to change your first dance song or the wedding album cover.)

2) Labels. Make some of those return addressed stickers that you put on envelopes. Put your name, address, phone, email, and your wedding date on the labels. These will be used to save some writer's cramps as they can be used for the entry forms and the prize drawings.

3) If there is a specific vendor that you are interested in who will be attending the show, find out where their booth is located, and then prepare a few questions in advance to ask them.

4) Create a brand new wedding e-mail account such as yahoo or gmail. If there's one thing about bridal shows, you will get a ton of mail afterwards - probably for several months! Keep your personal email account spam-free by creating a separate wedding e-mail account that can be used specifically for your wedding related communications. This will allow you to request more information from various wedding vendors without risking your personal privacy. You can also use this email account for your contact Information when you enter wedding contests or promotional drawings. A good tip is to reserve your main e-mail address for vendors you actually contract with.

Day Of The Show:

1) Dress comfortably! This can not be stressed enough - and make sure everyone attending the show with you does the same. You will be doing a lot of walking so wear your most comfortable shoes you have.

2) Eat a light meal before you arrive at the show. While there will be some food (mostly delicious wedding cakes) to sample at the show, there isn't too much real food to consume. You don't want to be walking the aisles while you are hungry.

3) Give yourself plenty of time - at least 3 - 4 hours. Don't forget that the Columbus Bride show is two days long, and your admission is good for both days. So if you didn't see anything the first day, or want to come back and ask more questions on Sunday, you can do that!

4) Fashion Show. Most Bridal Show have a great fashion show. If you are still in need of dresses or tuxes, make sure you get a great seat - which are first come first served. The fashion show will greatly assist you in your search for that perfect gown, dress or tux. On the other hand if you have all of these items are selected, the fashion show is a GREAT time to walk the aisles and talk to the vendors as most people will watch the fashion show.

5) Don't expect to walk away from the show with signed contracts in your hand. A show is a place where you make appointments to discuss your wedding in depth. While there are times when you might want to book something right at the show, (such as a limited availability and your date is still open), if at all possible you should wait for a calmer time when you can talk one on one with the vendor and make sure that he/she/they will be able to fully meet your needs.

What to bring with you to the show:

1) Bring your major decision-makers with you if possible. If you are the major decision-maker, bring someone with you that you can bounce ideas off of - such as your parents or wedding party members.

2) Notebook. Get one, tie a pen on a string to it and USE IT! You will never remember which vendor told you what as you could see 15 photographers, 6 videographers, 7 bakers, 10 Disc Jockey services. Write down notes! You can also take notes is on the actual brochure handed out by each vendor. These notes will allow you to remember who you liked and what you talked about when you make your follow up calls.

3) Bottled water. Bring a few bottles for you and your crew. It will allow you to take a quick and easy break while staying on track and getting things accomplished!