|
12 Tips for Attending Chicago Bridal Shows |
| |
|
Tip
#1 |
Don't
go alone! Bring your bridal party, your fiance, and
your mother! There's so much to see, feel, taste, smell...
you'll need a second opinion. Plus, bridal fashion shows
aren't just about the bride. There will be something for
everyone from tuxedos and bridesmaids' gowns to mother-of-the-bride
gowns at the best Chicago bridal shows. And a bridal fashion
show can be the perfect opportunity for you to get an idea
about what your bridesmaids like...and don't like! |
| |
|
Tip
#2 |
The
bridal fashion show is often the highlight of the Chicago
bridal show. Arrive early enough to get a good seat or you
may miss it all! |
| |
|
Tip
#3 |
While
the bridal fashion show may seem the most glamorous part
of the event, the most important for you is meeting with
Chicago wedding vendors. Ask questions! Start writing down
questions far in advance of the event and, at the event,
seek out the Chicago wedding professionals that can answer
them. Don't be shy...taste cake, smell flowers, load up
on brochures and pamphlets, enter contests and drawings,
leave your name with everyone, which brings us to Tip #4.... |
| |
|
Tip
#4 |
Bridal
events are an excellent source of information for you...and
for vendors. Every time you give out your address, you're
asking to be placed on a mailing list. Some vendors, and
even some event organizers, sell their mailings lists, but
don't let that deter you; we have a solution! Rent a post
office box prior to attending the event so that you can
receive all of the Chicago wedding vendor information you
want, and then cancel it after your wedding vendors are
booked, thus eliminating the junk mail blues. If you have
a computer and printer at home, make your own address labels...you'll
need them! Include your name, address (the p.o. box!)
and wedding date, but not your phone number; you'll
want to receive vendor information via snail mail, but not
necessarily dozens of phone solicitations after the event.
You should also consider creating a free online e-mail account
so you can give vendors an e-mail address if you so choose;
after your Chicago wedding vendors are booked, cancel the
account or simply let it expire. |
| |
|
Tip
#5 |
Bring
a notebook, pen, and your list of questions with you...and
use them! The best place to write notes about a particular
wedding vendor is right on the literature they give you;
after the show, when your brain is on information-overload,
you'll be able to decipher your notes and recall vendor
details. Bring your appointment book and calendar, but leave
your checkbook at home! Some vendors offer special discounts
or freebies for booking during the event (which usually
requires signing contracts and leaving deposits), but the
most reputable vendors will continue their "event special"
for at least 24 hours after the show. Talk with as many
vendors as you can and make appointments to meet with the
ones in which you're interested. At a private meeting, you'll
receive more personal attention, more information, and get
a better sense of what a particular weddin gvendor can do
for you. If you feel you must book a Chicago wedding vendor
at the show, here are a few "rules of thumb:" 1) Always
read the fine print and confirm refund policies before signing
anything, 2) ask for references...and check them,
3) get recommendations - good and bad - from your family
and friends before attending the event, and 4) remember
that not every available Chicago wedding professional will
be at your event; many of the top Chicago wedding vendors
operate by "word of mouth" and don't attend bridal events. |
| |
|
Tip
#6 |
Make
yourself as comfortable as possible. Leave your heels in
the closet and your coat in the car. Carry your money, keys,
cell phone and ID in a fanny-pack and leave your purse on
the kitchen counter. Grab a tote bag or your biggest handbag
and make room for truck loads of brochures and pamphlets;
many events will supply bags. Have your friend carry a bag
as well; place the materials from Chicago wedding vendors
you're truly interested in into your bag, and those you
took just to be polite into hers! Bring bottled water and
a few snacks so you don't spend most of your time in line
at the concession stand. |
| |
|
Tip
#7 |
Sit
down with your fiance before attending the event and work
out a preliminary budget. Our printer-friendly Interactive
Wedding Budget Worksheet can help you focus on the various
areas of wedding planning. When talking with Chicago wedding
vendors, don't be afraid to let them know your budget guidelines;
they'll be better able to offer you products and services
that meet your criteria and you won't be wasting their time...or
yours! |
| |
|
Tip
#8 |
Drag
your fiance...kicking and screaming if you have to...to
at least one Chicago bridal show. You'll be hesitant to
talk with some vendors and make appointments if you don't!
The groom-2-be is traditionally responsible for securing
the limo, making the honeymoon travel arrangements and selecting
tuxedos, so there will be plenty for him to do. And he won't
be alone; approximately 25% to 35% of bridal event attendees
are men! |
| |
|
Tip
#9 |
If
offered a "Bride-2-Be" sticker when registering, wear
it! Wedding vendors know that this is your event
and are more likely to give you that little bit of extra
attention. Plus, many wedding vendors have special prize
drawings and registrations for Chicago brides and you will
want to take part. |
| |
|
Tip
#10 |
If
you've already selected your wedding gown and/or maids'
gowns, ask your retailer for swatches or ribbons from the
material and bring them with you. Many Chicago wedding vendors,
such as bakers, florists, and even limo companies will use
your colors to make appropriate suggestions for your wedding. |
| |
|
Tip
#11 |
If
you've already selected your wedding gown, you should
consider skipping the fashion show and using that time
to talk with the vendors in which you're most interested.
Since the majority of attendees will be eyeing the fashion
show, vendors will have more free time and you'll have
a quieter atmosphere in which to talk. |
| |
|
Tip
#12 |
Chicago
bridal shows and events, especially the large ones, can
be congested, noisy and hectic, but don't let that ruin
your day! Planning your wedding should be fun, so relax
and enjoy! |
|
|
