You're engaged and have decided to attend some of the upcoming bridal shows.  Now what?  How do you get the most out of the show?  Just like the wedding, the bridal shows will go much smoother with a little planning.  Be prepared before you attend to get the most out of each and every minute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 tips for attending a bridal show:

 

 

THREE IS NOT A CROWD:  Bring your fiance, parents, bridesmaids, friends and long lost relatives.  They can help you cover twice the ground and offer opinions about the choices of wedding merchants. (Note: About 30% of fiancés attend, in spite of what yours may say! Last time I checked, men liked cake samples too.)

GET TIME ON YOUR SIDE:  Plan to spend at least 2 hours so you can visit all the wedding vendors and see at least one fashion preview. You will regret it if you don't.  No where else will you accomplish so much in so little time. 

STICK IT TO WIN:  Bring pre-printed address labels for prizes and giveaways.  Many vendors hold drawings for trips, prizes, and discounts.  Your labels save you from repeatedly writing your name and address.  This saves time and ink.  You can even print some of your own and include your email address.

DON'T FORGET YOUR WALLET:  Bring your checkbook in case you might want to book services or hold dates with a deposit. The top photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs book up quickly.

BRING YOUR CALENDAR:  With so much talent in one location, you are sure to find vendors you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with.  

HAVE A PLAN:  Know what you are looking for and have questions in mind. You will save time and see everything that’s important to you.

COMFORT MATTERS:  Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be doing a lot of walking and it's hard to concentrate on what you're doing with aching feet. 

HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN:  If you're out of town, send a substiute to to collect information on services you need and register you for prizes.  

HAVE NO FEAR:  Ask questions!  The vendors are there to help you. You are under no pressure to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.  Most of the vendors have years of experience and can give you great and practical information.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS:  There are lots of shows scheduled from January - April each year.  Know what's available.  Some vendors and venues even host their own private shows.  Check it out and make a schedule.  That way you won't miss a thing.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to meet and greet with Mr. Burch Formal Wear?  Check out the shows where we will be this season.

 

January 4, 2015 from 1pm-4pm Bridal Market by PWG at SOHO in Homewood

January 11, 2015 from 12pm-5pm Southern Bridal Show with Elite Events at the BJCC 

The time of year is here when we make the short trek to Atlanta to meet and talk with others in the industry and see what new products will be available for next year. I was honored to be asked to tag along this year and experience the process of shopping and purchasing formal wear first hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first day for me was all about dresses! I accompanied Geneva, our Trussville store manager, and Brittany, also from Trussville to the morning meeting of IPA (International Prom Association). It was a great opportunity to see the plan for this upcoming prom season and the awesome ways in which technology can help us market our products. After that it was my very first runway show featuring Madison James prom and bridesmaid dresses. I am far from an expert on dresses but believe me, prom 2015 is going to be the best!

 

 

 

 

After the show it was up to Geneva and Brittany to review what we saw at the show and determine what they think will sell for homecoming and prom next year. All of the dresses that were featured on the runway are hung up all along the walls in the studio space so you can it see and inspect them more closely. We went down the list and gave our opinions. After that it was time to reconnect with the others and enjoy a tasty dinner.

 

Next blog post - all about the tuxedos!