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« Back to Article ListWhy Attend A Bridal Showcase?
Most girls grow up dreaming about their wedding day. When that magical moment happens and prince charming slips a ring on your finger you immediately beam with excitement. It has finally happened… you are getting married. This should be a piece of cake, right? Then reality sets in, and the stress of planning can get in the way of the excitement. Bridal shows are a great option for any bride-to-be. Whether you know exactly what they are looking for, or need help generating ideas, this is one stop you do not want to miss!Go ahead and be picky about your wedding plans; you deserve the wedding of your dreams. Whether you are looking to solidify major details such as selecting your ceremony or reception sites, or all those finer details such as decorations and invitations, bridal shows offer you a one stop shopping experience. The Black Tie Bridal Showcase is held twice annually in January and October and offers the area’s largest and finest selection of wedding service providers. Especially now with gas prices out of control, why not spend an afternoon collecting all your wedding information instead of hours, days or even weeks driving to every bridal shop, flower store and photography studio in the tri-state area. Bridal shows are designed to bring all of the magic of wedding planning under one roof. You can expect to see all sorts of bridal companies: photographers, DJ’s, reception facilities, caterers, cake makers, dress shops, tuxedo rentals, videographers, limos, hair dressers, makeup artists, jewelry companies, invitation designers, florists, musicians, gift registries, party suppliers, travel agents and much more.
Make the most of your visit to the bridal show by using the opportunity to really interview possible services you still need to book. You will be able to compare prices and products, personalities of the consultants, samples of their work, and even make reservations that day. With any luck, you can get some of your wedding plans out of the way. But Be aware that most service providers require a deposit upon reservation. Take your time and talk to everyone. Make sure that you have your checkbook ready in case you find the perfect fit!
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or a list of previous customers from the wedding vendors you are considering. Then check out those references thoroughly. If a company refuses to provide a list, or indicate they do not have references available, proceed with caution. Make sure to view several samples of their work, and only if you feel completely comfortable should you book their services.
How better to help get your wedding details underway than by receiving free gifts. Bridal shows offer couples the opportunity to win valuable door prizes worth sometimes thousands of dollars. To make registering for those prizes easy, bring along return address stickers so that you do not have to fill out numerous entry slips. And if you’re lucky, you may just walk away with a new set of china, free floral arrangements or even a honeymoon package.
Finally, most bridal shows host a fashion show towards the end of the afternoon. These are fun for everyone. It is a great chance to see different styles of dresses and tuxedos in action. You can kick back and enjoy the show!
Remember, organizing your wedding can be a huge job, but with the assistance of services such as bridal shows, you can handle it. Arm yourself with your most trusty girlfriends and head to the next bridal show. Make sure you go with an open mind, and do not forget your address labels. Most importantly, have fun!
Kari Black- Black Tie Bridal Showcase
Black Tie Bridal Showcase
This article was also featured in the 2009 VOW Wedding Planner. To view a PDF of this article, go to the PREPARATION & PLANNING section of VOW.
