katemerrick

01/10/08 10:27pm

IN 46241

ORIGINAL POST:
I have been doing some research on bridal fairs and what other brides have felt and I have reached some conclusions:
1. It depends on your style of doing business. Many girls have mentioned they are fun to browse through, but there is a tendency towards high pressure sales from the vendors.
2. If you are the type of person who wants to meet in person the vendors that will be assisting with your wedding, this is a great way to kill multiple birds with one stone, or in other words to meet and choose local wedding professionals who will be a part of your wedding.
3. As silly as this sounds, many brides have mentioned how much they enjoy sampling the food, so if you enjoy fine cuisine in small quantities this might be an added pull to attend.
4. Some girls have mentioned that they signed their info in so many places they feel they are receiving a significant amount of new spam emails, so be cautious and don't be afraid to ask what will be done with your information.
5. Another point of interest is that most girls bring their girlfriends rather than their significant other, as these things are more typically enjoyed by women.
6. Many vendors are offering discounts, or coupons available only to those who encounter them at the bridal fair.

So, My advice is just go and have fun!

LorraineH

02/14/08 3:04pm

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Hi,
I'm a Wedding Designer and I also produce bridal shows. As a professional, wedding shows are a wonderful way for me to meet several brides during the course of one or two days. It is a very reasonable way to advertise my company.

As a show producer, I try to tell my vendors to be casual, try to approach brides as they themselves would like to be approached. Courteous, friendly.

Brides should go with open minds, shop around and see what they like; then go back to those vendors only. It really is supposed to be fun. So go. Be brave. And be selective.

Danielle3

01/23/08 7:51pm

West Bridgewater, MA 02379

Kate,
You make some wonderful points. As a makeup artist, I do go to bridal fairs. I enjoy meeting brides to be and speaking with other vendors. It's a chance for those of us in the bridal business to network with our peers. Please,if someone puts pressure on you, do not sign anything. A bridal fair is there to introduce you to special services and to offer advice, not to make you feel on the spot. If anyone is interested in makeup artistry services, I apply makeup to them at the bridal fair so they can wear the product, see my work and take a piece of me home with them that day. I love what I do and I would never want anyone visiting my booth space to feel anything but comfortable. For my website, visit www.daniellerossmakeupartistry.com and my web page here under makeup artist/beauty.